Overview
Banaras Hindu University is recruiting 21 talented professionals under the National Soil Mapping Programme – a project sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. This is a temporary, project-based opportunity lasting two years, where you’ll work on soil characterization, mapping, and classification across India.
The positions span from Senior Consultant roles requiring 20+ years of experience to Young Professional roles perfect for fresh graduates. Whether you’re a PhD researcher or a recent B.Sc graduate, there’s a role for you.
🏛️ Organization Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi |
| Department | School of Agricultural Sciences (SSAC) – National Soil Mapping Programme |
| Advertisement Number | SSAC/SKS/M-27/0393/2025-26/08 |
| Project Type | National Soil Mapping Programme (NSMP-1:10K), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare |
| Official Website | https://www.bhu.ac.in |
💼 Total Vacancies: 21 Posts
BHU is looking to fill 21 positions across various levels. Whether you’re a PhD graduate with decades of experience or a B.Sc graduate ready to start your career, there’s a suitable role for you.
📊 Vacancy Details (Post-wise Breakdown)
| Name of Post | Number of Vacancies | Quick Description |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Consultant | 1 | For soil experts with 20+ years of experience in soil surveys and classifications |
| Junior Consultant | 1 | For professionals with 10+ years of field experience in soil profiling |
| Research Associate (RA) | 1 | For PhD holders interested in geoinformatics and remote sensing work |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | 6 | For M.Sc graduates with strong research interest in soil science and GIS |
| Young Professional II (YP-II) | 6 | For M.Sc (Ag.) graduates ready to apply their knowledge in the field |
| Young Professional I (YP-I) | 6 | For B.Sc (Ag.) graduates with agricultural background |
| TOTAL | 21 | All positions are project-based (2-year duration) |
✨ About the Job Type
- Employment Type: Temporary contract basis (co-terminus with project duration)
- Contract Duration: 2 years from the date of joining
- Nature of Work: Field-based research, soil mapping, data collection, analysis, and GIS-based mapping
- Project: National Soil Mapping Programme (1:10,000 scale) sponsored by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Work Location: Field postings across India (as per project requirements)
📱 Application Mode
Offline Application Only – No online form available.
You’ll need to submit your application manually through post, email, or in person to the designated contact at BHU.
🌐 Official Website
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Release Date | 27 January 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 27 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | Within 21 days from advertisement date (approximately 17 February 2026) |
| Selection Announcement | To be announced (check official website regularly) |
| Interview Date | To be announced (candidates will be notified via email) |
Important Note: Ensure you submit your application within 21 days of the advertisement release date. Late applications will not be accepted. Keep track of the exact closing date on the official BHU notification.
🎓 Educational Qualifications
The education requirements vary based on the position you’re applying for. Here’s what you need:
For Senior Consultant:
- Qualification: Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Experience: At least 20 years of experience in:
- Soil survey work
- Soil genesis and classification
- Soil characterization in State/Central Government Institutions
- Desirable: Experience in land evaluation and land use planning
For Junior Consultant:
- Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree (any field is acceptable)
- Experience: At least 10 years of field experience in:
- Morphological characterization of soil profiles under field conditions
- Work in State/Central Government Institutions
- Desirable: Expertise in monolith extraction, display, and preservation
For Research Associate (RA):
- Qualification: Ph.D. in any of the following:
- Soil Science
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Geography
- Additional Requirement: Diploma in Geoinformatics
- Publication Requirement: At least one publication in SCI/Scopus-indexed journal
- Desirable Skills:
- Working knowledge of GIS/Remote Sensing software (ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, QGIS, ENVI)
- Experience in handling remote sensing data
- Intensive fieldwork experience
- Knowledge of Pedology/Soil Science
For Senior Research Fellow (SRF) – 6 Posts:
- Qualification: M.Sc (Ag.) in any of the following:
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Soil Science
- Soil Science – Soil and Water Conservation
- OR M.A. in Geography (specialization in cartography and remote sensing)
- Minimum Marks: 60% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA
- Desirable Skills:
- Working knowledge of GIS/Remote Sensing software
- Experience with remote sensing data handling
- Field research experience
- Knowledge of Soil Science/Pedology
For Young Professional II (YP-II) – 6 Posts:
- Qualification: M.Sc (Ag.) in any of the following:
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Soil Science
- Soil Science – Soil and Water Conservation
- Minimum Marks: 60% aggregate marks
For Young Professional I (YP-I) – 6 Posts:
- Qualification: B.Sc (Ag.) from a recognized Indian university
- No experience required – Fresh graduates are welcome!
