CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow has opened applications for 8 Research Intern positions under Advertisement No. 12/2026. The internship is meant for fresh postgraduates in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry who completed their master’s degree in 2025-26.
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CDRI is one of India’s leading drug research laboratories and works under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology. An internship here gives hands-on experience in drug discovery research, which is valuable for anyone planning a PhD, a research career or a job in the pharmaceutical industry.
The selected interns will get a consolidated stipend of ₹12,500 per month and work under the project “CSIR-CDRI Research Internship Program” (CLP09007) until 31 March 2027. The application window is short. Forms must be submitted online by 12 November 2026, 11:59 PM, so eligible candidates should apply without delay.
CSIR-CDRI Research Intern 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Institute | CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow |
| Parent body | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Advertisement No. | 12/2026, dated 6 November 2026 |
| Post name | Research Intern |
| Post code | 001 |
| Number of positions | 8 |
| Project | CLP09007 – CSIR-CDRI Research Internship Program |
| Stipend | ₹12,500 per month (consolidated) |
| Tenure | Up to 31 March 2027 |
| Upper age limit | 28 years |
| Application mode | Online |
| Selection | Screening + online interview |
| Official website | cdri.res.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification date | 6 November 2026 |
| Online application starts | 6 November 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 12 November 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Shortlist of candidates | To be posted on the CDRI website |
| Online interview | Date to be sent by email to shortlisted candidates |
| Internship ends | 31 March 2027 |
Vacancy Details
| Post code | Post name | Positions | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Research Intern | 8 | ₹12,500 per month (consolidated) |
Eligibility Criteria
Essential Qualification
- A master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- The master’s degree must have been completed in the 2025-2026 academic year
This makes the internship a fresher-focused opportunity. Candidates who passed out in earlier years are not eligible.
Desirable Qualification
These are not compulsory but will strengthen your application:
- A qualified GATE, CSIR-NET (Life Sciences), DST-INSPIRE or GPAT score, or an equivalent national-level test
- Good knowledge of organic chemistry
M.Pharm graduates in Pharmaceutical Chemistry with a GPAT score are well placed, as are M.Sc Chemistry graduates with a GATE or NET qualification.
Age Limit
The upper age limit is 28 years, counted as on the last date of application (12 November 2026). Age relaxation applies as per Government of India rules:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD | 5 years |
| Women | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
Stipend and Tenure
Selected interns will receive a fixed monthly stipend of ₹12,500. No other allowances are mentioned in the notice. The internship runs under project CLP09007 and lasts until 31 March 2027. It is a temporary engagement and does not give any claim to a permanent post at CSIR or CDRI.
Selection Process
There is no written exam. Selection happens in three stages:
- Screening: A Screening Committee checks applications against the essential qualifications. If many candidates apply, it may add extra shortlisting criteria, such as academic marks or desirable qualifications, and call candidates in proportion to the 8 positions.
- Online interview: The list of shortlisted candidates will be published on the CDRI website. Interview dates will be sent to them by email.
- Document verification: Selected candidates’ original certificates (degree, marks, date of birth, category and age-relaxation documents) will be checked. Any mismatch cancels the selection.
Meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview call. Mention every extra qualification, project or research experience in your form, with proof.
How to Apply for CSIR-CDRI Research Intern 2026
Applications are accepted online only. Follow these steps:
- Go to the official CDRI website, cdri.res.in, and open the Recruitment section.
- Find Advertisement No. 12/2026 (Research Intern) and download the notification. Read it fully.
- Click the online application link for Advt. 12/2026.
- Fill in your personal, academic and contact details. Use an active email ID, since interview calls will come by email.
- Enter all qualifications, including GATE, NET, GPAT or INSPIRE scores and any research experience.
- If your marksheet shows CGPA or SGPA, convert it to a percentage using your university’s formula and upload proof of the conversion.
- Upload your photo, signature, certificates and category certificate (if claiming relaxation).
- Check the form carefully; it cannot be edited after final submission.
- Submit before 11:59 PM on 12 November 2026 and save a copy of the submitted form.
The notice does not mention any application fee. No hard copy needs to be sent to the institute.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Candidates must meet all eligibility conditions as on the last date of application.
- Late applications will be rejected without consideration.
- No TA or DA will be paid for attending the interview.
- The internship does not give any right to regular employment at CSIR or CDRI.
- CDRI may cancel the advertisement or post at any stage due to force majeure, project closure, lack of funds, or unfair practices.
- Canvassing or interim enquiries will not be entertained.
- CDRI’s decision on eligibility, shortlisting and selection is final.
FAQs
Q1. How many Research Intern positions are open at CSIR-CDRI?
There are 8 positions under Advertisement No. 12/2026, post code 001.
Q2. What is the last date to apply?
The last date is 12 November 2026, 11:59 PM.
Q3. Who can apply for the CDRI Research Internship 2026?
Candidates with a master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Chemistry, completed in 2025-26.
Q4. What is the stipend for CDRI Research Interns?
Interns get a consolidated stipend of ₹12,500 per month.
Q5. Is GATE, NET or GPAT compulsory?
No. These are desirable qualifications. They improve your chances of being shortlisted but are not required to apply.
Q6. What is the age limit?
The maximum age is 28 years, with 5 years’ relaxation for SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates.
Q7. Is there a written exam?
No. Shortlisted candidates face an online interview.
Q8. Can candidates who passed their master’s degree in 2024 apply?
No. The notice requires the master’s degree to have been completed in 2025-26.
Q9. How long does the internship last?
The internship runs until 31 March 2027.
Q10. Will the internship lead to a permanent job at CDRI?
No. The engagement is temporary and gives no right to a regular CSIR or CDRI post.
