National Institute of Technology Calicut has released an official notification for recruitment of 1 position in the Department of Mechanical Engineering for an Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) sponsored project on MEMS Based Pumped Liquid Cooling Loop for Cooling High Heat Flux Dissipating Components. Candidates can apply for either Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or Project Associate I (PAI) position based on their qualifications and GATE score. An online interview is scheduled for February 17, 2026.
NIT Calicut Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Institute Name | National Institute of Technology, Calicut |
| Department | Mechanical Engineering |
| Positions | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Associate I (PAI) |
| Number of Posts | 1 |
| Project Title | MEMS Based Pumped Liquid Cooling Loop for Cooling High Heat Flux Dissipating Components |
| Project Sponsor | Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) |
| Salary (JRF) | INR 37,000/- per month + 20% HRA |
| Salary (PAI) | INR 31,000/- per month + 20% HRA |
| Duration | Nine months initially, extendable up to project completion |
| Age Limit | Maximum 35 years |
| Interview Date | February 17, 2026 (Online) |
| Last Date for Application | February 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM |
| Official Website | www.nitc.ac.in |
Vacancy Details
| Position | Number of Posts | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Associate I (PAI) | 1 | General |
| TOTAL | 1 | |
Eligibility Criteria
For Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Position
Essential Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree (B.Tech/B.E) in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related areas from a recognized University/Institute
- GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering) qualification is mandatory
- OR Cleared National Level Examinations conducted by Central Government Departments and agencies such as:
- DST (Department of Science & Technology)
- DBT (Department of Biotechnology)
- DAE (Department of Atomic Energy)
- DOS (Department of Space)
- DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation)
- MHRD (Ministry of Human Resource Development)
- ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
- ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research)
- IIT (Indian Institute of Technology entrance exams)
- IISC (Indian Institute of Science)
- IISER (Indian Institute of Science Education & Research)
Desirable Qualifications:
- Master's degree (M.Tech/M.E) in Thermal Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related areas from a recognized University/Institute
For Project Associate I (PAI) Position
Essential Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree (B.Tech/B.E) in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related areas from a recognized University/Institute
- Note: GATE qualification is NOT required for PAI position
Desirable Qualifications:
- Master's degree (M.Tech/M.E) in Thermal Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related areas from a recognized University/Institute
General Eligibility Requirements (Both Positions)
- Applicant must be an Indian national
- Degree must be from a recognized University or Institute
- Maximum age limit: 35 years at the time of application
- Responsible for authenticity of information and documents submitted
- Applicants already in government/other employment must submit No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer at interview
Project Details
Project Title:
MEMS Based Pumped Liquid Cooling Loop for Cooling High Heat Flux Dissipating Components
Project Sponsor:
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
Project Objectives:
Development and design of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based pumped liquid cooling loop technology to efficiently cool high heat flux dissipating components in space applications and related thermal management systems.
Salary & Benefits
For Junior Research Fellow (JRF):
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Consolidated Pay | INR 37,000/- per month |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 20% of basic pay |
| Total Monthly Emoluments | INR 44,400/- approximately |
For Project Associate I (PAI):
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Consolidated Pay | INR 31,000/- per month |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 20% of basic pay |
| Total Monthly Emoluments | INR 37,200/- approximately |
Duration & Project Details
- Initial Duration: Nine months from the date of joining
- Extension Possibility: May be extended up to the end of the project based on performance and fund availability
- Project Duration: Project timeline as determined by ISRO
Selection Process
- Online Interview: Candidates will be selected based on online interview performance
- Short-listing: After application closure, eligible candidates will be shortlisted based on qualifications and experience
- Interview Notification: Selected candidates will be notified via email with interview schedule and details
- Merit-Based: Selection will be based on academic background, qualifications, GATE score (for JRF), and interview performance
- Document Verification: Original documents will be verified at the time of interview
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Application Submission | February 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM |
| Short-listing of Candidates | After application deadline |
| Online Interview Date | February 17, 2026 |
| Interview Mode | Online |
| Interview Venue | To be announced via email |
How to Apply
Application Method:
Candidates must submit a complete application packet via email to the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Required Documents:
- Registration Form: Duly filled registration form (as provided in the notification)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Most recent CV with complete educational and professional history
- Academic Certificates: Soft copies of mark sheets/certificates in support of:
