PAU Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026

Introduction

The School of Agricultural Biotechnology at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), located in Ludhiana, has officially announced a recruitment drive for the position of Project Associate-I. As one of the premier agricultural universities in India, PAU plays a pivotal role in advancing agricultural sciences, biotechnology research, and sustainable farming practices. This specific recruitment under the School of Agricultural Biotechnology is aimed at finding dedicated and skilled professionals who can contribute to cutting-edge research projects in fields like Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, and Molecular Biology.

The role of a Project Associate-I is designed for individuals who possess a strong academic foundation and a passion for research. Working at Punjab Agricultural University offers an unparalleled environment for career growth, as candidates get to work under the guidance of esteemed scientists and researchers. This position is not just a job; it is an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of India's agricultural sector through modern scientific techniques. The recruitment process is designed to identify candidates who are technically proficient in data science or biotechnology and can handle the complexities of laboratory-based research or computational analysis. For aspirants looking to build a career in academic research, government projects, or high-level scientific consultancy, this position at PAU Ludhiana serves as an excellent entry point into the professional sphere.

Interested candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before applying, ensuring they meet all the mandatory educational and age requirements. The recruitment is scheduled for 2026, providing a structured timeline for applicants to prepare their documentation and participate in the selection process. Given the prestige of PAU, this vacancy is highly sought after by graduates and postgraduates from various technical and scientific disciplines.

Highlights / Quick Overview

Application Fee

| Rs. 200 (General/OBC & SC/ST) | | Last Date to Apply | 03/07/2026 | | Location | Ludhiana, Punjab |

Post-wise Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates applying for the Project Associate-I position must possess one of the following educational qualifications as specified by the recruitment norms:

• For Graduates: Candidates with a B.Sc. or B.Tech degree in relevant fields (such as Biotechnology, Biology, or related sciences) are eligible, provided they have secured a minimum CGPA of 6.00/10.00 or at least 60% marks in their final examinations.
• For Postgraduates: Candidates with an M.Sc. or M.Tech degree in specialized fields including Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Data Science, Biotechnology, Biomedical Informatics, Molecular Biology, and other related disciplines are eligible. These candidates must have a minimum CGPA of 6.50/10.00 or at least 65% marks.
• For Ph.D. Holders: Candidates who possess a Ph.D. in any relevant discipline within the agricultural biotechnology and life sciences spectrum are also eligible to apply for this role.

Age Limit

To be eligible for the post of Project Associate-I, candidates must fall within the following age bracket:

• Minimum Age: 18 years
• Maximum Age: 35 years
• Note: Age is calculated as of the date of application or as specified in the official notification.

Nationality

The post is open to candidates who are citizens of India. Preference may be given to local residents of Punjab, but all Indian nationals meeting the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.

Important Dates

Application Fee

The application fee is uniform for all categories. Candidates must pay the fee online during the registration process.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Project Associate-I position at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) is designed to evaluate both the technical knowledge and the practical skills of the candidates. The following stages are typically involved:

1. Screening of Applications

Initially, all submitted applications will be screened based on the eligibility criteria. Candidates who do not meet the minimum percentage requirements or fall outside the age bracket will be disqualified at this stage.

2. Shortlisting

Based on the educational background and relevant experience in fields like Bioinformatics or Biotechnology, a shortlist of candidates will be prepared for the next round.

3. Interview (Main Selection Step)

The primary mode of selection is an Interview. During the interview, candidates will be asked questions related to:

• Technical knowledge in their specific field (e.g., Molecular Biology techniques).
• Understanding of research methodologies and data analysis.
• Communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Knowledge regarding the specific project goals of the School of Agricultural Biotechnology.

The panel will evaluate the candidate's proficiency, enthusiasm for research, and suitability for the role of Project Associate-I.

Salary / Pay Scale

The compensation for the selected candidate will be structured as follows:

Note: The total monthly remuneration will include the fixed pay plus the applicable HRA based on the location and rules of Punjab Agricultural University. This position is a contractual role, and the terms of the contract will be mentioned in the appointment letter.

How to Apply Step by Step

Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria should follow the steps below to apply online for the Project Associate-I post:

1. Visit Official Website: Go to the official website of Punjab Agricultural University (http://www.pau.edu).
2. Navigate to Recruitment Section: Look for the "Careers" or "Work with Us" section, specifically targeting the School of Agricultural Biotechnology notices.
3. Click on the Specific Link: Find the notification titled "PAU Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026" and click on the application link provided in the PDF/Notice.
4. Registration: Create a new account by providing your basic details like Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, and Password.
5. Fill Application Form: Carefully fill in all personal details, educational qualifications (B.Sc/M.Sc/Ph.D), and work experience if applicable.
6. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and relevant educational certificates (Degree certificates, Marksheets).
7. Payment of Fee: Select the payment gateway to pay the application fee of Rs. 200/- via Net Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card.
8. Review & Submit: Double-check all entered information for accuracy before clicking on the final "Submit" button.
9. Print Confirmation: Once submitted, download and print the application form as a confirmation of your successful registration.
10. Keep Documents Ready: Keep original documents ready for verification in case you are shortlisted for the interview.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the total number of vacancies for Project Associate-I?

A1: There is 01 vacancy available for the post of Project Associate-I at the School of Agricultural Biotechnology.

Q2: What are the educational qualifications required for this job?

A2: Candidates must have a B.Sc./B.Tech (60% marks) or M.Sc./M.Tech (65% marks) in Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Data Science, or related fields. Ph.D. holders are also eligible.

Q3: What is the age limit to apply for this position?

A3: The minimum age is 18 years and the maximum age is 35 years.

Q4: Is there an application fee, and if so, how much?

A4: Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee of Rs. 200 for all categories (General, OBC, SC, ST).

Q5: What is the salary offered for the Project Associate-I role?

A5: The selected candidate will receive a fixed salary of Rs. 25,000 per month, plus an additional 16% House Rent Allowance (HRA).

Q6: Where is the job location?

A6: The position is based in Ludhiana, Punjab, at the Punjab Agricultural University campus.

Q7: What is the selection process for this recruitment?

A7: The primary selection method is an Interview. Candidates will be evaluated on their technical knowledge and suitability for research roles.

Q8: Can a student with only a B.Sc. degree apply?

A8: Yes, a candidate with a B.Sc. or B.Tech in relevant fields is eligible if they have secured at least 60% marks/6.0 CGPA.

Q9: What is the last date to submit the online application?

A9: The final date for submitting your online application is July 3, 2026.

Q10: Can I apply if I have a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology?

A10: Yes, candidates with a Ph.D. in relevant disciplines such as Molecular Biology are eligible to apply for the Project Associate-I position.

Conclusion

The recruitment of Project Associate-I at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) offers a prestigious opportunity for young researchers and graduates in the fields of Biotechnology and Agriculture. Working within the School of Agricultural Biotechnology allows candidates to engage with cutting-edge research that impacts India's agricultural landscape. With a structured selection process focusing on interviews and a competitive salary package including HRA, this is an excellent career move for those looking to establish themselves in a government-affiliated research institution.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare thoroughly, especially regarding the technical aspects of Bioinformatics and Data Science, as these will be pivotal during the interview stage. Ensure all documents are scanned clearly and that the application is submitted well before the deadline of July 3, 2026. For more details, always refer to the official PAU website or the provided recruitment notification link.

Important Note: We recommend candidates visit the official portal (http://www.pau.edu) to read the specific terms and conditions mentioned in the detailed PDF notice before applying to ensure they meet all technical requirements of the project.