BITS Pilani has released a Project Scientist recruitment notice for a MeitY-funded research project at its Pilani campus. For someone searching this topic, the main things to check first are the number of posts, the exact qualification accepted, the age limit, the salary range and the actual application method. The official notice confirms 3 vacancies, a 35-year upper age limit, a monthly fellowship range of Rs. 47,790 to Rs. 55,400, and an application deadline of 25 April 2026.
This recruitment is tied to a specific project in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems under Dr. Vishal Gupta. The work is related to an AI and ML-driven toolkit for automated cybersecurity audits and compliance. The role is contractual and project-based, so candidates should treat it differently from a regular faculty or permanent institute job.
Another important point is that the process is not a normal online form submission despite the search phrasing used around the post. The official advertisement asks candidates to apply by email with a specific subject line and supporting documents. Shortlisting will be based on merit, experience and project fit, and the interview for shortlisted candidates will be held in online mode.
Recruitment Overview
BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus has invited applications for the post of Project Scientist under a research project sponsored by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The position is purely contractual and linked to a specific research assignment rather than a permanent institutional role.
The notice shows 3 vacancies for this post. It is based in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems under the supervision of Dr. Vishal Gupta. Candidates looking for a research-oriented Computer Science role in AI, ML and cybersecurity should read this notice carefully because the eligibility and application method are more specialized than general institute recruitment.
Important Dates
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Notice date | 16 April 2026 |
| Careers page posting date | 18 April 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 25 April 2026 |
| Interview mode | Online, for shortlisted candidates only |
The official notice does not publish a fixed interview date in the advertisement itself. Candidates who are shortlisted will be informed separately.
Project Details and Work Area
The recruitment is for a MeitY-sponsored project titled Design and Development of an AI and ML-Driven Toolkit for Automated Cybersecurity Audits and Compliance Framework. The advertisement states that the project is jointly undertaken by BITS Pilani and IIT Delhi.
The role focuses on research, design and development of advanced cybersecurity solutions for government and critical infrastructure systems. In practical terms, this means the selected candidate is expected to contribute to hands-on implementation, experimentation and technical analysis rather than only documentation or administrative support.
Vacancy, Campus and Supervising Department
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Project Scientist |
| Number of vacancies | 3 |
| Campus | BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus |
| State | Rajasthan |
| Department | Computer Science and Information Systems |
| Principal Investigator | Dr. Vishal Gupta |
This helps applicants distinguish the post from other BITS Pilani openings. The notice is specifically for the Pilani campus and the CSIS department, not a general multi-campus call.
Eligibility Criteria
The official advertisement accepts candidates with B.Tech, M.Sc, MCA or another postgraduate qualification in a relevant Computer Science discipline. The notice also requires first class or equivalent in the appropriate discipline.
- B.Tech in a relevant Computer Science discipline
- M.Sc in a relevant Computer Science discipline
- MCA
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant Computer Science discipline
- First class or equivalent in the qualifying discipline
The advertisement does not prescribe a separate mandatory NET or GATE requirement for eligibility. It only asks applicants to send a copy of NET, GATE or another national-level score card if applicable.
Age Limit and Nature of Appointment
The upper age limit for the Project Scientist post is 35 years. The post is purely contractual and attached to the sponsored project.
- Upper age limit: 35 years
- Nature of post: Contractual
- Project tenure: 2 years
Candidates should keep in mind that a project appointment is usually tied to funding, deliverables and project duration. It should not be read as a regular institute service position.
Salary and PhD Opportunity
The fellowship or stipend for the post is given as Rs. 47,790 to Rs. 55,400 per month. The advertisement does not break this into fixed yearly slabs in the notice, so applicants should read it as the official monthly range mentioned for the position.
The notice also states that selected candidates may be permitted to register for the PhD program of BITS Pilani, subject to fulfilling the institute's PhD qualification process and norms. This is not automatic admission, but it can matter for applicants who want the project role to connect with future doctoral research.
How to Apply
The official application method is by email. Candidates should not wait for a separate form-filling portal if they are relying only on headline summaries. The advertisement clearly asks applicants to send documents by email with a specific subject line.
- Prepare your updated CV with education, technical skills, research experience and publications.
- Write a cover letter.
- Add contact details of at least two academic referees.
- Attach a copy of your NET, GATE or other national-level exam score card if applicable.
- Email the documents with the subject line Project Scientist Position.
- Send the application to vishalgupta@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in before 25 April 2026.
Documents to Send with the Application
The notice gives a short but important list of documents that must be shared through email. Applicants should keep the file set complete and professionally arranged because shortlisting is based on merit, experience and project requirements.
- CV mentioning past education, technical skills, research experience and publications
- Cover letter
- Contact details of at least two academic referees
- NET, GATE or other national-level exam score card, if applicable
The advertisement does not mention a separate application fee, printed form submission or postal submission requirement.
Selection Process
The advertisement 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.
- Initial screening of applications
- Shortlisting based on merit and relevant experience
- Interview call to shortlisted candidates only
- Interview conducted in online mode
This means the process has two clear stages: application screening first, and then online interview for shortlisted applicants. There is no written test mentioned in the notice.
Who This Role Is Best Suited For
This post is most suitable for candidates who already have a Computer Science background and want to work on applied research at the intersection of AI, ML and cybersecurity. Because the project concerns automated cybersecurity audits and compliance, candidates with hands-on technical ability, implementation experience and interest in research collaboration are likely to fit the role better than applicants looking only for a general teaching or administrative position.
It may also suit candidates planning to move toward a PhD, since the notice leaves room for PhD registration subject to institute rules. At the same time, applicants should be comfortable with the fact that the role is project-linked and contractual.
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 3 Project Scientist vacancies in the official notice.
The application deadline is 25 April 2026.
The notice accepts B.Tech, M.Sc, MCA or another relevant postgraduate qualification in a Computer Science discipline with first class or equivalent.
The upper age limit is 35 years.
Candidates have to apply by email by sending the required documents to vishalgupta@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in with the subject line Project Scientist Position.
The monthly fellowship or stipend is Rs. 47,790 to Rs. 55,400.
The official notice does not mention a written test. It says shortlisted candidates will be called for an online interview.