TISS Project Recruitment 2026
A major field-based recruitment drive has been announced by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, for candidates interested in research, social development, tribal education, field investigation, and project management. Unlike many academic recruitments that remain confined to office-based assignments, this project offers direct exposure to one of Maharashtra’s largest educational evaluation studies covering 557 Government-aided Ashram Schools spread across 22 districts and four tribal zones.
The institute is inviting applications for 21 project positions including Research Investigator, Research Assistant, Research Officer, and Secretariat-cum-Accountant roles. Applications will be accepted through online mode, and the last date to submit the application form is 22 June 2026.
One aspect that makes this recruitment noteworthy is its strong field orientation. Candidates selected for these positions will work closely with tribal communities and educational institutions, gaining practical research experience that can significantly strengthen future academic and professional careers. Another interesting feature is the preference being given to candidates from tribal regions and those familiar with local tribal dialects. For individuals seeking meaningful project-based work in education, social research, and community development, this recruitment deserves careful attention.
TISS Recruitment 2026 Overview
TISS has released this recruitment under a government-funded research project focused on evaluating the functioning of Government-aided Ashram Schools in Maharashtra.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) |
| Project Name | Evaluation Study of Government-Aided Ashram Schools |
| Post Name | RI, RA, RO & Secretariat-cum-Accountant |
| Total Vacancies | 21 |
| Qualification | Graduate, Post Graduate, MSW, PhD |
| Salary | As per Project Norms |
| Age Limit | Not Specified |
| Last Date | 22 June 2026 |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Job Type | Project-Based Contractual |
Notification Details
Tata Institute of Social Sciences has issued Advertisement No. ADVT/TISS/PROJECT/CSSI/JUNE 2026 dated 12 June 2026 for recruitment under a research project funded by the Tribal Development Department, Government of Maharashtra.
The study aims to assess educational quality, nutrition, health facilities, and overall functioning of Ashram Schools serving tribal children across Maharashtra.
TISS Project Recruitment 2026: Download Official Notification PDF
Vacancy Details
A total of 21 vacancies have been announced.
| Post Name | Vacancies | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Research Investigator (RI) | 15 | 3–4 Months |
| Research Assistant (RA) | 4 | 5–6 Months |
| Research Officer (RO) | 1 | 6–7 Months |
| Secretariat-cum-Accountant | 1 | 6–7 Months |
| Total | 21 | — |
Eligibility Criteria
Research Investigator (RI)
- Graduate in any discipline
- Experience in data collection, preferably in remote tribal areas
- BSW candidates will receive preference
- Fluency in Marathi and English
- Willingness to travel and stay in remote tribal locations
Research Assistant (RA)
- Postgraduate in any discipline
- Experience in field data collection and monitoring
- MSW candidates preferred
- Fluency in Marathi and English
- Ability to coordinate field teams and stakeholders
Research Officer (RO)
- PhD in Social Work or Social Sciences with specialization in Education
- Candidates awaiting PhD submission or viva may also apply
- Research publications in education-related areas desirable
- Experience in tribal education research preferred
Additional Desirable Qualifications for RO
- Master’s in Social Work with focus on tribal issues
- Strong academic writing skills
- Experience in field coordination
Secretariat-cum-Accountant
- Graduate in any discipline
- Basic knowledge of accounting
- Secretarial and administrative skills
- Knowledge of statistical software and digital tools desirable
Preference
Candidates belonging to tribal regions such as Thane, Nashik, Amaravati, and Nagpur with knowledge of tribal dialects will receive preference.
Application Fee
The institute has provided category-wise application fee relaxation.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹500 |
| SC/ST/PWD | ₹125 |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
Important Note
The fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
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Age Limit
The official notification does not specify any upper or lower age limit for these project positions.
Age Relaxation
Since age criteria have not been mentioned, candidates are advised to carefully review the official notification before applying.
