Sikkim University Gangtok Research Assistant & Field Investigator Recruitment 2026 – Apply by Email for 5 Project Posts

Vacancies: 5 · Posts: 2 · Type: Contractual · Mode: Email · Fee: Not mentioned · Apply: 08 Sep–15 Sep 2026 · Remuneration: ₹20,000–₹37,000/month consolidated · Selection: Shortlist + Interview · Location: Gangtok, Sikkim

Sikkim University is mapping Self-Help Groups across every district of Sikkim, and the Department of Sociology needs five project researchers on campus before mid-October. The drive is not a regular central-university vacancy. It is project staff work under the study “State-Wide Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of Self-Help Groups of Sikkim,” funded by the Sikkim Rural Livelihood Mission, Rural Development Department, Government of Sikkim.

Sikkim University, a Central University established by an Act of Parliament in 2007 under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, is hiring 1 Research Assistant and 4 Field Investigators at Gangtok. Applications go only by email to Co-PI Mr. Binod Bhattarai at bbhattarai@cus.ac.in on or before 15 September 2026. The interview is fixed for 18 September 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Department of Sociology, 5th Mile, Tadong.

A Research Assistant draws ₹37,000 a month, consolidated for six months. Field Investigators draw ₹20,000 a month consolidated for three months. There is no written exam. The Project Appointment Committee shortlists from email applications, then interviews and checks originals.

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Who Should Apply?

• MA / M.Sc / MSW in Social Science with 55% → Research Assistant – 1 post
  Preferred (weightage, not mandatory): UGC-NET / SLET / PhD; Gender Studies; SPSS, Excel or other data tools; research-report writing; local language (Nepali / Bhutia / Lepcha).
• MA / M.Sc / MSW in Social Science or Human Sciences → Field Investigator – 4 posts
  Preferred: field-work experience; local language. No minimum percentage is printed for this post.
• Serving university or government staff → may apply if they can join at once and produce employer permission when asked at joining. The advertisement does not demand an NOC before emailing the form.

Research Assistant vs Field Investigator

Who cannot apply

• Research Assistant applicants without a Social Science postgraduate degree and 55% marks
• Field Investigator applicants without a postgraduate degree in Social Science or Human Sciences
• Candidates who cannot attend the Gangtok interview on 18 September 2026 if shortlisted

Important Dates

No extension is printed in the current advertisement.

Quick Overview – Sikkim University Research Assistant 2026

• Organisation: Sikkim University (Central University)
• Department: Department of Sociology
• Sector: Higher Education & Social Science Research
• Notification / Advertisement No.: Not printed on the advertisement
• Project: State-Wide Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of Self-Help Groups of Sikkim
• Funding agency: Sikkim Rural Livelihood Mission, Rural Development Department, Government of Sikkim
• Principal Investigator: Prof. Sandhya Thapa
• Co-PIs: Mr Binod Bhattarai; Dr Winkeyla Bhutia (Sikkim Government College, Burtuk)
• Job Location: Gangtok, Sikkim (Department of Sociology, 5th Mile / Joredhara, Tadong)
• Official Website: Sikkim University notifications page
• Last Date: 15 September 2026
• Apply by Email: Email application for Sikkim University Research Assistant 2026
• Notification PDF: Download Sikkim University Research Assistant & Field Investigator Advertisement September 2026 PDF

What Posts Are Available?

Both designations sit on the same SHG impact study. The Research Assistant stays closer to the schedule, design, analysis and the report. Field Investigators collect data from sampled SHGs in all districts of Sikkim and complete data entry.

Relevant Social Science / Human Sciences streams typically include Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Psychology, Political Science, Economics, Rural Development, Gender Studies and Public Administration. Use the CGPA to Percentage Calculator if your marksheet is in CGPA. Use the conversion method specified by your university. This calculator is only an indicative estimate.

Mandatory vs preferred: NET, SLET or PhD is not a hard filter for the Research Assistant post. The advertisement only says such candidates “will be given preference.” Field experience and local language are desirable, not compulsory.

