ANRF Junior Research Fellow (ANRF JRF)

Introduction

The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), commonly known as IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, is one of the most prestigious engineering and research institutions in India. It has a long-standing reputation for excellence in mineral engineering, mining, and various branches of civil and mechanical engineering. In its pursuit to foster high-quality research and innovation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, in collaboration with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), is inviting applications for the prestigious position of ANRF Junior Research Fellow (ANRF JRF). This role is specifically designed for young researchers who are passionate about advancing scientific knowledge through rigorous investigation and technological innovation.

The selected candidate will be tasked with a highly specialized project involving a machine learning-driven flash flood forecasting framework. This initiative aims to tackle critical environmental challenges by utilizing satellite-based rainfall data and developing sophisticated hydrological models to improve precipitation estimates. Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, this research holds significant practical value for disaster management and urban planning in India. The position offers a unique opportunity for researchers to work under the guidance of esteemed faculty members at a premier institute while receiving a competitive stipend. This recruitment is an excellent pathway for candidates who have completed their post-graduation and are looking to establish a career in academia or high-level research environments within the fields of civil engineering, hydrology, and environmental science.

Highlights / Quick Overview

Application Fee

| Free (No fee applicable) | | Last Date to Apply | 10/07/2026 | | Official Website | https://iitism.ac.in/ |

Post-wise Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

To be eligible for the ANRF Junior Research Fellow position, candidates must possess a strong academic background in engineering and earth sciences. The specific requirements are as follows:

• Master's Degree: Candidates must hold an M.Tech degree in any of the following specialized fields:
  • Water Resources Engineering
  • Hydraulic Engineering
  • Hydrology
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Geoinformatics
  • Remote Sensing & GIS
  • Civil Engineering
  • Earth Sciences
• Equivalent Qualification: Candidates with an equivalent qualification recognized by the relevant governing bodies are also eligible.
• Undergraduate Foundation: A B.Tech degree in Civil Engineering or Agricultural Engineering & Technology is required as a foundational qualification.

Additionally, it is mandatory for candidates to be qualified in either GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) or NET (National Eligibility Test). This ensures that the selected candidate possesses the necessary technical competence to undertake high-level research tasks.

Age Limit

The maximum age limit for the application is 28 years. However, in accordance with the Government of India (GoI) rules, the following relaxations are provided:

• SC/ST Candidates: Age relaxation as per government norms.
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Age relaxation as per government norms.
• PWD Candidates: Relevant age relaxation for persons with disabilities.
• Female Candidates: Relaxation as applicable under GoI rules.

Important Dates

Application Fee

The application process for the ANRF JRF position at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad is completely free of cost. There is no registration fee or processing fee required from the candidates.

Selection Process

The selection process for the ANRF Junior Research Fellow position is designed to identify candidates who possess both technical expertise and a passion for research. The following stages will be involved:

1. Shortlisting: Initial screening of applications based on educational qualifications (M.Tech), GATE/NET scores, and relevant experience in hydrology or machine learning.
2. Technical Evaluation: Candidates who pass the shortlisting stage will be evaluated on their understanding of the specific project goals—namely, flash flood forecasting and remote sensing analysis.
3. Interview: A formal interview will be conducted by a committee of experts from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. The interview will focus on:
   • The candidate's core academic knowledge in Civil/Hydraulic Engineering.
   • Understanding of Machine Learning applications in environmental science.
   • Communication skills and ability to articulate research objectives.
   • Problem-solving capabilities regarding data analysis from satellite sources.

Salary / Pay Scale

The selected candidate will be entitled to a fellowship as per the ANRF guidelines for Junior Research Fellows. The pay structure is as follows:

• First and Second Year: ₹37,000/- per month + 20% House Rent Allowance (HRA).
• Third Year: ₹42,000/- per month + 20% House Rent Allowance (HRA).

Note: The HRA is applicable based on the location of posting and current government norms.

How to Apply Step by Step

Interested and eligible candidates should follow these steps carefully to complete their application for the ANRF JRF position:

1. Visit Official Portal: Access the official recruitment portal or the specific link provided in the notification.
2. Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents including your M.Tech degree certificate, B.Tech degree, GATE/NET scorecards, and valid photo ID proof.
3. Draft a Resume: Prepare a comprehensive CV highlighting your academic background, any relevant research projects, and proficiency in tools like GIS or Python (relevant for Machine Learning).
4. Fill the Google Form: Click on the official application link: Click Here to Apply and fill in all required personal and academic details.
5. Prepare a Single PDF: Combine your CV, marksheets (B.Tech & M.Tech), certificates (GATE/NET), age proof, and GATE scorecard into one single PDF file for the email submission.
6. Email Submission: Send the consolidated PDF to the official email address: shushobhit@iitism.ac.in.
7. Subject Line: Ensure your email subject is exactly as specified: "Application for JRF position".
8. Final Verification: Wait for a confirmation from the institute regarding the receipt of your documents and subsequent interview schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the primary role of an ANRF Junior Research Fellow at IIT Dhanbad?

A1: The primary role involves working on a machine learning-driven flash flood forecasting framework, specifically analyzing satellite-based rainfall data and developing hydrological models to improve precipitation estimates.

Q2: Is the selection process for this post open to B.Tech students?

A2: No, while a B.Tech in Civil or Agricultural Engineering is a foundational requirement, candidates must have an M.Tech degree and be GATE/NET qualified to apply.

Q3: What are the specific M.Tech subjects that qualify for this role?

A3: Candidates can hold M.Techs in Water Resources, Hydraulic Engineering, Hydrology, Environment Engineering, Geoinformatics, Remote Sensing & GIS, Civil Engineering, or Earth Sciences.

Q4: Is there any application fee for this position?

A4: No, the application process is completely free of cost for all candidates across all categories.

Q5: What is the salary for the first two years of the fellowship?

A5: The stipend for the first and second year is ₹37,000 per month plus 20% HRA.

Q6: How many vacancies are available for this post?

A6: There is currently 1 vacancy available for the ANRF JRF position.

Q7: What is the age limit for this recruitment?

A7: The maximum age limit is 28 years, with relaxations applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PWD/Female candidates as per Government of India norms.

Q8: How should I submit my documents via email?

A8: You must combine your CV, marksheets, certificates, age proof, and GATE scorecard into a single PDF file and send it to shushobhit@iitism.ac.in with the subject "Application for JRF position".

Q9: What is the last date to apply?

A9: The deadline to submit your application is 10/07/2026.

Q10: Does the role involve any specific software skills?

A10: While not explicitly listed as a mandatory skill in the summary, the project focuses on machine learning and satellite data analysis, so proficiency in relevant programming or GIS tools is highly advantageous.

Conclusion

The ANRF Junior Research Fellow position at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad offers a prestigious opportunity for aspiring researchers to contribute to vital environmental research. By working on flash flood forecasting using machine learning, the selected candidate will be at the forefront of climate change and disaster management research in India. The combination of a high-profile institution like IIT (ISM), a substantial stipend, and a focus on cutting-edge technology makes this an ideal career starting point for M.Tech graduates in civil engineering and related fields.

Candidates are encouraged to prepare their documents thoroughly and ensure they meet the GATE/NET requirements before applying. Given the competitive nature of selection at IITs, applicants should highlight their specific knowledge in hydrology and machine learning during the interview stage. Don't miss this deadline—ensure your application is submitted via both the Google Form and the official email by July 10, 2026. Good luck to all the aspirants!