MACS Agharkar Research Institute, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, is inviting applications for 1 Research Student position on a purely contractual basis. This is a temporary post linked to a research project on medicinal plant diversity in Maharashtra's Western Ghats region, with a fixed monthly stipend of ₹28,000.
Overview
The Biodiversity & Palaeobiology (Plant & Diatoms) Group at MACS Agharkar Research Institute is recruiting a Research Student to support a project titled "Investigating the Diversity, Distribution and Traditional Knowledge of Medicinal Plant Species in the Northern Sahyadri region (Nashik, Dhule and Nandurbar districts) of the Western Ghats, Maharashtra." The project is funded by Maharashtra Gene Bank (MGB), Nagpur, and will run until 26 March 2028. This is a contract-based position, not a permanent appointment. Interested candidates with a strong background in botany and an interest in medicinal plant research are encouraged to apply online.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Commencement of Online Application | 09 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 20 November 2026 |
| Display of Shortlist & Online Interview Schedule | To be displayed on the Institute website |
| Project Tenure End Date | 26 March 2028 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC Candidates | ₹100 (non-refundable) |
| SC / ST / Divyang / Women Candidates | Exempted |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Vacancies | Post Code | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Student | 1 | MGB-19-SP371-2026-27 | ₹28,000 (Fixed) |
Eligibility
Educational Qualification: First Class in M.Sc. Botany from a recognized university.
Age Limit: Candidates must not exceed 30 years of age as on the closing date of the advertisement (20 November 2026).
How to Apply
- Visit the official online application portal Apply Online for ARI Research Student
- Register yourself or log in with your credentials
- Fill in all required personal, academic and professional details accurately
- Upload scanned copies of your M.Sc marksheet, degree certificate, and other supporting documents
- Pay the application fee of ₹100 (if applicable to your category) through the online portal
- Review all information for accuracy before final submission
- Submit your application before 20 November 2026, 11:59 PM
- Save or print your application reference number for future tracking and correspondence
The application mode is completely online, and the interview will also be conducted online. Candidates who are shortlisted will be notified via email with the interview schedule, which will also be displayed on the Institute's official website.
Salary
The Research Student position offers a fixed monthly stipend of ₹28,000 for the duration of the project contract, which extends until 26 March 2028. No additional allowances or benefits are mentioned in the notification. Candidates should note that this is a contractual position without the benefits or job security associated with permanent government employment.
Important Links
- Apply Online for ARI Research Student – Online application portal (open 09.11.2026 to 20.11.2026)
- Official Notification PDF – Advertisement No. ADVT/RecT/MGB/19/SP-371/2026-27
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the tenure of this Research Student position?
A. The position is contractual and will remain open until 26 March 2028, aligned with the project tenure funded by Maharashtra Gene Bank.
Q. What is the eligibility criterion for this role?
A. Applicants must hold a First Class M.Sc. degree in Botany and must not be older than 30 years as on the closing date of the advertisement.
Q. How much application fee do I need to pay?
A. The application fee is ₹100, which is non-refundable. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, Divyang categories and all women candidates are exempted from the fee.
Q. When should I apply online?
A. Online applications will be accepted from 09 November 2026 to 20 November 2026. Late or offline applications will not be accepted.
Q. Will the interview be held online or offline?
A. The interview will be conducted entirely online. The shortlist and interview schedule will be announced on the Institute website.
Q. What research project will I be working on?
A. You will work on investigating the diversity, distribution and traditional knowledge of medicinal plant species in the Northern Sahyadri region (Nashik, Dhule and Nandurbar districts) of the Western Ghats, Maharashtra, as part of the Biodiversity & Palaeobiology Group.
Disclaimer: Candidates are strongly advised to visit the official website of MACS Agharkar Research Institute and carefully read the official notification before applying to verify all details and ensure compliance with the complete eligibility criteria and terms.