CSIR-SERC Scientist Recruitment (Advt. No. SE-2/2025): 30 Posts Open in Chennai
CSIR–Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC), located on CSIR Road, Taramani, Chennai – 600 113, has released Advertisement No. SE-2/2025 inviting applications for the post of Scientist. As a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), CSIR-SERC plays a key national role in multidisciplinary R&D programmes in structural engineering and infrastructure technologies. The present notification announces 30 Scientist vacancies in Pay Matrix Level-11, combining attractive emoluments, clear promotion pathways and an opportunity to work on nationally significant research and consultancy assignments.
CSIR–Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC), Chennai, has announced Advertisement No. SE-2/2025 for 30 Scientist posts in Pay Matrix Level-11. This Scientist recruitment drive offers a rare chance to work on high-impact structural engineering research, national infrastructure projects and advanced testing programmes at a premier CSIR laboratory.
About CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre
CSIR-SERC is a specialised national research centre dedicated to structural engineering, advanced construction materials, structural safety and infrastructure systems. The laboratory undertakes both basic research into the behaviour of materials and structures and applied R&D that informs the design and assessment of real-world projects such as bridges, industrial structures, towers and offshore platforms.
In addition to its research mandate, the centre actively supports government and industry
Overview of the Scientist Recruitment
Under Advertisement No. SE-2/2025, CSIR-SERC invites online applications for the post of Scientist with the following headline features:
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Name of the Post: Scientist
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Total Number of Posts: 30
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Advertisement Number: SE-2/2025
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Place of Posting: CSIR-SERC, CSIR Road, Taramani, Chennai – 600 113
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Mode of Application: Online only, via the Recruitment section of the CSIR-SERC website
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These positions are intended for motivated engineers and researchers who wish to engage in high-level structural engineering R&D in a mission-oriented organisation that supports national infrastructure and safety initiatives.
Vacancy Details and Reservation Status
The 30 Scientist positions have been distributed across reservation categories as follows:
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UR (Unreserved): 12
posts -
SC (Scheduled Caste): 4 posts
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ST (Scheduled Tribe): 3 posts
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OBC (NCL – Non-Creamy Layer): 8 posts
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EWS (Economically Weaker Sections): 3 posts
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Reservation is applied strictly in accordance with Government of India and CSIR norms. Therefore, candidates claiming reservation or age relaxation must possess valid and up-to-date certificates in the prescribed format. Applicants should ensure that their category details in the online form exactly match the documentary evidence they propose to upload.
Pay Matrix Level and Total Emoluments
The Scientist post at CSIR-SERC is a Group-A scientific position governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission.
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Pay Matrix Level: 11
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Approximate Total Emoluments: ₹1,38,652/- per month, inclusive of admissible allowances for the Chennai station
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This figure is indicative, since allowances may vary with revisions in government orders or changes in posting location. Nevertheless, it clearly signals a highly competitive compensation package, supplemented by CSIR benefits such as pension, medical facilities, leave travel concession and other perks available to permanent scientific staff.
Upper Age Limit
and Relaxation
For this recruitment, the upper age limit for the Scientist post is 32 years, calculated as on the last date of receipt of online applications.
However, candidates from reserved categories and other eligible groups can claim age relaxation as per established rules. Relaxation is generally admissible for SC, ST, OBC (NCL), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities, Ex-servicemen and certain other categories specified in CSIR and Government of India guidelines. Applicants seeking relaxation should carefully review the detailed notification and upload the appropriate supporting documents to avoid rejection at the scrutiny stage.
Essential Qualifications and Discipline-Specific Requirements
The detailed discipline-wise eligibility criteria, educational qualifications and experience requirements are outlined in the full notification available on the CSIR-SERC website. In broad terms, candidates should possess a strong academic and research background in fields relevant to structural engineering.
