TN Forest Department Nilgiri Tahr Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 – Apply Offline

One Senior Research Fellow post on a contractual basis, purely temporary, at a consolidated pay of Rs.35,000 per month, is open under Project Nilgiri Tahr of the Tamilnadu Forest Department, Coimbatore (Notification No.02/2026). The post needs an M.Sc. (or M.V.Sc./B.V.Sc. with the listed diploma) in wildlife or a related subject plus at least one year of research experience, and is open to Indian nationals only. Applications must be sent in hard copy only by post and must be received by 20 November 2026 (Friday) up to 5.00 PM.

Project Nilgiri Tahr Senior Research Fellow at a Glance

The official notification does not specify the application fee.

About Project Nilgiri Tahr

Project Nilgiri Tahr is a project of the Tamilnadu Forest Department with its office at Forest campus, Coimbatore. According to the notice, the Project Nilgiri Tahr office in Coimbatore serves as the nodal office for implementing the activities of the project. The Senior Research Fellow will carry out Nilgiri Tahr project work in the entire Nilgiri Tahr habitat across Tamil Nadu state.

Who Can Apply

Essential Qualification

• M.Sc. Degree in Wildlife biology/Wildlife science/Wildlife studies/Wildlife ecology/Zoology/Forestry/Wildlife biology and conservation/Wildlife conservation action/M.V.Sc. in Wildlife science, or
• M.Sc. degree in Botany/Life science/Environmental science/Ornithology with Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Wildlife Management, or
• B.V.Sc. degree with a Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Wildlife Management or a Postgraduate Diploma in Wild Animal Disease Management.

Experience

Minimum one year of research experience in wildlife management, translocation of wild life, spatial data analysis, GIS experience, research in wildlife, field works, publication of research and management plan preparation.

Desirable Qualification

• A proven record of 01 published research article in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Knowledge of R and other related statistical software.
• Good oral presentation and writing skills.
• Very good physical endurance and the ability to stay in forest and wildlife areas to work in the mountain environment.
• Fluency in the Tamil language is preferable.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The maximum age limit for Senior Research Fellow is 30 years as on 20 November 2026. The upper age limit may be relaxed up to 5 years for candidates belonging to the SC/ST/BC and Women category, as per Government of Tamil Nadu norms. Candidates seeking relaxation must enclose a community certificate.

Nationality

The post is open to Indian nationals only.

Candidates should check the official notification for the full eligibility of the post.

Pay and Tenure

The Senior Research Fellow gets a consolidated pay of Rs.35,000/- per month. The engagement is on a contractual basis and the position is purely on a temporary basis. The length of the contract is not specified in the notice. Selected candidates are expected to join immediately, as the project has very strict timelines.

How to Apply for Project Nilgiri Tahr Senior Research Fellow

1. Get the prescribed application form: it is printed with the notification and can be downloaded from http://forests.tn.nic.in, https://tnprojectnilgiritahr.com/notification/ or https://www.aiwc.res.in/.
2. Fill in the form: post code, post, project name, notification number, category, addresses, date of birth and age as on 20.11.2026, academic record, fellowships received, employment held, publications, seminars, extracurricular activities and three referees with full postal address and phone number.
3. Affix a recent passport size photograph and sign the form.
4. Attach separate sheets for your biodata as a research worker (creative achievement) and for the national parks, sanctuaries and forest areas visited with a paragraph on your interest in wildlife conservation and research.
5. Enclose the self-attested copies listed below.
6. Send the hard copy only by post to: Project Director, Project Nilgiri Tahr, Bharathi Park Road, Coimbatore – 641 043.
7. Make sure the application is received by 20 November 2026 (Friday) up to 5.00 PM.

Documents named in the notice

• Self-attested copies of educational qualification documents and mark sheets of all examinations (academic documents are compulsory).
• Proof of research experience and of employment held so far (compulsory).
• Proof of date of birth.
• Documents on extracurricular activities.
• Community certificate if seeking relaxation; for SC/ST/BC/MBC, a photocopy of the caste certificate issued by the competent authority.
• Reprints of research publications and proof of seminars, symposiums, workshops or conferences attended (optional, “may be enclosed”).

Selection and Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview. The date and time of the interview will be intimated individually by email to the shortlisted candidates, and the interview will be in either online or physical mode. The Forest Department will not provide accommodation, and no TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview. When candidates score equivalent marks, the senior person in terms of date of birth will be given priority.

Important Dates

Important Instructions

• The application must be in the prescribed format and duly signed.
• If wilful concealment, misrepresentation of facts or canvassing is found during verification of original documents or even after selection, the application will be rejected and due action will be taken.
• The Project Director, Project Nilgiri Tahr, Coimbatore reserves the right to reject any candidate for incomplete information or for any other reason.
• Applicants should be cautious of touts and agents who may cheat by making false promises of jobs; the Forest Department is not responsible for any loss from such dealings.
• Contact email printed on the notice: [email protected].

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