Your postgraduate marks decide who reaches the interview
There is no written test. Shortlisting is done by the Project Appointment Committee from the emailed form and documents. Interview performance plus original-document checks decide appointment. A weak application packet can keep you off the 18 September list even if you prepare well for the interview.

✅ Confirmed: 1 Research Assistant + 4 Field Investigators; consolidated pay; email deadline 15 September 2026; interview 18 September 2026, 11:00 AM; Sociology department venue at 5th Mile, Tadong.
❓ Not specified: numerical age band, category-wise vacancy split, application fee, written-exam syllabus, DA/HRA, NPS or absorption.

Eligibility – Education, Age & Domicile

Research Assistant: Postgraduate degree in Social Science with at least 55% from a recognised university. Preference for NET / SLET / PhD. Desirable: Gender Studies, SPSS / Excel or similar tools, report writing, local language.

Field Investigator: Postgraduate degree in Social Science or Human Sciences from a recognised university. Desirable: fieldwork experience and local language.

Domicile: No Sikkim domicile bar is printed. Candidates from other states may apply. Local language is an added advantage because fieldwork covers all districts.

Experience: Not mandatory. Prior SHG, gender or hill-area fieldwork helps. Use the Experience Calculator if you need to total internships and project months.

What Is the Age Limit?

The official advertisement does not print a minimum or maximum age, and it does not list category-wise relaxation figures. Do not assume a 35-year or 40-year cap from other university project ads.

Age, if applied at all, will follow Sikkim University / funding-agency rules at the discretion of the Project Appointment Committee. Confirm at shortlisting before treating any number as final.

Examples cannot be dated until the university states a cut-off.

Use our Age Eligibility Calculator only after an official age band is communicated.

What Is the Remuneration for Research Assistants in Sikkim?

Pay is consolidated. The advertisement does not add DA, HRA, transport allowance or NPS.

The figures above are the amounts printed in the advertisement. Actual credit depends on attendance, project continuation and any statutory deductions the university applies. Hostel, canteen or field TA is not promised in the notice.

This is project remuneration, not 7th CPC Level pay. Do not compare it with a regular Assistant Professor or Section Officer salary without adjusting for tenure and benefits.

What Is the Application Fee?

No application fee is mentioned for any category. Do not pay anyone who calls offering a “processing charge” or interview slot.

How to Apply by Email?

Sikkim University accepts these applications only by email. There is no Samarth apply button for this advertisement.

1. Download the prescribed form from the Sikkim University Research Assistant & Field Investigator Advertisement September 2026 PDF (the form is attached to the same file).
2. Fill one form per post. Write the exact post name on the first line.
3. Attach self-attested marksheets from Class 10 onward, PG certificate, NET/SLET/PhD proof if any, experience letters, publications list, photo and ID.
4. Merge into a single PDF under 5 MB. File name example: RA_YourName_SikkimUniversity_2026.pdf.
5. Email Mr Binod Bhattarai at bbhattarai@cus.ac.in on or before 15 September 2026.
6. Subject line: Application for Research Assistant – [Your Name] or Application for Field Investigator – [Your Name].
7. Send during working hours and keep the sent email copy plus attachment. Call 8016254703 only if you need a delivery confirmation, not to lobby for shortlisting.
8. If shortlisted, reach the Department of Sociology, Sikkim University, 5th Mile, Jorethara, Tadong, Gangtok at 11:00 AM on 18 September 2026 with originals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Emailing Prof. Sandhya Thapa at sthapa@cus.ac.in instead of the Co-PI address printed for applications (bbhattarai@cus.ac.in).
• Writing a free-form CV with no prescribed form and no post title.
• Treating 18 September as an open walk-in. Field Investigator notes say only shortlisted candidates will be called.
• Assuming NET is compulsory for the Research Assistant seat and not applying.
• Applying for Field Investigator if you cannot travel across Sikkim districts from mid-October.

