IIT BHU Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 01 Post

Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, one of India's premier technical institutions and an Institute of National Importance, announces recruitment for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in a sponsored research project funded by a prestigious national funding agency. This recruitment notification offers an excellent opportunity for bright young researchers with Master's degree in relevant engineering or science disciplines to pursue doctoral research while working on cutting-edge research projects and contribute to advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation. IIT (BHU) Varanasi, formerly known as Banaras Hindu University - Institute of Technology, has a glorious legacy spanning over a century since its establishment in 1919. Upgraded to an Indian Institute of Technology in 2012, IIT (BHU) combines the rich heritage and values of Banaras Hindu University with the academic excellence and research culture of the IIT system. The institute offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in Engineering, Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Technology, with strong emphasis on research, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal impact. The Junior Research Fellow position is part of a sponsored research project in one of the engineering or science departments at IIT (BHU). The project focuses on contemporary research challenges in areas such as materials science, nanotechnology, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, robotics, biomedical engineering, environmental engineering, structural engineering, or other frontier areas depending on the specific project. JRFs work under the supervision of experienced faculty members who are Principal Investigators (PIs) of research projects, contributing to experimental work, simulations, data analysis, literature review, and publication of research findings. This position offers a monthly fellowship of Rs. 31,000/- for the first two years (JRF level as per DST/UGC/CSIR norms) and Rs. 35,000/- per month for the third year onwards after upgradation to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) subject to satisfactory performance evaluation and project continuation. In addition to the fellowship, a House Rent Allowance (HRA) of Rs. 8,000/- per month (or as per funding agency norms) is provided. The position is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project duration, typically ranging from 2 to 3 years with possibility of extension based on project needs and fellow's performance. Selected candidates will have the unique opportunity to pursue PhD degree while working as JRF. IIT (BHU) encourages project fellows to register for doctoral programs subject to fulfilling admission criteria including qualifying GATE/NET/institute entrance examination. Research fellows enrolled in PhD programs receive comprehensive training in advanced research methodologies, access to world-class laboratory facilities and instrumentation, mentorship from renowned faculty, exposure to collaborative research with national and international institutions, opportunities to publish in high-impact journals and present at conferences, and excellent career prospects in academia, research organizations, or industries. **About IIT (BHU) Varanasi:** Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) is located in the sacred city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the holy river Ganges. The institute occupies a sprawling 1,300-acre campus integrated within the larger Banaras Hindu University campus, providing a unique blend of modern technical education with spiritual and cultural heritage. IIT (BHU) houses 18 academic departments and schools including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering & Technology, Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Mathematical Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Architecture Planning & Design, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Management Studies. The institute boasts state-of-the-art research infrastructure including sophisticated analytical facilities like XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, NMR, Mass Spectrometry, Central Workshop for precision machining and fabrication, High Performance Computing (HPC) facility, well-equipped laboratories in all departments, Central Library with extensive print and digital resources, Innovation and Incubation Center supporting startups and entrepreneurship, and collaborative research centers focusing on areas like energy, materials, water, healthcare, and smart manufacturing. IIT (BHU) has established collaborative research partnerships with leading industries like Tata Steel, BHEL, NTPC, Coal India, leading international universities and research institutions, and participates actively in national missions and flagship programs. The research output includes hundreds of publications annually in top-tier journals, numerous patents filed and granted, technology transfers to industries, and significant contributions to solving real-world engineering and scientific challenges. **Research Project Overview:** The specific research project for which this JRF position is advertised focuses on [project area will be mentioned in detailed notification - could be areas like advanced materials development, computational modeling, sensor technology, sustainable energy systems, water treatment technologies, biomedical devices, structural health monitoring, AI/ML applications, or other contemporary research themes]. The Principal