
Vacancies: 4 · Posts: 2 · Type: Contractual · Mode: Email · Fee: Nil · Apply: By 4 September 2026 · Remuneration: ₹20,000–₹37,000/month · Selection: Shortlisting + Interview · Location: Lucknow (field work in Bihar)
ICSSR has sanctioned a Major Research Project at the University of Lucknow to study Bihar’s Satat Jivikoparjan Yojana, one of India’s largest ultra-poor graduation schemes. The Department of Sociology now needs four project staff — one Research Assistant and three Field Investigators — to run the fieldwork and analysis.
Applications close on 4 September 2026. Only email submissions of a detailed CV are accepted. The posts are purely contractual and co-terminus with the project.
Candidates with postgraduate degrees in social sciences, research experience in Bihar or the development sector, and strong data-handling skills will find this a focused, time-bound opportunity under a central government-funded study.
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Who Should Apply?
Postgraduate in Social Science + NET/M.Phil/Ph.D + research skills → Research Assistant – 1 post Postgraduate in Social Science with 55% marks + field-survey ability → Field Investigator – 3 posts
- Candidates who have already worked on development-sector or Bihar-based research projects are preferred for both roles.
- Strong command of MS-Office/Google Suite is mandatory; SPSS and NVivo knowledge is an added advantage for the Research Assistant post.
- Field Investigators must be ready for extensive travel and data collection in designated districts of Bihar.
Who Cannot Apply
- Candidates without a postgraduate degree in a Social Science discipline cannot apply for either post.
- Those unwilling to travel for fieldwork in Bihar are unsuitable for the Field Investigator seats.
- Anyone expecting permanent absorption or regularisation after the project ends will be disappointed — the notification explicitly bars any such claim.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification published | Around 22 August 2026 |
| Last date to email CV | 4 September 2026 |
| Interview (shortlisted) | To be intimated |
No extension has been announced. Submit at least two days early to avoid last-minute email issues.
Quick Overview – University of Lucknow RA & FI 2026
- Organisation: University of Lucknow (Department of Sociology)
- Project Title: Alleviating Poverty through Livelihood Grants: A Sociological Study of the Satat Jivikoparjan Yojana (Ultra-poor Graduation Approach)
- Sponsoring Agency: Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Education
- Notification / Advt.: ICSSR-funded Major Research Project advertisement dated August 2026
- Total Vacancies: 4 (Research Assistant – 1, Field Investigator – 3)
- Job Location: Lucknow HQ; fieldwork in designated districts of Bihar
- Official Website: University of Lucknow official website
- Last Date: 4 September 2026
- Apply by Email: Send detailed CV for University of Lucknow ICSSR Project 2026
- Notification PDF: Download University of Lucknow ICSSR Research Staff Advertisement August 2026 PDF
- Sector: Higher Education & Social Science Research
What Posts Are Available? – University of Lucknow Vacancy & Eligibility 2026
The project needs two distinct roles under one ICSSR Major Research Project. Both are contractual and performance-linked.
| Post Name | Vacancies | Qualification | Remuneration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Assistant | 1 | PG in Social Science (55%) + NET/M.Phil/Ph.D | ₹37,000 per month |
| Field Investigator | 3 | PG in Social Science with 55% marks | ₹20,000 per month |
| Total | 4 |
Interpretation note: The single Research Assistant post carries higher pay and supervisory responsibility. The three Field Investigator seats form the core data-collection team and require readiness for Bihar fieldwork. Experienced candidates in development-sector or Bihar research projects receive preference for both roles.
What Is the Age Limit?
The age limit is not mentioned in the official notification. Standard ICSSR project norms (usually upper age around 35–40 years for research staff) may apply, but candidates must treat the absence of a written limit as “no restriction stated.”
Examples (illustrative only, based on common ICSSR practice): ✅ A 34-year-old UR candidate born on 5 September 1991 — likely eligible if the project follows usual upper limits. ❌ A 42-year-old UR candidate born on 5 September 1983 — may exceed typical project ceilings; confirm directly with the Project Director.
Use our Age Eligibility Calculator to check instantly once any cut-off is clarified.
What Is the Remuneration? – University of Lucknow RA & FI 2026
| Post | Monthly Remuneration | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Research Assistant | ₹37,000 | Consolidated, as per ICSSR norms |
| Field Investigator | ₹20,000 | Consolidated, as per ICSSR norms |
Payment is linked to satisfactory performance. No additional DA, HRA or other allowances are stated in the advertisement.
Indicative take-home for Research Assistant is approximately ₹37,000 (full consolidated amount, subject to TDS if annual income exceeds the basic exemption limit). Field Investigators receive the full ₹20,000 subject to the same tax rules.
Use our Income Tax Calculator to estimate any TDS liability based on your total annual income. Remuneration is payable only for the period of engagement and successful continuation of work.
What Is the Application Fee?