सिक्किम विश्वविद्यालय गान्तोक रिसर्च असिस्टेन्ट तथा फिल्ड इन्भेस्टिगेटर भर्ती २०२६ – ५ परियोजना पदका लागि इमेलबाट आवेदन

सिक्किम विश्वविद्यालयको समाजशास्त्र विभागले राज्यभरिका स्वयं सहायता समूहको सामाजिक-आर्थिक प्रभाव अध्ययनका लागि १ रिसर्च असिस्टेन्ट र ४ फिल्ड इन्भेस्टिगेटर खोजेको छ। यो नियमित विश्वविद्यालय जागिर होइन। सिक्किम ग्रामीण जीविकोपार्जन मिशन, ग्रामीण विकास विभागको परियोजना हो। इमेलको अन्तिम मिति १५ सेप्टेम्बर २०२६ हो। अन्तर्वार्ता १८ सेप्टेम्बर २०२६ बिहान ११ बजे तादोङको समाजशास्त्र विभागमा छ।

को आवेदन दिन सक्छ?
सामाजिक विज्ञानमा स्नातकोत्तर र कम्तीमा ५५ प्रतिशत ल्याएका उम्मेदवार रिसर्च असिस्टेन्टका लागि योग्य छन्। नेट, स्लेट वा पीएचडी भएकाहरूलाई प्राथमिकता दिइनेछ, तर अनिवार्य छैन। फिल्ड इन्भेस्टिगेटरका लागि सामाजिक विज्ञान वा ह्युमन साइन्सेसमा स्नातकोत्तर काफी छ। प्रतिशत सीमा यस पदमा लेखिएको छैन। स्थानीय भाषा र मैदानी अनुभव फाइदा हो।

तलब र काम के हो?
रिसर्च असिस्टेन्टलाई मासिक ३७,००० रुपैयाँ एकमुष्ट, छ महिनाका लागि। फिल्ड इन्भेस्टिगेटरलाई मासिक २०,००० रुपैयाँ एकमुष्ट, तीन महिनाका लागि। रिसर्च असिस्टेन्टले प्रश्नावली, विश्लेषण र प्रतिवेदनमा सहयोग गर्छ। फिल्ड इन्भेस्टिगेटरले सिक्किमका सबै जिल्लाका समूहबाट तथ्यांक संकलन र डाटा इन्ट्री गर्छ। अक्टोबर मध्यतिर मैदान जानुपर्ने सम्भावना छ।

आवेदन कसरी गर्ने?
निर्धारित फारम विज्ञापन पीडीएफबाट निकाली प्रमाणपत्रसहित bbhattarai@cus.ac.in मा पठाउनुहोस्। विषय पंक्तिमा पदको नाम लेख्नुहोस्। छनोट समितिले छानेपछि मात्र अन्तर्वार्तामा बोलाउँछ। लिखित परीक्षा छैन। विस्तृत सूचना cus.ac.in मा उपलब्ध छ।

How Are Candidates Selected?

1. Email application in the prescribed format by 15 September 2026.
2. Scrutiny by the Project Appointment Committee (PAC).
3. Interview of shortlisted candidates on 18 September 2026, 11:00 AM, Department of Sociology, 5th Mile, Tadong, Gangtok.
4. Verification of original certificates on the interview day.
5. Appointment letter. Research Assistant is expected to join immediately. Field Investigators are expected to start fieldwork from mid-October.

No written exam or skill test is mentioned. No TA/DA is paid for the interview. PAC’s decision is final, as stated on the application form. Ties, if any, will be resolved as per the procedure prescribed by the university or funding agency. That method is not printed.

Merit comes from the interview and document check. There is no salary negotiation stage in this advertisement.

Why Does Sikkim University Gangtok Matter?

Sikkim University is the state’s Central University, set up by the Sikkim University Act and overseen by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, and the University Grants Commission. The administration sits at 6th Mile, Samdur, Tadong, Gangtok. Teaching departments currently function from multiple buildings along NH-10 while the permanent campus at Yangang, Namchi district, is being developed.

