Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), through its Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (ICSR), Department of Aerospace Engineering, invites applications for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF). This is a contractual research position for one year with possibility of extension based on performance. The position offers an excellent opportunity to work on cutting-edge aerospace research projects at one of India's premier engineering institutions.
IIT Madras Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Organization Name | Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) |
| Department | Department of Aerospace Engineering |
| Office | Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (ICSR) |
| Position | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Number of Vacancies | 1 |
| Location | Chennai – 600 036, Tamil Nadu |
| Nature of Position | Temporary / Contract Basis |
| Initial Duration | 1 Year (Extendable based on performance) |
| Monthly Stipend | Rs. 37,000/- per month + HRA |
| Advertisement Number | ICSR/PR/Advt.14/2026 |
| Notification Date | 05/02/2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 20/02/2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification (Essential):
- Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree in Mechanical Engineering OR Aerospace Engineering
- From a recognized university or institute
- Good academic record
Additional Requirement:
- GATE Score (Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering) is mandatory
- GATE score in Mechanical Engineering (ME) or Aerospace Engineering (AE) will be preferred
- Valid GATE scorecard must be produced at the time of joining
Desirable Qualifications:
- Interest and aptitude for research work
- Research experience during B.Tech (internship, projects, etc.)
- Publications or presentations in conferences/seminars
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Experience with CAD/CAM tools or computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
- Proficiency in MATLAB or similar programming languages
Salary & Compensation
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Rs. 37,000/- per month |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per IIT Madras norms |
| Annual Equivalent | Rs. 4,44,000/- + HRA |
Duration & Nature of Employment
- Nature: Temporary / Contract Basis
- Initial Duration: 1 Year from date of joining
- Extension: May be extended based on:
- Satisfactory performance and progress in research
- Availability of project funds
- Organizational requirement of Department of Aerospace Engineering
- Important Note: Completion of contract does NOT confer any right for extension, regularization, or permanent position
- Contract-based position only
Job Responsibilities & Research Focus
- Conduct research in assigned aerospace engineering projects
- Design and perform experiments and simulations
- Contribute to research publications and technical reports
- Assist in laboratory work and research data analysis
- Collaborate with research team and faculty members
- Prepare thesis/dissertation based on research work
- Attend seminars and present research findings
- Support in technical proposal writing and project documentation
Selection Process
- Online application submission through official portal
- Application screening based on CV, qualifications, and GATE score
- Shortlisting of eligible candidates
- Written Test (if required) or Direct Interview
- Technical Interview covering:
- Aerospace engineering fundamentals
- Research background and motivation
- GATE score and academic performance
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Final selection by Department of Aerospace Engineering
How to Apply
- Visit the official ICSR careers portal: https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php
- Register or login with your email ID
- Fill out the online application form with following details:
- Personal information (Name, Email, Phone)
- Educational qualifications (Branch, University, Graduation Year, CGPA)
- GATE Score and Score Card details
- Work/Research experience (if any)
- Research interests in Aerospace Engineering
- Upload supporting documents:
- B.Tech degree certificate
- GATE scorecard
- Mark sheets/Transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Passport-size photograph
- Identity proof
- Submit the application before 20/02/2026
- Save confirmation of submission for future reference
Age Limit
No specific age limit is mentioned in the notification. Candidates meeting educational qualification and GATE score requirements are eligible to apply.
Important Instructions
- GATE score is mandatory - applications without GATE score will be rejected
- B.Tech degree must be in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- Application must be submitted online only through the official portal
- All information in application form must be accurate and verifiable
- Candidates must be able to join immediately after selection
- This is a contract position with no guarantee of permanency or extension
- Selected candidate must comply with all IIT Madras rules and regulations
- IIT Madras reserves the right to modify or cancel recruitment if required
- No interim correspondence will be entertained during selection
Contact Information
Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (ICSR)
Department of Aerospace Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Chennai – 600 036, Tamil Nadu, India
Email: [email protected]
Website: icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in
IIT Madras Website: www.iitm.ac.in
Apply Online: https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF)?
A: JRF is a contractual research position for conducting research in Aerospace Engineering at IIT Madras under the supervision of faculty members.
Q: What is the qualification required?
A: B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with a valid GATE score is required.
Q: Is GATE score mandatory?
A: Yes, GATE score is mandatory. Candidates without a valid GATE scorecard will not be eligible.
Q: What is the salary?
A: Monthly stipend is Rs. 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per IIT Madras norms. Annual equivalent is Rs. 4,44,000/- + HRA.
Q: For how long is this position?
A: Initial duration is 1 year, extendable based on performance and project requirements.
Q: Is there any age limit?
A: No specific age limit is mentioned. Eligible candidates meeting qualification criteria can apply.
Q: What is the last date to apply?
A: The last date for online application submission is 20/02/2026.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Apply online through the official ICSR portal at https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php
Q: What documents do I need to upload?
A: B.Tech degree certificate, GATE scorecard, mark sheets, resume, passport photo, and identity proof.
Q: Will I get a permanent position after contract completion?
A: No. Contract completion does not guarantee extension or permanent position. It depends on performance and project continuation.
Q: What is the research focus?
A: The research focus is in Aerospace Engineering, which may include areas like aerodynamics, structural analysis, propulsion, or computational fluid dynamics.
Q: Can candidates from other engineering branches apply?
A: No, B.Tech must be specifically in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
Q: What is the selection process?
A: Application screening, shortlisting, written test (if required), and technical interview.
Q: Is accommodation provided?
A: Information about accommodation is not mentioned in the notification. Candidates should contact ICSR office directly.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click here |
| ICSR Website | Click here |
| IIT Madras Main Website | Click here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click here |