FRI Dehradun Walk-in Recruitment 2026: 52 Vacancies for SPA, JPF, JRF, PA & Field Assistant

Forest Research Institute Dehradun Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, functioning under the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE), has officially released Advertisement No. 5-1/RCS/2026 (Advt.) dated February 2026 for the recruitment of research staff on a purely temporary and contractual basis. A total of 52 vacancies have been announced for positions including Senior Project Associate (SPA), Junior Project Fellow (JPF), Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Project Assistant (PA), and Field Assistant (FA). These positions are funded by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department (UPFD) and Punjab Forest Department for monitoring and evaluation of plantation projects. Unlike conventional government recruitments, this selection process does not involve a written examination. Candidates will be selected through a walk-in interview to be held at the Board Room of the FRI Main Building, Dehradun. The registration process is strictly time-bound, closing at 10:15 AM on each interview date. No TA/DA is admissible, and no separate call letters are issued.

Eligibility, Selection Process & Key Highlights

Candidates aspiring for these research positions at FRI Dehradun must possess educational qualifications ranging from Intermediate (12th Pass) for Field Assistant to Post Graduate degrees such as M.Sc. or even Doctoral Degrees for Senior Project Associate roles. The fellowship amounts vary from Rs. 20,000/- per month for Field Assistants to Rs. 42,000/- per month plus HRA for Senior Project Associates. A significant aspect of this recruitment is the emphasis on 'extensive touring capability' since all projects involve monitoring plantations across Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Age limits differ by post, with the upper age limit for SPA being 40 years and for JRF/JPF being 28 years as of the cut-off date 01.06.2026. Candidates already employed must bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current employer. The selection is entirely interview-based, making document preparation and presentation crucial for success. Applicants must note that these are project-based positions with a maximum initial tenure of 12 months and do not guarantee permanent employment at FRI or any ICFRE institute.

About Important Dates of FRI Dehradun Walk-in Recruitment 2026

The Important Dates for this FRI Dehradun recruitment are among the most critical elements of the notification because this is a walk-in interview process, not an online application system. Unlike standard government jobs where you have weeks to fill forms, here your physical presence at the venue on the specific date assigned to your post is mandatory. The registration window is exceptionally narrow — only 1 hour and 15 minutes (09:00 AM to 10:15 AM). Many candidates lose this opportunity simply because they arrive late. There is no second chance, no alternative date. If you are appearing for Senior Project Associate, you must attend on 19th February. JPF aspirants report on 20th February. JRF and PA candidates appear on 23rd February, and Field Assistant candidates on 24th February. The age cut-off being set as 01.06.2026 is also unusual — it is nearly four months after the interview. This gives candidates born in mid-2026 an extended eligibility window. Candidates should calculate their age as on this future date carefully.

About Application Fees of FRI Dehradun Recruitment 2026

The notification explicitly does not mention any application fee, which is officially classified as 'Not Applicable'. This is a significant relief for candidates, particularly for the Field Assistant and Project Assistant positions where 29 vacancies exist. In many government research institute recruitments, application fees range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500 for General/OBC candidates. The absence of any fee removes the financial barrier to applying. However, candidates should note that while there is no application fee, the Institute does not provide any TA/DA (Travel Allowance/Dearness Allowance) for attending the interview. Candidates coming from distant locations within Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, or other states must bear their own travel and accommodation costs. This is a standard practice in project-based recruitments where the funding is limited to fellowship amounts and direct research expenses. Candidates should budget accordingly before deciding to travel to Dehradun.

About Vacancy Details of Forest Research Institute Recruitment 2026

The vacancy distribution in this FRI recruitment reveals the project's actual ground-level requirements. The highest number of vacancies are for Junior Project Fellow (15 posts) and Field Assistant (15 posts), indicating that this is primarily a field-intensive monitoring project. The UPFD project consumes the majority of Project Assistant positions (10 out of 14), which aligns with the larger scale of plantation monitoring required in Uttar Pradesh compared to Punjab (4 posts). The Junior Research Fellow positions are only 3 in number and specifically require NET qualification, making them the most academically competitive among the non-PhD roles. The Senior Project Associate (5 posts) requires either a Ph.D. or four years of research experience, positioning it as a supervisory role. Candidates should use this vacancy distribution to assess their chances. For instance, Field Assistant with 15 vacancies and minimal qualification (12th pass) offers the highest entry opportunity. However, candidates often overlook that 'desirable' qualifications like touring capability, MS Office, and RS & GIS knowledge significantly influence selection even when vacancies are high. The total of 52 vacancies is mathematically verified and exact, leaving no room for ambiguity.