The Department of Sociology sits in the School of Social Sciences. This assignment is field social research for the Sikkim Rural Livelihood Mission, not classroom teaching. Candidates searching “Sikkim University jobs,” “Gangtok research assistant vacancy” or “SHG field investigator Sikkim” usually want a short, paid research stint in the hills with a Central University letter on the CV.

One limitation is tenure. These five seats do not create a pipeline into regular non-teaching or faculty posts at the university. Browse other Sikkim University notices, Sikkim government jobs and higher-education project openings before treating this as a long-term berth.

The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst’s Take

Pay matches the familiar ICSSR project-staff slab (₹37,000 for Research Assistant, ₹20,000 for Field Investigator) that other central-university departments in Sikkim have used on separate ICSSR studies. The difference is the sponsor: Sikkim Rural Livelihood Mission rather than ICSSR, and the geography is every district, not one pocket of Darjeeling or Kalimpong. Anyone comparing this tab with a generic ICSSR RA circular should look at travel load first, not only the monthly figure.

Best fit: Social Science postgraduates who can move across Sikkim for SHG interviews, already use Excel or SPSS, and want a six-month or three-month research credit before NET, PhD fieldwork or an SRLM/NRLM consulting CV.

Who should walk past this notice: Applicants hunting a pensionable Central University post, candidates who cannot stay in Gangtok or tour remote Gram Panchayats in autumn, and anyone who needs DA, HRA or NPS from day one.

Practical tip: Send the prescribed form to bbhattarai@cus.ac.in before 15 September, name the post in the subject line, and attach one PDF. If you want the Field Investigator seat, state district-language skills and prior household-survey work in five lines. That is what the PAC will scan before 18 September.

What Documents Are Required for Sikkim Project Jobs?

Carry originals on 18 September 2026 if called. Email self-attested copies with the form.

• Passport-size photograph
• Class 10 and 12 marksheets (age and name proof)
• UG and PG marksheets and degree certificates
• NET / SLET / PhD certificate, if claiming preference
• Experience and relieving letters, if any
• Publication list and seminar certificates, if any
• Category certificate (Gen / SC / ST / OBC) as on the form
• Photo ID and proof of current email and mobile
• Filled declaration from the prescribed form

Document alert: PG marksheet must show 55% for Research Assistant. CGPA-only sheets should include the university conversion note.

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Service Conditions

Appointment follows Sikkim University and funding-agency rules. Posts run with the project. Research Assistant tenure is six months and may be extended on performance until the project ends. Field Investigator tenure is three months. Absorption into regular university service is not mentioned. Selected Research Assistants must join as soon as the letter is issued.

What Happens After Selection?

1. PAC finalises names after the 18 September interview and original-document check.
2. The Principal Investigator issues an appointment letter. Keep a scanned copy.
3. Research Assistant reports to the Department of Sociology at once and starts work on the interview schedule, analysis and draft report.
4. Field Investigators prepare for statewide SHG sampling; the advertisement says fieldwork is expected from mid-October.
5. Monthly consolidated remuneration is released as per university / SRLM project procedure, subject to work and continuation of the project.
6. Engagement ends on the printed tenure unless the PI extends the Research Assistant seat. No pension, regular increment or automatic next contract is described.

Based on similar university project drives, the gap from email to joining is usually days, not months, because the interview date is already fixed.

Contact & Helpline

Application email and Co-PI phone (use this for the form)
Mr Binod Bhattarai, Department of Sociology
Email: bbhattarai@cus.ac.in
Phone: 8016254703

Principal Investigator
Prof. Sandhya Thapa, Department of Sociology
Email: sthapa@cus.ac.in
Phone: 6296190673

Interview venue
Department of Sociology, Sikkim University, 5th Mile, Joredhara, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim

University office
Sikkim University, 6th Mile, Samdur, P.O. Tadong – 737102, Gangtok, Sikkim
Phone: +91-3592-251468 · Fax: +91-3592-251067
University contact page

⚠️ Contact details sourced from the official advertisement and university website. Verify before calling. NEVER pay any money over the phone or to any person claiming to offer job assistance. Report fraud to cybercrime.gov.in.

