ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026 – Walk in 07 SRF, Project Assistant, JPF Posts

ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026 – Walk-in Interview for 07 SRF, Project Assistant, JPF Posts

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), operating through its Tropical Forest Research Institute (TFRI) in Jabalpur, has announced a crucial recruitment drive for 2026. The institute is seeking qualified candidates to fill 07 vacancies for various project-based positions, including Senior Project Fellow (SRF), Junior Project Fellow (JPF), and Project Assistant (PA). This recruitment offers a valuable opportunity for individuals with a background in forestry, environmental science, botany, and related disciplines to contribute to important research projects.

The selection process for these positions will be conducted through a direct walk-in interview. This means candidates must report directly to the institute's campus on the specified date with their application forms and original documents. The ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026 drive aims to quickly onboard skilled personnel to support ongoing research initiatives related to tropical forestry and biodiversity conservation. Interested candidates are advised to carefully review the complete official notification before appearing for the interview.

This news article provides a detailed overview of the eligibility requirements, vacancy breakdown, selection process, and other essential information regarding the ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026 – Walk-in 07 SRF, Project Assistant, JPF Posts. The details are compiled to assist applicants in preparing effectively for the upcoming walk-in interview.

Key Recruitment Details at a Glance

Here is a summary table containing the most important details of the ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026 notification. This table outlines the organization, position types, total vacancies, and key dates for the selection process.

Vacancy Details: ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026 Posts Breakdown

The ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026 drive seeks to fill a total of 07 project-based positions across three different designations. The specific number of vacancies for each post may vary depending on the requirements of the ongoing research projects. Candidates should note that these positions are temporary and contractual, initially for a specific project duration, typically ranging from six months to two years. The breakdown of the posts is as follows:

• Senior Project Fellow (SRF): This position generally requires higher qualifications and significant research experience (typically 2-3 years) beyond the Master's level. The SRF role involves taking on more responsibility in managing project tasks and mentoring JPFs. The expected number of vacancies for SRF posts in this drive is approximately 01 post.
• Junior Project Fellow (JPF): JPF positions are suitable for fresh post-graduates who are looking to gain hands-on research experience. This role focuses on fieldwork, laboratory experiments, data collection, and analysis under the guidance of project investigators. The majority of vacancies in this recruitment drive are likely for JPF posts, estimated to be around 04 posts.
• Project Assistant (PA): Project Assistants provide essential support for research activities, including sample processing, data entry, administrative tasks, and logistical support. These positions often require a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. The anticipated number of vacancies for PA posts is approximately 02 posts.

Candidates are encouraged to refer to the detailed official notification for exact post allocations and any potential project-specific requirements that may influence the distribution of these 07 vacancies.

Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualifications and Age Limit

To be eligible for the ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026 walk-in interview, candidates must meet specific academic qualifications and age limits set by the institute. These criteria ensure that applicants possess the necessary knowledge and experience required for project work in forestry research.

1. Educational Qualifications:

• For Senior Project Fellow (SRF): Candidates must possess a first-class Master's degree (M.Sc./M.Tech) in a relevant subject such as Forestry, Botany, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, or a related field from a recognized university. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of relevant post-Master’s research experience, as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals or work on previous projects.
• For Junior Project Fellow (JPF): Applicants for the JPF post must hold a first-class Master's degree (M.Sc.) in subjects like Forestry, Botany, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Life Sciences, or Agricultural Sciences. While not always mandatory for project positions, preference may be given to candidates who have qualified for the National Eligibility Test (NET) or GATE examination.
• For Project Assistant (PA): The minimum educational requirement for Project Assistant posts is typically a first-class Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Science, specifically in subjects such as Botany, Chemistry, Forestry, or Biotechnology. Candidates with practical experience in laboratory work or field data collection will often be preferred.

2. Age Limit:

As per standard government guidelines for project positions, the upper age limit for eligibility is typically set as follows:

• For Senior Project Fellow (SRF): The upper age limit is generally 32 years as of the date of the walk-in interview.
• For Junior Project Fellow (JPF): The upper age limit is typically 28 years as of the date of the walk-in interview.
• For Project Assistant (PA): The upper age limit is usually 25 years as of the date of the walk-in interview.

Age relaxations will be provided as per government rules for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD). Candidates must carry valid certificates to claim age relaxation benefits during the verification process on the walk-in interview date.

Salary Structure and Project Emoluments

The positions offered under the ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026 walk-in interview come with fixed monthly emoluments, also known as fellowships or stipends. These salaries are determined according to the guidelines set by the funding agency, often the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) or similar government bodies.

The typical salary structure for these positions is as follows:

• Senior Project Fellow (SRF): The monthly fellowship for an SRF is typically in the range of INR 31,000 to INR 35,000 per month, plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as applicable based on the project norms.
• Junior Project Fellow (JPF): JPFs receive a fixed stipend, generally between INR 25,000 and INR 31,000 per month, in addition to HRA if specified by the project.
• Project Assistant (PA): The monthly remuneration for Project Assistants is usually lower, often in the range of INR 18,000 to INR 20,000 per month, with no HRA component in many cases.

It is crucial for candidates attending the ICFRE TFRI Walk-in Interview to verify the exact salary figures and HRA eligibility mentioned in the official project notification. The specific amount often depends on whether the candidate has cleared NET/GATE exams and the specific project guidelines.

