CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026: 50 Project Staff Posts, Eligibility, Salary & Apply Online
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Unit (CSIR-TKDL) has released Advertisement No. TKDL/08/2026 for engagement of project personnel under the project “Information Systems of Traditional Knowledge for Protection and Promotion” (TKDL-TK, MLP002639). The current notification covers 50 project positions in areas including Information Technology, Data Science, Ayurveda, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, Siddha, Patent, Sanskrit and Yoga.
Eligible candidates can submit the application online through the CSIR recruitment system. The last date is 12 October 2026 at 5:00 PM. These are project-based engagements and are temporary/contractual rather than regular permanent CSIR appointments. The official CSIR recruitment page lists TKDL/08/2026 with the closing date of 12 October 2026.
CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Organisation | CSIR – Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Unit |
|---|---|
| Parent organisation | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) |
| Advertisement No. | TKDL/08/2026 |
| Project | Information Systems of Traditional Knowledge for Protection and Promotion (TKDL-TK, MLP002639) |
| Total positions | 50 |
| Posts | Senior Project Associate and Project Associate-I |
| Application mode | Online |
| Last date | 12 October 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Nature of engagement | Temporary / contractual project engagement |
| Major disciplines | IT, Data Science, Ayurveda, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, Siddha, Patent, Sanskrit and Yoga |
CSIR TKDL Vacancy 2026
The 50 positions are distributed across different technical, scientific, language and traditional-knowledge disciplines. The detailed advertisement should be used to match the individual post code, qualification, experience and place of work before applying.
| Area | Broad work domain |
|---|---|
| Information Technology | Technology, information systems and project support |
| Data Science | Data processing, analytics and digital knowledge systems |
| Ayurveda | Traditional medical knowledge and documentation |
| Unani | Traditional medical knowledge and documentation |
| Sowa Rigpa | Traditional knowledge documentation |
| Siddha | Traditional medical knowledge and documentation |
| Patent | Patent and intellectual-property related project work |
| Sanskrit | Language, textual and traditional-knowledge work |
| Yoga | Traditional knowledge and documentation |
Post Names
The notification covers two broad project-staff designations:
- Senior Project Associate
- Project Associate-I
The actual post codes and subject combinations vary by discipline. Candidates should therefore read the detailed vacancy table rather than selecting a post only from the designation name.
Educational Qualification
Qualification requirements vary according to the project position. The recruitment is intended for candidates with specialised backgrounds rather than a single common qualification.
Project Associate-I
Depending on the discipline, eligible qualifications can include relevant Master’s degrees, B.E./B.Tech, BAMS and other subject-specific qualifications. For technical positions, candidates may need a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science or a closely related discipline. For traditional-knowledge positions, the notification specifies the relevant academic subject and professional background.
Some Project Associate-I positions may also recognise candidates who have qualified through national-level examinations such as CSIR-UGC NET, GATE or another examination specified in the advertisement. Candidates should check the exact post code because the qualification and fellowship/eligibility route can differ between positions.
Senior Project Associate
Senior Project Associate positions require higher-level subject expertise and relevant project or professional experience. The detailed advertisement specifies the academic background and experience required for each discipline. Applicants should make sure that their experience is directly relevant to the project area claimed in the application.
Salary / Monthly Emoluments
The reported monthly emoluments under the notification are linked to the project-staff category and qualification route.
| Position | Monthly Emoluments |
|---|---|
| Senior Project Associate | ₹42,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate-I with specified national-level qualification | ₹31,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate-I in other eligible cases | ₹25,000 + HRA |
The higher Project Associate-I rate applies where the candidate satisfies the examination/qualification conditions stated in the notification. HRA is payable according to the applicable CSIR rules. Candidates should verify their eligibility for the applicable emolument category from the official advertisement before accepting the engagement.
Age Limit
Age limits are prescribed separately for the project positions and are linked to the post-specific eligibility conditions. Candidates should check the relevant post code in Advertisement TKDL/08/2026 and calculate their age on the date specified in the notification.
Reservation and relaxation provisions for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD and EWS categories are applicable according to the relevant Government of India/CSIR rules wherever prescribed.
Job Locations
The project has positions associated with multiple locations. The recruitment information identifies work locations including New Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Palampur, Chennai and Hyderabad, depending on the post and discipline. Applicants should check the location attached to their selected post code before submitting the form.
| Location | Examples of project areas |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | IT, Data Science, Patent, language and traditional-knowledge work |
| Chennai | Siddha and related traditional-knowledge work |
| Hyderabad | Selected project disciplines |
| Jammu / Srinagar | Selected traditional-knowledge disciplines |
| Leh | Sowa Rigpa and related project work |
| Palampur | Selected project disciplines |
Nature and Duration of Engagement
CSIR-TKDL project staff are engaged for a specific project and the appointments are not regular permanent CSIR posts. The current project is identified as MLP002639, titled “Information Systems of Traditional Knowledge for Protection and Promotion”.
