MPSC Manipur invites applications for 4 Research Assistant posts. Eligibility: Graduate. Last Date: May 5, 2026. Apply online at empsconline.gov.in. Exam on May 20.
The Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) has released an official notification (Advt. No. 03/2026) inviting online applications for the recruitment of 4 Research Assistant posts in the Planning Department, Government of Manipur. This is a contractual appointment for an initial period of one year, extendable as per need. Candidates possessing a Graduate degree in Economics/Commerce/Mathematics & Statistics and meeting the specified eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply. The application window opens on April 18, 2026, and the last date to apply is May 5, 2026.
Quick Overview
| Organization | Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Research Assistant |
| Total Vacancies | 4 |
| Application Start Date | April 18, 2026 |
| Application Last Date | May 5, 2026 (05:30 PM) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.mpscmanipur.gov.in, empsconline.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
The recruitment drive is for Research Assistant positions. Here’s the breakdown of vacancies:
| Post Name | Vacancies | Category-wise Distribution | Scale of Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Assistant | 4 | UR: 3, ST: 1 | Level – 7 (Rs 9,300-34,800 + GP: 4200) |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions as on May 5, 2026:
Nationality & Residency
- The candidate must be a citizen of India.
- Must be able to speak Manipuri or any of the Tribal dialects of Manipur.
- Must be a permanent resident of Manipur. Proper documentary proof is required.
Educational Qualification
- A Graduate degree in Economics/Commerce/Mathematics & Statistics.
- Preferably having aptitude for research/investigation.
- Candidates must possess all requisite essential qualifications on or before the last date of application, i.e., May 5, 2026.
Age Limit
The age of the candidate shall not be less than 21 years and not more than 38 years as on May 5, 2026.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Government Servants (Manipur) | Up to the extent of the period of continuous services in the post/service. |
| ST Candidates | 5 years |
| Government Servants (ST Category) | Admissible facility for Govt. servant + ST relaxation. |
| Candidates who applied under Notification No. 1/57/2015-Plg(Pt-1) dated 27.12.2019 and PLG1-201/6/2022-PLG-PLANNING dated 12.02.2024 | Relaxation subject to submission/upload of relevant supporting documents (Admit card/Acknowledgement receipt). |
Note: There will be NO age relaxation for categories where no posts are reserved.
Application Fee
Candidates are required to pay a non-refundable application fee as follows:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General & OBC | Rs. 600/- |
| SC & ST | Rs. 400/- |
| Differently Abled Persons (DAPs) | No Fee |
Payment must be made online using net banking, VISA/MASTER CARD/Debit Card through the www.empsconline.gov.in portal. Applications submitted without the prescribed fee/mode will be summarily rejected.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | April 16, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | April 18, 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application Submission | May 5, 2026 (05:30 PM) |
| Last Date for Meeting Eligibility Criteria | May 5, 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | May 20, 2026 |
Selection Process
The selection process for MPSC Research Assistant Recruitment 2026 will involve two main stages:
- Written Examination: Candidates will first appear for a written test consisting of two papers.
- Interview: Based on the performance in the written examination, candidates will be shortlisted for an Interview. The number of candidates called for interview will be 3 (three) times the number of vacancies for each category. Candidates securing equal marks with the last candidate of each category in the written examination will also be called for interview.
The final merit list will be based on the total marks obtained in both the Written Examination and Interview. In case of a tie in total marks, the candidate with higher marks in the written examination will be ranked higher. If written examination marks are also the same, the older candidate will be ranked higher.
Scheme & Syllabus of Examination
The written examination will consist of two papers, followed by an interview.
| Paper(s) | Syllabus Broad Topics | Duration | No. of MCQs | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I |
|
2 hours | 100 | 100 |
| Paper-II |
|
2 hours | 100 | 100 |
| Interview | – | – | 25 | |
| Total | – | – | 225 |
Important Notes:
- There shall be NO negative marking in the written examination.
- The written examination will be held on May 20, 2026. The venue and detailed schedule will be notified separately.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through the MPSC’s online portal. Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official online application portal: www.empsconline.gov.in.
- Navigate to the ‘Apply Online’ section or the specific recruitment link for Research Assistant (Advt. No. 03/2026).
- Register yourself if you are a new user, or log in using your existing credentials.
- Fill out the online application form with all the required personal, educational, and other details.
- Upload scanned copies of the necessary documents as specified in the notification. Ensure all documents are clear and in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee online using net banking, VISA/MASTER CARD/Debit Card.
- Review all entered information carefully before final submission. No queries or representations for correcting details will be entertained after submission.
- Submit the application form and take a printout of the confirmation page for your records.
Documents Required to be Uploaded
Candidates must upload the following documents at the time of online application submission:
- Class X Marksheet and Certificate
- Class XII Marksheet and Certificate
- Bachelor’s/Master’s degree Marksheet and Certificate etc.
- Experience/Desirable qualification (if any)
- Latest Category Certificate (like ST/SC/OBCs etc. certificates).
- PRC (Latest Permanent Resident Certificate) etc. (Domicile certificates, including any other types of residential certificates, shall not be accepted).
- Supporting documents for age relaxation for those candidates who had already applied for the post (i.e., Admit Card/Acknowledgement receipt), if applicable.