About Eligibility Criteria of FRI Dehradun Recruitment 2026

The eligibility criteria across different posts in this FRI notification follow a clear hierarchical structure based on academic progression. For Senior Project Associate, the alternative eligibility of 'Ph.D. OR First Class M.Sc. with 4 years experience' is important. Many PhD candidates assume they are automatically eligible, but the doctoral degree must be specifically in Forestry, Botany, Biotechnology, or Environmental Science. PhD in allied subjects like Ecology or Agriculture may face rejection at the document verification stage. For Junior Project Fellow, the 'First Class' condition is mandatory — candidates with Pass Class or Second Division at the postgraduate level are not eligible regardless of experience. The JRF position's NET qualification is non-negotiable; LS/NET qualified candidates are preferred, but the notification states 'NET Qualified' implying either JRF or LS? Actually, clarification is needed — typically for fellowship, JRF (NET) is required. Candidates who have cleared NET but are availing JRF fellowship elsewhere may still apply, but those who have completed 4 years as RA/SRF/SPF/JRF/JPF are explicitly barred. This is a crucial compliance condition. For Project Assistant, B.Sc. in Forestry is specifically listed first, indicating subject preference. Field Assistant requires only 12th pass, but 'experience in relevant field' is desirable — this usually means prior work in forest nurseries, plantation sites, or as field data collectors. Candidates with such grassroots experience have a distinct advantage over freshers despite the same minimum qualification.

About Age Limit Criteria for FRI Dehradun Recruitment 2026

The age limit specifications in this notification present a mixed approach. For Senior Project Associate, the upper limit is clearly 40 years as of 01.06.2026. For JRF and JPF, it is 28 years. However, the notification does not specify any upper age limit for Project Assistant and Field Assistant posts. This omission is unusual in government recruitment. In such cases, the general ICFRE norms or the age limits applicable to the funding agency (UPFD/Punjab FD) may prevail. Typically, for Project Assistant positions in ICFRE, the age limit is 30 years for General category. The absence of explicit mention means candidates up to 35-40 years could theoretically apply, but the selection committee has discretionary power to reject overage candidates based on internal guidelines. The relaxation clause is particularly important here: SC/ST/Women/Physically Handicapped/OBC candidates receive up to 5 years relaxation. Note that 'Women' is included as a category for age relaxation irrespective of caste, which is beneficial for female candidates in General and OBC categories as well. The age cut-off being 01.06.2026, which is after the interview date, works in favour of candidates born in early-to-mid 1998 for JRF/JPF and 1986 for SPA.

About Category-Wise Vacancies in FRI Dehradun Recruitment 2026

The notification does not provide any category-wise distribution of vacancies. This is Not Applicable, not merely Not Mentioned. In project-based temporary research positions funded by state forest departments (UPFD and Punjab FD), reservations are often not strictly enforced as they would be in direct permanent government recruitments. The advertisement mentions only total post-wise vacancies. This means that candidates from all categories (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS) are competing in an open pool against the total 52 posts. However, the age relaxation of up to 5 years is still applicable to reserved categories during the interview selection process. The absence of category-wise breakup also implies that no horizontal reservation is pre-decided; the institute reserves the right to select the most suitable candidates regardless of category, subject to constitutional mandates. This is a critical insight for SC/ST/OBC candidates — you cannot claim that a certain number of posts are 'reserved' for you. You must compete on merit, but your age relaxation remains valid. The Institute also explicitly reserves the right to increase/decrease posts or cancel recruitment, which means the final selected numbers may deviate from the advertised 52 based on fund availability and project requirements.

