The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has announced an official recruitment drive to fill the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in the Department of Aerospace Engineering. This is an excellent opportunity for eligible candidates with a background in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering to engage in cutting-edge research projects, contribute to innovative aerospace technology solutions, and further develop their academic and professional careers. The following comprehensive job description provides detailed information on the position, eligibility criteria, application process, salary structure, and other pertinent details to assist interested applicants in preparing their submissions effectively.
IIT Madras Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026: An Overview
Organization Details
| Organization Name | Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) |
|---|---|
| Department | Department of Aerospace Engineering |
| Office Handling Recruitment | 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 Qualifications (Essential)
Candidates must possess a B.Tech. degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering from a recognized university or institute. The candidate must have a good academic record with a focus on aerospace or mechanical disciplines.
GATE Score Requirement
A valid Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE) score is mandatory for application. Preference will be given to candidates with a GATE score in Mechanical Engineering (ME) or Aerospace Engineering (AE). The GATE scorecard must be produced at the time of joining.
Desirable Qualifications & Skills
- Interest and aptitude for research work in aerospace engineering.
- Research experience during B.Tech, including internships, projects, or research assistantships.
- Publications or presentations in conferences or 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 & Benefits
Component Breakdown
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Rs. 37,000/- |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per IIT Madras norms |
| Annual Equivalent | Rs. 4,44,000/- + HRA |
Duration, Employment Nature & Contractual Conditions
Employment Nature
This is a temporary position offered on a contractual basis. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance, project requirements, and availability of funds.
Extension & Other Conditions
- Extensions are granted solely at the discretion of the department and based on satisfactory performance.
- Completion of the initial contract does not provide any right for extension, permanent employment, or regularization.
- The position is strictly contractual with no guarantee of permanency.
- Selected candidates must adhere to all rules and regulations of IIT Madras.
- Immediate availability for joining is preferred.
Job Responsibilities & Research Focus
Main Responsibilities
- Conduct research related to aerospace engineering projects assigned by faculty or research supervisors.
- Design, execute, and analyze experiments and simulations pertinent to aerospace engineering.
- Prepare research publications, technical reports, and project documentation.
- Assist in laboratory operations, data collection, and data analysis.
- Collaborate effectively with team members and share research findings.
- Contribute towards thesis/dissertation writing based on research work.
- Attend and present research progress at seminars and workshops.
- Support in drafting technical proposals and project reports.
Selection Process
Stages of Selection
- Online submission of application via the official portal.
- Initial screening based on the candidate’s CV, academic credentials, and GATE score.
- Shortlisting of eligible candidates for further evaluation.
- Written test (if applicable) or direct interview.
- Technical interview covering aerospace fundamentals, research experience, and problem-solving skills.
- Final selection based on overall performance and departmental requirements.
Application Procedure
Step-by-step Guide
- Visit the official IIT Madras ICSR careers portal: https://icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in/careers/current_openings.php.
- Register or log in using your email ID.
- Fill out the application form with personal details, educational qualifications, GATE score, research experience, and interests.
- Upload necessary supporting documents:
- Degree certificates (B.Tech)
- GATE scorecard
- Mark sheets/ transcripts
- Resume / CV
- Passport-size photograph
- Identity proof
- Review all entered information for accuracy and completeness.
- Submit the application before the deadline: 20/02/2026.
- Save and keep the confirmation of submission for future reference.
Important Eligibility & Application Guidelines
- GATE score is mandatory; applications without GATE scores will be rejected.
- A B.Tech. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is a must.
- Applications must be submitted online only through the official portal.
- Ensure all information provided is accurate, truthful, and verifiable.
- Candidates must be ready to join immediately after selection.
- This is a purely contractual position; no claims for extension or permanency will be entertained.
- Selected candidates must comply with all rules and regulations of IIT Madras.
- IIT Madras reserves the right to modify or cancel the recruitment process if needed.
- No interim correspondence regarding selection or rejection will be entertained.
Important Links & Resources
- Apply Online: Click here
- Official Notification PDF: Click here
- Official Website: Click here
- Join Arattai Channel: [Link]
- Join Telegram Channel: [Link]
- Join WhatsApp Channel: [Link]
- Sarkari Result Mobile App: [Link]
Final Notes
Interested candidates are encouraged to carefully review all eligibility criteria, prepare their application documents thoroughly, and submit their applications before the deadline. This is a valuable opportunity to work in a prestigious academic environment, contribute to impactful aerospace research, and gain valuable experience. Ensure all requirements are met, and the application is complete for consideration.
For further information, updates, and clarification, candidates are advised to refer to the official notification or contact the IIT Madras recruitment office through the provided official links.