Core Academic Background
Typically, applicants are expected to have:
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A relevant undergraduate degree in engineering or allied disciplines (for example, B.E. or B.Tech. in Civil or Structural Engineering, or an equivalent qualification)
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A postgraduate degree in a specialised area related to structural engineering, structural dynamics, earthquake engineering, wind engineering, construction materials, computational mechanics or similar domains
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Wherever specified, a PhD or
equivalent research experience in a closely aligned field
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Degrees must be obtained from recognised universities or institutions, and the advertisement may stipulate minimum marks or class at each level.
Research and Professional Track Record
In addition to formal qualifications, CSIR-SERC places weight on evidence of research capability and professional excellence. Candidates are therefore encouraged to highlight:
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Peer-reviewed journal publications and conference papers
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Contributions to design, testing or proof-checking of major structures
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Patents, software tools or methodologies developed
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Experience with advanced experimental techniques or numerical modelling
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Participation in sponsored projects, consultancy assignments or interdisciplinary collaborations
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A well-documented research and professional portfolio significantly strengthens the case for selection, especially when competition is intense.
Key Dates for Online Applications
The advertisement specifies a clear window for online application submission:
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Commencement of online applications: 21-11-2025, 11:00 hrs
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Last date for submission of online applications: 22-12-2025, 17:00 hrs
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Candidates must complete all stages—including registration, form filling, document upload and fee payment—within this timeframe. Since technical issues and last-minute rushes are common, it is prudent to submit the application well in advance of the closing date. For future planning, aspirants can tentatively expect the next cycle around November 2026, although exact dates will be confirmed later and we will update soon when a new advertisement appears.
Application Process – Step-by-Step Guide
All interested candidates are required to apply exclusively through the online mode. No hard-copy or email applications are accepted.
Step 1 – Visit the Official Website
Navigate to www.serc.res.in and select the “Recruitment” link from the home page. The Scientist recruitment advertisement (Advt. No. SE-2/2025) and the online application link are hosted in this section.
Step 2 – Study the Detailed Notification
Before starting the form, carefully read the full advertisement, including eligibility criteria, reservation rules, instructions for document upload, and fee details. This ensures that you understand the requirements and can assemble scanned copies of all necessary documents in the prescribed formats.
Step 3 – Register and Complete the Online Form
Create a user account if prompted, using a valid email ID and mobile number. Then fill in:
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Personal information, including category and contact details
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Educational qualifications at each level
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Employment and research experience
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Details of publications, projects, patents and other achievements
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Accuracy is crucial, since any mismatch between form entries and certificates may lead to rejection during scrutiny.
Step 4 – Upload Supporting Documents
Upload scanned copies of degree certificates, mark sheets, category certificates, experience letters, publication lists and any other documents mentioned in the advertisement. File names, formats and size limits should strictly follow the instructions to avoid technical rejection.
Step 5 – Pay the Application Fee (Where Applicable)
The category-wise application fee and payment mode are set out in the detailed notification. After payment, retain a copy of the transaction details and confirm that the fee status is updated in the portal.
Step 6 – Final Submission and Record Keeping
Once all sections are completed, review the entire form carefully. After ensuring there are no errors, submit the application. Download or print the final application for future reference, especially for interview calls or document verification.
Any corrigendum or addendum issued after publication of the advertisement will appear only on the CSIR-SERC website, so applicants should monitor the Recruitment section periodically.
Selection Process for CSIR-SERC Scientist Posts
The selection methodology for Scientist positions in CSIR laboratories is typically multi-stage and rigorous. While exact details are provided in the notification, candidates can expect the following broad sequence:
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Screening of Applications
All online applications are scrutinised to verify eligibility, completeness and conformity with the advertisement. At this stage, the institute may apply criteria stricter than the minimum to prepare a manageable shortlist. -
Written Test or Technical Presentation (If Required)
Depending on the response and nature of the post, shortlisted candidates may be asked to appear for a written test or deliver a technical presentation to demonstrate subject knowledge and communication skills. -
Interview by the Selection Committee
Candidates who clear the earlier stages are invited for an interview with a duly constituted Selection Committee. The committee assesses technical depth, research aptitude, problem-solving ability and suitability for CSIR-SERC’s ongoing and future programmes. -
Final Recommendation and Appointment
Only those candidates who meet the required benchmark across all stages are recommended for appointment. Final selection is subject to verification of documents, medical fitness and approval by the competent authority.
