ICMR-NIHR Jodhpur SURAKSHA Project Recruitment 2026

ICMR-NIHR Jodhpur SURAKSHA Project Recruitment 2026

ICMR-National Institute for Implementation Research on Non-Communicable Diseases (ICMR-NIHR), Jodhpur has invited applications for Walk-in-Interview/Written Test for project human resource positions of Program Coordinator and Research Associate, under the SURAKSHA project (Statewise Understanding for Regulation and Action on Trans-fat Safety and Health Assessment). This article covers the vacancy details, eligibility and how to attend the interview.

ICMR-NIHR Jodhpur SURAKSHA Project Recruitment 2026 – Overview

Post-wise Vacancy Details

Post-wise Qualification

Desirable qualifications include a PhD/MPH in Public Health, Epidemiology, Community Medicine, Biostatistics or Nutrition, along with experience in multi-state public health research projects, field-based data collection, survey implementation and proficiency in statistical software and MS Office.

Application Fee

No application fee is mentioned in this notice.

Selection Procedure

• Only eligible candidates will appear for the Walk-in-Interview/Written Test.
• If more than 30 candidates apply, a Written Test will be conducted, with qualifying marks of 35% for SC/ST and 40% for UR/OBC/EWS.
• Candidates scoring qualifying marks in the Written Test will be interviewed – generally up to the top 5 for Program Coordinator and top 10 for Research Associate.
• Final merit is prepared based on marks in the Written Test and Interview; if fewer than 30 candidates apply (no written test), merit is based on Interview marks alone.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from http://niirncd.icmr.org.in or https://www.icmr.gov.in.
2. Fill the application form completely and attach one set of photocopies of all certificates.
3. Report in person on 16 September 2026, between 09:00 AM and 10:00 AM, at ICMR-NIHR, Jodhpur, carrying the filled application, photocopies and all original certificates for verification.
4. Bring a No Objection Certificate from your current employer, if already employed, since candidates without one will not be permitted to appear for the interview/written test.

Important Terms and Conditions

• These project positions are purely temporary; candidates who have already served more than 3 years in ICMR Projects/Institutes are not eligible.
• Selected candidates must work for at least one month, failing which the emoluments drawn must be forfeited.
• Engagement can be terminated with one month’s notice from either side, without assigning any reason.
• Selected candidates will have no claim for regular appointment at ICMR-NIHR or continuation in any other project.
• No TA/DA will be given for attending the Walk-in-Interview/Written Test.
• Laptops, tablets, logarithm tables, digital diaries, mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices and other electronic gadgets are not allowed inside the Examination Hall/Interview.

About This Recruitment

SURAKSHA is a state-wide research project at ICMR-NIHR, Jodhpur, focused specifically on regulation and action around trans-fat safety and health assessment, an important public health priority given the well-documented health risks of trans-fat consumption. This recruitment brings in a Program Coordinator to lead the project’s overall coordination and three Research Associates to support field-based implementation, data collection and reporting, together forming the core team that will carry out this multi-state public health research initiative.

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Why Trans-Fat Research Matters at the State Level

Since trans-fat consumption is linked to significant cardiovascular health risks, and India has been progressively tightening regulatory limits on industrial trans-fat in food products, projects like SURAKSHA play an important role in generating the state-level evidence and monitoring data needed to support these regulatory efforts. Candidates joining this project, particularly the Research Associates, can expect to be closely involved in field-based data collection and survey implementation, working directly with public health data that feeds into policy decisions at a national level.

Preparing for the Walk-in Interview

Since selection may involve a Written Test if more than 30 candidates apply on the day, candidates should be prepared with a working knowledge of core public health and nutrition concepts, along with familiarity with basic statistical methods relevant to survey-based research, rather than assuming the written stage will not apply to them. Given the strict requirement to bring all original certificates on the day itself, with no exception for latecomers or those without originals, candidates should organize their documents, including educational certificates, category certificates, and (if applicable) a No Objection Certificate, well in advance of 16 September 2026.

Program Coordinator Versus Research Associate

The Program Coordinator role sits at the top of this project’s team structure, overseeing overall implementation, coordination and reporting across the multi-state SURAKSHA project, and correspondingly demands either three years’ relevant experience alongside a First Class postgraduate degree, or a PhD. Research Associates, by contrast, form the field-execution backbone of the project, directly involved in data collection, survey work and stakeholder coordination at the ground level, making this role well suited to early-career public health or nutrition postgraduates looking to gain substantial field research exposure.

A Reminder on the Reservation and Age Relaxation Provisions

While all 4 posts in this notice are listed under the Unreserved (UR) category, the general terms and conditions of the advertisement note that age relaxation is admissible for SC/ST/OBC candidates, retrenched Government employees, departmental candidates and Ex-servicemen, in line with instructions issued by the Central Government, DoPT and ICMR from time to time. Candidates from these categories who are otherwise close to the maximum age limit should check whether the applicable relaxation brings them within eligibility before deciding not to apply.

Important Links

• Notification PDF
• Official Website
• NaukriPatra App
• WhatsApp Channel
• Telegram Channel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many total posts are advertised under the SURAKSHA project?

4 posts – 1 Program Coordinator and 3 Research Associates.

2. When is the Walk-in-Interview/Written Test?

16 September 2026, 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM, at ICMR-NIHR, Jodhpur.

3. What is the remuneration for Program Coordinator?

Rs. 67,000/- + HRA per month.

4. What is the remuneration for Research Associate?

Rs. 40,000/- + HRA per month.

5. Is there an application fee?

No fee is mentioned in this notice.

6. What is the age limit?

Not exceeding 40 years for Program Coordinator and 35 years for Research Associate, as on the date of the walk-in.

7. What qualification is required for Program Coordinator?

A First Class Postgraduate Degree in Public Health/Nutrition with 3 years’ experience, or a PhD in a relevant subject.

8. What qualification is required for Research Associate?

A Postgraduate Degree in Public Health/Nutrition with 1 year of experience.

9. Is this a permanent position?

No, it is a temporary project position, initially for 1 year.

10. How should candidates apply?

By downloading the application form and attending the walk-in interview in person, with all original certificates.

11. Is a written test always conducted?

Only if more than 30 eligible candidates apply for a given position.

12. Is TA/DA paid for attending the interview?

No, no TA/DA is admissible.

13. Can employed candidates apply?

Yes, but they must submit a No Objection Certificate from their current employer.

14. Where can candidates place of work be?

ICMR-NIHR, Jodhpur, or anywhere in India as per project requirements.

15. Are electronic gadgets allowed inside the interview/exam hall?

No, laptops, mobile phones, smart watches and similar devices are not permitted.