Overview
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has released a fresh recruitment notification for the engagement of Junior Research Fellows (JRF) for the year 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for engineering and science graduates looking to build a career in research at one of India's premier technical institutes. The notification invites eligible candidates to apply for multiple JRF vacancies across various sponsored research projects at the institute.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | Multiple (Project-wise) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | iitkgp.ac.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | Released |
| Last Date to Apply | Will be updated / TBA |
| Interview Date | Will be intimated via email |
| Result Date | Will be updated / TBA |
Note: Candidates are advised to check the official website regularly for the updated schedule and project-specific deadlines.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- B.Tech/B.E. in relevant branch of Engineering/Technology with a valid GATE score, OR
- M.Sc. in relevant Science discipline, OR
- M.Tech/ME in relevant specialization from a recognized university/institute
- Candidates applying for project-specific roles must ensure their degree aligns with the discipline mentioned in the respective project notification
Age Limit
- Maximum age: 28 years as of the last date of application
- Upper age relaxation: 3 years for OBC candidates, 5 years for SC/ST candidates, and 10 years for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) as per Government of India norms
- Relaxation for women candidates and other reserved categories as applicable under institute rules
Application Fees
- General/OBC/EWS candidates: No application fee mentioned for JRF positions
- SC/ST/PwD candidates: No application fee
Note: Candidates should verify the project-specific notification for any fee requirements, as this varies across different research projects.
Selection Process
- Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on academic performance, GATE score (if applicable), and relevant research experience
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an online or offline technical interview by the selection committee
- Final Merit List: The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in the interview and their academic credentials. Selected candidates will receive an offer of engagement via email
How to Apply
- Visit the official website — Go to the official IIT Kharagpur careers/recruitment portal at iitkgp.ac.in
- Locate the notification — Navigate to the 'Recruitment' or 'Career' section and find the JRF recruitment notification for 2026
- Check eligibility — Carefully read the project-wise eligibility criteria and ensure you meet the required qualifications and age limit
- Register online — Click on the 'Apply Online' link, complete the registration with your basic details, and note your registration ID and password
- Fill the application form — Complete the form with accurate personal, academic, and professional details
- Upload documents — Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, educational certificates, GATE scorecard (if applicable), and identity proof in the specified format
- Submit and take a printout — Review the application, submit it before the deadline, and save a printout of the completed application with the auto-generated application number for future reference
Salary & Benefits
- Emoluments: The selected Junior Research Fellows will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 + HRA (as per DST/Government of India norms) for the duration of the project
- Consolidated pay: Depending on the funding agency and project, the salary may also be offered as consolidated pay as per the project budget
- Research exposure at one of India's top-tier institutes, opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects, and potential for career advancement to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) or PhD positions
FAQs
1. What is the selection procedure for IIT Kharagpur JRF Recruitment 2026?
Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of their academic record and valid GATE score, followed by a technical interview conducted by the selection committee. Final selection is merit-based.
2. Can final-year students apply for the JRF post?
Yes, final-year B.Tech/M.Sc/M.Tech students whose results are expected before the date of joining may apply. However, they must produce proof of qualification at the time of interview if shortlisted.
3. Is a valid GATE score mandatory for all JRF positions?
A valid GATE score is preferred and gives an added advantage. However, for certain projects, candidates with strong academic credentials in M.Tech or relevant research experience may also be considered, as per the project-specific re