The Centre for Development Studies (CDS), an esteemed autonomous social science research institution under the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Government of India, invites highly qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the position of Associate Professor in Economics or Social Sciences. This long-term career opportunity is aimed at academics and researchers with a strong background in development economics, policy analysis, and social science research. Eligible candidates are encouraged to submit their applications online through the official CDS portal before the deadline. This detailed job description covers all aspects of the recruitment process, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, salary, benefits, and the selection process.
CDS Associate Professor Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Organization | Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Location | Prasanth Nagar, Ulloor, Thiruvananthapuram – 695011, Kerala |
| Advertisement No. | Faculty Recruitment: 01/2026 |
| Post Name | Associate Professor (Economics/Social Sciences) |
| Total Vacancies | 2 (1 Unreserved, 1 Scheduled Tribe) |
| Pay Scale | Academic Level 13A of 7th Central Pay Commission Matrix |
| Application Portal | https://cds.edu/jobs/ |
| Last Date for Application | 28 February 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Expected Date of Joining | Last week of June 2026 |
| Official Website | www.cds.edu |
Vacancy Details
Post and Category-wise Distribution
| Serial No. | Post Title | Category | Number of Vacancies | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Associate Professor | Unreserved (General) | 1 | Academic Level 13A (7th CPC) |
| 2 | Associate Professor | Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 1 | Academic Level 13A (7th CPC) |
| Total Vacancies | 2 | |||
Eligibility Criteria for CDS Associate Professor 2026
Essential Qualifications
- PhD Degree: Awarded in Economics, Statistics, Demography, or any Social Science subject focusing on development issues.
- Master’s Degree: At least 55% marks or equivalent grade on a point scale. For reserved category candidates, relaxation of 5% (i.e., minimum 50%) applies, as per norms.
Work Experience
- Minimum Experience: At least 8 years of teaching and/or research experience at an academic/research level equivalent to Assistant Professor in a recognized university, college, research institution, or industry.
- Publications: A minimum of seven publications in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed journals demonstrating scholarly research output.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
- Proficiency in teaching at the Master’s and PhD levels.
- Ability to supervise doctoral research scholars effectively.
- Experience working in a multicultural research environment.
- Research expertise in development economics and policy analysis.
- Strong record of publications in reputed journals, reflecting active scholarly engagement.
Salary Structure and Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Associate Professor (Economics/Social Sciences) |
| Pay Scale | Academic Level 13A of 7th CPC Matrix |
| Dearness Allowance | As per Government of India norms |
| Other Benefits | Medical facilities, pension, gratuity, and other allowances in accordance with ICSSR/CDS regulations |
| Retirement Age | 65 years |
About the Centre for Development Studies (CDS)
The CDS is a premier autonomous social science research institution dedicated to applied development economics. It is supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and the Department of Planning and Economic Affairs, Government of Kerala. Located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, the institute is renowned for its active research on issues related to development, economic policy, and social sciences. The centre offers prestigious M.A. and Ph.D. programs in Economics and Applied Economics, with degrees awarded by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
With a diverse and multicultural research environment, CDS boasts faculty from various backgrounds, fostering a vibrant academic community focused on development issues and policy research.
Application Procedure for CDS Faculty Recruitment 2026
How to Apply
- Visit the official CDS jobs portal: https://cds.edu/jobs/
- Click on the relevant recruitment link for Associate Professor and register or login if already registered.
- Fill in the application form with accurate and complete information.
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the prescribed format.
- Submit the application form before the deadline: 28 February 2026, 11:59 PM.
- Download and retain a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
Required Enclosures
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Master’s Degree Certificate and Mark Sheets | Self-attested scanned copy |
| PhD Degree Certificate | Self-attested scanned copy |
| Date of Birth Proof | Self-attested scanned copy |
| Teaching/Research Experience Proof | Appointment letters, service certificates, pay slips, etc. |
| Publications Proof | Copies of published papers in peer-reviewed or UGC-listed journals |
| Cast Certificate | Mandatory for ST reserved category applicants |
| No Objection Certificate (NOC) | From current employer, if applicable |
| Vigilance Clearance | From current employer, if applicable |
Application Format
Ensure that the application is filled out using the prescribed online format available on the CDS website. Complete all fields accurately. Incomplete or illegible applications will be rejected.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 23 January 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 28 February 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Expected Date of Joining | Last week of June 2026 |
Selection Process
The selection procedure involves several stages to ensure the appointment of the most qualified candidate:
- Application Scrutiny: Candidates will be shortlisted based on eligibility, academic qualifications, and research/publication record.
- Presentation and Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their research work and participate in an interview.
- Academic and Research Assessment: Evaluation of teaching methods, research output, and overall academic contribution.
- Final Selection: Based on performance, merit, and overall evaluation, with appointment approval by the CDS Governing Body.
Note: The final decision of the selection committee will be binding. Medical examinations may be conducted for selected candidates.
Important Instructions and Notes
- Only Indian nationals are eligible; candidates from abroad are considered if they meet eligibility criteria.
- Shortlisted overseas candidates may be interviewed via video conferencing.
- Provide all required documents in the prescribed format. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or presentation.
- Canvassing of any kind will result in disqualification.
- CDS reserves the right to fill or keep vacant the post if suitable candidates are not found.
- The jurisdiction for legal disputes is Thiruvananthapuram.
- Any updates or corrigenda will be published on the official CDS website. Candidates should regularly check for updates.
Important Links
Conclusion
This recruitment drive presents an excellent opportunity for experienced academic professionals in the fields of Economics and Social Sciences to join a prestigious research institution dedicated to development studies. Candidates are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria, prepare all necessary documents, and adhere to the application deadlines. For further details and updates, regularly visit the official CDS website and apply through the provided links.
Good luck with your application!