About Exam Pattern & Selection Process of FRI Dehradun Recruitment 2026

The examination pattern for this FRI recruitment is fundamentally different from standard government job selections. There is no written examination, preliminary test, or mains exam. The entire selection hinges on a single walk-in interview. However, candidates often make the mistake of assuming that 'no written exam' means less preparation. In reality, the interview panel assesses deep subject knowledge, research aptitude, and field readiness within a short interaction. The first stage of selection is actually document verification which happens between 09:00 AM and 10:15 AM. Candidates whose documents are incomplete, not self-attested, or lack essential certificates (like NET for JRF) are simply not allowed to proceed to the interview. This is an elimination round conducted at the registration desk itself. Only candidates who clear this preliminary document scrutiny are assigned interview slots. The interview itself may include technical questions about forestry practices, plantation monitoring methodologies, statistical tools, and GIS applications depending on the post. For Field Assistant, the questioning will focus on practical field experience, ability to identify tree species, and willingness to work in remote locations. For Senior Project Associate, the panel may probe the candidate's doctoral research or four years of experience in detail. Candidates should prepare a 2-minute introduction summarizing their academic projects, research papers, and specific role in previous assignments.

About Physical Eligibility Criteria for FRI Field Posts

The notification does not prescribe traditional physical standards like height, chest measurement, or running tests. However, the phrase 'Capable of extensive touring' is not mere formality. For Project Assistant, JPF, JRF, and Field Assistant positions, the job involves traveling to plantation sites across Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. These are not desk jobs at the Dehradun headquarters. Candidates with medical conditions that limit mobility or require frequent access to urban healthcare facilities may find these assignments challenging. The interview panel assesses 'touring capability' through indirect questions about previous fieldwork, willingness to stay in field camps, and even physical demeanor. While there is no formal medical examination at the selection stage, the selected candidates are expected to submit a medical fitness certificate at the time of joining. Candidates should self-assess their physical readiness for extensive travel in semi-urban and rural forest areas. Women candidates need not worry about separate physical standards — there is no discrimination, but the touring requirement applies equally. The Institute does not provide separate accommodation in field locations; arrangements vary by project site.

About Salary/Fellowship Structure of FRI Dehradun Recruitment 2026

The fellowship amounts vary significantly across posts, reflecting the qualification and experience levels required. The Senior Project Associate fellowship of Rs. 42,000 + HRA is particularly attractive, as HRA in Dehradun (a Class Y city) typically ranges from 16% to 24% of basic pay, potentially adding Rs. 6,720 to Rs. 10,080 per month. This makes the total emoluments for SPA approximately Rs. 48,720 to Rs. 52,080 per month. The Junior Research Fellow receives Rs. 37,000 consolidated, which is standard for NET-qualified JRF in many government research projects. However, note that this is lower than the DST/DBT JRF fellowship (Rs. 37,000 + HRA), but since it's consolidated, HRA is not additional. Junior Project Fellow at Rs. 24,000 is comparatively lower but appropriate for first-class postgraduates without NET. Project Assistant at Rs. 22,000 for B.Sc. graduates and Field Assistant at Rs. 20,000 for 12th pass are competitive emoluments compared to state government minimum wages. All amounts are 'consolidated' except SPA, meaning no separate allowances, DA, or HRA. There is no annual increment as tenure is only 12 months. Candidates should not expect pay commission benefits or pension; this is purely contractual research fellowship taxable under income tax rules.

