IIT Bhilai JRF Recruitment 2026 – Indian Institute of Technology Bhilai has released an advertisement for 1 vacancy of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Associate in a DST-Inspire funded research project in the Department of Chemistry. Interested candidates can apply online through Google Form by 01 May 2026 (5:00 PM).
IIT Bhilai JRF Recruitment 2026 – Complete Overview
| Particular | Details |
| Organization | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhilai |
| Project Type | DST-Inspire Funded Research Project |
| Principal Investigator | Dr. Jayeeta Saha, DST-Inspire Faculty, Dept. of Chemistry |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Associate (I & II) |
| Total Vacancies | 01 |
| Department | Department of Chemistry |
| Application Mode | Online (Google Form) |
| Last Date to Apply | 01 May 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Job Location | IIT Bhilai, Dist. Durg, Chhattisgarh – 491002 |
| Project Duration | 5 Years (Initial appointment: 1 Year, extendable) |
| PhD Option | Available (candidates may register for PhD at IIT Bhilai) |
| Official Website | www.iitbhilai.ac.in |
| Contact Email | jayeetas@iitbhilai.ac.in |
This is a great opportunity for chemistry postgraduates who are looking to build a career in research. IIT Bhilai, one of India’s premier technical institutions, is inviting applications for a JRF/Project Associate position under a DST-Inspire funded project in the Department of Chemistry. The selected candidate will get a chance to work on high-quality research and will also have the option to enroll in the PhD program at IIT Bhilai, making this a dual benefit opportunity — both a fellowship and a doctoral pathway.
IIT Bhilai JRF 2026 – Salary / Fellowship Details
The fellowship amount depends on the post and the qualification of the selected candidate. There are three categories under which candidates can be appointed:
| Post | Eligibility Basis | Salary / Fellowship |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Year 1 & 2 – NET/GATE/National Level Exam qualified | ₹37,000/month + 20% HRA |
| Year 3 – NET/GATE/National Level Exam qualified | ₹42,000/month + 20% HRA | |
| Project Associate-I | NET/GATE or National Level Exam qualified | ₹31,000/month + 20% HRA |
| Others (not NET/GATE qualified) | ₹25,000/month + HRA | |
| Project Associate-II | 2 years research experience + NET/GATE qualified | ₹35,000/month + 20% HRA |
| Others (not NET/GATE qualified) | ₹28,000/month + HRA |
In addition to the monthly fellowship, selected candidates will also receive 20% House Rent Allowance (HRA) as applicable. The fellowship is subject to revision as per government and DST-Inspire norms from time to time.
Eligibility Criteria – IIT Bhilai JRF / Project Associate 2026
Essential Educational Qualification:
- MSc in Chemistry from a recognized institute, university, or statutory body, with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks (6.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale).
- For SC/ST category candidates, the minimum aggregate required is 55% (6.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale).
- MSc students who are currently in their final semester are also eligible and encouraged to apply.
Desirable Qualifications (Not Mandatory but Preferred):
- CSIR/UGC JRF-NET (including Lectureship / Assistant Professorship) qualification
- GATE qualification in a relevant subject
- Relevant research or work experience in Chemistry
Age Limit: Maximum 28 years as on the date of application. Age relaxation for reserved category candidates will be as per government norms.
Nationality: Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply for this position.
Important Date – IIT Bhilai JRF 2026 Application Deadline
| Event | Date & Time |
| Advertisement Release | April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online (Google Form) | 01 May 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Interview Mode | Hybrid (Online + Offline) |
| Position Available From | Immediately |
Candidates must ensure that their application is submitted well before the deadline of 01 May 2026 at 5:00 PM. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered under any circumstances. The Principal Investigator (PI) will not be responsible for any technical issues or delays in submission.
Project Duration and Appointment Terms – IIT Bhilai JRF 2026
The total duration of the DST-Inspire funded research project is 5 years. The initial appointment will be made for a period of 1 year. Based on the candidate’s performance review, the appointment is extendable on a year-by-year basis up to the full project duration of 5 years.
