National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar has opened applications for 1 Project Assistant position under the DPAA Archaeological Mission Support project, funded by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), USA. The role requires M.Sc. or M.A. qualification in forensic or archaeological sciences. Candidates have until 29/06/2026 to submit applications online.
NFSU Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar |
| Post Name | Project Assistant |
| Total Vacancies | 1 |
| Project Name | DPAA Activity 49 – Archaeological Mission Support |
| Principal Investigator | Dr. Gargi Jani |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://www.nfsu.ac.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Release | June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 29/06/2026 |
| Interview Date | 03/07/2026 (10:30 AM onwards, Hybrid Mode) |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates seeking this role must hold a postgraduate degree in forensic or archaeological sciences with strong academic performance and relevant field experience.
Educational Qualification
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Essential | M.Sc. Forensic Odontology / Forensic Anthropology / Forensic Science / M.A. Archaeology and Allied Sciences with minimum 60% aggregate |
| Desirable | Training in forensic archaeology and/or forensic anthropology, field work experience, strong communication skills |
Nature of Employment
This Project Assistant position is temporary and co-terminus with the project duration. Employment will conclude when the DPAA project ends.
Is This Role Right for You?
- Candidates holding a master’s degree in forensic science specializations (odontology, anthropology) or archaeology are eligible
- Minimum 60% aggregate score in your postgraduate degree is mandatory
- Field experience in forensic archaeology or anthropology strengthens your application despite being listed as desirable
- Work location is NFSU, Gandhinagar; no relocation allowance provided for interview attendance
- This is a temporary contract role lasting only the duration of the research project
NFSU Project Assistant – Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Project Assistant | 1 |
About the Project Assistant Role
Project Assistants in forensic research support ongoing investigations and archaeological fieldwork under faculty guidance. The role combines laboratory analysis with occasional field documentation, depending on project requirements. At NFSU, Project Assistants contribute to specialized research under the supervision of experienced forensic scientists and archaeologists, gaining hands-on experience in forensic anthropology and archaeology methodologies. This temporary position offers direct exposure to international research standards, as the project is funded by a U.S. defense agency focused on archaeological support.
Monthly Fellowship and Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fellowship | Approximately ₹36,000 per month (equivalent to $425 USD) |
| Nature | Fixed amount, co-terminus with project |
| Travel Allowance | No TA/DA provided for interview attendance |
The fellowship of approximately ₹36,000 monthly represents a temporary engagement package. No additional allowances, bonuses, or travel reimbursement will be provided. Candidates attending the interview in hybrid mode must arrange their own travel and accommodation.
How to Apply for NFSU Project Assistant Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official NFSU website at https://www.nfsu.ac.in
- Locate the recruitment notification link for DPAA Project Assistant (June 2026)
- Click the application form link or navigate directly to the Google Form provided
- Enter your personal details, educational qualifications, and work experience accurately
- Upload scanned copies of your M.Sc./M.A. degree certificate, mark sheets showing 60%+ aggregate, and any supporting documents (field work certificates, training records)
- Review all entered information thoroughly before submission
- Submit the form before 29/06/2026; late submissions will not be accepted
Ensure document file sizes do not exceed the specified limits and upload clear, legible scans. The form will not allow resubmission, so verify all details before final submission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Uploading unclear or low-resolution scans of degree certificates â the selection committee must verify your exact aggregate percentage
- Entering an aggregate score below 60% to appear more competitive â NFSU will reject applications with qualification documents showing less than 60%
- Applying without field experience when the desirable qualification explicitly mentions it â include any relevant training or fieldwork in your application
- Submitting the application in the final hours before 29/06/2026 â connectivity issues or form timeouts near the deadline may cause data loss
- Providing generic responses in the cover letter or motivation statement â explain your specific interest in forensic archaeology and the DPAA project
Documents Required
- Postgraduate degree certificate (M.Sc./M.A.)
- Mark sheets showing aggregate percentage (minimum 60%)
- Resume or curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience
- Cover letter explaining interest in the project
- Any certifications in forensic archaeology, forensic anthropology, or related field training
- Contact details and references
What Happens After You Apply?
- Application window closes on 29/06/2026
- NFSU will shortlist candidates based on qualifications, experience, and application content
- Selected candidates will be invited for interview on 03/07/2026 in hybrid mode at ICHF, NFSU Gandhinagar
- No invitation emails will be sent; candidates should check the official website or await direct contact
- Interview will be conducted by the project team and faculty, assessing subject knowledge and field readiness
- Final selection will be communicated after interview completion and reference verification
- Selected candidate will be offered the position for the project duration
Important Instructions
- This is a temporary position co-terminus with the DPAA research project
- No invitation emails will be sent for interview attendance; check the official website or contact NFSU directly for confirmation
- No travel allowance (TA/DA) will be reimbursed for interview attendance
- The interview will be held in hybrid mode at ICHF (Institute of Criminal, Forensic and Historical Studies), NFSU, Gandhinagar
- Read the full official advertisement carefully before applying to understand all project terms and conditions
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Visit Website |
| NFSU Project Assistant Recruitment Notification | Download Notification |
| Apply Online | Apply Now |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What makes the NFSU Project Assistant role different from typical university positions?
Ans. This role is temporary and funded by an international research organization (U.S. Defense agency), giving it a fixed project timeline rather than permanent employment. The fellowship of ₹36,000 monthly reflects international research standards, and the work directly contributes to archaeological mission support â a specialized niche within forensic sciences.
Q2. I have M.A. Archaeology but only 58% aggregate. Can I still apply for NFSU Project Assistant Recruitment 2026?
Ans. No. The eligibility clearly states a minimum 60% aggregate is essential. Candidates below 60% will not meet the mandatory requirement, regardless of other strengths in your application.
Q3. Will travel allowance be provided for the interview on 03/07/2026?
Ans. No. The official instructions explicitly state that no TA/DA (travel allowance/daily allowance) will be provided. Candidates must arrange and fund their own travel to Gandhinagar for the interview.
Q4. Is field experience in forensic archaeology mandatory to apply?
Ans. Field experience is listed as desirable, not essential. You can apply with just the M.Sc./M.A. qualification and 60% aggregate. However, candidates with documented field work or training certificates will have a stronger application during selection.
Q5. How will I know if I’m selected for the interview?
Ans. The official advertisement states that no invitation emails will be sent. You should check the NFSU official website regularly or contact NFSU Gandhinagar directly after 29/06/2026 for interview confirmation. Rely on the official website as the sole source of interview updates.
Q6. What is the duration of this Project Assistant role?
Ans. The position is temporary and co-terminus with the DPAA project. The exact end date depends on when the research project concludes. This information may be available in the full official advertisement or from NFSU directly.
Q7. Can I submit my application offline or by email?
Ans. No. The recruitment explicitly states the application mode is online via the provided Google Form. Email submissions or offline applications will not be accepted.
Q8. What if I have both M.Sc. and M.A. degrees? Does that strengthen my candidacy?
Ans. Yes. Having both a master’s degree in forensic science and archaeology demonstrates broader expertise. However, the application will primarily evaluate your qualifications, relevant experience, and suitability for the specific DPAA project’s archaeological mission support focus.
Your Next Step
Submit your application via the official Google Form before 29/06/2026 to be considered. Ensure all documents-degree certificates, mark sheets, and experience proof-are uploaded in clear, legible format before submission. After the application window closes, shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for the hybrid interview scheduled on 03/07/2026 at ICHF, NFSU Gandhinagar.
