Utkal University Project Assistant Recruitment 2026

Utkal University Project Assistant Recruitment 2026

Department of Botany, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, has invited a Walk-in Interview for the post of Project Assistant, 1 post, under the Mukhyamantri Research Innovation (MRI) Extramural Research Funding programme (MRIP-2025). Eligible candidates may attend the interview on 18 September 2026.

Utkal University Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 – Overview

Eligibility Criteria

• M.Sc. with a minimum 55% or equivalent CGPA in Botany, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or Environmental Science.
• Upper age limit: 30 years at the time of appointment.

How to Attend the Walk-in Interview

1. Report to the Department of Botany, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, at 11:00 AM on 18 September 2026.
2. Bring a filled application in the format provided in the advertisement.
3. Carry self-attested copies of educational qualifications, age proof, one passport-size photograph, and experience certificates (if any).
4. Bring a curriculum vitae along with all relevant original certificates and self-attested photocopies for verification.

Terms and Conditions

• The position is purely temporary, and continuation of the fellowship is subject to satisfactory performance and annual review.
• No TA/DA is permissible for appearing for the interview.
• Selected candidates will not be permitted to claim any regular/part-time appointment at Utkal University or any other institute during this period.
• Canvassing in any form will disqualify the candidature.
• Selected candidates will be informed by post/email/phone after the interview.

Why This Project Turns Fruit Waste Into Research Opportunity

Since the underlying project focuses on extracting bioactive compounds from fruit waste for potential applications, this Project Assistant role offers candidates hands-on exposure to applied natural products research with clear sustainability and valorization relevance, an increasingly important area within botanical and biotechnology research funded by state higher education councils.

Understanding the 22-Month Project Ceiling

Candidates should note that while the position is described as continuing subject to annual review, the underlying project itself is sanctioned for a maximum of 22 months, meaning the Project Assistant role cannot extend beyond this outer limit regardless of performance, and candidates should plan their career timeline accordingly.

Why the Age Limit Is Comparatively Strict

With an upper age limit of just 30 years at the time of appointment, this position specifically targets early-career M.Sc. graduates, making it a suitable entry point for candidates fresh out of their Master’s programme in Botany, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or Environmental Science who are looking to build initial research experience before pursuing further doctoral studies.

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About the MRIP-2025 Programme and Utkal University

The Mukhyamantri Research Innovation Programme (MRIP-2025) is an Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) initiative supporting extramural research at state universities. Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, one of Odisha’s oldest and largest universities, hosts multiple such funded research projects, and this Department of Botany position under Dr. Bhabatarini Panda contributes to the university’s applied life sciences research portfolio.

Why Fruit Waste Valorization Is a Growing Research Area

As India generates substantial post-harvest and processing fruit waste each year, research converting this waste into bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or food-industry applications is gaining increasing funding priority under state and national research missions, making this Project Assistant role part of a broader, growing area of applied life sciences research with real-world sustainability relevance.

What Candidates Should Expect During Their Tenure

Selected candidates should expect their day-to-day work to involve laboratory extraction and characterization techniques, literature review support, and possibly assisting with manuscript preparation under Dr. Panda’s guidance, given the project’s applied focus on extracting and characterizing bioactive compounds, making prior laboratory coursework or dissertation experience in natural product extraction a meaningful asset even though it is not explicitly listed as a requirement.

Final Word

Eligible M.Sc. holders in Botany, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or Environmental Science, aged up to 30 years, should report to the Department of Botany, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, for the walk-in interview on 18 September 2026 at 11:00 AM, with a filled application and all required documents.

Important Links

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What post is advertised by Utkal University’s Department of Botany?

Project Assistant, 1 post, under the MRIP-2025 project.

2. When is the walk-in interview?

18 September 2026, at 11:00 AM.

3. What is the essential qualification?

M.Sc. with minimum 55% or equivalent CGPA in Botany/Microbiology/Biotechnology/Environmental Science.

4. What is the fellowship amount?

Rs. 12,000 per month.

5. What is the age limit?

30 years at the time of appointment.

6. What is the project duration?

Sanctioned for a maximum of 22 months, purely temporary.

7. Is TA/DA paid for the interview?

No, TA/DA is not permissible.

8. Who is the Principal Investigator?

Dr. Bhabatarini Panda, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Utkal University.

9. Who funds this project?

Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC), under MRIP-2025.

10. Is there an application fee?

Not specified in this notification.

11. Can I hold another appointment during this engagement?

No, regular or part-time appointments elsewhere are not permitted during this period.

12. What documents should I bring?

Filled application, self-attested copies of qualifications and age proof, a photograph, and CV with original certificates.