IIT Madras Mechanical JRF Recruitment 2026

About This Job

IIT Madras is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow in the Department of Mechanical Engineering for a project at the IPSE Lab. If you have B.Tech or M.Tech in Mechanical, Chemical, Applied Mechanics, or a related engineering field with a valid GATE score, you can apply online. The last date to submit the online form is 26 June 2026. The salary is Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA as per institute rules.

IIT Madras Mechanical JRF Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), through the Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research, has released ICSR/PR/Advt.108/2026 dated 12 June 2026 for a temporary Junior Research Fellow post. The position is under Prof. Regulagadda Kartik in the IPSE Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering. The project studies Leidenfrost droplets, where a liquid droplet hovers over a very hot surface on a cushion of its own vapour.

This is a contract research role for one year at first, and extension will depend on performance and project need. The notice is best suited for engineering graduates who are comfortable with fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, optical experiments, and data analysis. The work is not a regular permanent IIT post, so you should apply only if you are looking for a project-based research position.

Who Can Apply?

• Post: Junior Research Fellow - 1 vacancy.
• Qualification: You need B.Tech or M.Tech in a relevant engineering field such as Mechanical, Chemical, Applied Mechanics, or a related area.
• GATE: A valid GATE score is mandatory for the JRF position.
• Core knowledge: You should have a good base in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.
• Project fit: Experience or interest in optical experimental techniques, high-speed visualization, shadowgraphy, interferometry, or theoretical modelling will help you match the project work.
• Citizenship: You must satisfy the citizenship and eligibility conditions mentioned in the IIT Madras notice.
• Contract condition: The post is purely on contract and does not give any automatic right to extension, regular appointment, or permanent service at the institute.

Project Work

• Research theme: The project focuses on vapour-cushion dynamics of Leidenfrost droplets using advanced optical experiments.
• Lab work: You may build and run high-speed spatio-temporal optical visualization setups for millimetric droplets on solid surfaces.
• Analysis work: You will study experimental results and help build a theoretical framework for the observed phenomenon.
• Research output: The notice mentions journal publication work, so clear documentation and data interpretation will matter.

Before you apply: Keep your degree details, GATE proof, project work, lab skills, and research exposure easy to check in the online form. IIT Madras can shortlist applicants based on higher qualification, relevant experience, academic record, and project fit, so do not leave your fluid mechanics, heat transfer, optical setup, coding, or analysis experience vague.

Salary

• Monthly salary: Rs. 37,000 per month.
• Allowance: HRA will be paid as per IIT Madras institute norms.
• Duration: The post is initially for one year, with possible extension based on performance.

Selection Process

IIT Madras will shortlist applicants using the details submitted in the online application. The notification does not give a fixed written exam pattern, marks scheme, or syllabus, so do not assume a separate exam. The institute may restrict the number of applicants called for test, skill test, or interview based on qualification, relevant experience, and academic achievements.

1. Application Screening: Your online form will be checked against the qualification, GATE, and project requirements.
2. Test / Skill Test / Interview: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next stage as decided by IIT Madras.
3. Document Verification: You must carry the online application printout and original documents when called.
4. NOC Check: If you are already working in an IIT Madras project, you must apply through proper channel or bring a No Objection Certificate at test, interview, or verification.

How to Apply

1. Go to the official IIT Madras ICSR staff portal at icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in.
2. Open the current openings page and select Advt.108/2026 for the Junior Research Fellow post.
3. Register or log in with an active email ID and fill in the online application form.
4. Add your education, GATE score, project work, lab experience, and relevant technical skills carefully.
5. Submit the form before 26 June 2026; the notice says the application cannot be edited or reverted after submission.
6. Take a printout of the submitted application and keep it ready for test, interview, and document verification.
7. Do not send a hard copy to IIT Madras unless the institute asks for it later.

Application note: Use one active email ID because IIT Madras will communicate by email. Check the advertisement number, post name, phone number, email, GATE details, qualification, and uploaded information before final submission. Do not submit more than one application for the same post, because duplicate applications for the same post can be rejected.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 12 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 26 June 2026
• Test / Interview Date: To be announced

• Build high-speed optical visualization setups for Leidenfrost droplet experiments
• Handle shadowgraphy, interferometry, and related experimental measurements
• Analyze droplet behaviour, vapour-cushion dynamics, and heat-transfer observations
• Prepare clean datasets, plots, notes, and technical summaries for project review
• Work with the project coordinator and lab team on theory, experiments, and troubleshooting
• Follow laboratory safety rules and keep instruments, samples, and records properly organized
• Prepare manuscripts, figures, and supporting material for journal publication work