Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad is inviting applications for 1 Project Associate position under the sponsored Wadhwani Innovation Foundation project titled "AI-enabled Mine Inspection for Health and Safety and Data Analyses for Development of Risk Indices (AIMSURE)". This is a research position under Dr. Siddhartha Agarwal, Assistant Professor, Department of Mining Engineering. The position can be converted to full-time PhD upon satisfactory performance. Eligible candidates with graduate/postgraduate qualifications in Science or Engineering with knowledge of data analysis and programming can apply. The last date to apply is 12-02-2026 at 5:00 PM.
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Project Associate Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Institute Name | Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad |
| Position | Project Associate (can be converted to full-time PhD) |
| Total Vacancies | 1 Post |
| Project Title | AI-enabled Mine Inspection for Health and Safety and Data Analyses for Development of Risk Indices (AIMSURE) |
| Funding Agency | Wadhwani Innovation Foundation |
| Principal Investigator | Dr. Siddhartha Agarwal, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Mining Engineering |
| Project Duration | 2 Years |
| Salary | Rs. 31,000/month (NET/GATE qualified) OR Rs. 25,000/month (Others) |
| Age Limit | Maximum 35 years at interview (with relaxation for SC/ST/OBC and 2 years for research experience) |
| Nature of Position | Temporary, Co-terminus with project |
| Last Date to Apply | 12-02-2026 (5:00 PM IST) |
| Application Mode | Email (Soft Copy) |
| Official Website | iitism.ac.in |
Download IIT (ISM) Project Associate Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
Download IIT ISM Project Associate AIMSURE Recruitment 2026 Official Notification PDF
Vacancy Details
| Sl. No. | Position | Vacancies | Project Name | Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project Associate (convertible to PhD) | 1 | AIMSURE (AI-enabled Mine Inspection) | Mining Engineering |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification (Essential)
- Graduate or Post-graduate degree in Science OR
- Graduate or Post-graduate degree in a professional course like Engineering (preferably B.E./B.Tech/M.Tech/MScTech in all Engineering/Geology/Geophysics streams)
- Must possess knowledge of Data Analysis or Web App Development
Selection Criteria
- Scholars selected through CSIR-UGC-NET OR
- Scholars selected through GATE examination OR
- Selected through national-level examinations conducted by central governments and their agencies
Desirable Qualifications
- Prior research or project experience
- Exposure to data analysis and programming
- Knowledge of Python, R, or MATLAB programming languages
- Experience with AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning)
- GIS (Geographic Information System) knowledge
- Large Language Models (LLMs) experience
- Document processing and text mining expertise
- Domain-specific tools experience
Age Limit
Maximum 35 years at the time of interview. Age relaxation as per Government of India rules for SC/ST candidates and OBC candidates. Additional 2 years relaxation for candidates with research or work experience in relevant industries.
Job Description
The Project Associate will be involved in the following project-related activities:
- Fieldwork and data collection for mine inspection activities
- Data collection from various sources
- Application of AI algorithms on text data
- Analysis and creation of graphs/visualizations
- Preparation of project reports and documentation
- Prototype or software modules development as required
- Other project-related tasks as assigned by PI
Salary & Fellowship
| Category | Monthly Fellowship |
|---|---|
| NET/GATE/National Exam Qualified | Rs. 31,000 (Consolidated) |
| Others with relevant qualifications | Rs. 25,000 (Consolidated) |
Fellowship is for the project duration (maximum 2 years) with possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and project extension.
Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Application Submission | 12-02-2026 (Monday) at 5:00 PM IST |
| Shortlisting & Interview | As communicated to shortlisted candidates via email |
| Joining Time | Within 2 weeks from date of result communication |
Nature & Tenure of Assignment
- Position is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project
- Maximum duration: Project tenure (currently 2 years)
- May be extended till project extension duration (if any), subject to satisfactory performance
- Not an employment guarantee but a research fellowship
- Fellowship awarded by Wadhwani Innovation Foundation through IIT(ISM)
How to Apply
- Prepare completed application on plain paper with full biodata
- Attach passport-size photograph (color)
- Indicate project number: SRDP 1256
- Mention project name: AIMSURE
- Specify position applied for: Project Associate
- Self-attest and attach copies of supporting documents:
- Age proof (birth certificate or high school certificate)
- Educational qualification certificates and mark sheets
- Experience certificates (if any)
- Any publications, awards, or relevant recommendations
- Send complete application as soft copy (PDF/DOC) to: [email protected]
- Subject: "Project Associate Application - AIMSURE Project"
- Include project sanction number and date: IIT (ISM) Project No. SRDP 1256, DAR/27/2025-26, 01-01-2026
Selection Process
- Shortlisting based on merit of submitted documents and qualifications
- Only shortlisted candidates will be called for interview
- Interview will be held in person at IIT(ISM), Dhanbad
- Shortlisted candidates must bring:
- Original degree certificates and one set of photocopies
- Date of birth proof (original)
- Copies of publications, awards, experience certificates, recommendations (if available)
- Date and time of interview will be communicated via email
- No TA/DA will be paid to candidates called for interview
Important Instructions
- Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for the advertised position
- Fellowship does not imply any employment guarantee by Wadhwani Innovation Foundation or IIT(ISM)
- Candidates will be shortlisted for interview based on merit
- Personal appearance with all original documents mandatory for interview
- Selected candidate must join within 2 weeks from date of result communication
- The position can be converted to full-time PhD subject to performance and institute approval
- Application through email only; no postal applications accepted
- Incomplete applications may be rejected
- IIT(ISM) reserves the right to modify any terms without notice
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Project Associate – Important Links
| Official Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| Institute Website | Visit IIT(ISM) Website |
| Email for Application | [email protected] |
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Project Associate Recruitment 2026 - FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for IIT (ISM) Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit applications is 12-02-2026 (Monday) at 5:00 PM IST. Only online email submissions will be accepted. Applications must be sent to [email protected].
Q2. How many positions are available for Project Associate in AIMSURE project?
Only 1 position is available for Project Associate (which can be converted to full-time PhD) under the AIMSURE (AI-enabled Mine Inspection for Health and Safety) project.
Q3. What is the minimum educational qualification required for Project Associate?
Candidates must have a Graduate or Post-graduate degree in Science or Engineering (B.E./B.Tech/M.Tech/MScTech in Engineering/Geology/Geophysics) with knowledge of data analysis or web app development. Preference given to NET/GATE qualified candidates.
Q4. What is the salary for the Project Associate position?
Salary is Rs. 31,000 per month (consolidated) for NET/GATE/National exam qualified candidates and Rs. 25,000 per month (consolidated) for other candidates with relevant qualifications.
Q5. What is the age limit for Project Associate recruitment?
Maximum age is 35 years at the time of interview. Age relaxation is available for SC/ST/OBC candidates as per Government of India rules, and additional 2 years relaxation for candidates with research or work experience in relevant fields.
Q6. Can the Project Associate position be converted to PhD?
Yes, the position can be converted to full-time PhD upon satisfactory performance during the project period and with approval from IIT(ISM).
Q7. What is the tenure of the Project Associate position?
The position is temporary and co-terminus with the project, maximum 2 years. It may be extended based on project extension and satisfactory performance of the candidate.
Q8. What should I include in my application?
Your application should include: completed biodata on plain paper, passport-size photograph, project number (SRDP 1256), project name (AIMSURE), position name, and self-attested copies of age proof, educational certificates, experience certificates, and any publications or awards.
Q9. Will TA/DA be paid for interview?
No, TA/DA (Travel and Dearness Allowance) will not be paid to candidates called for interview. Candidates must arrange their own travel to IIT(ISM), Dhanbad.
Q10. How will shortlisted candidates be notified?
Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email with the date, time, and venue of the interview. Only candidates who clear the screening stage will be called for interviews.