Salary Structure
TISS has not disclosed post-wise remuneration details in the advertisement.
| Post | Salary |
|---|---|
| Research Investigator | As per Project Norms |
| Research Assistant | As per Project Norms |
| Research Officer | As per Project Norms |
| Secretariat-cum-Accountant | As per Project Norms |
Selected candidates will be engaged on a project basis for the specified duration.
Important Dates for TISS Project
The recruitment process has a relatively short application window, making timely submission important.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 12 June 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 12 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 June 2026 |
| Interview Schedule | To Be Announced |
| Project Start | Mid-June 2026 |
TISS Project Recruitment 2026 – Selection Process
Unlike large-scale competitive recruitments that rely heavily on written examinations, this project recruitment focuses on academic background, relevant experience, field exposure, and suitability for tribal-area research work.
The selection process is expected to include:
- Application Screening
- Shortlisting Based on Qualification and Experience
- Offline/Online Interview
- Final Selection
Candidates with prior fieldwork experience in tribal regions may have an advantage during evaluation.
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Who Should Apply?
This recruitment may be particularly suitable for:
- MSW and BSW graduates
- Social Science researchers
- Education sector professionals
- Tribal development practitioners
- PhD scholars and research associates
- Candidates interested in field-based social research
Those seeking long-term academic careers can also benefit from the hands-on research exposure offered through this project.
Real Benefits of This Job
Some practical advantages of these positions include:
- Opportunity to work with a premier institution like TISS
- Exposure to large-scale government-funded research
- Direct field experience across tribal districts
- Networking with policymakers, researchers, and NGOs
- Valuable addition to academic and professional profiles
- Strong experience for future PhD, fellowship, and development-sector opportunities
Many applicants may view the Research Investigator positions as the most competitive because of the larger number of vacancies and broader eligibility requirements.
Preparation Tips
To improve selection chances:
- Understand tribal education challenges in Maharashtra
- Review previous educational survey methodologies
- Prepare examples of fieldwork experience
- Strengthen communication skills in Marathi and English
- Read about social research and data collection techniques
- Keep educational and experience documents organized
Advisory
- Read the official notification carefully before submitting the form.
- Keep scanned documents ready in advance.
- Avoid waiting until the final day for registration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many otherwise eligible applicants lose opportunities because of small errors.
Avoid these mistakes:
- Providing incomplete academic details
- Uploading unclear documents
- Ignoring experience information relevant to fieldwork
- Applying without checking eligibility requirements
- Waiting until the last day to pay fees
- Entering incorrect email or mobile number
Even minor mistakes can affect shortlisting decisions.
How to Apply Online for TISS Project Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official TISS website. www.tiss.ac.in
- Open the recruitment section.
- Locate the advertisement for Project Positions under CSSI.
- Click on the Apply Now link.
- Complete the online registration process.
- Fill in personal, educational, and experience details.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Review all entered information carefully.
- Submit the application form.
- Download and save the acknowledgment copy.
- Keep a printed copy for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies have been announced under TISS Project Recruitment 2026?
A total of 21 vacancies have been released across four different positions. The highest number of openings is for Research Investigator posts, making it the largest category in this recruitment drive.
2. Is prior fieldwork experience mandatory?
For most positions, relevant fieldwork experience is highly desirable and may significantly improve shortlisting chances. Experience in tribal areas will be particularly valuable.
3. Can PhD scholars who have not completed their viva apply?
Yes. Candidates who are awaiting PhD submission or viva are eligible for the Research Officer position, provided they meet other requirements mentioned in the notification.
4. Are female candidates required to pay the application fee?
No. Female applicants are fully exempted from paying the application fee, irrespective of category.
5. Will there be a written examination?
The notification does not mention any written test. Selection is expected through application screening followed by interviews and assessment of experience.
6. Why is knowledge of Marathi important for this recruitment?
Since the project involves fieldwork across Maharashtra’s tribal regions, effective communication with local communities and stakeholders makes Marathi language proficiency highly important for successful project execution.
