The Tamil Nadu Forest Department, through Project Nilgiri Tahr, is recruiting 1 Senior Research Fellow to strengthen wildlife research, conservation, and monitoring efforts across the Nilgiri Tahr habitat in Tamil Nadu. This is an offline recruitment offering a consolidated monthly salary of ₹35,000. The application deadline is 20 November 2026 (Friday) up to 5:00 PM.
Overview
Project Nilgiri Tahr is a specialised conservation programme dedicated to the protection, research, and long-term survival of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr species, endemic to the Western Ghats. The Senior Research Fellow will be stationed across the entire Nilgiri Tahr habitat spanning Tamil Nadu state and will play a critical role in data collection, habitat monitoring, population surveys, and field-based conservation research. This role is essential for supporting the project's scientific objectives and informing policy decisions for species protection. The recruitment is authorised under Notification No. 02/2026 (C. No. 107/2023/PNT dated 11 November 2026).
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 11 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Submission | 20 November 2026 (Friday) up to 5:00 PM |
| Personal Interview | To be communicated by email to shortlisted candidates |
Application Fee
No application fee information is provided in the official notification. See the official notification PDF for any additional fee details.
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Research Fellow (Code SRF-I) | 1 | M.Phil or Ph.D qualification |
Eligibility
Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess either an M.Phil or Ph.D degree or an equivalent postgraduate research qualification. For complete eligibility criteria and field-specific requirements, refer to the official notification PDF.
Age Limit: The maximum age limit is 30 years as on 20 November 2026. Age relaxation is available for reserved category candidates: SC, ST, and BC candidates are eligible for relaxation of up to 5 years. Women candidates are also eligible for relaxation of up to 5 years. This makes the upper age limit 35 years for SC, ST, BC, and women applicants.
Job Location: The selected candidate will be stationed across the entire Nilgiri Tahr habitat throughout Tamil Nadu state and must be prepared for field-based work in the designated conservation areas.
Salary
The Senior Research Fellow will receive a consolidated monthly salary of ₹35,000. This amount covers all allowances and benefits bundled into a single monthly payment.
How to Apply
The recruitment follows a strict offline application process. Online applications are not accepted. Applicants must submit hard copy applications by post.
- Visit the Project Nilgiri Tahr official website and download the prescribed application form, or access it through the official notification PDF.
- Carefully read all instructions and eligibility criteria provided in the notification and application form.
- Print the application form on white A4 paper and fill it legibly in black ink or type the information clearly.
- Ensure all mandatory fields are completed with accurate personal, educational, and professional details.
- Prepare all required supporting documents as listed in the notification (typically including educational certificates, age proof, caste certificate if applicable, experience certificates, and identity proof).
- Arrange documents in the order specified in the notification and attach them securely to the application form.
- Place the complete application package in a strong envelope and address it to the office address mentioned in the official notification.
- Send the application by registered post or speed post to ensure safe delivery and tracking.
- Ensure the application is received by the deadline: 20 November 2026 (Friday) up to 5:00 PM. Post-dated submissions will be summarily rejected.
- Keep a copy of the application and proof of posting for your records.
Salary
The consolidated monthly salary for the Senior Research Fellow position is ₹35,000.
Important Links
- Project Nilgiri Tahr SRF Application Form
- Official Notification PDF (No. 02/2026) with Full Details and Annexures
- Project Nilgiri Tahr Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the position and how many vacancies are being advertised?
A: The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is recruiting 1 Senior Research Fellow (Code SRF-I) for Project Nilgiri Tahr, a conservation initiative focused on protecting the endangered Nilgiri Tahr species endemic to the Western Ghats.
Q: What is the consolidated salary and what does it include?
A: The consolidated monthly salary is ₹35,000, which encompasses all allowances and benefits in a single bundled payment.
Q: What are the minimum educational qualifications required?
A: Applicants must hold an M.Phil or Ph.D degree or an equivalent postgraduate research qualification to be eligible for this position.
Q: What is the age limit, and what age relaxations are available?
A: The maximum age limit is 30 years as on 20 November 2026. SC, ST, BC, and women candidates are eligible for age relaxation of up to 5 years, making their upper age limit 35 years.
Q: What is the application deadline and how must applications be submitted?
A: The last date to submit applications is 20 November 2026 (Friday) up to 5:00 PM. Applications must be submitted offline in hard copy format by post only; online applications are not accepted.
Q: How will shortlisted candidates be notified about the interview?
A: Shortlisted candidates will be intimated about the personal interview date and other details via email. The exact interview schedule will be announced after the application deadline and screening process.
Candidates must verify all details, including eligibility criteria, required documents, postal address, and any updates on the official Project Nilgiri Tahr website and the notification PDF before submitting their application.