CSIR Senior Research Associateship (SRA / Scientists' Pool Scheme)
CSIR-HRDG (Human Resource Development Group)
Application deadline
Check the official page
Overview
The Senior Research Associateship (SRA), also called the Scientists' Pool Scheme, is run by CSIR-HRDG. It is not a student scholarship. It is a temporary research placement for highly qualified Indian scientists, engineers, technologists and medical professionals who do not hold a job in India. CSIR says it is mainly for people returning from abroad, but Indians who have not been abroad and have an outstanding academic record can also apply. Only bonafide Indian citizens are eligible.
For most science subjects you need a PhD followed by two years of research or teaching experience. In Engineering, Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Sciences, a fresh PhD (or a submitted thesis) is enough. In Medical Sciences you need an MD/MS/MDS or equivalent degree plus two years of hospital residency. There are also minimum marks and minimum SCI/PubMed publication rules. The maximum age is 40 years on the date CSIR receives your application.
Selected Associates get a basic pay fixed between Rs.56,100 and Rs.67,700 per month, depending on qualifications, experience, publications and interview, plus DA and HRA as per Government of India norms. CSIR also gives a contingent grant of Rs.40,000 per year. The tenure is three years, with no extension.
The completed form goes by post to the Head, DSTP, HRD Group, CSIR Complex, Library Avenue, Pusa, New Delhi-110012, with a Rs.500 demand draft (US$200 from abroad).
Important: CSIR's website currently says submissions are suspended temporarily and a new call will be announced later.
At a glance
| Who can apply | PG, PhD |
|---|---|
| Streams | Agricultural Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean & Planetary Sciences, Life Sciences, Materials Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research and Computer Science, Physical Sciences, Pharmaceutical/Veterinary Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Medical Sciences |
| Category | All |
| Age | up to 40 years |
| Income limit | — |
| Gender | — |
| States | All India |
| Benefit / amount | Basic pay fixed between Rs.56,100 and Rs.67,700 per month, plus DA and HRA as per GOI norms; contingent grant of Rs.40,000 per year |
| Duration | 3 years (no extension beyond three years) |
| Renewable | No |
| Last date | See official page |
| Opened | — |
Documents you'll need
- Bank draft for Rs.500 (or US$200 if applying from abroad)
- Passport size photograph pasted on the application form
- Affidavit if your certificates carry different names/surnames
- Attested copy of School Leaving/High School/Secondary School Certificate (for date of birth)
- Attested copies of degrees (BSc/MSc/MPhil/PhD, BE/ME/PhD, BPharm/MPharm/PhD, MBBS/MD/MS/MCh/DM, BVSc/MVSc/PhD)
- Attested copies of mark sheets/grade cards/transcripts
- Attested copy of registration certificate with MCI/State Medical Council/Dental Council of India/State Dental Council (medical and dental candidates)
- List of publications
- Reprints of published papers
- Attested copies of acceptance letters for accepted papers, and preprints
- Attested copies of award letters for fellowships held (JRF/SRF/RA)
- Attested copies of experience certificates
- Attested copy of certificate stating date of joining and likely date of expiry of present employment
- Attested copy of release order from last employer
- Detailed research proposal
- Testimonials from 2 referees
How you're selected
Selection is made by Special Selection Boards (SSB) on the basis of academic qualifications, professional experience, research publications and an interview. CSIR states the process normally takes up to 4 months from the date of receipt of the application to communication of the result. Candidates applying from abroad who have not returned to India by the interview date are considered in-absentia. Candidates not recommended by the SSB can reapply only twice, after six months from the date of the last interview.
FAQs
Who can apply? Bonafide Indian citizens who are not holding any employment in India. For most science subjects you need a PhD plus two years of research or teaching experience. Engineering, Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Sciences accept a fresh PhD or a submitted thesis. Medical Sciences needs MD/MS/MDS plus two years of hospital residency. CSIR also asks for minimum marks (55% or 60%) and a minimum number of SCI/PubMed papers.
Is there an age limit? Yes. CSIR says: "The maximum age limit as on the date of receipt of the application in CSIR is forty (40) years."
How much do I get? CSIR states: "The basic pay of a Senior Research Associate is fixed between Rs.56,100 and Rs.67,700 per month, depending upon qualifications, experience, research publications, and performance in the interview. In addition, he/she is entitled to the allowances i.e DA and HRA as per GOI norms." You also get a contingent grant of Rs.40,000 per year for research needs. The basic pay is fixed for the whole tenure and there is no annual increment.
What is the last date? The scheme guidelines say there is no last date and applications are processed continuously. But right now the CSIR-HRDG page says: "Submission of Senior Research Associateship under the Pool Scheme, is suspended temporarily with immediate effect. New call for proposals will be announced subsequently." So please check the official page before you prepare an application.
How do I apply? There is no online portal. You download the application proforma (Annexure-ii) from the CSIR-HRDG page, fill it in block letters, attach all the documents in the checklist, and post it to the Head, DSTP, HRD Group, CSIR Complex, Library Avenue, Pusa, New Delhi-110012. A non-refundable fee of Rs.500 (US$200 from abroad) must be paid by demand draft in favour of The Deputy Secretary, EMR, CSIR Complex, Pusa, New Delhi.
How is the selection done, and can I get an extension? Special Selection Boards (SSB) select candidates on academic qualifications, professional experience, research publications and an interview. CSIR says the process normally takes up to 4 months from the date it receives the application. The tenure is three years and "No extension of the tenure is granted." Continuation from year to year inside those three years depends on annual progress reports from your institute. Candidates not recommended can reapply only twice, six months after the last interview.