If you are looking at this BITS Pilani Junior Research Fellow recruitment, the main thing to understand is that this is a single research-position advertisement tied to one specific ANRF-funded physics project at the Pilani Campus. It is not a broad institute-wide JRF intake. The project is led by Dr. Sajal Mukherjee in the Department of Physics and focuses on gravitational wave astronomy, especially gravitational waves from binaries in generic orbits.
The official advertisement asks for a first class Master's Degree in Physics or Mathematics or an equivalent qualification, along with GATE or NET qualification for consideration as JRF. The notice also makes an important distinction for applicants who do not have NET or GATE: such candidates may still be considered, but for a lower post than JRF according to Government of India norms. That means applicants should not assume the same designation and fellowship terms apply to everyone.
This guide is built around the official BITS Pilani notice and keeps the focus narrow: vacancy count, project details, eligibility, age preference, fellowship, application method, interview mode and the documents you need to send. It is meant to help a candidate decide quickly whether this opening fits their academic background and whether they should submit the application before the deadline.
What this recruitment is for
This recruitment is for one research staff position at BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus. The post advertised is Junior Research Fellow for an ANRF-funded project in the Department of Physics.
The project title is Gravitational waves from binaries in generic orbits. The principal investigator named in the advertisement is Dr. Sajal Mukherjee. Since the notice is tied to one project, candidates should evaluate it as a research-role opening rather than a general academic or administrative recruitment.
Vacancy and project summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Junior Research Fellow |
| Number of Vacancy | 01 |
| Funding Agency | Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) |
| Project Title | Gravitational waves from binaries in generic orbits |
| Principal Investigator | Dr. Sajal Mukherjee |
| Department | Physics |
| Campus | BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus |
| Project Tenure | 2 Years |
This summary is taken from the official advertisement and captures the exact scope of the position.
Important dates
The advertisement is dated 17 April 2026 and the BITS Pilani careers listing shows it as posted on 18 April 2026. The official application deadline mentioned in the PDF is 1 May 2026.
Because the deadline is clearly stated in the advertisement, candidates should plan their email submission before 1 May 2026 and not wait for any informal extension unless BITS Pilani issues an updated official notice.
Eligibility and preferred academic background
The essential qualification stated in the official notice is a first class Master's Degree in Physics or Mathematics, or an equivalent qualification, from a recognized university or equivalent institution, along with GATE or NET qualification.
The advertisement also says candidates with background in general relativity, cosmology, astrophysics and data analysis will be preferred. This is useful because it tells applicants that the institute is looking not only for a degree match but also for preparation relevant to gravitational wave research.
If your degree is relevant but you do not have the preferred subject background, you may still apply, but your application may be less competitive compared with candidates already trained in these areas.
What happens if you are not NET or GATE qualified
The official advertisement draws a clear distinction between NET or GATE qualified candidates and those who do not hold those qualifications. It states that applicants who are not GATE or NET qualified shall be considered for a post lower than JRF as per Government of India norms.
This matters because some candidates may otherwise assume they are applying directly for the same JRF designation and fellowship amount. If you do not have NET or GATE, you should treat your candidature as potentially falling into a lower category rather than a guaranteed JRF appointment.
Stipend, age preference and tenure
The advertisement mentions a fellowship of Rs. 37,000 per month for NET or GATE qualified candidates. For non-NET and non-GATE candidates, the notice mentions Rs. 30,000 per month under Project Associate-I.
The upper age limit is described as preferably less than 30 years as on the date of application submission. The project tenure is 2 years.
This means applicants should read the notice carefully in combination: designation, pay and category can vary depending on whether the candidate has NET or GATE qualification.
Research area and expected work
The project is in gravitational wave astronomy. According to the official description, the key objective is to study gravitational waves from binaries orbiting in generic orbits.
The advertisement also notes that the selected candidate will get exposure to collaborations within India and abroad. That gives applicants a practical sense of the research environment, but the core expectation remains strong preparation in theoretical and computational topics connected to gravity, astrophysics and data analysis.
How to apply
The application process is by email. Candidates have to send the required documents with the subject line Application for JRF for ANRF Project to sajal.mukherjee@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in.
- Prepare your updated CV.
- Write a cover letter explaining your fit for the project.
- Keep contact details of at least two academic referees ready.
- Attach your NET, GATE or other national-level exam score card if applicable.
- Email the documents before the deadline using the subject line specified in the advertisement.
The official notice does not ask for a separate application portal form for this recruitment.
Documents to send with the application
The advertisement specifically asks for the following documents:
- CV mentioning past education, technical skills, research experience and publications.
- Cover letter.
- Contact details of at least two academic referees.
- Copy of NET, GATE or national-level exam score card, if applicable.
Applicants should make sure that the CV is not generic. Since the project is in gravitational wave research, it is sensible to highlight coursework, software tools, data analysis work, dissertation topics and any relevant research experience connected to physics or mathematics.
Selection process and interview mode
The official notice says candidates will be shortlisted based on merit, experience and the requirements of the project. Only qualified and suitable candidates will be called for interview.
The interview will be conducted through online mode. This means there is no promise of interview calls to all applicants, and the first screening will happen on the basis of the submitted documents and relevance of the candidate's background.
PhD registration possibility
The advertisement states that the selected candidate may be permitted to register for the PhD programme of BITS Pilani, subject to fulfilling the institute's PhD qualification requirements and norms.
The notice also requests candidates to apply only if they are interested in continuing as a PhD student with the group. This does not mean automatic PhD admission, but it does show that the project is aligned with a longer research pathway for a suitable candidate.
Things to check before you apply
Before sending the application, make sure your degree matches Physics or Mathematics or an equivalent field, your score card is attached if you are claiming NET or GATE qualification, and your cover letter is tailored to the project area.
You should also check whether your background in general relativity, cosmology, astrophysics or data analysis is clear from the application. The advertisement is specific enough that a general CV without project relevance may not help at the shortlisting stage.
The official notice does not mention any application fee. It also does not describe a written test, so candidates should focus on a strong and accurate email submission.
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
There is one vacancy for the Junior Research Fellow position.
The official application deadline mentioned in the advertisement is 1 May 2026.
The essential qualification is a first class Master's Degree in Physics or Mathematics, or equivalent, along with GATE or NET qualification.
Yes, but the advertisement says such candidates may be considered for a post lower than JRF as per Government of India norms.
The advertisement mentions Rs. 37,000 per month for NET or GATE qualified candidates.
You have to email your CV, cover letter, referee details and relevant score card to sajal.mukherjee@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in with the prescribed subject line.
The official advertisement says the interview will be conducted through online mode.