💰 Salary & Stipend (Per Month)
Here’s how much you’ll earn depending on your position:
| Position | Monthly Compensation | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Consultant | ₹80,000/- (consolidated) | Single consolidated amount |
| Junior Consultant | ₹60,000/- (consolidated) | Single consolidated amount |
| Research Associate | ₹67,000/- + HRA | HRA as per university guidelines |
| Senior Research Fellow | ₹42,000/- + HRA | HRA as per university guidelines |
| Young Professional II | ₹42,000/- (consolidated) | Single consolidated amount |
| Young Professional I | ₹30,000/- (consolidated) | Single consolidated amount |
Important Notes:
- All salaries are subject to applicable taxes and deductions as per government rules
- HRA (House Rent Allowance) is provided only for Research Associate and SRF positions
- Other benefits like medical, pension, and statutory benefits follow BHU norms
- No additional TA/DA (Travel Allowance/Dearness Allowance) will be provided if called for interview
⏳ Age Limit
Age limits vary by position and are calculated as on the date mentioned in the official advertisement. Here’s the breakdown:
For Research Associate:
- Maximum Age: 40 years
- Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories:
- Female/SC/ST/Persons with Disability: 5 years additional
- OBC: 3 years additional
For Senior Research Fellow (SRF):
- Maximum Age: 32 years
- Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories:
- Female/SC/ST/Persons with Disability: 5 years additional
- OBC: 3 years additional
For Young Professional I & II:
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 45 years
- Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories:
- Female/SC/ST/Persons with Disability: 5 years additional
- OBC: 3 years additional
For Senior Consultant & Junior Consultant:
- Age limits are determined by the required experience. As these positions demand 10-20+ years of experience, applicants are typically expected to be mature professionals.
🎯 Selection Process
Getting selected involves a straightforward two-step process:
Step 1: Application Screening
- Your application will be reviewed for eligibility based on qualifications, experience, and other criteria
- Ensure all documents are correctly attached and information is accurate
Step 2: Personal Interview
- Who Qualifies: Candidates whose applications meet all eligibility criteria will be shortlisted
- Interview Mode: To be decided and communicated via email
- Interview Details:
- Date and time will be announced on the official BHU website
- Candidates will be notified individually via email
- Interviews may be held at BHU campus or online (details will be provided)
Selection Criteria:
The final selection will be based on:
- Academic qualifications and experience (primary criteria)
- Performance in the personal interview
- Relevant research publications (if applicable)
- Overall suitability for the position
No Written Exam: Unlike other recruitment processes, there’s no written test here. Selection is based on your application, qualifications, and interview performance.
📑 How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather the following documents and prepare their scanned copies or originals:
- Complete biodata/resume highlighting education, experience, and research work
- Educational qualifications (degree certificates, mark sheets)
- Self-attested copies of all certificates
- Colored passport-size photograph (recent, 4×6 cm)
- Contact number and email ID (must be active)
- If applicable: Research publications list with SCI/Scopus citations
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
Format your application as a single document including:
- Your biodata with complete personal and contact information
- Educational qualifications in chronological order
- Work experience details (if applicable)
- Research experience and publications (if applicable)
- Scanned photograph
- A brief covering letter (optional but recommended)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You have three submission options:
Option A: Email Submission (Recommended)
- Email your complete application to the designated contact person
- Subject: “Application for [Post Name] – NSMP-1:10K – [Your Name]”
- Attach all documents in a single PDF file (preferably)
- Keep a copy of the confirmation email for your records
Option B: Physical Post
- Print out your complete application
- Send by registered post with acknowledgment due
- Address:
- Prof. S. K. Singh / Dr. Satish Kumar Singh
- Nodal Officer/PI (NSMP)
- School of Agricultural Sciences
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Option C: Hand Delivery
- Submit personally at the BHU campus
- Contact the School of Agricultural Sciences office directly
Step 4: Deadline
- Application must reach within 21 days from the advertisement date (27 January 2026)
- The last date is approximately 17 February 2026
- Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered
Pro Tips for Your Application:
- Be clear and honest in your biodata – don’t exaggerate experience
- Highlight relevant soil science, GIS, and field research experience
- If you have publications, mention them with journal names and citations
- Keep contact details updated – BHU will contact you only via email/phone
- Submit early rather than waiting until the last day
- Keep a self-addressed, stamped envelope if submitting by post
⚙️ Key Documents Required
Documents to Submit with Application:
- ✓ Completed application form/biodata
- ✓ Degree certificates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD – as applicable)
- ✓ Consolidated mark sheets (all semesters)
- ✓ Self-attested copies of all educational qualifications
- ✓ Colored passport-size photograph (recent, 4×6 cm)
- ✓ List of publications (if any) with journal details
- ✓ Experience certificate from previous employers (if applicable)
- ✓ Proof of relevant qualifications (Diploma in Geoinformatics, etc., if applicable)
- ✓ Contact details (phone and active email ID)
Documents to Bring at Interview (If Called):
- ✓ All original degree certificates
- ✓ Original mark sheets
- ✓ Valid photo ID proof (Aadhar, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License)
- ✓ Address proof (utility bill, Aadhar, or Passport)
- ✓ Original certificates of experience
- ✓ Original publications/research papers (if claiming publications)
- ✓ Research portfolio (if applicable – containing your published work)
Important Notes:
- All documents must be self-attested
- Keep both soft copies (digital) and hard copies (printed) ready
- Don’t submit original documents with application; bring them only to interview if selected
- If any certificate is not in English, provide a certified English translation
- Incomplete or unclear applications may be rejected
📘 Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official BHU Website | https://www.bhu.ac.in |
| BHU Careers/Recruitment Page | https://www.bhu.ac.in |
| Official Advertisement PDF | https://www.bhu.ac.in/Images/files/Advertisement(2).pdf |
| School of Agricultural Sciences | https://www.bhu.ac.in (navigate to relevant department) |
| Contact Email | Check official notification for contact email |
| FreeJobAlert Article | https://www.freejobalert.com (for updates) |
For Latest Updates: Regularly check the official BHU website for any changes or additional notifications related to this recruitment.
