The CSIR-Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (CSIR-TKDL) Unit 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 recruitment covers 50 project positions across Information Technology, Data Science, Ayurveda, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, Siddha, Patent, Sanskrit and Yoga disciplines.
The engagement is purely temporary and contractual. The notification states that the initial engagement is up to 31 March 2027, with a maximum project-linked period up to 31 March 2031, subject to review and other conditions. Applications are invited online through CSIR, and the last date is 12 October 2026 at 5:00 PM.
A particularly important point for candidates is that this is not one single qualification-based vacancy. There are multiple post codes, disciplines and locations, and the eligibility requirements differ considerably between them. Therefore, candidates should check their exact post code, qualification, experience, age and test location before submitting the application.
Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | CSIR-Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (CSIR-TKDL) Unit |
| Parent Organization | Council of Scientific & 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 & Project Associate-I |
| Disciplines | IT, Data Science, Ayurveda, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, Siddha, Patent, Sanskrit & Yoga |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 12 October 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Selection | Written Test + Interview |
| Engagement | Temporary & Contractual |
| Maximum Project Period | Up to 31 March 2031, subject to project conditions |
The notification lists the project, temporary contractual nature and 50 positions, while the official CSIR recruitment page confirms the recruitment and closing date.
CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026 – Vacancy Details
The notification provides 50 positions across 23 post codes. The positions are distributed among Delhi, Jammu, Chennai, Hyderabad, Leh, Srinagar and Palampur.
| Post Code | Post / Discipline | Posts | Location | Test Date | Reporting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TKD3901 | Senior Project Associate – Information Technology | 1 | Delhi | 14 Oct 2026 | 9:00 AM |
| TKJ3901 | Project Associate-I – Information Technology | 1 | Jammu | 14 Oct 2026 | 9:30 AM |
| TKC3901 | Project Associate-I – Information Technology/Data Science | 1 | Chennai | 14 Oct 2026 | 9:00 AM |
| TKH3901 | Project Associate-I – Information Technology/Data Science | 1 | Hyderabad | 14 Oct 2026 | 9:30 AM |
| TKL3901 | Project Associate-I – Information Technology | 1 | Leh | 14 Oct 2026 | 10:00 AM |
| TKS3901 | Project Associate-I – Information Technology | 1 | Srinagar | 14 Oct 2026 | 9:30 AM |
| TKP3901 | Project Associate-I – Information Technology | 1 | Palampur | 14 Oct 2026 | 9:30 AM |
| TKD3902 | Senior Project Associate – Ayurveda | 2 | Delhi | 22 Oct 2026 | 9:00 AM |
| TKD3903 | Project Associate-I – Ayurveda | 2 | Delhi | 22 Oct 2026 | 9:00 AM |
| TKJ3902 | Project Associate-I – Ayurveda | 3 | Jammu | 22 Oct 2026 | 9:30 AM |
| TKH3902 | Project Associate-I – Unani | 4 | Hyderabad | 16 Oct 2026 | 9:30 AM |
| TKS3902 | Project Associate-I – Unani | 3 | Srinagar | 16 Oct 2026 | 9:30 AM |
| TKL3902 | Senior Project Associate – Sowa Rigpa | 1 | Leh | 15 Oct 2026 | 10:00 AM |
| TKL3903 | Project Associate-I – Sowa Rigpa | 2 | Leh | 15 Oct 2026 | 10:00 AM |
| TKP3902 | Project Associate-I – Sowa Rigpa | 3 | Palampur | 15 Oct 2026 | 9:30 AM |
| TKC3902 | Senior Project Associate – Siddha | 3 | Chennai | 26 Oct 2026 | 9:00 AM |
| TKC3903 | Project Associate-I – Siddha | 8 | Chennai | 26 Oct 2026 | 9:00 AM |
| TKD3904 | Senior Project Associate – Patent | 1 | Delhi | 23 Oct 2026 | 9:00 AM |
| TKD3905 | Project Associate-I – Patent | 3 | Delhi | 23 Oct 2026 | 9:00 AM |
| TKH3903 | Senior Project Associate – Patent | 1 | Hyderabad | 23 Oct 2026 | 9:30 AM |
| TKH3904 | Project Associate-I – Patent | 4 | Hyderabad | 23 Oct 2026 | 9:30 AM |
| TKD3906 | Senior Project Associate – Sanskrit | 1 | Delhi | 30 Oct 2026 | 9:00 AM |
| TKD3907 | Project Associate-I – Yoga | 2 | Delhi | 30 Oct 2026 | 9:00 AM |
The post-wise schedule and locations are taken directly from pages 1–2 of the notification. The notification also states that a waitlisted panel may be constituted for future vacancies and can remain valid for one year.
CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026 – Educational Qualification
The qualification is post-code specific. This is one of the most important parts of the recruitment because a degree that qualifies one post code may not automatically qualify another.
Information Technology – TKD3901
For Senior Project Associate (Information Technology), Code TKD3901, the notification provides the following routes:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology in Computer Science/Information Technology or MCA + 3 years’ experience in R&D in Industrial and Academic Institutions or Science & Technology Organisations and Scientific activities/services; OR
- ME/M.Tech in Engineering or Technology in Computer Science/Information Technology or equivalent + 2 years’ experience in the prescribed R&D field.
The notification also lists technical experience involving Java/J2EE, SQL, Spring, Hibernate, PostgreSQL, JavaScript, AJAX, JSON, Angular JS, Bootstrap, JQuery, JDBC, RESTful technologies, JBoss/Tomcat and related tools. An alternative database administration/migration profile is also provided.
IT / Data Science – TKC3901 & TKH3901
For Project Associate-I (Information Technology-Data Science):
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology in Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science or Electronics; OR
- MCA from a recognized university/equivalent.
Desirable skills include Python, SQL, machine learning, data analysis and visualization, statistical modelling, predictive analytics, cloud platforms and big-data technologies.
IT – TKJ3901, TKL3901, TKS3901 & TKP3901
For these Project Associate-I Information Technology codes:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology in Computer Science/Information Technology; OR
- MCA.
Desirable technical profiles include enterprise Java technologies, Spring, Jasper Reports, Struts, Hibernate, Maven, REST/SOAP and relational databases, or alternatively RHEL/server administration, Apache Tomcat, nginx, security hardening, patching and server backup-related skills.
Ayurveda, Unani, Sowa Rigpa & Siddha Eligibility
| Post Code | Post | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| TKD3902 | Senior Project Associate – Ayurveda | BAMS + 3 years relevant R&D experience OR MD (Ayurveda) + 2 years relevant R&D experience |
| TKD3903, TKJ3902 | Project Associate-I – Ayurveda | BAMS |
| TKH3902, TKS3902 | Project Associate-I – Unani | BUMS |
| TKL3902 | Senior Project Associate – Sowa Rigpa | Bachelor’s degree in Sowa Rigpa medicine + 3 years relevant R&D experience OR MD (Sowa Rigpa) + 2 years relevant R&D experience |
| TKL3903, TKP3902 | Project Associate-I – Sowa Rigpa | Bachelor’s degree in Sowa Rigpa medicine |
| TKC3902 | Senior Project Associate – Siddha | BSMS + 3 years relevant R&D experience OR MD (Siddha) + 2 years relevant R&D experience |
| TKC3903 | Project Associate-I – Siddha | BSMS |
Candidates with Sanskrit or Malayalam proficiency are preferred for TKD3902. Arabic and/or Persian proficiency is preferred for the Unani positions.
Patent, Sanskrit & Yoga Eligibility
Senior Project Associate – Patent
For TKD3904 and TKH3903, candidates need:
- Master’s degree in Chemical or Biological Sciences, Bioinformatics or Cheminformatics + 3 years relevant R&D experience; OR
- Doctoral Degree in Chemical or Biological Science + 2 years relevant R&D experience.
