Kerala C-DIT invites conservation specialists for two project posts

Two conservation-assistant project positions

C-DIT notification C-DIT/HR1-20/2026 dated 15 October 2026 concerns two Conservation Assistant positions in its Digitisation Department. C-DIT is an autonomous Kerala-government institution, but these vacancies are temporary project engagements. The work location is Thiruvananthapuram or another assigned location within Kerala. The published position count is indicative and can change with project requirements; the notice does not promise absorption into a regular post.

Exact qualification pathways

The notice specifies a postgraduate degree together with a PG Diploma in Archival Studies, Archaeology, Paleography and Conservation of Manuscripts, or MA History and Archaeology/MA Archaeology as stated in the qualification row. Qualifications must be from recognised institutions. Candidates relying on equivalent or higher qualifications must provide documentary support for equivalence where claimed. Read the wording closely: a general interest in history or digitisation is not a replacement for the listed academic pathway.

Relevant experience and age

At least one year of experience in physical conservation of paper documents is required. This is a specific hands-on conservation requirement, not simply experience scanning papers or entering metadata. The vacancy row states a maximum age of 50 on the date of notification, while the general conditions discuss eligibility at closing. Candidates close to an age boundary should seek C-DIT clarification. Applicable Kerala-government age relaxations require a claim and supporting evidence.

Salary, duration and employment conditions

The consolidated remuneration is ₹23,180 per month. Engagement lasts one year or until completion of the project, whichever is earlier. Selected staff may be placed at client offices or project sites within Kerala and must enter into the prescribed agreement. The notice says the engagement creates no claim to regular appointment. It also allows a Police Clearance Certificate to be requested at joining if that requirement appears in the offer letter.

How candidates will be selected

C-DIT can use a written test, skill test, interview or a combination, depending on applications and project needs. Initial shortlisting uses the submitted biodata and previous-experience details. Possessing minimum qualifications does not automatically entitle an applicant to selection. Shortlisted candidates attend the allotted centre and must produce originals when asked. No travel or daily allowance is paid for recruitment stages, so consider attendance costs when deciding to pursue the vacancy.

Online application deadline and fee

Submit through careers.cdit.org by 5 pm on 29 October 2026. Applications sent by post, fax or email are not accepted. The fee is ₹300 including GST for each post; SC/ST candidates are exempt when the required community evidence is uploaded. For applicants who owe the fee, the notice says final submission becomes available after payment. Registration or saving a draft alone is therefore not the completed application.

Supporting documents and application review

Upload legible scans supporting the claimed qualification, conservation experience and any relaxation or exemption. Experience certificates must establish the relevant work, not only an employment title. Check your registration details, then complete and review the form before final submission; changes are allowed only beforehand. The notice uses email for communication and publishes shortlists and rank information on C-DIT portals. Keep the registered mailbox active and check its spam folder as well.

Preparation guidance for conservation applicants

As editorial guidance, organise your relevant work history around the paper materials handled, your conservation responsibilities and the supervision or institution under which you worked. Distinguish physical conservation from digitisation capture, cataloguing or general museum administration. If you maintain work samples, obtain permission before sharing any restricted manuscript or client material. The notice does not publish a detailed technical syllabus, so do not treat an aggregator's assumed topic list as the official examination scheme.

Relevant skills

• Paper conservation
• Archival studies
• Manuscript conservation