IIT (ISM) Dhanbad JRF Recruitment 2026 — 1 Post, Apply Online by 18 Aug

Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad has released its Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Recruitment 2026 notification under Advertisement No. CRG/2023/000174, for 1 contractual vacancy in a mechanical engineering-focused sponsored research project. This IIT-ISM Dhanbad JRF Recruitment 2026 accepts candidates from Mechanical, Chemical, or Metallurgical and Material Engineering backgrounds, with the Postgraduate route specifically requiring a Thermal or Design specialisation within Mechanical Engineering for M.E./M.Tech. holders, indicating the underlying research is likely centred on thermal systems, materials, or mechanical design within a broader multi-disciplinary engineering scope. Both the Bachelor's and Master's eligibility routes require First Division standing and a valid GATE score, positioning this as a competitive, merit-driven fellowship for candidates who cleared one of India's toughest engineering entrance-cum-eligibility exams. Selection for this IIT-ISM Dhanbad JRF post runs through merit-based shortlisting followed by an Interview, which can be conducted either online or in-person, giving the institute flexibility in accommodating candidates from across India for this Jharkhand-based research position. Compensation is Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA, in line with standard CSIR/UGC JRF pay scales for centrally sponsored research fellowships at IITs. Applications for IIT (ISM) Dhanbad JRF Recruitment 2026 must be submitted online through a dedicated Google Form, and the last date to apply is 18 August 2026. There is no application fee for any category. Candidates should fill in the online application carefully with correct personal, educational, and GATE score details, and upload required documents including photograph, signature, and certificates in the prescribed format. Given that age is reckoned specifically as on 1 August 2026, candidates close to the 35-year cutoff should verify their exact eligibility before applying, and all applicants should read the complete official notification PDF for any additional project-specific requirements not covered in the summary listing.

Junior Research Fellow: Graduate degree (B.E./B.Tech.) in Mechanical, Chemical, or Metallurgical and Material Engineering in First Division, with a valid GATE score, or a Postgraduate degree (M.E./M.Tech.) in Mechanical Engineering (Thermal/Design), Chemical Engineering, or Metallurgical and Material Engineering in First Division, with a valid GATE score.

• Maximum Age Limit: 35 years, reckoned as on 1 August 2026
• Age relaxation as per Government of India norms for reserved categories

• B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical, Chemical, or Metallurgical and Material Engineering, First Division, with a valid GATE score
• M.E./M.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering (Thermal/Design specialisation), Chemical Engineering, or Metallurgical and Material Engineering, First Division, with a valid GATE score
• Age not exceeding 35 years, as on 1 August 2026, with relaxation for reserved categories as per Government of India norms
• Candidates from a thermal engineering, mechanical design, or materials background are particularly relevant given the Postgraduate route's specific specialisation requirement

Required Documents: recent photograph, signature, degree certificates and mark sheets for the qualifying B.E./B.Tech. or M.E./M.Tech. degree showing First Division, valid GATE scorecard, and category certificate if claiming applicable age relaxation — all uploaded during the online application process. Important Instructions: candidates should double-check their GATE score's validity period against IIT-ISM Dhanbad's acceptance criteria before applying, since an expired or invalid GATE score disqualifies an otherwise eligible application; and Postgraduate applicants should ensure their M.E./M.Tech. specialisation genuinely falls under Thermal or Design within Mechanical Engineering if applying under that stream, since a general Mechanical Engineering M.Tech. without this specific specialisation focus may not meet the stated criteria.

• Maximum Age Limit: 35 years, reckoned as on 1 August 2026
• Age relaxation as per Government of India norms for reserved categories

• Junior Research Fellow: Rs. 37,000 per month, plus HRA as applicable
• The position is contractual, tied to the duration of the sponsoring CRG research project

1. Visit the IIT (ISM) Dhanbad project openings page at people.iitism.ac.in and locate the JRF posting under Advertisement No. CRG/2023/000174
2. Download and read the complete official notification PDF to confirm the exact project scope and eligibility route matching your degree
3. Click the Apply Online link, which opens a dedicated Google Form for this position
4. Fill in the online application form carefully with correct personal, educational, and GATE score details
5. Upload your photograph, signature, and required certificates in the prescribed format
6. Review all entered details carefully before submitting the form
7. Submit the application on or before 18 August 2026 and save a copy or screenshot of your submission for your own records
8. Watch for further communication from IIT-ISM Dhanbad regarding shortlisting and Interview scheduling