IITM Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

IITM is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow in the Department of Ocean Engineering at IIT Madras. You need a B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in a relevant engineering discipline with a valid GATE score. The monthly pay is Rs. 37,000 plus HRA. Apply online before 5 July 2026.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) has released Advertisement No. ICSR/PR/Advt. 110/2026 for a temporary Junior Research Fellow post under the Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research. The post is in the Department of Ocean Engineering and is linked to autonomous underwater vehicle technology work. The appointment is initially for one year and can be extended up to the project duration based on performance.

This is a technical research role for candidates who want to work on marine robotics and autonomous underwater vehicle systems. The notification specifically mentions simulation environments, reinforcement learning, machine learning, ROS2, control systems, Python, sensors, actuators, onboard computing, field data, and trials. If your degree and GATE score match the advertisement, this role gives you hands-on project exposure instead of only desk-based research work.

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification

• Qualification: You must have a B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related discipline.
• GATE: You need a valid GATE score in any of the related disciplines listed in the notification.
• Academic Record: A strong academic record is required for shortlisting.
• Eligibility Date: IIT Madras will check your eligibility as on the closing date of the online application.

Preferred Skills

• Robotics and AUV work: Experience with robotics, autonomous systems, or autonomous underwater vehicles will help.
• Software Skills: ROS2, Python, simulation tools, digital twins, reinforcement learning, and machine learning are desirable.
• Control Systems: Knowledge of control systems, sensors, actuators, and onboard computing is useful for this project.
• Field Work: The project may involve experiments and trials with autonomous marine vehicles, so practical problem-solving skills will matter.

Who This Role Fits Best

• Fresh engineers with GATE: You can apply if your engineering branch is one of the listed or related disciplines.
• Robotics candidates: This post is a strong match if you have worked on ROS2, Python, control, perception, simulation, or robot testing.
• Research-focused candidates: The work involves development, evaluation, field data, and reporting, so you should be comfortable with both coding and experimentation.

Salary

• The selected JRF will get Rs. 37,000 per month.
• HRA: House Rent Allowance will be paid as mentioned in the notification.
• The role is a project-based contract post, so it does not create any right to permanent employment at IIT Madras.
• Duration: The first appointment is for one year, with extension possible up to the project duration based on satisfactory performance.

Selection Process

IIT Madras will shortlist applicants based on the details submitted in the online application. The Institute may use a test, skill test, or interview to select the right candidate.

1. Application Screening: IIT Madras will check qualification, GATE score, academic record, and relevant project skills.
2. Test or Skill Test: The Institute may call shortlisted candidates for a written or skill-based test if needed.
3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed for project fit and technical understanding.
4. Document Verification: Original documents, application printout, and certificates must be produced when called.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the Institute through email or official communication. Make sure the email ID in your online form is correct and active because IIT Madras will use it for test, interview, or verification updates.

How to Apply

1. Go to the IIT Madras ICSR recruitment portal at icsrstaff.iitm.ac.in.
2. Open the current openings page and check Advertisement No. 110/2026.
3. Register or log in with your email ID.
4. Fill in the online application form for the Junior Research Fellow post.
5. Upload the required details and submit the form before 5 July 2026.
6. Take a printout after submission and keep it for test, interview, or document verification.

Documents to Keep Ready

• Degree proof: Keep your B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, or related degree certificates ready.
• GATE proof: Keep your valid GATE score proof ready because the notification lists it as required.
• Experience proof: Keep robotics, software, project, internship, or work certificates if you want to show relevant skills.
• NOC: If you already work in an IIT Madras project, you may need a no-objection certificate at verification, test, or interview stage.

Application note: IIT Madras says the submitted application cannot be edited or reverted after final submission, so check your qualification, GATE details, email ID, and uploaded information carefully before you submit.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 15 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 5 July 2026
• Test or Interview Date: To be announced

• Develop simulation environments for marine robotic systems
• Implement and test reinforcement learning algorithms
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and onboard computing systems
• Collect and analyse data from field experiments
• Build software using ROS2, Python, and related robotics tools
• Participate in trials involving autonomous marine vehicles