About Syllabus of FRI Dehradun Walk-in Interview 2026

Although the notification does not explicitly mention a syllabus, the eligibility criteria and desirable qualifications clearly define the interview scope. For all scientific positions (SPA, JPF, JRF, PA), subject knowledge in Forestry, Agroforestry, Botany, Biotechnology, or Environmental Science is fundamental. Candidates must revisit their M.Sc./B.Sc. syllabus, particularly silviculture, nursery management, social forestry, and plantation monitoring techniques. Since the projects specifically involve monitoring plantations raised by UP and Punjab Forest Departments, knowledge of local tree species, growth parameters, survival rate assessment, and carbon sequestration estimation will be highly relevant. The 'desirable' skills listed in the notification are effectively part of the syllabus. MS Office proficiency is not just about basic computer operation; candidates may be asked how they would enter field data in Excel, create charts for reports, or draft documents in Word. Statistical tools knowledge means familiarity with tests like t-test, ANOVA, correlation, regression — the panel may ask which statistical test is appropriate for comparing survival rates across different plantation sites. RS & GIS is particularly emphasized; candidates claiming this skill should be prepared to explain basic GPS data collection, creating thematic maps, or using software like QGIS/ArcGIS. For Field Assistant, the 'syllabus' is informal — questions about previous fieldwork, plant identification, nursery experience, and physical readiness for touring.

About How to Apply / Fill Form – FRI Dehradun Walk-in Process

The application process for this FRI recruitment is entirely offline and venue-specific, which is a common source of confusion for candidates accustomed to online forms. There is no 'form' to fill online; there is no registration link. You do not send your documents by post or email in advance. The only way to apply is to physically reach the Board Room of the FRI Main Building, Dehradun, on the specific date assigned to your post. The most common mistake candidates make is preparing incomplete document sets. Your 'application' essentially consists of your bio-data and self-attested photocopies of all certificates. The bio-data must include your name, father's name, date of birth, category, postal address, mobile number, email, educational qualifications (with percentage/CGPA and year of passing), work experience (with dates and organization), and a declaration. Affix a recent passport-size photograph (preferably not older than 3 months) on the top right corner of the bio-data. Carry at least three sets of photocopies — one to submit at registration, and two as backup. The registration window from 09:00 AM to 10:15 AM is unforgiving; if you arrive at 10:20 AM, the registration desk closes, and you lose the opportunity regardless of your qualifications. Candidates from outside Dehradun should plan to arrive at least one day prior, locate the FRI Main Building, and be at the venue by 08:30 AM on the interview day. The address 'Board Room of FRI Main Building' is specific; do not confuse it with the Regional Centre or administrative block.

About Mode of Selection of FRI Dehradun Recruitment 2026

The mode of selection being a 'Walk-in-Interview' places a unique responsibility on the candidate. Unlike online applications where you have days to review and submit, here the selection happens in real-time on a single day. The absence of a 'separate call letter' means the institute does not filter applicants beforehand; every candidate who registers between 9-10:15 AM is considered, provided they meet the eligibility criteria during document scrutiny. This creates a highly competitive environment as the number of applicants can be significantly higher than the 52 vacancies. The selection committee typically consists of the Principal Investigator (Mr. Mohit Husain, Scientist-C), the Assistant Silviculturist, and other senior scientists from FRI. The interview may last anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes per candidate. The assessment is holistic — academic marks are important, but the panel also evaluates communication skills, confidence, subject clarity, and body language. The 'No TA/DA' policy is standard, but candidates should note that FRI does not provide any hospitality or waiting facilities beyond the basic seating arrangement. The final merit list is usually displayed on the FRI/ICFRE notice board within a few days, and selected candidates may be required to join immediately given the project nature. Since there is no written exam, your performance in the interview is the sole determinant — every question and answer matters.

About Documents Required for FRI Dehradun Recruitment 2026

Document preparation is arguably more important than interview preparation for this recruitment because incomplete documentation leads to immediate disqualification without interview opportunity. 'Self-attested' means each photocopy must bear the candidate's signature with the date; simply providing unattested copies is insufficient. The bio-data is your primary application form; a poorly formatted or incomplete bio-data creates a negative first impression. Include your contact details prominently — the institute may call you for joining intimation. For educational certificates, candidates must bring both the degree/provisional certificate AND marksheets of all years. Many candidates bring only the consolidated marksheet, but individual semester marksheets add credibility. Experience certificates are critical for SPA and desirable for JPF. The certificate must be on official letterhead, clearly mentioning the period of employment (from-to dates), designation, and nature of work. Experience certificates without specific dates or vague descriptions like 'worked on a project' are often rejected. For JRF, the NET certificate must be valid; expired NET certificates (more than 3-5 years old) may not be accepted unless the candidate is already enrolled for PhD. NOC from the current employer is mandatory for working candidates; failing to produce NOC results in immediate disqualification, even if you have all other documents. Candidates should organize documents in a logical sequence — start with bio-data, then educational qualifications (highest degree first), experience certificates, category certificates, and finally photographs clipped together. Use a transparent folder; avoid stapling documents as the committee may need to separate them.