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Why Consider a Scientist Career at CSIR-SERC?
Opting for a Scientist position at CSIR-SERC can be strategically valuable for researchers and engineers who wish to build a long-term career in structural engineering.
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National Impact: Scientists contribute directly to the safety, durability and sustainability of critical infrastructure across India, from bridges and metros to special structures.
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Advanced Infrastructure: The centre houses large-scale structural testing facilities, earthquake and wind engineering laboratories, fatigue and fracture labs and sophisticated computational resources, allowing high-end experimental and numerical work.
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Collaborative Ecosystem: Regular interaction with other CSIR labs, academic institutions, government agencies and industry partners creates rich opportunities for joint projects, consultancy assignments and technology transfer.
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Structured Career Growth: CSIR service rules offer clear promotion pathways, performance-linked rewards, and the possibility of leading major projects and divisions over time.
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For aspirants interested in research, consultancy and standards development, this recruitment drive opens a doorway to a career that combines academic rigour with real-world impact.
Conclusion
The CSIR-SERC Scientist Recruitment (Advt. No. SE-2/2025), with 30 Scientist posts in Pay Matrix Level-11 and approximate starting emoluments of ₹1,38,652/-, represents a substantial opportunity for qualified engineers and researchers seeking a permanent scientific career in structural engineering. With a defined upper age limit of 32 years, clearly structured reservation, fixed online application dates and a transparent multi-stage selection process, the notification offers all the information needed for serious aspirants to plan, prepare and apply confidently. Prospective candidates should now visit the CSIR-SERC Recruitment section, download the detailed advertisement and submit their online applications well ahead of the closing date, while also tracking future cycles tentatively expected around November 2026 for updated openings.
Quick Program Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
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| Program Name | CSIR-SERC Scientist Recruitment – Advertisement No. SE-2/2025 |
| Host Country | India |
| Funded By | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India |
| Duration | Permanent scientific position as per CSIR service rules |
| Study Mode | Full-time research, development, consultancy and institutional responsibilities |
| Eligibility | Indian nationals with prescribed degrees, experience and age criteria |
| Financial Support | Pay Matrix Level-11; approximate starting emoluments about ₹1,38,652 per month including admissible allowances |
| Fields of Study | Structural engineering and allied disciplines: civil/structural, dynamics, materials, computational mechanics |
| Deadline | Online applications: November–December 2025; next expected cycle: around November 2026 (we will update soon) |
| Official Website | (CSIR-SERC Official Website) |
Frequently Asked Questions
CSIR-SERC Scientist recruitment invites Indian nationals to join as Group-A Scientists in structural engineering and allied areas through a centrally administered, research-focused selection process.
CSIR-SERC appoints scientists in Pay Matrix Level-11 with approximate starting monthly emoluments of about ₹1.38 lakh, including admissible allowances at the Chennai station.
The upper age limit is 32 years on the closing date of online applications, while age relaxation applies as per CSIR and Government of India guidelines.
Eligible disciplines mainly include civil and structural engineering, structural dynamics, earthquake and wind engineering, construction materials, computational mechanics and closely related structural engineering specialisations.
Yes, fresh PhD holders in relevant structural engineering areas may apply, provided they meet essential qualifications, age criteria and any additional requirements specified in the detailed notification.
You must visit the CSIR-SERC website, open the Recruitment section, register, fill the online form, upload documents, pay the fee if applicable, and finally submit the application.
The selection process usually includes application screening, shortlisting, a written test or technical presentation if required, followed by an interview with a duly constituted Selection Committee.
You typically upload degree certificates, mark sheets, category certificates, proof of age, experience certificates, publication list and other supporting documents mentioned in the official advertisement.
