Date Posted: October 26, 2026
Institution Name: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
File No.: F.No.12/375/2026-SD/AM, dated 21.10.2026
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) has released the IGNCA Recruitment 2026 notification inviting applications for engagement on a purely contractual basis under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM), for the positions of Project Associate and Domain Experts. IGNCA is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, serving as an implementing body of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping, which aims to preserve and promote India’s rich cultural heritage and its potential to revitalise rural economies. A total of 7 vacancies are open — 4 Project Associate and 3 Domain Experts. Selection will be made through a walk-in interview scheduled for October 30, 2026 at the Office of Mission Director (NMCM), IGNCA, Janpath, Delhi. Eligible candidates holding a relevant Master’s degree are invited to attend in person with their original documents. Full details on eligibility, remuneration, and the interview process are provided below.
Institution Profile: The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts is visualised as a centre encompassing the study and experience of all the arts – each form with its own integrity, yet within a dimension of mutual interdependence, interrelated with nature, social structure and cosmology.
This view of the arts, integrated with, and essential to the larger matrix of human culture, is predicated upon Smt. Gandhi’s recognition of the role of the arts as essential to the integral quality of person, at home with himself and society. It partakes of the holistic worldview so powerfully articulated throughout Indian tradition, and emphasized by modern Indian leaders from Mahatma Gandhi to Rabindranath Tagore.
Employment Type: Contractual, National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM)
Post Name/Designation
| Post | No. of Posts | Monthly Remuneration |
|---|---|---|
| Project Associate | 4 (Four) | ₹40,000/- (Consolidated) |
| Domain Experts [Archaeology & Heritage Management, History (Cultural Heritage of North-Eastern India), Tribal Studies] | 3 (Three) | ₹40,000/- (Consolidated) |
Total Vacancies
7 (Seven) posts in total — 4 Project Associate and 3 Domain Experts.
Duration of Engagement: Initially for a period of one year, extendable based on satisfactory performance and Mission requirements.
Required Educational Qualifications
1. Project Associate — Essential Qualification & Experience:
a. Applicants must possess a Master’s degree in History, Art History, Folklore, Anthropology, or Sociology from a recognised University.
b. One year’s experience in Government/Semi-Government/recognised institutions, in the domain of preparing research-based write-ups, documentation, and cultural profiles on the tangible and intangible heritage, rituals, belief systems, oral histories, and cultural traditions of different parts of India.
2. Domain Experts — Essential Qualification & Experience:
a. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Archaeology & Heritage Management, History (demonstrated understanding of cultural heritage of North-East India), and Tribal Studies from a recognised university.
b. One year’s experience in Government/Semi-Government/recognised institutions in preparing research-based write-ups, documentation, and cultural profiles on tangible and intangible heritage, rituals, belief systems, oral histories, and cultural traditions across different parts of India.
Desirable Experience (both posts):
- Experience in community engagement and collection of primary data, including oral histories, traditional knowledge, customs, rituals, festivals, and folk traditions.
- Working knowledge of digital documentation, cultural mapping, and database management.
- Well-versed with computer applications.
- Excellent communication in English and Hindi skills (both written and verbal).
Age Limit
Not exceeding 30 years, as on the date of interview (applicable to both posts).
Candidate Profile
Candidates should hold a relevant Master’s degree in humanities/social sciences disciplines (History, Art History, Folklore, Anthropology, Sociology, Archaeology & Heritage Management, or Tribal Studies), with hands-on experience in research-based documentation of India’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage, strong community engagement skills, and proficiency in digital documentation and database management tools.
Required Experience
Both posts require one year’s experience in Government/Semi-Government/recognised institutions in preparing research-based write-ups, documentation, and cultural profiles on heritage, rituals, belief systems, oral histories, and cultural traditions.
Pay Scale/Pay Level
₹40,000/- per month (Consolidated) for both Project Associate and Domain Experts.
Application Fee
Not applicable. This is a walk-in interview; no application fee is prescribed.
Selection Process
Selection will be made through a walk-in interview. Candidates must bring the filled application form along with an updated resume and self-attested copies of all testimonials (Academic Marksheet from 10th onwards, Experience Certificates). Original and copy of Identity Proof (Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Voter-ID/Driving License) is mandatory. Candidates are requested to report on time for verification of original certificates, and only eligible candidates will be allowed to appear for the interview. A selected candidate will have to submit, at the time of joining, two reference letters/testimonials obtained from a previous employer/organisation/institution, issued within a month. IGNCA reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications without assigning any reason, and the decision of IGNCA regarding selection for interview and/or engagement shall be final and binding.
