IIT Dhanbad JRF Recruitment 2026

IIT (ISM) Dhanbad is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for a 6G photonics research project in the Department of Electronics Engineering. If you have an M.Tech/M.E./MS in Electronics (or a B.Tech with a qualified GATE/NET score), you can apply online through a Google Form. The last date to apply is 17 August 2026. You'll get a monthly fellowship of Rs. 37,000 in the first two years, rising to Rs. 42,000 in the third year.

Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad (IIT (ISM) Dhanbad) Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, one of India's premier technical institutes located in Jharkhand, has released a notification for 1 Junior Research Fellow post under the TTDF scheme of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), with TCOE India as the implementing agency. The project, titled "Silicon Photonic Chip-based N x N Photonic Switches for 6G and Beyond," is led by Prof. Devendra Chack in the Department of Electronics Engineering. JRFs get the chance to convert to a PhD position in the same department after the fellowship, following institute guidelines. This is a great opportunity for Electronics/Photonics graduates who have already qualified GATE or NET.

The project's main goal is to design an integrated Silicon Photonic N x N optical switch and validate its performance through simulation using tools such as FDTD and INTERCONNECT. As the JRF, you will work directly under the guidance of the Principal Investigator on chip-level photonic switch design for next-generation 6G communication networks — a field that is growing fast in India's telecom research ecosystem. The initial appointment is for 1 year, and the contract is renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and project requirements, for a maximum of two years or till the project ends, whichever comes first.

The Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme, run by the Department of Telecommunications, supports indigenous research and development in telecom technologies, and 6G photonic switching is a key focus area as India builds up its own telecom manufacturing and research base. Working on this project gives you hands-on exposure to advanced photonic chip design tools alongside a senior faculty mentor — valuable experience whether you plan to pursue a PhD afterward or move into the telecom/photonics industry.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: First Class or First Division with minimum 60% marks (or equivalent CGPA) in M.Tech/M.E./MS in Electronics, Electronics & Communication, or Electronics & Telecommunication (or a related field)
• OR: B.Tech/B.E. or equivalent degree in Electronics, Electronics & Communication, or Electronics & Telecommunication
• OR: M.Sc in Electronics, or M.Sc in Physics (with specialization in Electronics/Photonics)
• Mandatory: You must have qualified GATE or NET
• Desirable: Basic knowledge of Photonics Integrated Circuits, Silicon Photonics, Communication Systems, Microelectronics, Optoelectronics, Nanotechnology, Optical Communication, VLSI, or Physics. Good working knowledge of ANSYS Lumerical and MATLAB will help your candidature.

You can qualify through any one of the three educational routes listed above — a Master's-level degree, a Bachelor's degree, or an M.Sc in a related field — as long as you have also cleared GATE or NET. Since there is only 1 vacancy, candidates who already have simulation experience with ANSYS Lumerical, MATLAB, or similar photonics design tools are likely to have an edge during shortlisting.

Age Limit

• You should be below 35 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Age Relaxation: SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/PH candidates get relaxation in the upper age limit as per Government of India rules.

Salary

• You will get a fellowship of Rs. 37,000 per month in the 1st and 2nd year of the project.
• The fellowship goes up to Rs. 42,000 per month in the 3rd year.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection is based on merit and project requirements:

1. Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted for interview based on merit and the project's requirements. Meeting the minimum qualification alone does not guarantee an interview call.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date. No TA/DA is paid for attending the interview, and you must arrange your own stay in Dhanbad if needed.

Because this fellowship is attached to a live sponsored project, your day-to-day supervisor will be Prof. Devendra Chack in the Department of Electronics Engineering, so expect a hands-on research-lab environment rather than a classroom setting.

How to Apply

1. Open the online application form at forms.gle/q7W8stecam4XLn7o6.
2. Fill in your personal, academic and project-related details.
3. Attach self-attested copies of your educational certificates, experience certificate (if any), age proof, caste certificate (if applicable), publications/awards, recommendation letter, CV with photo, and your GATE/NET/national-level exam qualification certificate.
4. Submit the form before the deadline.

Keep a copy of your submitted form and all attachments ready — you may need to bring the originals for verification if you are shortlisted for the interview. If you have any questions about the position or the online form, you can email the Principal Investigator, Prof. Devendra Chack, at devendra@iitism.ac.in.

Important Dates

• Last Date to Apply Online: 17 August 2026, 4:00 PM

• Design integrated silicon photonic N x N optical switches for the project
• Validate switch performance through simulation using FDTD/INTERCONNECT tools
• Review current research on photonic switching and 6G optical communication
• Prepare technical reports and contribute to research publications
• Work closely with the Principal Investigator and project team on experimental design
• Maintain accurate documentation of research data and simulation results
• Help prepare project progress reports for the funding agency