IIT ISM Dhanbad Research Assistant Recruitment 2026 — Job Details

IIT Indian School of Mines Dhanbad has released a recruitment notification for the position of Research Assistant under a sponsored research project. This opportunity is part of the ICSSR-Punyashloka Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Special Call for Women-Led Research on Women-Led Development project. The position offers candidates a chance to work on meaningful research focused on tribal female sarpanches in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. With only one vacancy available, this is a specialized opportunity for qualified social science post-graduates seeking research experience at a premier technical institution.

Quick Facts

About the recruitment

The Research Assistant position is part of a sponsored research project titled 'Towards Viksit Bharat: Case Studies on Tribal Female Sarpanches in the Mayurbhanj District of Odisha'. The project is led by Principal Investigator Dr. Dipannita Chand and has a tenure of 12 months, with the Research Assistant position specifically lasting for 4 months. This recruitment falls under advertisement number 112/WLD-2025-1906/SCD / SRDP 1241 G and represents a contract-based employment opportunity with IIT ISM Dhanbad.

The role involves working on field research in Odisha, specifically in the Mayurbhanj district, focusing on women-led development initiatives. This position offers valuable research experience in social science studies and provides an opportunity to contribute to meaningful research on tribal governance and women's leadership in rural development.

Important Dates

| Event | Date | |-------|------| | Sanction Date | 18 September 2025 | | Notification Date | 24 February 2026 | | Application Start Date | 24 February 2026 | | Application End Date | 30 April 2026 |

Candidates should note that the application window is open for approximately two months, from February 24, 2026, to April 30, 2026. The sanction date refers to when the project was officially approved and funded, while the notification date marks when the recruitment advertisement was officially published. Applicants are advised to complete their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues or server congestion.

Vacancy Details

There is exactly one vacancy for the Research Assistant position. This is a project-based position funded under the ICSSR special call for women-led research. The position is located in Odisha, specifically focusing on research in the Mayurbhanj district. The job involves field work and research activities related to studying tribal female sarpanches and their role in local governance and development initiatives.

The limited number of vacancies means competition is likely to be intense. Candidates should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and possess the desired qualifications to maximize their chances of selection. The position offers hands-on research experience working with a premier technical institution on socially relevant research.

Eligibility

Educational Qualifications

• Post-Graduate degree in any Social Science discipline
• Minimum 55% marks in post-graduation
• NET/M.Phil./Ph.D. qualification

Desirable Qualifications

• Fluency in understanding and writing Odia language
• Ability to transcribe from Odia to English
• Proficiency in professional English writing

Social Science disciplines typically include subjects such as Sociology, Political Science, Economics, Anthropology, History, Psychology, Social Work, and related fields. The mandatory NET/M.Phil./Ph.D. requirement indicates this position is aimed at candidates who have pursued advanced academic qualifications beyond their master's degree. The desirable qualifications specifically mention Odia language skills, which is crucial for field research in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.

Age Limit

The maximum age limit for applicants is 30 years. Age relaxation for reserved categories, if applicable, would be as per government norms, though specific details about age relaxation are not provided in the official notification. Candidates should calculate their age as of the application closing date (April 30, 2026) to determine their eligibility. Those exceeding the age limit should not apply as their applications will likely be rejected during the initial screening process.

Application Mode

The application process is completely online through the official IIT ISM Dhanbad website. There is no application fee required for any category of candidates. The online application system will be accessible from February 24, 2026, to April 30, 2026.

Candidates should prepare all necessary documents in digital format before starting the application process. The online application typically requires personal details, educational qualifications, contact information, and uploads of supporting documents. Since there's no application fee, candidates can complete the application without any financial transaction involved.

Selection Process

The selection process consists of two stages:

Stage 1: Shortlisting

Candidates will be shortlisted based on:

• Academic merit and qualifications
• Relevance to project requirements
• Meeting the essential and desirable criteria

Stage 2: Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. The interview may assess:

• Subject knowledge in social sciences
• Research aptitude and methodology understanding
• Language proficiency (Odia and English)
• Suitability for field research work

The final selection will be based on performance in both the shortlisting criteria and the interview. The institute reserves the right to modify the selection process if necessary, but any changes would be communicated through official channels.

Documents Required

While the exact list of required documents isn't specified, candidates should typically prepare the following for the application process:

• Scanned copy of recent passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature
• Educational qualification documents (mark sheets and degrees)
• NET/M.Phil./Ph.D. qualification certificate
• Category certificate (if applicable for age relaxation)
• Identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, or voter ID)
• Proof of date of birth
• Any publications or research experience certificates
• Language proficiency certificates (if available)

All documents should be clear, legible, and in the prescribed format and size as specified in the application portal. Candidates should keep both digital copies and original documents ready for verification during the interview stage if shortlisted.

Application process reference

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit Official Website: Go to the IIT ISM Dhanbad official website at https://iitism.ac.in/

1. Find Recruitment Section: Look for the recruitment/career/notification section on the website

1. Read Notification: Download and carefully read the official notification PDF to understand all requirements

1. Click Apply Link: Locate and click on the 'apply (application window now closed)' link for the Research Assistant position

1. Fill Application Form: Enter all required information accurately including personal details, educational qualifications, and contact information

1. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the specified format and size

1. Review Application: Carefully review all entered information before final submission

1. Submit Application: Submit the application form before the deadline of April 30, 2026

1. Save Acknowledgement: Save or print the application acknowledgement for future reference

Candidates are advised to complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. Keep all login credentials and application details secure until the selection process is complete.

Preparation Tips

For Shortlisting Stage

• Ensure your academic credentials clearly show minimum 55% marks in post-graduation
• Highlight your NET/M.Phil./Ph.D. qualifications prominently in your application
• Emphasize any relevant research experience in social science fields
• Clearly demonstrate your Odia language proficiency if you possess this skill

For Interview Stage

• Brush up on research methodology concepts in social sciences
• Prepare to discuss your understanding of tribal governance systems
• Be ready to demonstrate your qualitative data analysis skills
• Practice both Odia and English language skills, particularly transcription abilities
• Review current issues related to women's leadership in local governance
• Prepare to discuss your experience with MS Word and Excel for research purposes

General Preparation

• Gather all original documents for verification
• Prepare a portfolio of any previous research work or publications
• Practice common interview questions for research positions
• Research the project topic and Mayurbhanj district context

Since the selection includes merit-based shortlisting, ensure your application presents your qualifications and experience in the best possible light, emphasizing how your skills match the specific project requirements.

Why this matters

This Research Assistant position at IIT ISM Dhanbad represents a significant opportunity for social science researchers for several reasons. First, it offers the chance to work with a premier technical institution on a socially relevant research project. Second, the focus on tribal female sarpanches addresses important questions about women's leadership in local governance. Third, the position provides practical field research experience in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district.

For early-career researchers, this opportunity can serve as valuable experience that enhances their research profile and opens doors to future academic or research positions. The project's focus on women-led development aligns with national priorities and offers the chance to contribute to meaningful social science research with potential policy implications.

The contract duration of 4 months makes this suitable for candidates looking for short-term research engagement while gaining experience with a reputed institution like IIT ISM Dhanbad.

Summary

The IIT ISM Dhanbad Research Assistant recruitment offers a valuable opportunity for qualified social science post-graduates to engage in meaningful research on women-led development in tribal areas of Odisha. With a competitive salary, no application fee, and the prestige of working with a premier technical institution, this position is worth considering for eligible candidates. Interested applicants should carefully review the official notification, ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, and submit their online applications before the April 30, 2026 deadline. For complete details and to apply, visit the official IIT ISM Dhanbad website at https://iitism.ac.in/.