The project engagement is initially linked to the project period and may continue subject to project requirements, performance review and applicable CSIR rules. Project staff should not treat the engagement as conferring the service conditions of a regular permanent CSIR employee.
Selection Process
The recruitment uses a project-staff selection process. The detailed advertisement prescribes a written test followed by an interview for the applicable positions. The written-test result is expected to be used for shortlisting candidates for the interview stage.
Written Test
Candidates may have to appear for the written test at the designated location mentioned for their post code. The test is intended to assess the subject knowledge and suitability of applicants for the project role. Candidates should carry the documents and identification specified in the notification.
Interview
Shortlisted candidates proceed to the interview stage. The interview may be conducted in hybrid mode as specified for the recruitment. Candidates should be ready to explain their academic background, project experience and subject expertise.
No TA/DA
Candidates should check the notification regarding travel reimbursement. The recruitment information states that candidates appearing for the selection process are not entitled to TA/DA.
How to Apply for CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official CSIR website and open the Careers / Recruitments section.
- Locate Advertisement No. TKDL/08/2026.
- Download and read the detailed advertisement and post-wise eligibility information.
- Identify the post code that matches your qualification and experience.
- Complete the online application form using accurate personal and educational details.
- Upload the required certificates, photograph and supporting documents in the prescribed format.
- Review the application carefully before final submission.
- Submit the form before 5:00 PM on 12 October 2026.
- Save or print the completed application and acknowledgement for future reference.
Documents to Keep Ready
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Proof of date of birth
- Degree and postgraduate certificates
- Semester/year-wise marksheets
- NET/GATE or other qualifying examination certificate, where applicable
- Experience certificate, where required
- Caste/EWS/PwBD certificate, where applicable
- Identity proof
- Any discipline-specific certificate requested in the notification
Important Points Before Applying
- Advertisement TKDL/08/2026 is a project recruitment, not a regular permanent CSIR recruitment.
- There are 50 positions across multiple disciplines.
- Eligibility differs by post code and subject.
- Check the exact work location before selecting a post.
- Verify whether your qualification makes you eligible for the higher Project Associate-I emolument category.
- Make sure experience certificates clearly describe relevant work where experience is required.
- Submit the online form before 5:00 PM on 12 October 2026.
- Use the official CSIR recruitment page for the latest corrigendum or change in schedule.
CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026: Application Checklist
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Advertisement | TKDL/08/2026 |
| Total positions | 50 |
| Posts | Senior Project Associate / Project Associate-I |
| Mode | Online |
| Last date | 12 October 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Project | TKDL-TK, MLP002639 |
| Nature | Temporary / contractual project engagement |
| Selection | Written Test + Interview |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are announced in CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026?
A total of 50 project positions are advertised under Advertisement TKDL/08/2026.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date is 12 October 2026 at 5:00 PM.
What posts are available?
The recruitment covers Senior Project Associate and Project Associate-I positions across several traditional-knowledge, scientific, technical and language disciplines.
Is CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026 a permanent government job?
No. The posts are project-based temporary/contractual engagements under the specified CSIR-TKDL project.
What is the salary for Project Associate-I?
The applicable monthly emolument is ₹31,000 + HRA for candidates meeting the specified national-level qualification conditions, and ₹25,000 + HRA for other eligible candidates under the applicable category.
What is the salary for Senior Project Associate?
The reported monthly emolument is ₹42,000 + HRA, subject to the conditions of the notification.
Which locations are covered?
Positions are associated with New Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Palampur, Chennai and Hyderabad, depending on the post code.
What is the selection process?
The applicable selection process includes a written test followed by an interview.
Where can I find the official notification?
The official CSIR Careers / Recruitments page lists Advertisement TKDL/08/2026 and its notification documents. Candidates should use that official source for the complete post-wise eligibility and application instructions.
Official Notification and Apply Online
CSIR Careers – Recruitments & Results
Search for TKDL/08/2026 on the official recruitment page and open the detailed advertisement before applying. The official CSIR listing currently identifies the recruitment as “Engagement of Project Personnel for IT, Ayurveda, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, Siddha, Patent, Sanskrit and Yoga” and gives the last date as 12 October 2026.
Related Government Job Updates
Applicants looking for more central government opportunities can also explore the latest Government Jobs and Spices Board Trainee Recruitment 2026. Candidates interested in specialised research opportunities can also check C-MET Recruitment 2026, NIBMG Recruitment 2026 and IISER Tirupati Research Associate Recruitment 2026. Always compare the official notification with the information in any recruitment article before submitting an application.
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