IIT Roorkee Junior Research Fellowship Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for JRF Post

The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), one of India's oldest and most prestigious technical institutions, has announced a recruitment notification for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under a sponsored research project in the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. This is an exceptional opportunity for young researchers and engineering graduates who are passionate about advanced materials research, computational materials science, and experimental characterization techniques to work on cutting-edge research projects at one of the nation's premier institutions. ## About IIT Roorkee Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, formerly the University of Roorkee, is one of the oldest technical institutions in Asia, with its origins dating back to 1847. Elevated to the status of IIT in 2001, IIT Roorkee has consistently maintained its position among the top engineering institutions in India and globally. The institute offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various engineering, science, architecture, and management disciplines. With state-of-the-art research facilities, world-class faculty, and strong industry collaborations, IIT Roorkee provides an ideal environment for academic excellence and innovation. The Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at IIT Roorkee is renowned for its research contributions in advanced materials, nanotechnology, computational materials science, and process metallurgy. ## Research Project Details The recruitment is being conducted for a sponsored research project in the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering under the supervision of experienced faculty members. The project involves advanced research in materials characterization, computational modeling, process optimization, or related areas of materials science and engineering. Junior Research Fellows selected for this position will have the opportunity to work with advanced characterization equipment including Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and various thermal analysis instruments. They will also gain experience in computational tools and simulation software used in materials research. The research findings from this project are expected to be published in high-impact peer-reviewed international journals and presented at national and international conferences, providing excellent exposure for early-career researchers. ## Vacancy Details and Job Profile IIT Roorkee invites applications for 01 position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) on a purely temporary and contractual basis. The position is co-terminus with the research project, meaning the employment will continue as long as the project is active and funded. The selected JRF will be expected to carry out the following responsibilities: conduct literature review on the assigned research topic, design and perform experiments as per project requirements, operate sophisticated materials characterization equipment, collect, analyze and interpret experimental data, develop computational models or simulations as needed, maintain laboratory equipment and ensure safety protocols, prepare research reports, technical presentations, and manuscripts for publication, collaborate with other research scholars and faculty members, attend research group meetings and present progress updates, and assist the Principal Investigator in achieving project milestones. The position offers excellent learning opportunities and can serve as a stepping stone for candidates aspiring to pursue doctoral programs in materials science or related fields. ## Educational Qualification Requirements The essential educational qualification for the Junior Research Fellow position is MTech/ME in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or closely related branches from a recognized university or institute. Candidates should have obtained their MTech/ME degree with a minimum CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale or equivalent percentage. Alternatively, candidates with B.Tech./B.E. in the same disciplines can also apply, provided they have exceptional academic credentials and relevant research experience. The qualifying degree must be from an AICTE-approved institution or a university recognized by UGC. Preference will be given to candidates who have qualified GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) or NET (National Eligibility Test) in relevant subjects. Candidates with prior research experience, especially those who have worked on similar projects or have publications in peer-reviewed journals, will have a distinct advantage during the selection process. Strong background in materials characterization techniques, thermodynamics, kinetics, phase transformations, or computational materials science will be considered favorably. ## Fellowship Amount and Benefits The selected Junior Research Fellow will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per institute norms. The HRA component varies depending on the city classification and accommodation status of the fellow. This fellowship amount is significantly higher than many other research positions and provides financial security to young researchers. In addition to the fellowship, JRFs at IIT Roorkee enjoy several benefits including access to world-class research facilities and computational resources, opportunity to attend national and international conferences (subject to availability of funds), comprehensive medical insurance coverage under institute schemes, free access to the institute's extensive library including digital resources and research databases, subsidized accommodation facilities (subject to availability), and opportunities for professional development through workshops, seminars, and training programs. The fellowship is tax-exempt up to the prescribed limit under Income Tax regulations, making it even more attractive for candidates. ## Duration of Fellowship The initial appointment will be for a period of one year or until the completion of the project, whichever is earlier. Based on the candidate's performance and availability of project funds, the fellowship may be extended annually. The total maximum duration of the fellowship will depend on the project timeline and funding availability. JRFs who demonstrate exceptional performance may be encouraged and supported to register for doctoral programs at IIT Roorkee, subject to fulfilling the admission requirements of the institute's PhD program. This provides an excellent pathway for candidates interested in pursuing advanced research degrees. ## Age Limit and Relaxation While the official notification does not specify a strict upper age limit, candidates are generally expected to be within the age bracket prescribed by funding agencies for JRF positions, which is typically up to 28-30 years for general