CSIR-NAL Recruitment 2026: 9 Project Staff Posts, Walk-in Interview

CSIR-NATIONAL AEROSPACE LABORATORIES (CSIR-NAL), a premier research institution under CSIR, has announced a Walk-in-Interview for the engagement of Project Staff. This is an excellent opportunity for qualified Indian nationals holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering/Technology with relevant experience to join various projects on a temporary and contract basis. Candidates meeting the specified eligibility criteria are invited to attend the walk-in interviews scheduled on 28th and 29th April 2026.

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Project Associate-I/PAT-I: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology in the relevant specialization (ECE/EI/EE/CS or Mechanical/Aerospace/Aeronautical) from a recognized University OR any equivalent qualifications recognized by the concerned authority as per the functional requirement.
• Project Associate-II/PAT-II: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology in the relevant specialization (Electronics and Communication or Instrumentation or Mechanical/Aerospace/Aeronautical) from a recognized University or equivalent AND 2 years of experience in Research and Development in Industrial and Academic Institutions or Science and Technology Organizations and Scientific activities and services OR Masters/Integrated Masters in Engineering or Technology from a recognized University.

Age Limit (as on date of Walk-in-Interview)

Age Relaxation:

• SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates: 5 years
• OBC candidates: 3 years
• As per Govt. of India instructions issued from time to time.

Experience

• For Project Associate-II/PAT-II, a minimum of 2 years of experience in Research and Development in Industrial and Academic Institutions or Science and Technology Organizations and Scientific activities and services is required if applying with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience as per desirable skills and ability to work as part of a team.

Application Fee

Application fee details are not mentioned in the official notification. Candidates are advised to check the official website or contact authorities for clarification, though typically walk-in interviews do not involve an application fee.

Important Dates

Selection Process

1. Shortlisting: In case a large number of candidates appear, CSIR-NAL reserves the right to shortlist candidates for the interview based on a written exam or any other criteria deemed fit by the Selection/Screening Committee.
2. Interview: Selection will be based on the performance in the interview or any other criteria adopted by the selection committee(s).
3. Document Verification: Engagement of Project Staff will be subject to the production of ORIGINAL documents for verification.
4. Waitlist Panel: A panel of suitable waitlisted candidates will be generated, valid for a maximum period of one year, to supplement new projects.

How to Apply

Candidates who fulfill the eligibility criteria must attend the Walk-in-Interview on the specified dates. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official CSIR-NAL website (https://www.nal.res.in) to download the prescribed application format.
2. Fill out the application form completely and accurately.
3. Affix your latest passport-size photograph on the application form.
4. Gather all original certificates and one set of self-attested photocopies of:
   • Educational Qualification certificates with all mark sheets (from SSLC/X Std. onwards)
   • Experience certificates (if applicable)
   • Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD, if applicable, in proper format)
   • Aadhar Card or any other Government-issued ID Card with photograph.
   • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer if already working in CSIR-NAL or any other CSIR labs.
5. Report to the interview venue on the specified date and time for registration and document verification.
6. Registration will be strictly between 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM. No candidates will be allowed for registration after 09:45 AM.
7. Candidates wishing to apply for more than one position need to apply separately for each position.
8. Be prepared for the interview, which may extend to the next day if not completed on the indicated day.

Interview Venue:

CSIR-NAL (RAB Meeting Complex, National Aerospace Laboratories), Adjacent to SBI, NAL Branch, Kodihalli, Bengaluru – 560017

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

Project Staff at CSIR-NAL are engaged on a temporary and contract basis, co-terminus with the project duration. The roles primarily involve research and development activities across various engineering disciplines. For Project Associate-I, typical duties include data processing, analysis, testing, and code development (e.g., in Python). For Project Associate-II, responsibilities might extend to sensor installation, labview programming, data acquisition, understanding engineering drawings, CAD modeling (AutoCAD, Catia, SolidWorks), FEA using ANSYS, meshing, rotor dynamics, and assisting in airworthiness certification.

While these are contractual positions, working at a prestigious institution like CSIR-NAL offers invaluable experience in cutting-edge aerospace research and technology. It provides an excellent platform to enhance technical skills, contribute to significant national projects, and network with leading scientists and engineers. Such experience can be a strong asset for future career prospects in both public and private sectors.

Preparation Tips

Since this is a walk-in interview, preparation should focus on both technical knowledge and interview skills:

• Technical Knowledge: Thoroughly review the core concepts of your engineering discipline and specialization relevant to the job requirements mentioned (e.g., Python for ECE/CS, CAD/FEA for Mechanical/Aerospace).
• Project Understanding: Be aware of the general research areas of CSIR-NAL to demonstrate your interest and alignment.
• Resume & Application Form: Prepare a detailed and accurate resume. Ensure your application form is filled correctly and completely, highlighting relevant projects, skills, and experiences.
• Documents: Organize all original certificates and one set of photocopies neatly. Create a checklist to avoid missing any crucial document.
• Interview Skills: Practice common interview questions, especially those related to your technical expertise, past projects, problem-solving abilities, and suitability for temporary research roles. Be prepared to discuss your job requirements and how your skills align.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): If currently employed, ensure you have a valid NOC from your employer, as it is mandatory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the last date to apply for CSIR-NAL Project Staff Recruitment 2026?

There is no last date to apply; candidates must attend the Walk-in-Interview on 28th or 29th April 2026. Registration is from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM on the interview day.

Q2: What documents do I need to carry for the Walk-in-Interview?

You must bring the duly filled application form, latest passport size photograph, original certificates with one set of photocopies (Educational Qualification, Mark Sheets, Experience, Caste Certificate if applicable), and a Government-issued ID proof like Aadhar Card.

Q3: Is there any application fee for these positions?

The notification does not mention any application fee. Candidates are advised to confirm this on the official website or at the interview venue, though walk-in interviews typically do not have a fee.

Q4: Can candidates from other states apply for these positions?

Yes, applications are invited from qualified Indian nationals, so candidates from any state in India can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Q5: Is experience mandatory for all Project Staff positions?

Experience is mandatory for Project Associate-II/PAT-II if you have a Bachelor’s degree (2 years in R&D). For Project Associate-I/PAT-I, relevant experience is desirable but not strictly mandatory, as the primary requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology.

Q6: What is the selection process for CSIR-NAL Project Staff?

The selection is primarily based on performance in the Walk-in-Interview. If a large number of candidates appear, a written test or other shortlisting criteria may be applied before the interview.

Q7: What is the tenure of engagement for Project Staff?

The engagement is purely on a temporary and contract basis for a short period, co-terminus with the project. The maximum duration in one or different projects in CSIR-NAL or other CSIR labs shall not be more than six years in total.

Q8: Where can I find the application form?

The prescribed application format is available on the official CSIR-NAL website: https://www.nal.res.in.

Q9: Are candidates awaiting their final year results eligible to attend the interview?

No, candidates appearing/appeared for the qualifying examination whose results are awaited are not eligible to attend the interview. You must have completed your degree with requisite educational qualifications.

Q10: Is there any provision for TA/DA for attending the interview?

No, TA/DA will not be paid to candidates for attending the Walk-in-Interview.