Overview
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has officially released the PAU Recruitment 2026 notification for the engagement of Research Associate and Junior Research Fellow (JRF) posts. A total of 2 vacancies are on offer, with the offline application process open from now until 10 August 2026. Eligible candidates must attend the walk-in interview scheduled for 14 August 2026. All details, including the application form and official notification, are available on the university's official website, https://www.pau.edu.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana |
| Post Name | Research Associate & Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 2 |
| Application Mode | Offline (via post/hand delivery) |
| Official Website | https://www.pau.edu |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start Date | Already Active |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 August 2026 |
| Walk-in Interview Date | 14 August 2026 |
| Result Date | TBA (to be announced after interview) |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must fulfil the following essential academic requirements for PAU Recruitment 2026:
- For Research Associate (RA): A Master's degree in relevant disciplines such as Agriculture, Biotechnology, Plant Breeding, or equivalent from a recognised university, along with prior research experience as per PAU norms. Candidates with a Ph.D. will be given preference.
- For Junior Research Fellow (JRF): A Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (Life Sciences, Agriculture, or allied subjects) with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). NET/GATE qualification or equivalent national-level test certification is desirable as per funding agency norms.
- All degrees must be from a university/institute recognised by the UGC/ICAR or relevant statutory body.
Age Limit
- Upper Age Limit (Research Associate): 40 years as of the interview date.
- Upper Age Limit (Junior Research Fellow): 35 years as of the interview date.
- Relaxation: Age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PH candidates and 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates, as per Government of India norms.
Fees
- Application Fee: There is no specified application fee mentioned in the official notification for the offline mode.
- No fee is payable at the time of the walk-in interview.
- Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification PDF for any updates regarding fee structure changes.
Selection Process
The selection of candidates for PAU Recruitment 2026 will be based on the following process:
- Application Screening: Submitted applications will be scrutinised for eligibility (educational qualification, age, and experience).
- Walk-in Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend the walk-in interview at PAU, Ludhiana, on 14 August 2026. Candidates must report with original documents and self-attested photocopies.
- Document Verification & Final Merit: Final selection will be based on interview performance, subject to successful verification of original certificates and relevant research experience.
Candidates are advised to prepare a brief presentation or bring research publications if required by the selection committee, as per terms referenced in the official notification.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the PAU Recruitment 2026 offline process before the deadline:
- Download the Application Form: Visit the official PAU website (https://www.pau.edu) and navigate to the 'Recruitment' or 'Career' section. Download the prescribed application form for Research Associate/JRF posts.
- Read the Official Notification: Carefully read the notification PDF to confirm your eligibility, department-specific requirements, and interview venue details.
- Fill the Application Form: Complete the form with accurate personal, educational, and research experience details. Attach recent passport-size photographs and self-attested copies of all required certificates (educational, age proof, caste certificate if applicable, and experience letters).
- Submit Before the Deadline: Send the completed application form to the concerned department head at PAU, Ludhiana, by post or submit it in person on or before 10 August 2026. Keep a copy of the submitted application for your records.
- Report for the Walk-in Interview: On 14 August 2026, report to the designated interview venue at PAU with the original documents and any additional portfolios. Arrive early with multiple sets of photocopies.
Important Links
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for PAU Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the offline application form is 10 August 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Q2. Is the PAU Research Associate post a permanent government job?
No. The positions of Research Associate and Junior Research Fellow are contractual research posts under specific funded projects. The tenure and extension depend on project duration and performance.
Q3. Do I need to apply online for the PAU JRF post?
No. The application mode is strictly offline. You must download the form from the official PAU website, fill it out, and submit it by post or in person before the deadline. There is no online application portal for this recruitment.