- Bachelor's degree mark sheets and certificate
- Master's degree mark sheets and certificate (if applicable)
- Experience Certificates: Soft copies of experience certificates if any
- GATE Score Card: GATE score card (for JRF applicants only)
- Age Proof: Document proving date of birth (10th standard certificate or equivalent)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Required only if currently employed (to be submitted at interview)
Application Format:
- Consolidate all soft copies into a single PDF document
- File naming format: "{YourName}_Application_for_JRF_PAI.pdf"
- Maximum file size: As per email attachment limits
Submission Details:
- Email Address (Primary): [email protected]
- Email Address (CC): [email protected]
- Subject Line: "Application for JRF/PAI - MEMS Based Pumped Liquid Cooling Loop Project"
- Deadline: February 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Important Instructions:
- Only soft copies should be submitted via email
- Consolidate all documents into a single PDF file
- Applicants must clearly specify whether applying for JRF or PAI position
- Include valid email ID and phone number in the application for further communication
- Applications received after the deadline will not be considered
- Short-listing will be done based on qualifications and eligibility criteria
- Selected candidates will be contacted via email with interview details
Interview Details
Interview Schedule:
- Date: February 17, 2026
- Mode: Online Interview
- Duration: As per interview schedule
- Platform: Details to be shared with shortlisted candidates
Interview Process:
- Shortlisted candidates will receive email notification with interview schedule
- Interview will test knowledge of Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, and project-related concepts
- Communication skills and research aptitude will be evaluated
- Candidates should be prepared to discuss their educational background and research interests
Post-Interview:
- Original degree certificates, diplomas, and experience certificates must be produced at interview
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) required from current employer if applicable
- Institute reserves the right to verify authenticity of all documents
- Selection is final and binding on candidates
General Instructions & Important Notes
- Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying
- Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply
- No Travel Allowance (TA) or Dearness Allowance (DA) will be paid for interview attendance
- Institute reserves the right to relax qualifications for candidates with exceptional credentials
- Applicants must be responsible for authenticity of information and documents submitted
- Degrees must be from recognized universities as per UGC/AICTE guidelines
- Any attempt to provide false or misleading information will result in disqualification
- Short-listing may be done before interview announcement
- The Institute reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process if required
- Decisions of the Institute in all matters related to recruitment are final and binding
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between JRF and PAI positions?
A: The main difference is that JRF position requires GATE qualification (or clearing national level exams), while PAI position does not require GATE. JRF offers higher salary (INR 37,000/- pm) compared to PAI (INR 31,000/- pm).
Q: Is GATE qualification necessary to apply?
A: GATE qualification is essential only for JRF position. Candidates without GATE score can apply for PAI position. However, clearing national level exams like NET, JRF, etc., can substitute GATE for JRF.
Q: What is the minimum educational qualification required?
A: Bachelor's degree (B.Tech/B.E) in Mechanical, Production, Automobile, or Aerospace Engineering from a recognized University/Institute is essential for both positions.
Q: Is Master's degree required?
A: No, Master's degree is desirable but not essential. Candidates with only Bachelor's degree are eligible to apply if they meet other criteria (GATE for JRF).
Q: What is the salary for these positions?
A: JRF position offers INR 37,000/- per month + 20% HRA. PAI position offers INR 31,000/- per month + 20% HRA.
Q: What is the duration of engagement?
A: The position is for nine months initially, which can be extended up to the end of the project based on performance and fund availability.
Q: What is the age limit for these positions?
A: The maximum age limit is 35 years at the time of application.
Q: When will the interview be conducted?
A: The online interview is scheduled for February 17, 2026. Exact timing will be intimated to shortlisted candidates via email.
Q: How will the interview be conducted?
A: The interview will be conducted online. Selected candidates will receive email notification with platform details and timing.
Q: What should I include in my application letter?
A: Your application letter should include: (1) Position applied for (JRF/PAI), (2) Brief statement of interest in this ISRO project, (3) Relevant skills in mechanical engineering and thermal management, (4) GATE score (if applicable).
Q: Can candidates already employed apply?
A: Yes, employed candidates can apply. However, they must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer at the time of interview.
Q: Is accommodation provided?
A: Information regarding accommodation should be requested directly from NIT Calicut administration. It depends on availability and institute policies.
Q: What is the project about?
A: The project "MEMS Based Pumped Liquid Cooling Loop for Cooling High Heat Flux Dissipating Components" focuses on developing MEMS-based cooling technology for high heat flux dissipation applications in space systems and thermal management.
Important Links
| Official Website | Click here |
| Recruitment/Careers Portal | Click here |
| Official Notification (PDF) | Click here |
| Department of Mechanical Engineering | Click here |
| Email (Primary) | [email protected] |
| Email (CC) | [email protected] |