Overview
National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela is recruiting passionate research professionals! If you’re a fresh graduate or postgraduate with a background in engineering, science, or technology, here’s your chance to work on cutting-edge research projects at one of India’s premier technical institutions. With 19 positions available across diverse research areas, this is perfect for those who want to advance their careers in research and innovation.
📋 Quick Job Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | National Institute of Technology, Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 19 Posts |
| Job Type | Temporary/Contractual (Project-based) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Official Website | nitrkl.ac.in |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹37,000 (Year 1-2) / ₹42,000 (Year 3+) |
📍 Research Areas & Vacancy Details
NIT Rourkela is looking for researchers across multiple specializations. Here are the 19 positions across different departments:
Electronics & Computing Field:
- Real-Time Systems, IoT & Machine Learning (1 position)
- Image Processing & Computer Vision (3 positions)
- IoT & Edge Computing (1 position)
Healthcare & Biomedical Research:
- Remote Patient Monitoring Systems (2 positions)
- 5G Secured Medical Devices (1 position)
- Disease Prediction from Medical Data (1 position)
- Wearable Bio-sensors & Drug Delivery (1 position)
Energy & Power Systems:
- Electrocatalysts for Energy Applications (1 position)
- Battery Technology & Nanostructured Electrodes (2 positions)
- Microgrid Synchronization & Management (4 positions)
Environmental & Mining Applications:
- Sustainable Water Purification (1 position)
- Dust Control for Coal Mines (1 position)
📅 Important Dates You Must Know
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 31st December 2025 |
| Online Application Starts | 13th December 2025 (Already Open!) |
| Last Date to Apply | 10th January 2026 |
| Interview Scheduled | 12th January 2026 at 10:00 AM |
| Interview Mode | Hybrid (Online & Offline) |
⚠️ Important: The application deadline is approaching! Apply as soon as possible on nitrkl.ac.in
🎓 Educational Qualifications Required
The eligibility criteria varies by project, but here’s what you typically need:
Essential Qualification (All Posts):
- Postgraduate degree in basic science OR graduate/postgraduate degree in a professional field
- Must have cleared national-level exams like CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, or other recognized national eligibility tests
Common Requirements:
- B.Tech/B.E. OR M.Tech/M.E. OR M.Sc. OR MCA from a recognized university
- Minimum CGPA: 6.5-7.0 or equivalent marks (60-65%)
- GATE qualification or equivalent national-level fellowship is often mandatory
Project-Specific Qualifications:
For Computer Science/IoT Projects:
- B.Tech in Computer Science/Information Technology with GATE or B.E./B.Tech/MCA/M.Sc with 65% marks
- M.Tech with minimum 60% marks
For Electronics/Instrumentation Projects:
- B.Tech/M.Tech in Electronics, Electrical, or Instrumentation with specialization in VLSI/Wireless/Signal Processing
- Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or embedded systems is desirable
- Minimum 60% marks at both UG and PG levels
For Energy/Power Projects:
- M.Tech in Electrical/Control/Energy Engineering OR B.Tech with GATE score and 7.0+ CGPA
- Knowledge of power systems, microgrids, renewable energy, and power electronics is valued
For Biomedical/Healthcare Projects:
- M.Sc in biological sciences with NET/GATE OR B.Tech/M.Tech in Biotechnology/Biomedical Engineering
- B.Tech applicants in biological fields need GATE qualification
For Environmental/Mining Projects:
- B.Tech/M.Tech in Mining, Civil, Environmental, or Chemical Engineering with GATE
- M.Sc in Geology, Environmental Science, or related fields with 65%+ marks and GATE/NET
- Experience in IoT, circuit design, or mine field work is preferred
💰 Salary & Stipend Details (Per Month)
This is a contractual position with performance-based increments:
Monthly Stipend Structure:
- Year 1 & 2: ₹37,000 per month
- Year 3 onwards: ₹42,000 per month (until project completion)
Important Note:
- The engagement is temporary and contractual, lasting only until project completion
- No permanent position guarantee
- Stipend is project-based and disbursed monthly
- Additional benefits depend on the specific project requirements
⏳ Age Limit
- Maximum Age: 30 years at the time of application
- No age relaxation mentioned for reserved categories
- Age is calculated based on your date of birth
🎯 Selection Process – How You’ll Be Evaluated
The selection is straightforward and interview-based:
- Screening: Your application is reviewed against project-specific eligibility criteria
- Interview: If shortlisted, you’ll have an interview on 12th January 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Interview Mode: Hybrid mode available (you can choose online or offline)
- Offline interviews at the respective department locations are preferred
- Online option available on request
- Merit-Based Selection: Interviewers will assess your research aptitude, subject knowledge, and project fit
- Final Appointment: Selected candidates will receive offer letters
Interview Details:
- Department-wise interview locations provided in the official notification
- Interviews conducted by Principal Investigators of respective projects
- No written exam – direct interview evaluation
📑 How to Apply – Step-by-Step Process
Getting your application in is easy:
- Visit the official NIT Rourkela website: nitrkl.ac.in
- Look for the recruitment notification under “Careers” or “Recruitment”
- Select the JRF recruitment 2026 link
- Fill in your personal and educational details carefully
- Choose your preferred research project – You can apply for multiple projects if interested
- Upload required documents:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Digital signature
- Educational certificates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.)