No application fee is mentioned. The process is free. Simply email a detailed CV.
How to Apply by Email?
- Prepare a detailed Curriculum Vitae highlighting qualifications, research/field experience, software skills (MS-Office, SPSS, NVivo) and any publications.
- Mention the exact post applied for in the email subject line: “Application for Research Assistant – ICSSR Project” or “Application for Field Investigator – ICSSR Project”.
- Attach the CV (preferably PDF, under 5 MB) and any supporting certificates.
- Send the email only to mohanty_aditya@lkouniv.ac.in before 4 September 2026.
- Keep a copy of the sent email and attachment for your records.
Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date and venue by the Project Director. No TA/DA is payable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending the CV to a generic university email instead of the exact address mohanty_aditya@lkouniv.ac.in.
- Using a vague subject line that does not mention the post name and “ICSSR Project”.
- Attaching a poorly formatted or incomplete CV that does not list software skills or Bihar/development-sector experience.
- Waiting until 4 September evening — email delivery delays can cause rejection.
- Expecting a permanent job or regularisation after the project ends (explicitly barred).
लखनऊ विश्वविद्यालय रिसर्च असिस्टेंट एवं फील्ड इन्वेस्टिगेटर भर्ती 2026 – 4 पदों के लिए ईमेल आवेदन
लखनऊ विश्वविद्यालय के समाजशास्त्र विभाग में आईसीएसएसआर द्वारा वित्तपोषित एक प्रमुख शोध परियोजना के अंतर्गत रिसर्च असिस्टेंट और फील्ड इन्वेस्टिगेटर के कुल 4 पदों पर भर्ती निकाली गई है। परियोजना का शीर्षक “सत्तत जीविकोपार्जन योजना (अल्ट्रा-पुअर ग्रेजुएशन अप्रोच) के माध्यम से आजीविका अनुदान द्वारा गरीबी उन्मूलन का समाजशास्त्रीय अध्ययन” है। अंतिम तिथि 4 सितंबर 2026 है।
कौन आवेदन कर सकता है? सोशल साइंस में पोस्टग्रेजुएट डिग्री वाले उम्मीदवार दोनों पदों के लिए पात्र हैं। रिसर्च असिस्टेंट पद के लिए नेट/एम.फिल/पीएच.डी अनिवार्य है। फील्ड इन्वेस्टिगेटर पद के लिए 55 प्रतिशत अंकों के साथ पोस्टग्रेजुएट पर्याप्त है। बिहार या विकास क्षेत्र में अनुभव वाले उम्मीदवारों को प्राथमिकता दी जाएगी।
वेतन और चयन प्रक्रिया क्या है? रिसर्च असिस्टेंट को ₹37,000 प्रति माह तथा फील्ड इन्वेस्टिगेटर को ₹20,000 प्रति माह का समेकित पारिश्रमिक मिलेगा। चयन शॉर्टलिस्टिंग के बाद साक्षात्कार के माध्यम से होगा। कोई आवेदन शुल्क नहीं है।
आवेदन कैसे करें? विस्तृत सीवी ईमेल द्वारा mohanty_aditya@lkouniv.ac.in पर भेजें। विषय पंक्ति में पद का नाम अवश्य लिखें। विस्तृत जानकारी आधिकारिक वेबसाइट www.lkouniv.ac.in पर उपलब्ध है।
How Are Candidates Selected?
Selection is a two-stage process:
- Shortlisting of applications based on qualifications, experience and skills listed in the CV.
- Interview/selection process for shortlisted candidates.
No written examination is mentioned. The decision of the Selection Committee is final and binding. Appointment remains purely temporary and is based on satisfactory performance.
Why Does University of Lucknow Matter?
The University of Lucknow is one of the oldest public state universities in Uttar Pradesh, established in the early twentieth century and accredited A++ by NAAC. Its Department of Sociology regularly hosts ICSSR-funded projects that examine poverty, livelihoods and social policy.
This particular study focuses on Bihar’s Satat Jivikoparjan Yojana, a flagship ultra-poor graduation programme. Working on the project gives direct exposure to large-scale livelihood interventions and primary data collection in one of India’s poorest states.
The downside is clear: the engagement is strictly contractual, time-bound and offers no path to permanent university employment.
The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst’s Take
Compared with other recent ICSSR project openings at Allahabad University or central universities, this Lucknow-based drive stands out for its focus on Bihar’s ultra-poor graduation scheme and the relatively higher Research Assistant remuneration of ₹37,000. Most similar project posts still offer the older ₹16,000–₹20,000 band.
Best fit: Postgraduates in Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology or Development Studies who already have field exposure in Bihar or the development sector and want short-term, high-intensity research experience under a central government project.
Who should skip: Candidates looking for permanent university jobs, those unwilling to travel extensively in Bihar, or anyone expecting pension or long-term benefits.