Job Location
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Janpath Building, Janpath Road, New Delhi – 110001
Important Dates & Interview Details
| Post | Date of Interview | Reporting Time | Place of Interview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Associate | 30.10.2026 | 10:00 A.M. (forms not accepted after 11:00 A.M.) | Office of Mission Director (NMCM), 5th Floor, A-Wing, IGNCA, Janpath, Delhi |
| Domain Experts | 30.10.2026 | 12:00 P.M. (forms not accepted after 1:00 P.M.) | Office of Mission Director (NMCM), 5th Floor, A-Wing, IGNCA, Janpath, Delhi |
Apply Mode
Walk-In (In-Person); no online or postal application required.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must directly attend the walk-in interview on October 30, 2026, at the Office of Mission Director (NMCM), 5th Floor, A-Wing, IGNCA, Janpath, Delhi — reporting at 10:00 A.M. for Project Associate (forms not accepted after 11:00 A.M.) or at 12:00 P.M. for Domain Experts (forms not accepted after 1:00 P.M.) — carrying the filled application form along with all requisite documents.
Application Procedure
- Download and fill the prescribed Application Form attached to the advertisement.
- Prepare an updated resume and self-attested copies of all testimonials, including Academic Marksheets (from 10th onwards) and Experience Certificates.
- Carry the Original and a copy of Identity Proof (Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Voter-ID/Driving License) — mandatory for all candidates.
- Report at the Office of Mission Director (NMCM), IGNCA, Janpath, Delhi, on October 30, 2026, at the specified reporting time for the post applied for.
- Submit to verification of original certificates; only eligible candidates will be permitted to appear for the interview.
- If selected, submit two reference letters/testimonials from a previous employer/organisation/institution (issued within a month) at the time of joining.
Documents Required:
Candidates should keep the following documents ready (Kindly Read the Notification)
- Filled Application Form (as provided with the advertisement)
- Updated Resume/CV
- Self-attested copies of Academic Marksheets (from 10th onwards)
- Self-attested copies of Experience Certificates
- Original and copy of Identity Proof (Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Voter-ID/Driving License)
- Two reference letters/testimonials (required at the time of joining, if selected)
Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Official Notification & Application Form (PDF) | F.No.12/375/2026-SD/AM |
| Institute Website | https://ignca.gov.in |
Disclaimer for Candidates: Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official IGNCA notification before attending the walk-in interview. IGNCA reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications without assigning any reason. The decision of IGNCA regarding selection of applications for interview and/or engagement shall be final and binding. Positions are purely contractual in nature and do not confer any right to regular appointment at IGNCA.
Institute Address:
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Janpath Building, Janpath Road, New Delhi – 110001
Office of Mission Director (NMCM), 5th Floor, A-Wing, IGNCA
Benefits of Joining IGNCA
Joining IGNCA as a Project Associate or Domain Expert offers candidates the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the National Mission on Cultural Mapping, a flagship Ministry of Culture initiative aimed at preserving India’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage while revitalising rural economies. The positions offer a consolidated monthly remuneration of ₹40,000/-, along with hands-on exposure to research-based documentation, community engagement, oral history collection, and cultural mapping across diverse regions of India, including specialized focus on North-Eastern India’s heritage and tribal studies. This engagement offers valuable professional experience for candidates in history, anthropology, archaeology, and heritage management fields, with the opportunity for contract extension based on performance and Mission requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — IGNCA Recruitment 2026
Q1. What is the IGNCA Recruitment 2026 notification about?
A. It is a walk-in interview notification for engaging 4 Project Associates and 3 Domain Experts under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
Q2. When is the walk-in interview scheduled?
A. The walk-in interview is scheduled for October 30, 2026, with Project Associate candidates reporting at 10:00 A.M. and Domain Experts candidates reporting at 12:00 P.M., at the Office of Mission Director (NMCM), IGNCA, Janpath, Delhi.
Q3. How many vacancies are available in this recruitment?
A. A total of 7 vacancies are available — 4 for Project Associate and 3 for Domain Experts.
Q4. What is the eligibility criterion for Project Associate?
A. Candidates need a Master’s degree in History, Art History, Folklore, Anthropology, or Sociology, with one year’s experience in research-based documentation of cultural heritage.
Q5. What is the eligibility criterion for Domain Experts?
A. Candidates need a Master’s degree in Archaeology & Heritage Management, History (with understanding of North-East India’s cultural heritage), or Tribal Studies, with one year’s relevant experience.
Q6. What is the monthly remuneration for these posts?
A. Both posts carry a consolidated monthly remuneration of ₹40,000/-.
Q7. Is there an application fee for this recruitment?
A. No, there is no application fee as this is a walk-in interview-based recruitment.
Q8. What is the age limit for these posts?
A. The age limit for both posts is not exceeding 30 years, as on the date of interview.
Q9. What documents should candidates carry for the interview?
A. Candidates must carry the filled application form, updated resume, self-attested testimonials (academic marksheets and experience certificates), and original plus copy of identity proof.
Q10. What is the duration of this engagement?
A. The engagement is initially for one year, extendable based on satisfactory performance and Mission requirements.
The IGNCA Recruitment 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for history, anthropology, archaeology, and heritage management graduates to contribute to the National Mission on Cultural Mapping, documenting and preserving India’s rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage. With a straightforward walk-in interview process and a competitive consolidated remuneration, this recruitment suits candidates passionate about cultural research, community engagement, and heritage documentation. Interested candidates are advised to prepare all required documents in advance and report well before the specified reporting time on October 30, 2026, to ensure a smooth interview process.
