The Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Chatra North Forest Division, Jharkhand is recruiting 3 Research Fellows—comprising 1 Senior Research Fellow (SRF) and 2 Junior Research Fellows (JRF)—to support forest research and ecological initiatives. Eligible candidates possessing CSIR UGC NET/GATE qualification and relevant postgraduate qualifications may apply through email, postal mail, or participate in a scheduled walk-in interview by 20 November 2026, 10:00 AM.
Overview
This recruitment notification from the Jharkhand Forest Department targets research-oriented professionals to contribute to ongoing forest research projects at Chatra North Forest Division in Jharkhand. The positions are permanent or temporary research roles designed to strengthen ecological and silvicultural research capacity within the division.
Both SRF and JRF positions are consolidated pay roles, offering monthly remuneration without separate allowances. These roles provide candidates an opportunity to work on real-world forest research, biodiversity conservation, and data analysis within a state forest division framework. The recruitment process is transparent, offering candidates three application modes: email submission, postal submission, or in-person walk-in interview on the scheduled date.
The Chatra North Forest Division covers forest management across the Chatra district of Jharkhand, an ecologically significant region. Research fellows will support field surveys, data collection, analysis, and documentation of forest resources and wildlife populations.
Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 07 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 20 November 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Walk-in Interview | 20 November 2026, 11:00 AM |
Applications must reach the division office on or before 20 November 2026 at 10:00 AM. Candidates opting for the walk-in interview should arrive at 11:00 AM on the same date. Late applications submitted after the deadline will be rejected automatically.
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Vacancies | Monthly Consolidated Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | 1 | ₹35,000 |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 2 | ₹30,000 |
Note: Vacancy numbers are tentative and subject to change as per departmental requirements and budget availability.
Eligibility
Senior Research Fellow (SRF):
- CSIR UGC NET/GATE qualification (mandatory)
- Postgraduate degree in Forestry, Ecology, Statistics, Wildlife Biology, or allied disciplines
- Minimum First Class or 60% marks (or equivalent overall grade point average) in postgraduate studies
SRF candidates should possess advanced knowledge in research methodologies, statistical analysis, and forest science. They are expected to guide junior research fellows and lead smaller sub-projects within the division's research agenda.
Junior Research Fellow (JRF):
- CSIR UGC NET/GATE qualification (mandatory)
- Postgraduate degree in Forestry, Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science, Sociology, Statistics, Watershed Management, Economics, or allied disciplines
- Minimum First Class or 60% marks (or equivalent overall grade point average) in postgraduate studies
JRF positions are suitable for recent postgraduates seeking research experience. The broader eligibility spectrum reflects the multidisciplinary nature of modern forest research, which combines silviculture, social science, and economics alongside traditional forestry.
General Eligibility Notes: CSIR UGC NET/GATE certification is a hard requirement and cannot be waived. Candidates must possess the certificate at the time of application. Equivalent CGPA systems (for universities using GPA instead of percentage marks) are accepted if the equivalent score meets 60% or First Class criteria.
Application Fee
No application fee is mentioned in the official notification. See the official notification PDF for confirmation.
How to Apply
- Download the Application Form (Annexure-A) from the official notification PDF or by contacting the Divisional Forest Officer's office directly.
- Fill the application form completely and accurately with all required personal, educational, and professional information. Ensure no field is left blank.
- Email Submission: Attach the completed form and supporting documents (scanned copies of certificates, degree transcripts, CSIR UGC NET/GATE scorecard) as a PDF and email to the division office address provided in the notification.
- Postal Submission: Print the completed form, attach original or certified copies of documents, and send via registered post/speed post to the Office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Chatra North Forest Division, Chatra, Jharkhand. Ensure the envelope is marked "Application for SRF/JRF Position."
- Walk-in Interview: Candidates may appear in person on 20 November 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Divisional Forest Officer's office with original certificates and a printed copy of the application form.
- Ensure your application reaches the office before 20 November 2026, 10:00 AM if applying by email or post.
Required Documents Checklist: Ensure you have scanned copies or originals of: (i) Filled application form, (ii) CSIR UGC NET/GATE certificate, (iii) Postgraduate degree certificate and mark sheets, (iv) Caste/SC/ST certificate (if applicable), (v) Character certificate, (vi) Address proof, (vii) Passport-size photograph.
Salary
Both positions are offered on a consolidated monthly pay basis, meaning the salary is a fixed amount with no separate allowances for dearness allowance (DA), house rent allowance (HRA), or other benefits unless otherwise specified by the Jharkhand Forest Department.
Senior Research Fellow (SRF): ₹35,000 per month (consolidated)
Junior Research Fellow (JRF): ₹30,000 per month (consolidated)
Candidates should note that consolidated pay roles typically do not include standard government allowances. However, benefits such as employee provident fund (EPF) or gratuity eligibility should be verified from the official notification or division office.
Important Links
- Official Notification PDF (Notice No. 01, Dated 07.11.2026)
- Jharkhand Forest Department Official Website
For the application form (Annexure-A) and further details, see the official notification PDF or visit the Jharkhand Forest Department website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is CSIR UGC NET/GATE qualification mandatory for both SRF and JRF?
A: Yes, CSIR UGC NET/GATE qualification is mandatory for both positions. Candidates must possess a valid certificate at the time of application. This certification validates research aptitude and is a hard eligibility requirement.
Q: What is the consolidated monthly salary for each post?
A: Senior Research Fellows receive ₹35,000 per month, and Junior Research Fellows receive ₹30,000 per month on a consolidated basis. Consolidated pay means the salary is fixed without additional allowances unless separately notified.
Q: What is the final application deadline?
A: The application deadline is 20 November 2026 at 10:00 AM. Applications received after this time will not be accepted. Candidates should apply well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Q: Can I apply through a walk-in interview instead of submitting a written application?
A: Yes, candidates may appear for a walk-in interview on 20 November 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Chatra North Forest Division office with original certificates and the completed application form. This provides an alternative to email or postal submission.
Q: What is the difference in eligibility criteria between SRF and JRF positions?
A: Both require CSIR UGC NET/GATE qualification and a postgraduate degree with First Class or 60% marks minimum. SRF eligibility is narrower (Forestry, Ecology, Statistics, Wildlife Biology, or allied disciplines), while JRF has broader eligibility including Botany, Environmental Science, Sociology, Watershed Management, and Economics. SRF is a senior role expecting more research experience.
Q: Are the vacancy numbers definite?
A: The official notification states that vacancies (1 SRF and 2 JRF) are tentative and subject to change. Candidates should verify the exact number of positions available on the official notification or division website closer to the application deadline.
Candidates are strongly advised to verify all details, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, important dates, and required documents, on the official notification PDF and the Jharkhand Forest Department website before submitting their applications.