category candidates. Age relaxation is provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories as per Government of India norms: 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates, and 10 years for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). Female candidates and candidates with prior research experience may also be eligible for additional age relaxation as per prevailing government rules. The age will be calculated as on the last date of application submission. Candidates should be prepared to provide documentary proof of age (Class 10th certificate or birth certificate) during the selection process. ## Selection Process and Interview The selection of the Junior Research Fellow will be conducted through a rigorous evaluation process designed to assess the candidate's technical knowledge, research aptitude, and suitability for the project. The process includes the following stages: Initial screening of applications based on educational qualifications, academic performance, and relevance of background to the project requirements. Only candidates meeting the minimum eligibility criteria will be shortlisted for the next stage. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (which may be conducted in person at IIT Roorkee or via video conferencing depending on the circumstances). The interview will assess the candidate's understanding of materials science concepts, familiarity with characterization techniques, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and motivation for research. Candidates may be asked to present their previous work (if any) or discuss potential approaches to the research problem. The final selection will be made by the Principal Investigator based on the candidate's overall performance in the interview, technical knowledge, communication skills, and overall suitability for the research project. Selected candidates will be informed via email and will be required to join within the stipulated timeframe. ## Important Documents Required Candidates must prepare the following documents in PDF format for submission with their application: detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting educational qualifications, research experience, publications, presentations, technical skills, and achievements, copies of all educational certificates and mark sheets from Class 10th onwards, GATE/NET scorecard (if available), caste certificate issued by competent authority (if claiming reservation benefits), proof of date of birth (Class 10th certificate or birth certificate), recent passport-size color photographs, Aadhaar card or other government-issued photo ID proof, experience certificates or internship certificates (if any), copies of published research papers or conference presentations (if any), and any other documents supporting the application. All documents should be self-attested and clearly labeled. ## How to Apply Online Interested and eligible candidates must submit their applications online through the prescribed process within the stipulated deadline. The application procedure is as follows: Visit the official IIT Roorkee website at www.iitr.ac.in and navigate to the "Positions Available" or "Recruitment" section. Locate the advertisement for Junior Research Fellow in the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (Advertisement No. Adv/19/01/2026 or as specified in the notification). Download the application form if provided, or prepare your application as per the format mentioned in the advertisement. Fill in all required details including personal information, educational qualifications, work experience, and research interests. Compile all supporting documents in a single PDF file. Send your complete application along with all relevant documents via email to the address specified in the official notification (typically the email ID of the Principal Investigator or department). The subject line of the email should clearly mention "Application for JRF Position – MME Department" or as instructed in the advertisement. Ensure that your application reaches before the last date, which is 24-01-2026. Late applications will not be entertained under any circumstances. Candidates are advised to keep a copy of the sent email for their records. ## Important Terms and Conditions Candidates should carefully note the following terms and conditions: The position is purely temporary and contractual in nature, with no provision for regularization or permanent employment at IIT Roorkee. The fellowship is co-terminus with the project and will terminate upon project completion or fund exhaustion, whichever is earlier. The selected JRF will be required to work full-time on the project and cannot take up any other employment or consultancy during the fellowship period. The fellow must adhere to all rules, regulations, and code of conduct of IIT Roorkee. Publication of research findings will be subject to approval of the Principal Investigator and should follow the institute's authorship and acknowledgment guidelines. The Principal Investigator reserves the right to terminate the fellowship if the performance of the JRF is found unsatisfactory. IIT Roorkee reserves the right to cancel or modify the recruitment process at any stage without assigning any reason. No TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview. Candidates employed in government, semi-government, PSU, or educational institutions must produce a "No Objection Certificate" from their current employer at the time of joining. For any queries regarding the position or application process, candidates may contact the Principal Investigator through the official channels mentioned in the advertisement. ## Why Choose IIT Roorkee for Research Working as a Junior Research Fellow at IIT Roorkee offers numerous advantages for early-career researchers. The institute provides access to world-class research infrastructure and characterization facilities that are on par with international standards. Fellows work under the guidance of highly experienced and internationally recognized faculty members who have extensive publication records and research collaborations. The vibrant research ecosystem at IIT Roorkee includes regular seminars, workshops, and interactions with visiting scholars and industry experts, providing excellent networking opportunities. The institute's location in Uttarakhand offers a pleasant climate and proximity to the Himalayan foothills, creating an ideal environment for focused research work. JRFs at IIT Roorkee are part of a diverse and talented community of scholars from across India and abroad, fostering collaborative learning and cultural exchange. The institute's strong alumni network and industry connections open up excellent career opportunities for fellows after completion of their fellowship. Whether you aspire to pursue a PhD, join industry research labs, or explore entrepreneurial ventures, the experience gained at IIT Roorkee will be invaluable for your professional growth.