Kashmir University Announces 25 Research Staff Vacancies Under PM POSHAN Social Audit Project
About the Project
The PM POSHAN Social Audit Project focuses on assessing the impact, implementation quality, and accountability of the scheme in various schools and communities throughout Kashmir. The goal is to ensure that children across the division receive the nutritional and educational support promised under the national programme.
The Department of Social Work at Kashmir University will lead this effort, deploying trained professionals and field researchers to collect, analyze, and report findings from multiple districts. Their work will directly contribute to improving government service delivery and ensuring greater transparency in public welfare initiatives.
Vacancy Details
A total of 25 posts are available, divided into three categories:
- Research Associates: 3 Posts
- Research Assistants: 2 Posts
- Field Investigators: 20 Posts
Each position plays a vital role in different phases of the social audit — from design and coordination to data collection and report preparation.
1. Research Associate (Social Audit Officer)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Postgraduate degree in Social Work, Economics, Management, or any allied discipline with at least 55% marks.
- Preference will be given to candidates who possess NET, M.Phil., or Ph.D. qualifications.
- Minimum two years of research experience in social development or policy analysis.
- Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
- Knowledge of SPSS, Excel, and data analysis tools is highly desirable.
Role & Responsibilities:
Research Associates will oversee the planning and execution of the social audit, ensuring that fieldwork and data analysis align with the project’s objectives. They will also mentor field investigators, compile findings, and prepare reports for submission to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
2. Research Assistant (Social Audit Coordinator)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Postgraduate degree in any social science discipline with at least 55% marks.
- At least two years of experience in field-based research and documentation.
- Proficiency in MS Office, Excel, and data analysis.
Role & Responsibilities:
Research Assistants will support data coordination, documentation, and communication between research teams and the project supervisors. They will also help design field tools, supervise data collection, and ensure that survey findings are accurately compiled and organized.
3. Field Investigator (Social Auditor)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Postgraduate degree in Social Work with at least 55% marks.
- Minimum one year of experience in field data collection or social research.
- Familiarity with digital tools such as MS Excel and Google Forms is preferred.
Role & Responsibilities:
Field Investigators form the backbone of the project. Their primary duties include visiting schools and communities, collecting field data, conducting interviews, and preparing detailed field notes. They will be expected to interact directly with teachers, students, and local officials to assess the reach and effectiveness of the PM POSHAN programme.
Interview Schedule and Procedure
The University has scheduled walk-in interviews for all posts on:
📅 Date: November 12, 2025 (Wednesday)
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM onwards
📍 Venue: Department of Social Work, University of Kashmir, Srinagar
Candidates must report on time and bring original certificates along with self-attested photocopies of all academic qualifications, mark sheets, and relevant experience documents.
Before appearing for the interview, applicants are also required to fill out the Google Form mentioned in the official university notification. This step is mandatory for registration and verification.
Selection and Terms of Engagement
- Selection will be based on academic merit, relevant experience, and interview performance.
- Engagement will be purely temporary and contractual, limited to the project duration.
- The positions are based in the Kashmir Division, and selected candidates will be assigned to different districts as per project requirements.
- The University reserves the right to terminate the engagement at any time if the candidate’s performance is found unsatisfactory.
- No TA/DA (Travel Allowance or Daily Allowance) will be paid for attending the interview or reporting to duty.
Project Objectives and Impact
The Social Audit of PM POSHAN project holds immense importance for the education and welfare sectors in Jammu & Kashmir. By deploying trained researchers to assess how the Mid-Day Meal (now PM POSHAN) scheme functions at the ground level, the University of Kashmir aims to ensure:
- Transparency: Ensuring that public funds allocated for children’s nutrition are used appropriately.
- Accountability: Identifying gaps between policy and practice, especially in remote or underserved areas.
- Community Participation: Involving local stakeholders, parents, and school committees in the audit process to promote shared responsibility.
- Evidence-Based Insights: Generating accurate data that can help government agencies make informed decisions for improving programme delivery.
Through this initiative, the University seeks to build a culture of social accountability in public administration — where academic research directly contributes to strengthening governance and improving lives.
Why This Project Matters
For many children across Kashmir, the PM POSHAN programme is more than a meal scheme — it is a symbol of hope and support. The initiative plays a critical role in combating classroom hunger, encouraging school attendance, and improving learning outcomes.
However, like many large-scale welfare programmes, it faces challenges in monitoring, implementation, and community awareness. That is why independent social audits are essential. They provide an unbiased look at what’s working, what’s not, and where corrective measures are needed.
The University of Kashmir, with its long-standing reputation in social science research and community engagement, is uniquely positioned to lead this effort. Its Department of Social Work has been actively involved in various research projects addressing education, health, and social justice in the region.
This project will also provide valuable field exposure to young researchers, allowing them to apply their academic learning to real-world issues — a crucial step in developing future leaders in public policy and development studies.
Guidelines for Applicants
Candidates planning to attend the interview should keep the following points in mind:
- Bring complete academic records — from undergraduate to postgraduate levels — along with any research experience certificates.
- Prepare to discuss your research interests, skills, and experience during the interview.
- Familiarize yourself with the PM POSHAN scheme and its objectives, as understanding the project’s background will strengthen your interview performance.
- Be ready to work in field conditions across multiple districts in Kashmir. This may involve travel to rural or remote areas for data collection.
- Maintain a professional attitude, respect community norms during fieldwork, and follow the University’s ethical guidelines for social research.
About the Department of Social Work, University of Kashmir
The Department of Social Work is among the most active academic units within the University of Kashmir, dedicated to promoting social justice, community welfare, and evidence-based policy development. It regularly collaborates with government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations on projects addressing poverty alleviation, education, gender equity, and social inclusion.
This particular project underlines the Department’s commitment to using research as a tool for positive social change — ensuring that development programmes not only exist on paper but also create meaningful impact in people’s lives.
Final Note
The PM POSHAN Social Audit Project is more than just a research assignment; it is a mission to bring transparency and accountability to one of India’s most important welfare initiatives. For postgraduate students and professionals passionate about research, community development, and governance, this recruitment offers a valuable opportunity to contribute directly to a national cause.
Candidates are encouraged to prepare thoroughly and attend the interview with confidence and commitment. Successful applicants will not only gain professional experience but also play a part in strengthening the delivery of social welfare schemes in Jammu and Kashmir.
For further information, candidates are advised to visit the official website of the University of Kashmir or contact the Department of Social Work directly for detailed notifications and updates.
Pervaiz Khan
Tech journalist with 3+ years' experience covering AI, jobs & education. Exploring tech's impact on our future.
