NIT Rourkela Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

The National Institute of Technology Rourkela has released a recruitment notification for the position of Junior Research Fellow under advertisement number NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-26MM017/L/036. This is a contractual position with one vacancy available for eligible candidates. The institute is seeking qualified individuals to contribute to research projects in relevant engineering and science disciplines.

Interested candidates must possess specific educational qualifications and a valid GATE score as per the eligibility criteria. The application process is conducted online through the official website, with no application fee required. The selection will be made through an online interview process scheduled for July 1, 2026.

Quick Facts

About the recruitment

The National Institute of Technology Rourkela, one of India's premier technical universities, is recruiting for a Junior Research Fellow position through a project-based appointment. This recruitment is specifically aimed at filling one vacancy in research-oriented work.

Junior Research Fellow positions typically involve working on sponsored research projects under the guidance of faculty members. These roles provide valuable experience in cutting-edge research and development activities while contributing to the academic ecosystem of the institution.

Important Dates

The recruitment process follows a specific timeline that candidates must adhere to strictly. The notification was released on June 2, 2026, marking the beginning of the application period.

Applications will be accepted until June 24, 2026, after which no submissions will be considered. The online interview for shortlisted candidates is scheduled for July 1, 2026. Applicants should note these dates are fixed and plan their application submission accordingly.

Vacancy Details

There is one vacancy available for the Junior Research Fellow position at NIT Rourkela. This is a single position without category-wise distribution mentioned in the official notification.

The position falls under the contractual job category, which typically means the appointment is for a fixed duration tied to specific research project funding. Candidates should understand that such positions are usually time-bound and project-specific in nature.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for this Junior Research Fellow position are specific and must be met precisely. Candidates must possess either a B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engineering) degree in Metallurgy, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Ceramic, Chemical, Mechanical, Production, Manufacturing Engineering, or Computer Science with minimum 65% marks or 7.0 CGPA.

Alternatively, candidates with an M.Sc degree in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science with minimum 65% marks or 7.0 CGPA are also eligible. All candidates must have a valid GATE score as specified in the official notification notes. The GATE requirement is mandatory and non-negotiable for this position.

Age Limit

The maximum age limit for applicants is 28 years as specified in the official notification. Age relaxation provisions are available for certain categories of candidates as per government norms.

Candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Persons with Disabilities categories, as well as female applicants, are eligible for age relaxation up to 5 years. OBC (Non-creamy layer) candidates can avail age relaxation up to 3 years. Applicants must ensure they meet the age criteria with applicable relaxations before applying.

Application Mode

The application process for this recruitment is completely online through the official NIT Rourkela website. No offline applications will be accepted for this position.

There is no application fee required for any category of candidates, making the application process accessible to all eligible applicants. The online application system ensures efficient processing and tracking of applications throughout the selection process.

Selection Process

The selection process consists of a single stage: an online interview scheduled for July 1, 2026. This interview will be conducted virtually, allowing candidates to participate from any location with internet connectivity.

Candidates should prepare for technical questions related to their field of specialization, research methodology, and general aptitude for research work. The interview panel will assess candidates' subject knowledge, research potential, and suitability for the Junior Research Fellow role.

How to Apply

Applying for the Junior Research Fellow position requires careful attention to the official instructions. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process:

First, visit the official NIT Rourkela website at https://www.nitrkl.ac.in/ and navigate to the careers or recruitment section. Download and thoroughly read the official notification PDF to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before proceeding.

Prepare all required documents including educational certificates, GATE scorecard, category certificate (if applicable), and any other supporting documents. Ensure all documents are self-attested and scanned in the required format.

Complete the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details. Double-check all information before submission as corrections may not be possible after final submission.

Submit the application before the deadline of June 24, 2026. Keep a printout or screenshot of the submission confirmation for future reference and interview purposes.

Why this matters

This Junior Research Fellow position at NIT Rourkela represents a significant opportunity for aspiring researchers to work at a premier technical institution. The role offers exposure to advanced research methodologies and collaboration with experienced faculty members.

For fresh graduates and early-career professionals, such positions provide a platform to develop research skills, contribute to meaningful projects, and build a strong foundation for future academic or industrial research careers. The competitive salary range of Rs. 37,000-42,000 per month also makes this an attractive opportunity for qualified candidates.

Summary

The NIT Rourkela Junior Research Fellow recruitment presents a valuable opportunity for qualified candidates to engage in research at a premier technical institution. Interested and eligible candidates should carefully review the official notification and submit their applications through the official website https://www.nitrkl.ac.in/ before the June 24, 2026 deadline. Ensure all eligibility criteria are met and required documents are prepared before applying.

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