Patent analytics/informatics, PG Diploma in IPR and good written and oral English skills are desirable.
Project Associate-I – Patent
For TKD3905 and TKH3904, the essential qualification is a Master’s degree in Chemical or Biological Sciences, Bioinformatics or Cheminformatics.
Patent analytics/informatics, PG Diploma in IPR and good English written/oral skills are desirable.
Senior Project Associate – Sanskrit
For TKD3906:
- Master’s Degree in Sanskrit + 3 years relevant R&D experience; OR
- Doctoral Degree in Sanskrit + 2 years relevant R&D experience.
Knowledge of traditional medical texts and familiarity with medical terminology including diseases and plant names is desirable.
Project Associate-I – Yoga
For TKD3907, the essential qualification is a Master’s Degree in Yoga from a recognized university or equivalent.
CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026 – Age Limit
| Post | Maximum Age | Age / Eligibility Cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Project Associate | 40 Years | 12 October 2026 |
| Project Associate-I | 35 Years | 12 October 2026 |
The notification states that the age limits are relaxable for candidates of statutory groups as per applicable CSIR/Government of India rules. It specifically notes SC/ST/OBC/PwD/women-related relaxation in the general instructions.
Category-wise exact relaxation: The notification does not provide a separate numerical table of additional years for every category. Therefore, candidates should follow the applicable CSIR/Government of India rules rather than assuming a fixed relaxation amount.
CSIR TKDL Salary 2026
| Post / Category | Monthly Emoluments |
|---|---|
| Senior Project Associate | ₹42,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate-I – candidates covered under prescribed qualifying route | ₹31,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate-I – other eligible candidates | ₹25,000 + HRA |
For Project Associate-I, the ₹31,000 + HRA category is linked in the notification to candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC NET including lectureship/Assistant Professorship, GATE, or a selection process through national-level examinations conducted by Central Government Departments, their agencies and institutions. Other eligible candidates fall under ₹25,000 + HRA.
CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Advertisement | TKDL/08/2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 12 October 2026, 5:00 PM |
| IT Written Test | 14 October 2026 |
| Sowa Rigpa Written Test | 15 October 2026 |
| Unani Written Test | 16 October 2026 |
| Ayurveda Written Test | 22 October 2026 |
| Patent Written Test | 23 October 2026 |
| Siddha Written Test | 26 October 2026 |
| Sanskrit & Yoga Written Test | 30 October 2026 |
The official CSIR listing confirms the 12 October 2026, 5:00 PM application deadline. The post-wise test dates and reporting times are given in the uploaded notification. (CSIR)
Is There Any Application Fee?
Application fee: Not specified in the provided notification.
The notification does not provide an application-fee amount or a fee-payment table. Therefore, JobDekho should not publish “₹0 fee” as a confirmed fact unless the official application page separately specifies it.
Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of:
Online Application → Written Test → Shortlisting → Interview → Final Engagement
The notification says candidates must appear at the relevant posting location for a written test on the specified date and time. The written-test result will be declared on the same day. Shortlisted candidates will then have an interview in hybrid mode, either on the same day or on another date communicated after the test.
Important clarification about exam pattern
The advertisement does not specify a detailed written-test syllabus, number of questions, marks, duration or negative-marking scheme.
Therefore:
Written Exam Pattern: Not specified in the provided notification.
This is important for an accurate recruitment article. We should not copy an exam pattern from another CSIR-TKDL recruitment.
Written Test Centres
| Location | Written Test Venue |
|---|---|
| Delhi | CSIR-TKDL Unit, 14, Satsang Vihar Marg, Special Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110067 |
| Hyderabad | CSIR-IICT, Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad – 500007 |
| Chennai | CSIR-CLRI, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai – 600020 |
| Jammu | CSIR-IIIM, Canal Road, Jammu – 180001 |
| Srinagar | CSIR-IIIM Branch Laboratory, Sanat Nagar, Srinagar – 190005 |
| Leh-Ladakh | National Institute for Sowa Rigpa, Skalzangling, Near Head Post Office, Leh – 194101, Ladakh |
| Palampur | CSIR-IHBT, Palampur – 176061, Himachal Pradesh |
These addresses are specified in the notification. It also states that candidates should present themselves at the applicable posting location for the written test.