- GATE/NET score card (if applicable)
- Any other relevant certifications
- Review all information for accuracy
- Submit your application before 10th January 2026
- Note down your application number for reference
- Contact the Principal Investigator: After applying, you can reach out to the project investigator (email/phone provided in notification) for project-specific details
Pro Tips:
- Each project has a specific investigator – check the notification for contact details
- Multiple project applications are allowed if you meet different project requirements
- Keep your documents ready before starting the application
- Double-check all information before submission
⚙️ Key Documents You’ll Need
Gather these documents before applying:
- Educational Certificates: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and any technical diploma
- Score Cards: GATE score card, NET certificate, or equivalent national eligibility exam results
- Academic Transcripts: Semester-wise grades/marks from all levels of education
- Passport: Valid passport for KYC purpose
- Passport-Size Photograph: Recent colored photo with white background (digital format)
- Digital Signature: Scanned signature in black ink
- Aadhaar Card: Any valid government ID for identity verification
- Research/Project Experience: Any certificates or letters of recommendation from previous work/internships
- Technical Certifications: If you have any relevant technical certifications (programming, CAD, etc.)
File Formats Required:
- Photos/Signature: JPG or PNG format
- Documents: PDF format preferred
- File size: Usually under 2-3 MB per document
📘 Important Links
Access all information directly from official sources:
- Official Notification (PDF): Check NIT Rourkela’s careers page
- Apply Online: nitrkl.ac.in (Recruitment section)
- Main Website: https://nitrkl.ac.in
- Contact Support: Check individual project investigator emails in the notification
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this a permanent job? A: No, this is a contractual/temporary position that lasts until the research project is completed. Duration typically ranges from 1-3 years based on project timeline.
Q: Can I apply for multiple projects? A: Yes! If you meet the eligibility criteria for different projects, you can apply for multiple positions.
Q: Will there be a written test? A: No, selection is purely interview-based. Your academic qualifications and project fit are evaluated during the interview.
Q: Can I interview online if I’m in another city? A: Yes, hybrid mode is available. You can request an online interview, though offline interviews are preferred.
Q: What if I don’t have GATE? A: Some projects accept candidates with equivalent marks (65%+) in their final examination. Check project-specific requirements in the detailed notification.
Q: Is the stipend fixed or will it increase after Year 2? A: Stipend increases from ₹37,000 (Year 1-2) to ₹42,000 (Year 3+), provided the project continues.
Q: Can I apply if I just completed my Master’s degree? A: Yes, fresh postgraduates are encouraged to apply as long as they meet the minimum eligibility and GATE/NET requirements.
Q: What happens after the project ends? A: The engagement ends with the project completion. The position does not convert to permanent staff.
🎯 Final Notes
This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on research experience at a premier national institute while building your CV. The research areas are cutting-edge, from healthcare technology to renewable energy and environmental solutions. Even though it’s a contractual position, the experience and skills you’ll gain are invaluable for your future academic or industry career.
Act Fast! The application deadline is 10th January 2026. Apply now on nitrkl.ac.in! Good luck! 🍀