Key terms of appointment are as follows:
- The selected candidate must join duty immediately upon receiving the offer letter.
- The fellowship may be terminated with a 30-day prior notice if performance is not deemed satisfactory before the completion of the tenure.
- The appointment will be governed by the terms and conditions of IIT Bhilai and the DST-Inspire funding agency.
- The selected candidate will have the option to register for the PhD program in the Department of Chemistry at IIT Bhilai. However, they must separately fulfill the eligibility requirements and qualify the written examination and interview conducted by IIT Bhilai for PhD admission.
How to Apply – IIT Bhilai JRF / Project Associate 2026
Candidates who wish to apply for the IIT Bhilai JRF 2026 position must follow the steps given below carefully. Incomplete applications or applications without the required Application Form will be summarily rejected.
- Download the Application Form: The Application Form is attached to the official advertisement released by IIT Bhilai. Candidates must fill this form completely and accurately before proceeding.
- Prepare Your Documents: Arrange the following documents before applying — detailed CV (including date of birth, phone number, email ID, and postal address), photocopies of all educational and professional qualification certificates, NET/GATE score card (if applicable), and research publications (if any).
- Fill the Google Form: Visit the official Google Form link provided in the advertisement and fill in all the required details carefully. Upload the duly completed Application Form along with your CV and supporting documents within the form.
- Submit Before Deadline: Make sure you submit your application through the Google Form before 01 May 2026 at 5:00 PM. Late applications will not be entertained.
- Wait for Shortlisting: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview. The interview will be conducted in a hybrid format (combination of online and offline mode).
- No TA/DA for Interview: Shortlisted candidates will have to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements for the interview. No TA (Travelling Allowance) or DA (Daily Allowance) will be paid by IIT Bhilai.
For any queries, candidates may contact the Principal Investigator directly: Dr. Jayeeta Saha, Department of Chemistry, IIT Bhilai — Mobile: 7506110705 | Email: jayeetas@iitbhilai.ac.in
Selection Process – IIT Bhilai JRF Recruitment 2026
The selection process for the IIT Bhilai JRF / Project Associate position is as follows:
- Application Screening: All received applications will be screened by the selection committee based on the educational qualifications, relevant experience, and credentials submitted by the candidates.
- Shortlisting: Only those candidates who meet the essential qualification criteria and are found suitable will be shortlisted for the interview. If a large number of candidates are shortlisted, the committee reserves the right to further restrict the number of candidates called for interview based on qualifications and experience beyond the minimum prescribed requirements.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a hybrid interview (online + offline format). The date and schedule of the interview will be communicated to shortlisted candidates only.
- Final Selection: The decision of the selection committee will be final and binding. No correspondence regarding selection decisions will be entertained.
About IIT Bhilai and DST-Inspire Program
The Indian Institute of Technology Bhilai (IIT Bhilai) is a public technical university established under the National Institutes of Technology Act, located in Bhilai, Durg district, Chhattisgarh. It is one of the newer IITs set up by the Government of India and is rapidly building its reputation in research and academics across science and engineering disciplines.
The DST-Inspire (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) program is a flagship scheme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It aims to attract talented young students and scientists towards careers in science and research by providing high-quality fellowship support. The DST-Inspire Faculty Award is given to outstanding young researchers, enabling them to pursue independent research at leading institutions across India. This IIT Bhilai JRF position is part of such a DST-Inspire funded project under Dr. Jayeeta Saha in the Chemistry department.
Important Conditions – IIT Bhilai JRF 2026
- No TA/DA will be provided to any candidate for attending the interview.
- The PI (Principal Investigator) will not be responsible for non-receipt of application documents submitted after the specified deadline — such applications will be rejected without any further communication.
- The decision of the selection committee in all matters related to the recruitment will be final.
- If the number of shortlisted candidates is large, the committee may reduce the number of candidates called for interview based on additional qualifications and experience.
- The appointment will be governed by the terms and conditions of IIT Bhilai and the DST-Inspire funding agency as applicable.
- The selected candidate must join duty immediately upon receiving the offer letter — no joining extension requests will be considered.