Who Meets the Key Conditions to Apply?
This section is intended as an objective eligibility self-check, not a recommendation.
A candidate should first identify the exact post code and then check:
- Whether the required degree matches the post code.
- Whether the prescribed R&D/work experience is available for Senior Project Associate posts.
- Whether the candidate is within the applicable age limit.
- Whether all essential criteria are fulfilled by 12 October 2026.
- Whether the required certificates and supporting documents are available.
- Whether the candidate can appear at the specified written-test location and reporting time.
- Whether the candidate is not a final-semester student or awaiting final results.
The notification explicitly says that final-semester candidates or candidates whose results are awaited are not eligible.
Who Should Avoid Applying for a Particular Post?
A candidate should not submit an application for a particular post code if the candidate does not satisfy its mandatory conditions, for example:
- Required degree/discipline does not match the advertised qualification.
- Mandatory R&D experience for a Senior Project Associate post is not available.
- Maximum applicable age is exceeded and no applicable relaxation covers the candidate.
- Required qualification/result is still pending on the eligibility cut-off date.
- Required supporting documents cannot be provided.
- The candidate cannot comply with the specified written-test attendance requirement.
This does not mean the candidate is ineligible for every CSIR-TKDL post. Because the advertisement contains multiple disciplines and post codes, a candidate who does not qualify for one post may have to check another post code separately.
Final-Semester / Result Awaited Candidates
The notification is clear on this point:
Candidates who are in the final semester or whose results are awaited will not be eligible for the advertised positions.
Candidates should therefore not rely only on having appeared in the final examination. The essential criteria must be fulfilled by 12 October 2026.
Documents Required
Documents to Upload Online
Candidates must upload scanned copies of:
- Educational qualification certificates from matriculation onwards
- Age proof
- Statutory category certificate, wherever applicable
- Experience certificate, if applicable
- List of publications/patents, if any
- Detailed biodata
The notification warns that failure to upload the required documents can result in rejection of candidature.
Documents to Carry for Written Test
Candidates should carry:
- Original certificates/testimonials
- Two copies of self-attested photographs
- Self-attested copies supporting age, qualification, marks and experience
- Original category certificate, where applicable, along with self-attested copy
- Neatly typed biodata on A4 paper
Currently employed candidates have to furnish an NOC from the current employer at the time of joining.
CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026 – How to Apply Online
- Visit the official CSIR website.
- Open the recruitment listing for Advertisement No. TKDL/08/2026.
- Read the advertisement and identify the exact post code.
- Check qualification, experience, age and location.
- Open the official online application link.
- Enter personal and educational details carefully.
- Enter experience and statutory-category details wherever applicable.
- Upload the required scanned documents and detailed biodata.
- If applying for more than one position, submit a separate application for each position.
- Submit the application before 12 October 2026, 5:00 PM.
- Save the generated application number for future correspondence.
- Prepare the original documents and self-attested copies for the written test.
The notification specifically states that incomplete applications and applications received through any other mode will not be accepted.
Important: Multiple Applications
Candidates wishing to apply for more than one post must apply separately for each position.
Because the written tests are scheduled across different locations and dates, candidates should also check whether their selected post codes create a practical schedule conflict.
Job Nature and Tenure
These are project-based contractual positions, not regular permanent CSIR posts.
The notification states:
- Initial engagement up to 31 March 2027.
- Maximum project-linked period up to 31 March 2031.
- Tenure beyond 31 March 2027 is subject to review.
- Project staff tenure across CSIR postings cannot exceed the stated cumulative six-year limit.
- Engagement does not create a right to continuation, absorption or regularisation.
- Posting location may change according to project requirements.
- Project staff may be required to travel.
- Performance is reviewed periodically.