❓ Quick FAQ – Questions You Might Have
Q1: Is this a permanent job?
A: No. This is a temporary, project-based position lasting 2 years. However, your performance during this period can lead to permanent opportunities or other projects within BHU or related government institutions.
Q2: Will there be a written exam?
A: No. Selection is based on your application review and personal interview. Your qualifications and experience are the primary criteria.
Q3: Do I need to appear for an interview in person?
A: BHU will announce the interview format. Candidates will be notified via email about the interview date, time, and whether it will be in-person or online. No TA/DA will be reimbursed for attending interviews.
Q4: Can I apply for multiple positions?
A: Yes, you can apply for positions matching your qualifications. However, submit separate applications for each position if you wish to apply for more than one role.
Q5: What if my degree is from an open university or distance learning?
A: The notification doesn’t explicitly exclude distance learning degrees, but it’s best to verify with BHU directly since soil science research positions typically prefer regular degree programs. Contact them before applying if unsure.
Q6: Will there be any training provided?
A: The notification doesn’t mention formal training. However, as you’ll be working on the National Soil Mapping Programme, you’ll gain practical experience in soil characterization, GIS-based mapping, and field research during your tenure.
Q7: Can I work from home?
A: No. This is a field-based research role. You’ll need to travel across India for soil surveys and field mapping activities as per project requirements.
Q8: What are the job prospects after the 2-year contract ends?
A: This is temporary project-based work. However, successful completion can enhance your resume and lead to opportunities in:
- Other government research projects
- Agricultural departments
- Soil conservation organizations
- Universities
- Environmental consulting firms
Q9: I’m from OBC category. How much age relaxation do I get?
A: OBC candidates typically get 3 years of age relaxation. For example, if the upper age limit is 40 years, OBC candidates can apply up to 43 years of age.
Q10: When will results be announced?
A: The notification doesn’t specify exact dates. However, interviews will be conducted after application screening, and results will be announced on the official BHU website. Keep checking regularly or provide your email for direct notification.
🌟 Why Apply to BHU NSMP?
Here are compelling reasons to apply:
✅ Work with India’s Premier Institution – Banaras Hindu University is renowned for excellence in agricultural sciences
✅ Contributing to National Mapping Programme – Be part of a government-sponsored project improving soil health data across India
✅ Field-Based Research – Hands-on work in soil characterization, mapping, and geoinformatics
✅ GIS & Remote Sensing Skills – Gain expertise in modern soil mapping technologies
✅ Career Development – Perfect stepping stone for soil science professionals
✅ Published Research Opportunities – Potential to publish findings in scientific journals
✅ Networking – Work with experienced soil scientists and agricultural researchers
⚠️ Important General Instructions
Before applying, keep these points in mind:
- Only eligible candidates should apply – False information will lead to disqualification
- Indian citizenship required – Only Indian nationals can apply
- Active contact details essential – Keep your phone and email active throughout recruitment
- Submit on time – Applications after the deadline will not be accepted
- Original documents required – Bring originals to interview if selected
- No TA/DA for interviews – You’ll bear your own travel and accommodation costs for interviews
- Temporary appointment only – This is a 2-year project-based contract, not permanent
- Transferable position – You may be posted anywhere in India as per project requirements
- Bank details required – Be ready to provide bank account information for salary transfer
📞 Contact Information
For any clarifications regarding this recruitment:
- Contact Person: Prof. S. K. Singh / Dr. Satish Kumar Singh (Nodal Officer/PI)
- Department: School of Agricultural Sciences, BHU
- Official Website: https://www.bhu.ac.in
- Email: Check official advertisement for contact email
Reach out to them only for genuine clarifications. Avoid unnecessary emails or calls.
Final Thoughts
This is an excellent opportunity if you’re passionate about soil science, agricultural research, and making a tangible contribution to India’s agricultural development. The National Soil Mapping Programme is crucial for understanding India’s soil resources, and you’ll be part of this important mission.
Apply now and take the first step toward a meaningful career in agricultural science research!
Last Updated: February 3, 2026