Investigator is a faculty member with extensive research experience and strong publication track record in the relevant field. **Roles and Responsibilities of Junior Research Fellow:** The selected JRF will be integral to the research project with following responsibilities: conducting experimental investigations following standard protocols and safety guidelines, performing simulations and computational modeling using relevant software tools, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting research data using statistical and analytical methods, conducting comprehensive literature surveys and staying updated with latest research developments, maintaining detailed laboratory notebooks and documentation of experimental procedures, preparing progress reports for funding agency and project reviews, writing research papers and technical reports for publication in peer-reviewed journals, presenting research findings at seminars, conferences, and workshops, collaborating with other team members and researchers in multidisciplinary projects, assisting in procurement of equipment and chemicals required for experiments, maintaining laboratory equipment and ensuring proper calibration, training and mentoring junior team members or project interns, attending research group meetings and departmental seminars, and contributing to proposal writing for follow-up projects. **Essential Qualifications:** Candidates must possess a Master's degree (M.Tech./M.E./M.Sc.) in relevant engineering or science discipline from a recognized university or institution. The specific discipline requirements will be mentioned in the detailed project notification, typically including disciplines like Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or other related fields depending on project requirements. A minimum of 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) or equivalent CGPA in the qualifying degree is mandatory. Additionally, candidates must have qualified GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) with valid score, or CSIR-UGC NET including JRF and Lectureship, or equivalent national level examination like INSPIRE Fellowship, DBT-JRF, ICMR-JRF, or have M.Tech./M.E. degree from IITs/NITs/centrally funded technical institutions with minimum prescribed CGPA. These qualifying examinations demonstrate research aptitude and are essential eligibility criteria for JRF positions in sponsored projects at IITs. **Work Environment and Learning Opportunities:** Working as a JRF at IIT (BHU) provides an enriching academic environment conducive to research excellence and personal development. Fellows work in well-equipped research laboratories with access to sophisticated instruments and computational facilities. The collaborative research culture encourages interaction with faculty, PhD scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scientists from India and abroad. Regular departmental seminars, workshops, and conferences provide platforms for knowledge exchange and networking. JRFs pursuing PhD programs attend advanced coursework in specialized subjects, research methodology, and interdisciplinary topics, broadening their theoretical understanding and research skills. Opportunities exist to collaborate with industries through consultancy projects, technology development initiatives, and joint research programs, providing exposure to real-world problem-solving and technology commercialization. **Career Prospects:** Completing a PhD as JRF from IIT (BHU) opens diverse career pathways. Many alumni have secured faculty positions at IITs, NITs, and leading universities; postdoctoral fellowships at prestigious international institutions like MIT, Stanford, Cambridge, Max Planck Institutes; research positions at CSIR laboratories, DRDO, ISRO, BARC, and other premier research organizations; R&D positions in multinational companies and leading Indian industries; and entrepreneurial ventures building technology startups. The rigorous research training, publications in high-impact journals, and IIT brand value significantly enhance career prospects in both academic and industrial sectors. **Contractual Terms:** The appointment as Junior Research Fellow is purely temporary and contractual for the duration of the research project or until completion of PhD (if enrolled), whichever is earlier, subject to annual performance evaluation and availability of funds. The fellowship does not confer any right, explicit or implicit, for regular employment at IIT (BHU) or any other institution. The engagement may be terminated by either party with one month's written notice. Performance will be reviewed periodically and unsatisfactory performance may lead to termination of fellowship. Upgradation from JRF to SRF after two years is subject to satisfactory progress evaluation as per funding agency norms and university PhD progress requirements. **Application Process:** Interested candidates must apply ONLINE through the IIT (BHU) recruitment portal or as specified in the detailed notification. The application process typically involves filling a comprehensive form with personal details, educational qualifications, GATE/NET scores, research interests, uploading scanned certificates, and submitting the application before the deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview (in-person or online) where they will be assessed on subject knowledge, research aptitude, understanding of project requirements, and overall suitability. Only candidates meeting all eligibility criteria should apply as incomplete applications or applications from ineligible candidates will be rejected without intimation.