- The fellowship can be terminated with 30 days’ notice if the candidate’s performance is unsatisfactory.
Important Links – IIT Bhilai JRF 2026
| Action | Link |
| Apply Online (Google Form) | Click Here to Apply |
| Official Website | www.iitbhilai.ac.in |
| Notification | Click Here |
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FAQs – IIT Bhilai JRF Recruitment 2026
Q1. What is the last date to apply for IIT Bhilai JRF 2026?
The last date to submit the online application for IIT Bhilai JRF / Project Associate 2026 is 01 May 2026 by 5:00 PM. Candidates must submit the duly filled Application Form along with their CV and supporting documents through the official Google Form link before the deadline. Applications submitted after 5:00 PM on 01 May 2026 will not be accepted under any circumstances, and the PI will not be responsible for any late submissions or technical difficulties faced by the candidate.
Q2. What is the qualification required for IIT Bhilai JRF 2026?
Candidates must hold an MSc degree in Chemistry from a recognized university or institute with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks (6.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale). SC/ST candidates need a minimum of 55% (6.0 CGPA). MSc students currently in their final semester are also eligible to apply. Having a CSIR/UGC NET, GATE qualification, or relevant research experience is desirable but not mandatory for applying to this position.
Q3. What is the salary / fellowship for IIT Bhilai JRF 2026?
The salary depends on the post and qualification. For JRF, the fellowship is ₹37,000/month + 20% HRA for the first two years and ₹42,000/month + 20% HRA from the third year (for NET/GATE qualified candidates). For Project Associate-I, it is ₹31,000/month + 20% HRA (NET/GATE qualified) or ₹25,000/month + HRA (others). For Project Associate-II, it is ₹35,000/month + 20% HRA (with 2 years experience + NET/GATE) or ₹28,000/month + HRA (others).
Q4. What is the duration of IIT Bhilai JRF 2026 appointment?
The initial appointment for the IIT Bhilai JRF position is for 1 year. Based on the candidate’s performance, it is extendable on a yearly basis up to a maximum of 5 years, which is the total duration of the DST-Inspire funded research project. However, the fellowship can be terminated with 30 days’ notice if performance is found unsatisfactory at any stage during the tenure.
Q5. Can I apply for IIT Bhilai JRF 2026 without NET or GATE?
Yes, you can apply even if you do not have NET or GATE qualification. NET/GATE is listed as a desirable qualification, not mandatory. However, candidates without NET/GATE will be appointed at a lower fellowship rate (₹25,000/month for Project Associate-I and ₹28,000/month for Project Associate-II) compared to NET/GATE qualified candidates. Having NET/GATE significantly improves your chances of selection and also results in a higher fellowship amount.
Q6. Is there any PhD opportunity through this IIT Bhilai JRF position?
Yes, the selected candidate will have the option to register for the PhD program in the Department of Chemistry at IIT Bhilai. However, registration for the PhD program is not automatic — the candidate must separately fulfill the eligibility requirements for PhD admission and also qualify the written examination and interview conducted by IIT Bhilai’s PhD admission committee. The JRF position provides a strong foundation and research experience that would be helpful for the PhD application process.
Q7. How will the interview be conducted for IIT Bhilai JRF 2026?
The interview for IIT Bhilai JRF 2026 will be conducted in a hybrid format, meaning it will involve both online and offline components. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed about the interview date and format. No TA or DA will be provided by IIT Bhilai for attending the interview, and candidates will be required to make their own travel and stay arrangements. If a large number of candidates are shortlisted, the committee may further limit the number of candidates called for interview based on qualifications and experience above the minimum criteria.
Q8. How do I apply for IIT Bhilai JRF / Project Associate 2026?
To apply, candidates must first download and fill the Application Form attached to the official IIT Bhilai advertisement. The completed Application Form along with a detailed CV (including date of birth, contact details, educational qualifications, and publications if any) must be submitted through the official Google Form provided in the advertisement before 01 May 2026 at 5:00 PM. Applications submitted without the Application Form will not be considered. Candidates should keep a copy of their submitted form for future reference.
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