CANDIDATES ARE ADVISED TO VERIFY AND ENSURE THAT ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY UPLOADED BEFORE FINAL SUBMISSION OF THE APPLICATION.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website (MPSC) | www.mpscmanipur.gov.in |
| Online Application Portal | empsconline.gov.in |
| Official Notification (Advt. No. 03/2026) | (Direct PDF link not provided in document, available on official website) |
Job Profile & Career Scope
A Research Assistant in the Planning Department typically involves critical responsibilities related to data collection, analysis, and report generation that aids in policy formulation and evaluation. Key duties may include:
- Assisting senior researchers in various planning and development projects.
- Collecting and compiling socio-economic data from various sources.
- Conducting surveys and field investigations to gather primary data.
- Analyzing statistical data using appropriate software and methodologies.
- Preparing research reports, briefs, and presentations.
- Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of government schemes and policies.
Career growth for a Research Assistant can lead to positions like Senior Research Assistant, Research Officer, and further administrative or specialist roles within the Planning Department or other government agencies, depending on performance, experience, and further qualifications. The role offers a stable career path with opportunities to contribute significantly to the state’s development planning.
Preparation Tips
To excel in the MPSC Research Assistant examination, a strategic and focused approach is essential. Given the syllabus, here are some comprehensive preparation tips:
Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
- Thoroughly go through the detailed syllabus for both Paper I and Paper II.
- Pay attention to the distribution of marks and the number of questions in each section.
- Note that there is no negative marking, which can influence your attempt strategy.
Subject-wise Strategy
- Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers (local, national), magazines, and follow online news portals. Focus on events related to Manipur, national policies, and international relations.
- Geography, History, Political System (India & Manipur): Study standard textbooks for Indian history, geography, and polity. For Manipur-specific topics, refer to state-specific general knowledge books or government publications.
- Aptitude & Reasoning: Practice regularly from dedicated books. Focus on areas like logical reasoning, data interpretation, numerical ability, and problem-solving.
- Planning in India: Understand the concepts, objectives, and key features of national and Manipur-specific planning. Stay updated on economic reforms and government initiatives in agriculture, education, etc.
- Economics, Statistics & Commerce: Revise concepts like National Income, Economic Planning, Hypothesis Testing, Regression Models, Time Series, Probability, Research Methodology, Accounting Principles, and Business Finance.
- Knowledge of Computer: Familiarize yourself with MS Office, Operating Systems basics, Internet & E-Governance, and Data & Portal Skills.
- Mathematics (Quantitative Aptitude): Practice fundamental arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation problems.
Recommended Books
Based on this syllabus, here are highly recommended books:
| Subject | Recommended Book | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge (India & World) | Lucent’s General Knowledge | Lucent Publications |
| Manipur General Knowledge | Manipur Year Book / Local GK Books | Various Local Authors |
| Aptitude & Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Indian Economy | Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh | Ramesh Singh |
| Computer Knowledge | Objective Computer Knowledge & Literacy | Kiran Prakashan / Lucent’s Computer |
| Basic Economics & Statistics | NCERT Economics Textbooks (Class 11 & 12) / Introductory Statistics books | NCERT / Various |
Note: These are standard recommended books. Always cross-reference with the official syllabus for specific topics and consider state-specific resources for Manipur-related GK.
General Study Tips
- Create a Study Plan: Allocate dedicated time for each subject based on its weightage and your proficiency.
- Make Notes: Summarize key concepts, formulas, and facts for quick revision.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests and previous year papers to understand the exam environment, manage time, and identify weak areas.
- Revision: Consistent revision is crucial, especially for GK, Current Affairs, and theoretical subjects.
- Interview Preparation: Start preparing for the interview by practicing common HR questions, current affairs, and questions related to your graduation subject and the role of a Research Assistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the last date to apply for MPSC Research Assistant Recruitment 2026?
The last date for online application submission is May 5, 2026, by 05:30 PM.
Q2: How many vacancies are available for Research Assistant posts?
There are a total of 4 vacancies for the Research Assistant position.
Q3: What is the age limit for this recruitment?
Candidates must be between 21 and 38 years old as on May 5, 2026. Age relaxations apply for Government Servants and ST candidates as per rules.
Q4: What is the application fee?
The application fee is Rs. 600/- for General & OBC candidates and Rs. 400/- for SC & ST candidates. Differently Abled Persons (DAPs) are exempted from the fee.
Q5: Is there any negative marking in the written examination?
No, there will be no negative marking in the written examination for MPSC Research Assistant posts.
Q6: What is the educational qualification required?
Candidates must have a Graduate degree in Economics/Commerce/Mathematics & Statistics, preferably with an aptitude for research/investigation.
Q7: When is the written examination scheduled?
The written examination is scheduled to be held on May 20, 2026. The exact venue and detailed schedule will be notified separately.
Q8: Which documents need to be uploaded with the application?
You need to upload Class X & XII marksheets/certificates, Bachelor’s/Master’s degree marksheets/certificates, experience/desirable qualification (if any), latest category certificate, PRC (Latest Permanent Resident Certificate), and supporting documents for age relaxation (if applicable).
Q9: Where can I find the official notification?
The official notification can be found on the MPSC official websites: www.mpscmanipur.gov.in and empsconline.gov.in.
Q10: What is the probation period for the Research Assistant post?
The period of probation is 2 (two) years.