Beyond the standard recruitment parameters, the FRI Dehradun notification contains several nuanced conditions that candidates must fully understand before deciding to appear for the walk-in interview.

Project-Based Nature and Career Implications

All 52 positions advertised under this FRI recruitment are purely temporary and project-based, funded specifically by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and Punjab Forest Department for a duration of 12 months. This has significant career implications. These are not permanent government jobs under the Central Government Service Rules. Selected candidates will have "no guarantee of employment in FRI or any institute under ICFRE" after the project concludes. The notification explicitly states that tenure may end earlier subject to fund availability, and extension, if any, is solely at the discretion of ICFRE rules. Candidates should view these positions as valuable research fellowships that provide hands-on experience in large-scale plantation monitoring, exposure to government research institutions, and networking opportunities with scientists at FRI. However, those seeking long-term job security or pensionable government service should continue preparing for permanent forestry sector exams like IFS, State Forest Service, or other scientific positions. The experience certificate from FRI, however, carries significant weight for future PhD admissions or research roles in national and international forestry projects.

Specific Role Requirements and Special Conditions

Several positions in this notification carry unique conditions that candidates often overlook. The Senior Project Associate (SPA) role requires either a Ph.D. OR First Class M.Sc. with four years of research experience. However, the notification adds a critical clarification: "Ph.D. teaching experience not counted as research experience." This means candidates who have spent four years as Assistant Professors or teaching faculty cannot claim that period as research experience unless they simultaneously held research projects. Only dedicated full-time research positions (JRF, SRF, RA, Project Fellow) count towards the four-year requirement. Similarly, for JRF and JPF, the notification states that "candidates who completed 4 years as RA/SRF/SPF/JRF/JPF are not eligible" — this is an anti-churning provision preventing candidates from cycling through multiple project fellowships indefinitely. For all posts, the funding agency's objectives must be understood: UPFD and Punjab Forest Department require monitoring of plantation survival, growth assessment, and third-party evaluation of departmental efforts. Candidates with prior experience in forest department collaborations, working in territorial forest divisions, or handling large-scale ecological datasets will be preferred. The 'extensive touring' requirement is not optional; selected candidates should expect to spend significant time in field conditions across Uttar Pradesh and Punjab districts.

Operational Flexibility and Candidate Obligations

The notification grants the Forest Research Institute substantial operational flexibility that directly impacts candidates. The Institute reserves the right to increase/decrease the number of posts or cancel the recruitment process entirely without assigning any reason. This means even after attending the interview and being placed in the merit list, there is no vested right to appointment. Furthermore, the project tenure may end earlier than 12 months if the funding agency reduces the grant or terminates the project. Candidates accepting these positions must be prepared for possible premature contract termination without severance. The fellowship is governed by ICFRE rules, which may change during the project period. Candidates also bear the obligation to inform the Institute about any criminal proceedings, disqualifications, or false information submitted. The bilingual advertisement (Hindi and English) specifies that in case of discrepancy, the English version prevails — candidates relying solely on Hindi translation for eligibility interpretation do so at their own risk. All selected candidates must sign a joining report and likely an undertaking accepting these terms unconditionally.