The contract may be terminated by either side with one month’s notice or one-month stipend in lieu thereof, according to the notification.
CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026 – Key Candidate Checklist
Before submitting the form, candidates should verify:
- Correct Advertisement No. — TKDL/08/2026
- Correct post code
- Correct discipline
- Required degree completed
- Required experience completed, if applicable
- Age within applicable limit
- Category certificate available, if applicable
- Experience certificate available, if applicable
- Publications/patents list ready, if applicable
- Detailed biodata prepared
- All scanned documents uploaded
- Separate application submitted for every additional post
- Application submitted before 12 October 2026, 5:00 PM
- Application number saved
- Written-test date and reporting time noted
- Written-test venue checked
- Original documents prepared for the test
CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026 – Helpdesk
Telephone: 011-26851136
Email: tkdlsupport@csir.res.in
The same email is provided for technical problems while submitting the online form.
The direct notification URL above is the official CSIR-hosted PDF identified by the CSIR recruitment listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026?
Ans: CSIR-TKDL Recruitment 2026 is an engagement drive under Advertisement No. TKDL/08/2026 for 50 Senior Project Associate and Project Associate-I positions under the MLP002639 project.
Q2. How many vacancies are available in CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026?
Ans: There are 50 project positions across IT, Data Science, Ayurveda, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, Siddha, Patent, Sanskrit and Yoga disciplines.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the online application is 12 October 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Q4. What is the age limit for Senior Project Associate?
Ans: The maximum age limit is 40 years.
Q5. What is the age limit for Project Associate-I?
Ans: The maximum age limit is 35 years.
Q6. What is the salary of Senior Project Associate in CSIR TKDL?
Ans: Senior Project Associate candidates are offered ₹42,000 per month plus HRA.
Q7. What is the salary of Project Associate-I?
Ans: Project Associate-I candidates may receive ₹31,000 + HRA under the prescribed qualifying route or ₹25,000 + HRA for other eligible candidates.
Q8. Is CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026 permanent?
Ans: No. The advertised engagement is purely temporary and contractual and is linked to the project.
Q9. Can final-year students apply?
Ans: No. The notification specifically states that candidates in the final semester or whose results are awaited are not eligible.
Q10. Can candidates apply for more than one post?
Ans: Yes, but a separate application must be submitted for each position.
Q11. Is there an application fee?
Ans: Not specified in the provided notification.
Q12. What is the selection process?
Ans: The notification provides for a written test followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates.
Q13. Is the written exam pattern given in the notification?
Ans: A detailed question/marks/duration/negative-marking pattern is not provided in the notification. Therefore, candidates should not rely on an exam pattern taken from another recruitment.
Q14. Where will the written test be held?
Ans: The written test will be held at the applicable posting location specified for the selected post code, including Delhi, Jammu, Chennai, Hyderabad, Leh, Srinagar and Palampur.
Q15. What documents are required?
Ans: Candidates need educational certificates, age proof, applicable category certificate, experience certificate where applicable, publications/patents list if any and detailed biodata. Original documents and self-attested copies are also required at the written test.
Final Words
The CSIR-TKDL Recruitment 2026 notification is structured differently from a typical single-post government recruitment because it combines 50 project positions across multiple technical, medical-system, language, patent and Yoga disciplines.
The most important step is therefore not simply checking the total vacancies. Candidates should first identify the exact post code, then match the required qualification, experience, age and test location. The notification also makes it clear that final-semester/result-awaited candidates are not eligible and that the engagement is temporary and project-based.
The official CSIR recruitment listing currently confirms Advertisement TKDL/08/2026 and the 12 October 2026, 5:00 PM closing date.
Important Links
The official CSIR recruitment page currently lists TKDL/08/2026 and provides the recruitment notice and online application route.
CSIR TKDL Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
Apply only through the official CSIR recruitment process. Before submission, verify your exact post code, qualification, experience, age, documents, test date and reporting location from Advertisement No. TKDL/08/2026.
