IIT ISM Dhanbad Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

Introduction

The Indian School of Mines (IIT ISM) Dhanbad, one of the most prestigious and oldest engineering institutions in India, has announced a significant recruitment opportunity for research-oriented candidates. The institution is inviting applications from highly motivated and qualified individuals for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under the ANRF project. This role is specifically designed for those who possess a deep passion for academic research, technical innovation, and scientific investigation in the fields of engineering and materials science.

Working at an Institute of National Importance like IIT ISM Dhanbad provides a unique platform for young researchers to work under the guidance of esteemed faculty members and contribute to high-impact projects. The Junior Research Fellow position is not just a job; it is a gateway into the world of advanced research and development (R&D). Candidates selected for this role will be involved in various experimental setups, data analysis, and literature reviews that contribute significantly to national scientific goals. The recruitment aims to bring in talent capable of pushing the boundaries of modern engineering technologies.

The selection process is designed to identify candidates who have not only mastered their core subjects but also possess the analytical skills required for research. With a competitive salary structure including House Rent Allowance (HRA) and a robust academic environment, this position offers unparalleled growth for early-career researchers. Aspiring candidates from various engineering disciplines like Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Metallurgical Engineering are encouraged to apply. This recruitment is a golden opportunity for those who wish to build a career in academia or specialized research sectors within the Indian scientific community.

Highlights / Quick Overview

Application Fee

| Free (No fee applicable) | | Last Date to Apply | 03/07/2026 | | Location | Jharkhand | |

Selection Process

| Shortlisting & Interview |

Post-wise Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates seeking the position of Junior Research Fellow at IIT ISM Dhanbad must possess a strong academic foundation. The eligibility criteria regarding education are as follows:

• For B.E./B.Tech Holders: Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology and must have qualified for NET (National Eligibility Test) or GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering).
• For M.E./M.Tech Holders: Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Engineering or Technology and must have qualified the GATE examination.

The specific engineering disciplines recognized for this post include:

• Metallurgical Engineering
• Materials Science & Engineering
• Production Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Other relevant technical disciplines as specified in the official notification.

Age Limit

The maximum age limit for the post of Junior Research Fellow is 35 years. However, it is important to note that candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) are entitled to age relaxations as per the prevailing Government of India rules. Candidates are advised to check the specific reservation guidelines in the official notification before applying.

Nationality

The post is open to Indian Nationals. Preference may be given to candidates who demonstrate a strong interest in research and have a consistent academic record in their respective fields of engineering.

Important Dates

Application Fee

The recruitment for the Junior Research Fellow position at IIT ISM Dhanbad is Free of Cost. There is no application fee required from any category (General, OBC, SC/ST, or EWS).

Selection Process

The selection process for the Junior Research Fellow position at IIT ISM Dhanbad is designed to be rigorous and transparent, ensuring that only the most capable candidates are selected for the research project.

Stage 1: Shortlisting

Initially, all applications received via email will be screened by a committee. This screening involves checking:

• Verification of educational qualifications (Degree certificates).
• Validation of GATE/NET scores and dates.
• Verification of the candidate's age against the eligibility criteria.
• Evaluation of the research interest and relevance of the candidates' previous projects or academic work.

Stage 2: Interview

Candidates who pass the initial screening will be shortlisted for a personal interview. The interview will focus on:

• Technical knowledge in the candidate's specific field (e.g., Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering).
• Understanding of the research project objectives.
• Communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.

Salary / Pay Scale

The selected candidate for the Junior Research Fellow position will be entitled to a competitive stipend/salary as follows:

• Monthly Stipend: Rs. 37,000 per month.
• Additional Benefits: House Rent Allowance (HRA) will be provided over and above the basic monthly stipend based on the location and institute norms.

Note: The total remuneration may vary slightly depending on the specific terms of the ANRF project funding.

How to Apply Step by Step

Interested and eligible candidates must follow the procedure below to apply for the JRF position at IIT ISM Dhanbad:

1. Read Official Notification: Carefully read the official advertisement (Ref No. SRDP 1332 G) to understand all terms and conditions.
2. Prepare Bio-data: Prepare a comprehensive CV/Bio-data including your personal details, educational qualifications, GATE/NET scores, and any research experience or publications.
3. Gather Documents: Collect self-attested copies of your degree certificates, identity proof (Aadhar/PAN), GATE/NET scorecards, and recent passport-sized photographs.
4. Prepare the Application Packet: Combine all scanned documents into a single PDF or as separate files as required by the instructions.
5. Draft the Email: Compose an email addressed to the official recruitment cell of IIT ISM Dhanbad.
6. Subject Line: Ensure that you mention "Application for Junior Research Fellow - $Your Name$" in the subject line of the email.
7. Attach Documents: Attach your bio-data and all supporting documents to the email.
8. Final Submission: Send the email before the deadline, which is 03/07/2026.
9. Confirmation: Keep a copy of the sent email as a record for future correspondence with the selection committee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the total number of vacancies for the JRF post?
A1: There is 01 vacancy available for the position of Junior Research Fellow under the ANRF project.

Q2: Is there any application fee to apply for this job?
A2: No, the application process is completely free for all candidates from all categories.

Q3: What are the required educational qualifications?
A3: Candidates must have a B.E./B.Tech (with NET/GATE) or M.E./M.Tech (with GATE) in fields like Metallurgy, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or similar disciplines.

Q4: What is the salary offered for this position?
A4: The selected candidate will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 plus HRA.

Q5: What is the maximum age limit to apply?
A5: The maximum age for application is 35 years, with relaxations applicable as per government rules.

Q6: Can I apply if I have only a B.Tech degree without GATE/NET?
A6: No, the notification specifically requires candidates to have either NET or GATE qualification for the JRF position.

Q7: How will the selection be conducted?
A7: The selection process consists of two main stages: Shortlisting based on documents and a subsequent Personal Interview.

Q8: Where is the job location situated?
A8: The position is based at the IIT ISM Dhanbad campus in Jharkhand.

Q9: By what date should I submit my application?
A9: You must send your email application by 03/07/2026.

Q10: Can students from other engineering branches apply?
A10: Yes, students from related fields like Manufacturing, Production, and Materials Science are eligible to apply.

Conclusion

The recruitment of Junior Research Fellows at IIT ISM Dhanbad represents a premier opportunity for young engineers and researchers to kickstart their careers in high-level academic research. By joining an institution of such prestige, candidates can gain exposure to advanced technologies, work on significant national projects under the ANRF funding, and build a robust professional network. The stipend is highly competitive, and the environment at IIT Dhanbad is world-class.

Candidates are advised to prepare their documentation meticulously, ensuring that all certificates are self-attested and clearly legible before sending them via email. Given that there is only one vacancy, the competition will be intense; therefore, a strong resume highlighting research interests and relevant technical skills is crucial. Do not wait until the last date to apply—ensure your application reaches the authorities well before 03/07/2026. For more details, candidates are encouraged to visit the official website of IIT ISM Dhanbad or check the provided notification link.

Good luck to all the aspirants who aim to become part of this prestigious research community! Stay updated with our portal for more such government job notifications and career guidance in the field of higher education and research.