The Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research (SPIESR), Ahmedabad is recruiting 3 candidates for temporary project-based positions as Research Assistant and Field Investigator to support an important ICSSR-funded research initiative. Applications close on 13 November 2026 via email submission.
Overview
SPIESR is a respected research institution dedicated to studying economic and social development in India. This recruitment supports a significant research project on "The Cost of School Education in India: Trends in Schooling and Private Tuition Expenditure, Determinants, and Differences Across School Types," funded by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The positions are temporary and project-based, offering valuable hands-on research experience for postgraduates in the Social Sciences.
The Research Assistant will work on data analysis, research support, and academic tasks primarily at the Ahmedabad office. Field Investigators will conduct fieldwork across different parts of Gujarat, gathering primary and secondary data for the project. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful research while building professional expertise in social science research methodology, data collection, and analysis.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Posted | 2 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 13 November 2026 |
Vacancy Details
| Post | Vacancies | Monthly Remuneration |
|---|---|---|
| Research Assistant (RA) | 1 | ₹37,000 |
| Field Investigators (FIs) | 2 | ₹20,000 |
| Total | 3 | – |
Eligibility
Research Assistant (RA): You must hold a postgraduate degree (Master's or equivalent) in a Social Science discipline with a minimum of 55% marks. You must be qualified for the NET (National Eligibility Test) examination or possess an M.Phil. or Ph.D. degree. Working knowledge of statistical software packages such as SPSS or STATA is mandatory. Familiarity with NSS (National Sample Survey) unit-level data is preferred but not essential.
Field Investigators (FIs): You must hold a postgraduate degree in a Social Science discipline with a minimum of 55% marks. Proficiency in both English and Gujarati with excellent communication skills is essential, as fieldwork will require interaction with school administrators, teachers, parents, and students across Gujarat.
How to Apply
- Download and read the official SPIESR notification PDF carefully to understand complete application requirements and locate the designated submission email address.
- Prepare a well-structured Curriculum Vitae highlighting your academic qualifications, postgraduate course details, research projects completed, relevant technical skills (especially statistical software for RA), and any prior fieldwork or data collection experience.
- Gather all required supporting documents as mentioned in the official notification, such as mark sheets from all postgraduate examinations, degree certificates, proof of NET qualification or M.Phil./Ph.D. credentials, and any reference letters from previous research supervisors or academic guides.
- Organize your documents into PDF format and ensure they are clearly named and in order.
- Compose a professional email with a subject line clearly stating the position title(s) and your full name.
- Attach your CV and all supporting documents to the email and send to the designated address before the deadline of 13 November 2026.
- Keep a copy of your sent email and submission confirmation for future reference and verification purposes.
Selection Process
Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria will be shortlisted based on their academic qualifications, research experience, technical skills (for RA), language proficiency (for FI), and suitability for the project requirements. Selected candidates may be called for interviews or discussions to assess their understanding of the research project and role-specific competencies.
Salary
Research Assistants will receive ₹37,000 per month. Field Investigators will receive ₹20,000 per month. Both positions are temporary with tenure limited to the duration of the ICSSR-funded research project. Salary is consolidated and non-pensionable.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the key differences between Research Assistant and Field Investigator roles?
A: Research Assistants work primarily at the Ahmedabad office on data analysis and academic tasks, requiring strong statistical software skills (SPSS/STATA). Field Investigators conduct fieldwork across different parts of Gujarat and must be fluent in both English and Gujarati. Both roles require a postgraduate Social Science degree with 55% marks minimum.
Q: What is the application deadline and how do I submit my application?
A: The last date to email your CV is 13 November 2026. Applications must be submitted via email to the address specified in the official notification PDF. Ensure your submission reaches the designated inbox before the deadline.
Q: Are these permanent positions or temporary roles?
A: These are temporary positions for the duration of the ICSSR-funded research project titled "The Cost of School Education in India: Trends in Schooling and Private Tuition Expenditure, Determinants, and Differences Across School Types." Employment ends when the project concludes.
Q: What qualifications and experience are mandatory for the Research Assistant position?
A: You must hold a postgraduate degree in a Social Science discipline with at least 55% marks, be qualified for NET examination or possess an M.Phil. or Ph.D. degree, and have working knowledge of statistical software (SPSS or STATA). Familiarity with NSS unit-level data is preferred but not mandatory.
Q: What language skills are required for Field Investigator positions?
A: Field Investigators must be proficient in both English and Gujarati with good communication skills. Since fieldwork will occur across different parts of Gujarat, regional language proficiency is essential for effective fieldwork and community engagement.
Q: What is the monthly salary for each position?
A: Research Assistants receive ₹37,000 per month, while Field Investigators receive ₹20,000 per month. These are consolidated remuneration packages for temporary project-based employment.
Disclaimer: Candidates must verify all details, eligibility criteria, and application procedures on the official SPIESR website and notification PDF before submitting their application.