IIT Madras Optics JRF Recruitment 2026

About This Job

IIT Madras is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow in the Department of Physics. If you have B.E./B.Tech in ECE, EEE, instrumentation, biomedical, mechanical, CS, applied optics, or related field with a valid GATE score, you can apply online before 2 July 2026. The post is a contract research role for one year, with extension possible based on performance. Salary is Rs. 37,000 per month + 24% HRA.

IIT Madras Optics JRF Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has released ICSR/PR/Advt.109/2026 for a temporary Junior Research Fellow post. This is a focused project position under Department of Physics, so your degree, GATE score, and project skills matter more than general clerical experience. The appointment is not a permanent institute job; it is a project-funded contract post handled through the Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research.

The work is best suited for applicants who want hands-on research exposure in optical imaging, sensing systems, image processing, instrumentation, and feedback control. You should be ready to work with faculty, research staff, and project teams, keep technical records, and discuss progress during project reviews. The notice says the initial duration is 1 year, and further continuation depends on project needs and your performance.

Who Can Apply?

• Post: Junior Research Fellow - 1 vacancy.
• Qualification: You need B.E./B.Tech in ECE, EEE, Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Optics, or a related field.
• Age: You should be below 32 years as stated in the notification.
• Technical Base: A strong base in image processing, optical imaging or tomography, and feedback control systems is important.
• GATE: A valid GATE qualification or score is mandatory for the JRF post.
• Contract condition: The post is purely on contract and does not give any automatic right to regular appointment at IIT Madras.
• Citizenship: You must satisfy the citizenship and eligibility conditions stated in the IIT Madras notice.

Project Fit

• Research Area: The project involves optical imaging and sensing systems, including OCT-based and fiber-optic platforms.
• Technical Work: You may work on image acquisition, image processing, calibration, validation, and closed-loop sensing systems.
• Tools: MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, optical instrumentation, machine vision, computational imaging, and automation exposure will help.

Before you apply: Match your CV and online form closely with the project needs listed above. IIT Madras can shortlist applicants based on qualification level, relevant project work, programming exposure, and academic achievements, so make your GATE details, degree discipline, project title, software skills, and research experience easy to check. If you have worked on a thesis, internship, lab project, simulation code, hardware setup, or publication linked to this area, mention it clearly in simple words.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: Below 32 years.
• Reference date: The notice does not mention a separate age reference date, so check this point carefully before you submit the form.

Salary

• Monthly pay: Rs. 37,000 per month + 24% HRA.
• Allowance: HRA is mentioned as 24% per month in the notification.
• Duration: The appointment is initially for 1 year, with extension possible based on performance.

Selection Process

IIT Madras will shortlist applicants using the details given in the online application. The notice does not give a fixed written exam pattern, so do not assume a syllabus or marks scheme. Keep your degree, GATE, project, programming, simulation, and research details accurate because shortlisting can depend on qualification level, relevant experience, and academic achievements.

Shortlisting note: The notice says calling someone for test or interview does not confirm final selection. It only means the institute wants to assess whether the applicant suits the specific project requirement. Treat the test or interview as a technical discussion where you may need to explain your degree work, GATE background, coding comfort, and research interest.

1. Application Screening: IIT Madras will check your online form and supporting details against the minimum qualification and project needs.
2. Test and/or Interview: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the institute for the next stage.
3. Document Verification: You must produce the online application printout and required documents when called for test or interview.
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.

How to Apply

1. Go to the official ICSR IIT Madras careers portal at icandsr.iitm.ac.in.
2. Open the current openings page and find Advt.109/2026 for the Junior Research Fellow post.
3. Register or log in with your active email ID before filling the online form.
4. Enter your education, GATE, project, programming, and experience details carefully.
5. Submit the form before 2 July 2026; the system may not allow edits after submission.
6. Take a printout of the submitted application and keep it ready for document verification, test, or interview.
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 use email for further communication. The notice says the application cannot be edited or reverted after submission, so check your advertisement number, qualification, GATE score, phone number, email, and uploaded details before final submission. Do not submit duplicate applications for the same post; multiple applications for the same post can lead to rejection.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 12 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 2 July 2026
• Test / Interview Date: To be announced

• Assemble and test optical imaging and sensing systems
• Handle image acquisition, image processing, and system calibration tasks
• Validate OCT-based, fiber-optic, and closed-loop sensing platforms
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and project presentations
• Work with optics, electronics, instrumentation, and software teams
• Monitor system performance and support troubleshooting during experiments