National Innovation Foundation (NIF) Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 23 Contractual Positions till 10th Feb 2026

The National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF), an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, has released Advertisement No. 01/2026 inviting online applications from highly motivated and eligible professionals for engagement in various contractual positions across India.

This recruitment offers an excellent opportunity for candidates from science, engineering, agriculture, social sciences, management, and innovation ecosystems to work with a nationally reputed institution supporting grassroots innovations.

Key Highlights

• Organization: National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF)

• Governing Body: Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India

• Advertisement No.: 01/2026

• Total Positions: 23

• Nature of Engagement: Contractual (Initially 2 years, extendable based on performance)

• Job Location: Anywhere in India

• Mode of Application: Online

• Last Date to Apply: 10 February 2026

Posts and Vacancy Details

NIF has announced vacancies across multiple seniority levels, including:

Manager

• Posts: 01

• Emoluments: 67,000 – 96,000 + HRA

• Qualification: Ph.D. in Science (Zoology preferred) with 5 years’ experience

• Upper Age Limit: 55 years

Principal Associate

• Posts: 03

• Emoluments: 56,000 – 75,000 + HRA

• Qualification: Ph.D. / MBA / Master’s with relevant experience

• Upper Age Limit: 50 years

Research Associate (RA-III / RA-II / RA-I)

• Posts: 05

• Emoluments: 58,000 – 67,000 + HRA

• Qualification: M.E./M.Tech / Ph.D. / Master’s degree with experience

• Upper Age Limit: 40 years

Senior Associate

• Posts: 02

• Emoluments: 53,000 – 71,000 + HRA

• Qualification: MBA / Science / Social Science / Patent Agent qualification

• Upper Age Limit: 50 years

Senior Fellow

• Posts: 04

• Emoluments: 47,000 – 66,000 + HRA

• Qualification: Master’s / Ph.D. in Social Sciences, Sciences, Engineering, Communication, IT, etc.

• Upper Age Limit: 45 years

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Junior Associate

• Posts: 06

• Emoluments: 44,000 – 58,000 + HRA

• Qualification: Bachelor’s / Master’s degree with minimum 2 years’ experience

• Upper Age Limit: 35 years

Junior Fellow

• Posts: 06

• Emoluments: 35,000 – 44,000 + HRA

• Qualification: Bachelor’s / Master’s degree (Engineering, Agriculture, Life Sciences, MCA, etc.)

• Upper Age Limit: 35 years

Age Relaxation

Upper age limit is relaxable for SC / ST / OBC / PwBD candidates as per Central Government norms.

Selection Process

• Applications will be scrutinized based on eligibility

• Only shortlisted candidates will be called for interview

• Mere possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee selection

Important Notes for Candidates

• All posts are purely contractual

• NIF reserves the right to vary the number of vacancies

• Posting can be anywhere in India

• Candidates working in Govt./PSU/Autonomous bodies must apply through proper channel

• Canvassing in any form will lead to disqualification

How to Apply

Eligible candidates must apply online through the official application link provided in the notification.

????? Last Date for Online Application: 10 February 2026

Why Consider NIF?

Working with NIF provides exposure to:

• Grassroots innovations & traditional knowledge systems

• National-level research & policy ecosystem

• Field-based innovation documentation and impact assessment

• Collaboration with scientists, innovators, and institutions across India

Best of luck!!