Research Project Recruitment: Research Associate and Field Investigator

Introduction

The Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, is one of the premier institutions of higher education and research in India. As a prestigious Institute of National Importance (INI) under the Ministry of Education, MANIT offers an exceptional platform for scholars, researchers, and professionals to contribute to significant national projects. Currently, MANIT Bhopal has announced a major recruitment drive for two key positions: Research Associate and Field Investigator. These roles are specifically designed for the research project titled "An Impact Assessment of Minimum Wages on Unorganized Sector Workforce," which is sponsored by the Madhya Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers (MPBOCW) welfare board.

This recruitment presents a unique opportunity for candidates who possess a strong academic background in social sciences, economics, or management. The project aims to analyze and evaluate the socio-economic impact of minimum wage policies on workers in the unorganized sector—a critical demographic in India's economy. For an aspiring researcher, this role provides hands-on experience with real-world data collection, policy analysis, and academic reporting. Candidates will work within a high-achieving academic environment, gaining exposure to sophisticated research methodologies and professional networking. The institute seeks individuals who are not only academically proficient but also possess the technical skills required for modern data handling. If you are looking to build a career in academia or social research within a prestigious government-backed framework, this recruitment at MANIT Bhopal is an excellent starting point.

Highlights / Quick Overview

Application Fee

| Free (No fee applicable) | | Last Date to Apply | 07/07/2026 | | Job Location | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | | Official Website | manit.ac.in |

Post-wise Vacancy Details

The recruitment is divided into two distinct roles based on the research requirements of the project. Each role requires a different level of specialization and field involvement.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

Candidates applying for these positions must possess a strong academic foundation. The following requirements are mandatory:

• For Research Associate: A Post-graduation degree in any of the following fields: Public Administration, Economics, Rural Development, Sociology, Population Studies, Management, Commerce, Statistics, or other related social science disciplines.
• For Field Investigator: A Post-graduation degree in relevant social science fields is preferred to ensure proper understanding of the survey objectives.
• Minimum Marks: Candidates must have secured at least 55% marks in their respective Post-Graduation degrees.

Technical Skills & Competencies

In addition to academic qualifications, the following skills are highly desirable and will give candidates an edge during the selection process:

• Computer Proficiency: Basic knowledge of operating systems and software.
• Data Handling: Ability to manage large datasets efficiently.
• Software Skills: Familiarity with Microsoft Excel for data entry and organization.
• Statistical Tools: Knowledge of SPSS or similar statistical software is highly preferred for the Research Associate role.

Nationality & Age

Nationality

Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply for these positions. *

Age Limit

(Note: Specific age limits should be verified against the official notification, but typically follow standard government research norms).

Important Dates

Application Fee

The recruitment process for this specific research project is designed to encourage academic participation. Therefore, there is no fee associated with the application.

Selection Process

The selection process at MANIT Bhopal for these research positions is designed to filter candidates based on both their academic merit and their practical ability to handle the specific requirements of the "Minimum Wage" project.

Stage 1: Shortlisting

Upon receiving the applications via the Google Form, a committee will review the submitted documents. The primary focus during this stage is:

• Verification of Post-Graduation degrees and minimum percentage (55%).
• Assessment of relevant subjects (Economics, Sociology, etc.).
• Evaluation of proficiency in Excel and SPSS.
• Review of the candidate's interest and suitability for field-based work (specifically for Field Investigators).

Stage 2: Interview

Candidates who pass the initial screening will be invited for a personal interview. The interview will typically involve:

• Technical Round: Questions regarding the study of unorganized sectors, labor laws, and data analysis techniques.
• Communication Skills: Assessment of how clearly the candidate can explain complex findings.
• Practical Knowledge: For Research Associates, questions on report writing; for Field Investigators, questions on ground-level survey management.

Salary / Pay Scale

The stipend/salary provided is based on the role and duration of the research project as per the guidelines of the funding agency (MPBOCW).

How to Apply Step by Step

Follow these detailed steps to ensure your application is submitted correctly and considered for the recruitment process:

1. Review the Notification: Carefully read the official advertisement provided on the MANIT website to understand the specific requirements of the "Minimum Wage" project.
2. Prepare Documents: Collect your educational certificates (Post-Graduation), identity proof, and any relevant experience certificates in digital format (PDF or JPEG).
3. Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet the 55% marks criteria and have the required degree in a relevant social science field.
4. Visit the Application Link: Click on the official Google Form link provided by the institute: Click Here to Apply.
5. Fill Personal Details: Enter your full name, contact number, email ID, and permanent address accurately as per your government IDs.
6. Upload Academic Proofs: Upload clear scans of your degrees and mark sheets. Ensure the file size is within the limits specified in the form.
7. Detail Your Skills: In the specific sections for "Technical Skills," mention your experience with Excel, SPSS, or any relevant data collection tools.
8. Submit the Form: Once you have reviewed all entries for accuracy, click the 'Submit' button.
9. Confirmation: Take a screenshot of the confirmation page after submission for your personal records.
10. Follow Up: Keep an eye on the official MANIT Bhopal website for updates regarding shortlisting and interview dates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the total number of vacancies?
A1: There are a total of 5 vacancies: 1 for Research Associate and 4 for Field Investigators.

Q2: Is there an application fee to apply for these posts?
A2: No, the application process is completely free for all candidates.

Q3: What are the educational requirements for the Research Associate post?
A3: Candidates must have a Post-graduation degree in fields like Public Administration, Economics, Rural Development, Sociology, Population Studies, Management, Commerce, or Statistics with at least 55% marks.

Q4: Can a graduate apply for the Field Investigator position?
A4: The notification specifically mentions Post-graduation (PG) as the required qualification. Therefore, candidates with only a Graduation degree may not be eligible unless they have relevant PG qualifications.

Q5: What is the salary for the Field Investigator role?
A5: The monthly salary for a Field Investigator is Rs. 20,000/-.

Q6: What is the salary for the Research Associate role?
A6: The monthly salary for a Research Associate is Rs. 37,000/-.

Q7: Is any experience in research required?
A7: While not explicitly stated as a mandatory number of years, "proficiency in data handling" and relevant academic backgrounds are highly valued during the shortlisting process.

Q8: Where is the job location located?
A8: The project is based at MANIT Bhopal, situated in Madhya Pradesh.

Q9: What software skills are preferred?
A9: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and statistical tools like SPSS is highly desirable for the Research Associate role.

Q10: How can I contact MANIT Bhopal for more details?
A10: You can visit the official website at www.manit.ac.in or check the provided application link for specific instructions regarding the project.

Conclusion

The recruitment drive by MANIT Bhopal offers a prestigious opportunity for those looking to carve a niche in research and development within the public sector. Working on a project like "An Impact Assessment of Minimum Wages" allows researchers to contribute directly to social welfare policies, making it a highly rewarding career move. The combination of a competitive salary, a high-profile institution, and a socially relevant project makes this one of the best opportunities in the academic research field currently available in Madhya Pradesh.

If you meet the eligibility criteria—specifically the Post-Graduation requirement and the proficiency in data tools—we strongly recommend applying before the deadline of July 7, 2026. Ensure that your documents are well-organized and your application is submitted accurately via the provided link. For more updates on government jobs and research opportunities, stay tuned to our portal. Good luck to all the aspirants!