Practical tip: In your CV and email subject line, clearly flag any prior work on livelihood projects, JEEViKA-related studies or quantitative software skills — these are the exact preferences listed by the Project Director.
What Documents Are Required?
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae
- Self-attested copies of educational certificates and mark sheets (PG and above)
- NET/M.Phil/Ph.D certificate (for Research Assistant)
- Experience certificates, if any
- Proof of identity and address
- Any publications or sample reports (helpful for RA post)
Carry originals at the time of interview for verification.
Also Read: NIT Raipur Narayanpur Field Supervisor Recruitment 2026 – Walk-in for 3 Posts under DMFT Project
What Happens After Selection?
- Shortlisted candidates receive an interview call from the Project Director.
- After a successful interview, an offer letter for contractual engagement is issued.
- Joining formalities and brief orientation on the project objectives are completed at the Department of Sociology, University of Lucknow.
- Research Assistant begins coordination and analysis work; Field Investigators start data collection in Bihar districts.
- Monthly remuneration is released subject to attendance and satisfactory progress reports.
- Engagement continues only till the project duration or earlier termination for unsatisfactory performance. No claim for regularisation exists.
Contact & Helpline
Project Director Dr Aditya Mohanty, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow – 226007
Email: mohanty_aditya@lkouniv.ac.in Contact No.: 06299108705
⚠️ Contact details sourced from the official notification. Verify before contacting. NEVER pay any money over the phone or to any person claiming to offer job assistance. Report fraud to cybercrime.gov.in.
Important Links – University of Lucknow RA & FI 2026
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Notification PDF | Download University of Lucknow ICSSR Research Staff Advertisement August 2026 PDF |
| Apply by Email | Send detailed CV for University of Lucknow ICSSR Project 2026 |
| Official Website | University of Lucknow recruitment / current openings page |
FAQs – University of Lucknow Research Assistant & Field Investigator 2026
Q1: What is the last date to apply for University of Lucknow Research Assistant 2026?
A: 4 September 2026. Late applications are generally not accepted, and no extension has been announced as of 23 August 2026.
Q2: What is the age limit for the University of Lucknow Research Assistant?
A: Not mentioned in the official notification. Candidates should confirm directly with the Project Director if any upper age limit applies under ICSSR norms.
Q3: Is there an exam for University of Lucknow Field Investigator, or is it interview-based?
A: No written exam. Shortlisted candidates are called for the interview/selection process only.
Q4: What is the salary of a University of Lucknow Research Assistant?
A: ₹37,000 per month consolidated for Research Assistant and ₹20,000 per month for Field Investigator, as per ICSSR norms. Payment is performance-linked.
Q5: Can final-year students or result-awaited candidates apply for University of Lucknow 2026?
A: The notification requires a completed postgraduate degree with the prescribed percentage. Final-year candidates should apply only if they can produce the degree by the time of the interview.
Q6: Is University of Lucknow Research Assistant a permanent government job?
A: No. The posts are purely contractual and co-terminus with the ICSSR project. There is no claim for regularisation or permanent absorption.
Q7: Can candidates from other states apply for University of Lucknow recruitment?
A: Yes. No domicile restriction is mentioned. Field work, however, will be conducted in Bihar districts.
Q8: Where will I be posted if I get selected for the University of Lucknow Field Investigator?
A: The administrative base is Lucknow. Field Investigators will travel extensively to designated districts of Bihar for surveys and interviews.
Q9: Is University of Lucknow ICSSR project worth applying for?
A: Worth knowing before you apply: the remuneration is competitive for project staff and the topic is policy-relevant, but the engagement is short-term with no permanent prospects.
Q10: What software skills are needed for the Research Assistant post?
A: Knowledge of MS-Office/Google Suite is essential. Familiarity with SPSS, NVivo or similar data-analysis packages is strongly preferred.
Q11: Do research project staff at central universities get pension?
A: No. These contractual project posts carry neither pension nor NPS contributions unless specifically stated (none here).
Q12: How much do ICSSR Field Investigators typically earn?
A: Current ICSSR norms place Field Investigator remuneration at ₹20,000 per month, matching this notification.
Q13: Can I leave the project early if selected?
A: The appointment is temporary and can be terminated for unsatisfactory performance. Early exit terms are governed by the offer letter issued by the Project Director.
Final Checklist – Is This the Right Job for You?
- You hold a postgraduate degree in a Social Science discipline with the required marks.
- You are comfortable with purely contractual, time-bound engagement and no permanent claim.
- You can travel for fieldwork in Bihar (especially for Field Investigator posts).
- Your CV clearly highlights research experience, software skills and any Bihar/development-sector work.
- You will email the detailed CV to the exact address before 4 September 2026.
📄 Source: Official notification released by the University of Lucknow on or around 22 August 2026. All details sourced from the University of Lucknow ICSSR Research Staff Advertisement PDF.