Important Links – Sikkim University Research Assistant 2026

FAQs – Sikkim University Research Assistant 2026

What is the last date to apply for Sikkim University Research Assistant 2026?

15 September 2026. Email the prescribed form and documents to bbhattarai@cus.ac.in by that date. No extension is printed in the current advertisement.

What is the age limit for Sikkim University Research Assistant?

Not printed. The advertisement gives no general age band and no SC/ST/OBC/PwBD figures. Treat age as subject to university or funding-agency rules only if the PAC states a limit at shortlisting.

Is there an exam for Sikkim University Research Assistant, or is it interview-based?

No written exam. Selection is email scrutiny by the Project Appointment Committee, an interview on 18 September 2026 at 11:00 AM, then original-document verification. Field Investigator notes say only shortlisted candidates will be called.

What is the salary of a Sikkim University Research Assistant?

₹37,000 per month consolidated for the Research Assistant. Field Investigators get ₹20,000 per month consolidated. No DA or HRA is listed. Indicative take-home is the same figure if no TDS is cut.

Can final-year students or result-awaited candidates apply for Sikkim University 2026?

The advertisement does not say final-year students may apply. Safer to treat the PG degree as already awarded, with the marksheet ready for 18 September. Do not assume result-awaited eligibility.

Is Sikkim University Research Assistant a permanent government job?

No. These are contractual project seats for six months (Research Assistant, extendable) or three months (Field Investigator). They run with the SRLM-funded SHG study. Regular university service is not offered in this notice.

Can candidates from other states apply for Sikkim University recruitment?

Yes. No domicile clause is printed. You must still reach Gangtok for the interview if shortlisted and, for Field Investigator, cover SHG samples in all districts. Local language remains an advantage.

Where will I be posted if I get selected for Sikkim University Research Assistant?

Gangtok base at the Department of Sociology, 5th Mile, Tadong. Field Investigators work with sampled SHGs across all districts of Sikkim. Research Assistants support schedules, analysis and the report from the project team.

Is a central university research assistant post worth doing for three to six months?

Yes, if you need supervised field hours and a PI letter before PhD or development-sector work. The trade-off is short tenure, consolidated pay and no absorption promise. Treat it as a paid research assignment, not a career ladder inside the university.

Do I need NET for the Field Investigator seat?

No. NET / SLET / PhD preference is written only under Research Assistant. Field Investigator needs a postgraduate degree in Social Science or Human Sciences. Field experience and local language help but are desirable.

What is the salary of a research assistant in central university projects?

Many ICSSR-style project assistants are paid around ₹37,000 a month consolidated, which is the figure here. State livelihood projects sometimes use the same slab. Allowances and tenure still depend on that specific sanction order.

Is livelihood-mission fieldwork useful if I plan a PhD in Sociology?

Yes for proposal writing and methods, because you will design or administer SHG schedules and enter district data. It does not replace coursework or NET. Three months is short, so keep field notes you can cite later with the PI’s permission.

Are project research assistants absorbed into regular central university jobs?

The honest downside is that absorption is not mentioned here. Project staff usually exit when the sanction ends. A later regular vacancy at Sikkim University would need a separate advertisement and a fresh application.

Pre-Contract Checklist – Before You Apply

• You hold the required postgraduate degree (and 55% for Research Assistant).
• You accept a fixed-term project contract (6 months or 3 months), not a permanent government job.
• You can work for ₹20,000 or ₹37,000 consolidated, with no printed DA/HRA/NPS.
• You can email the prescribed form to bbhattarai@cus.ac.in by 15 September 2026.
• You can attend the Gangtok interview on 18 September 2026 if shortlisted, with originals.
• Field Investigator applicants can start statewide SHG fieldwork from mid-October.
• You have read that PAC’s decision is final and no TA/DA is paid.

📄 Source: Official advertisement released by Sikkim University (Department of Sociology) in September 2026. All details sourced from the Sikkim University official project recruitment PDF.