Practical Application and Documentation Nuances

The application process being venue-based rather than online creates specific risks and opportunities. Candidates must ensure every document page is self-attested — missing attestation on even one certificate can lead to registration rejection. The registration time window of 09:00-10:15 AM is strictly enforced; the Institute does not accommodate latecomers regardless of distance traveled or prior commitments. For candidates claiming age relaxation under SC/ST/OBC/Women/PH categories, the certificate must be in the format prescribed by the Government of India and issued by the competent authority. OBC certificates must include the 'Non-Creamy Layer' clause. Candidates employed elsewhere must produce NOC at the time of registration; undertaking to submit NOC later is not accepted. Photographs should be recent (preferably not older than 3 months) and identical across the bio-data and additional copies. A common but avoidable mistake is stapling documents; the committee often separates pages for verification, so a simple paper clip or transparent folder is preferable. Candidates from Dehradun and nearby areas should consider visiting the venue a day prior to confirm the exact Board Room location within the FRI Main Building, as first-time visitors often get confused navigating the large campus.

1. What is the last date to apply for FRI Dehradun Recruitment 2026?

There is no online application deadline. The only date is the walk-in interview date specific to your post. Registration closes at 10:15 AM on 19.02.2026 (SPA), 20.02.2026 (JPF), 23.02.2026 (JRF/PA), or 24.02.2026 (FA). Arrive before 09:00 AM.

2. I have M.Sc. in Agriculture. Can I apply for JPF or JRF?

No. The essential qualification specifically mentions Forestry, Agroforestry, Botany, Biotechnology, or Environmental Science. Agriculture is not included unless your specialization is Agroforestry mentioned in the degree certificate.

3. I have 55% marks in M.Sc., not 60%. Am I eligible for JPF?

No. The notification clearly states 'First Class' M.Sc. In most Indian universities, First Class requires 60% or above (or equivalent CGPA). Candidates with less than 60% are not eligible for JPF, JRF, or SPA.

4. Is the JRF fellowship Rs. 37,000 plus HRA or consolidated?

The notification explicitly mentions "Rs. 37,000/- per month (Consolidated)" for JRF. This means no separate HRA. Only SPA receives HRA in addition to Rs. 42,000/- basic.

5. Can I apply for both JPF and JRF if I am NET qualified?

Yes, you can apply for both, but they are scheduled on different dates (JPF: 20.02.2026, JRF: 23.02.2026). You must attend separate interviews with separate bio-data and document sets for each post.

6. What documents are mandatory for age relaxation under OBC category?

You need a valid OBC-NCL (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate issued by a competent authority. The certificate must be current and in the format prescribed for central government jobs. Candidates without NCL clause are treated as General.

7. I am a final year M.Sc. student. Can I apply for JPF?

Only if your result is declared and you have the degree/provisional certificate and marksheet by the interview date. Mere appearance in final semester or awaiting results makes you ineligible.

8. Is there any written exam for Field Assistant?

No. There is no written examination for any post. All selections are based solely on walk-in interview performance and document verification.

9. What does 'capable of extensive touring' mean for women candidates?

It means the job involves frequent field visits to forest areas, plantation sites, and remote locations in UP and Punjab. Women candidates are equally eligible, but must be willing to undertake field tours as per project requirements.

10. Can I submit my application through email or post?

No. Email or postal applications are not accepted. The only mode of application is physical presence at the registration desk at FRI Dehradun on the specified date between 09:00-10:15 AM.

11. I have two years of teaching experience. Will it count for SPA?

No. The notification explicitly excludes Ph.D. teaching experience from research experience. Only full-time research project experience (JRF/SRF/RA/Project Fellow) is counted.

12. Is there any preference for candidates from Uttarakhand or UP?

No. There is no domicile or state-wise preference mentioned. Selection is purely based on merit, qualifications, and interview performance. Candidates from all states are equally eligible.

13. What is the venue for the walk-in interview?

Board Room of FRI Main Building, P.O. New Forest, Dehradun – 248006. It is inside the main Forest Research Institute campus, not the regional office or administrative annex.

14. Will I get any TA/DA for attending the interview?

No. TA/DA is not admissible. Candidates must bear their own travel, accommodation, and food expenses. The Institute provides no reimbursement.

15. After selection, where will I be posted?

Your headquarters will be FRI Dehradun, but you will be required to undertake extensive touring for field data collection across Uttar Pradesh (for UPFD project) or Punjab (for Punjab FD project).