How to Apply: The Walk-in Interview Process

The ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026 utilizes a direct walk-in interview system, eliminating the need for a prior online application process. Candidates must physically appear at the designated venue on the scheduled date and time with all required documents. Follow these steps to prepare for the walk-in interview effectively:

Step 1: Download and Prepare Application Form
The official notification will contain a proforma or application form. Candidates must download and fill out this form accurately before the interview day. Ensure all personal details, educational qualifications, and work experience are correctly filled in. Affix a recent passport-size photograph to the application form.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Candidates must bring both original documents and a set of self-attested copies for verification. The essential documents include:

• Filled application form (proforma).
• Photocopy of Aadhar Card or other photo ID proof.
• Educational certificates: Mark sheets and passing certificates for 10th, 12th, Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.), and Master's degree (M.Sc./M.Tech).
• Experience certificates, if applicable, for SRF positions.
• Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC), if claiming reservation benefits.
• NET/GATE score card (if applicable).
• Two passport-size photographs.

Step 3: Arrive at the Venue on Time
The walk-in interview date is 07 January 2026. Candidates must report at the specified time, usually in the morning (e.g., 9:00 AM) at the Tropical Forest Research Institute (TFRI) campus in Jabalpur. Late arrivals may not be permitted to participate in the selection process.

Step 4: Participate in Document Verification and Interview
Upon arrival, candidates will first undergo document verification. After successful verification, candidates will proceed to the interview round. The interview panel will assess technical knowledge, communication skills, understanding of the relevant research project, and general aptitude for research work.

Step 5: Selection and Result Notification
The results of the walk-in interview are usually declared shortly after the selection process concludes. Selected candidates will be informed and will typically receive joining instructions for the project position.

Selection Process: Interview and Evaluation

The selection process for the ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026 is centered entirely on the walk-in interview performance. Unlike recruitment drives involving multiple stages, this method focuses on a direct interaction between the candidate and the selection committee. The evaluation process typically covers the following aspects:

• Technical Knowledge: The interview panel will assess the candidate's understanding of key concepts in forestry, environmental science, and specific research methodologies related to the project in question. For SRF positions, questions may focus on research design and project management skills.
• Academic Background: The committee will review the candidate's academic performance, including marks obtained in B.Sc. and M.Sc., and discuss the relevance of their dissertation or thesis work.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is essential for research fellows. Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to articulate thoughts clearly, discuss research findings confidently, and answer questions concisely.
• Project Relevance: The panel may assess the candidate's familiarity with the specific project for which they are applying, along with their motivation and enthusiasm for working on forestry research challenges.

Candidates are advised to prepare a concise introduction about themselves and their academic background, highlighting experiences relevant to the project objectives. Thorough preparation on current topics in forestry research and conservation is essential for success in this walk-in interview process.

Important Dates and Links Summary

For quick reference, here are the crucial dates and links for the ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026 walk-in interview. Candidates should prioritize these dates and ensure they have access to the official notification for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026

This section addresses common queries candidates may have regarding the ICFRE TFRI Walk-in Interview for 07 SRF, JPF, and PA posts.

The specific date for the walk-in interview for the ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026 is 07 January 2026. Candidates must report on this date to the designated venue at the Tropical Forest Research Institute campus in Jabalpur.

The recruitment drive covers three main posts: Senior Project Fellow (SRF), Junior Project Fellow (JPF), and Project Assistant (PA). There are a total of 07 vacancies across these three categories.

While a NET (National Eligibility Test) qualification is generally preferred for JPF positions in research institutions, it may not be strictly mandatory for project-based fellowships. Candidates without NET qualification may still be considered based on their academic performance and interview results. However, having NET clearance can significantly increase your chances of selection and may lead to a higher fellowship amount, as specified in the official notification.

For the ICFRE TFRI walk-in interview, you must bring all original educational certificates and mark sheets (10th standard onwards), a valid photo ID proof (like Aadhar Card), experience certificates (if applicable), and a filled-in application proforma from the official notification. It is also essential to bring one set of self-attested copies of all these documents and recent passport-size photographs.

The monthly remuneration for a Senior Project Fellow (SRF) generally ranges from INR 31,000 to INR 35,000 per month, plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) depending on the project guidelines. The exact amount will be detailed in the official notification for the specific project.

Yes, candidates from across India are eligible to apply for the ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026. The selection process is open to all eligible Indian citizens who meet the educational qualifications and age criteria.

TFRI focuses on research related to tropical forestry, biodiversity conservation, forest products, climate change impacts on forests, and sustainable forest management practices. As an SRF or JPF, you would typically work on a specific research project funded by government agencies, contributing to data collection, laboratory analysis, and report writing in these fields.

Typically, for direct walk-in interviews in ICFRE institutes, the selection process consists of document verification followed directly by a personal interview. A written test is generally not conducted unless specified clearly in the official notification for a specific project. Candidates should prepare primarily for the interview and ensure their documents are in order for verification.

The application proforma for the ICFRE TFRI Recruitment 2026 walk-in interview will be available in the detailed official notification on the Tropical Forest Research Institute (TFRI) website at tfri.icfre.gov.in. Candidates should download, print, and fill out this form before the interview date.