Indian Institute of Management Bangalore has released the Project Associate-I recruitment notification for 02 positions in its Decision Sciences Area. The posts are linked to a research project in machine learning, optimisation and reinforcement learning, funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation under the PM-ECRG scheme.
This recruitment is suitable for candidates with a strong quantitative, computational or engineering background who want hands-on research experience before moving into higher research roles such as a PhD. The official notification mentions that the role involves literature review, algorithm development, data analysis, computational experiments and assistance in research papers and reports.
The appointment is initially for 3 months and may be extended up to two years based on performance. Candidates must apply online by 04 May 2026 and upload the required academic documents while submitting the application.
IIM Bangalore Project Associate I Recruitment 2026 Overview
IIM Bangalore is hiring Project Associate-I candidates for a research project in the Decision Sciences Area. The project is connected with machine learning, optimisation and reinforcement learning, and the selected candidates will work closely with the Principal Investigator.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Institute | Indian Institute of Management Bangalore |
| Post | Project Associate-I |
| Number of Posts | 02 |
| Area | Decision Sciences |
| Project Funding | Anusandhan National Research Foundation under PM-ECRG scheme |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 04 May 2026 |
Vacancy Details
The official notification lists 02 positions for Project Associate-I. The posts are project-based and connected with the Decision Sciences Area at IIM Bangalore.
| Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Project Associate-I | 02 |
Candidates should note that this is a project position and not a regular permanent faculty or administrative appointment.
Important Dates
Applicants should complete the online form before the closing date. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification date | 20 April 2026 |
| Last date to apply online | 04 May 2026 |
Educational Qualification
Candidates should have a suitable academic background in quantitative, computational or engineering-related disciplines.
- Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering or related fields.
- Strong programming skills are required, preferably in Python, C++ or similar languages.
- A background in Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning or Optimisation is preferred.
- Prior research experience through thesis work, academic projects or papers is desirable.
Project Area and Work Profile
The Project Associate-I role is attached to a research project dealing with large-scale combinatorial optimisation problems using computational and AI-driven methods.
- Work on machine learning, reinforcement learning and optimisation problems.
- Develop and implement algorithms or computational models.
- Conduct literature reviews in relevant research areas.
- Carry out data analysis and computational experiments.
- Assist in preparing research papers, technical reports and project documentation.
Salary and HRA
The monthly compensation depends on whether the candidate has NET, GATE or an equivalent qualification. HRA will be applicable as per ANRF norms.
| Candidate Category | Monthly Compensation |
|---|---|
| Candidates with NET, GATE or equivalent qualification | Rs. 37,000 + HRA |
| Candidates not meeting the above criteria | Rs. 30,000 + HRA |
Duration of Appointment
The appointment is initially for 3 months. It may be extended up to two years depending on performance and project requirements.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial duration | 3 months |
| Possible extension | Up to two years |
| Extension condition | Subject to performance and project need |
Reporting Officer and Work Location
The selected candidate will work with the Principal Investigator for the research project in the Decision Sciences Area.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Reporting to | Professor Abhay Sobhanan |
| Area | Decision Sciences Area |
| Work location | IIM Bangalore, Bengaluru, Karnataka |
Documents Required for Online Application
The official notification states that all fields in the application form are mandatory. Candidates must upload the required academic documents while submitting the form.
- 10th marksheet.
- 12th marksheet.
- Diploma or graduation semester-wise marksheets, wherever applicable.
- Final diploma or degree certificate, wherever applicable.
- Master's or post-graduation semester-wise marksheets, wherever applicable.
- Final master's or post-graduation degree certificate, wherever applicable.
- Any additional documents required in the online application form.
Applications without the required documents will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered.
How to Apply Online
Candidates should apply through the online application link provided by IIM Bangalore for the Project Associate-I post.
- Visit the IIM Bangalore official website.
- Open the Research Positions or careers section.
- Select the Project Associate-I advertisement related to the Decision Sciences Area.
- Read the notification and confirm that you meet the qualification and skill requirements.
- Open the online application link.
- Fill in all mandatory fields carefully.
- Upload the required academic documents in the prescribed format.
- Review the form before final submission.
- Submit the application before 04 May 2026 and save a copy for reference.
Selection Process
The official notification states that only shortlisted candidates will be intimated. Candidates should therefore ensure that their application clearly reflects the required academic background, programming ability and research suitability.
- Applications will be screened by IIM Bangalore.
- Only shortlisted candidates will receive further communication.
- The institute may assess candidates based on qualifications, programming skills, research fit and project requirements.
- Applicants should regularly check their registered email after applying.
Application Fee and Key Instructions
The official notification does not mention any application fee for this recruitment. Candidates should not pay any fee unless it is clearly required through an official IIM Bangalore application page.
- Apply only through the official online application link connected to IIM Bangalore.
- Do not submit incomplete applications.
- Upload all mandatory marksheets and degree certificates.
- Use accurate contact details because shortlisted candidates will be intimated through official communication.
- Read the official PDF before applying to avoid mistakes in the form.
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
The last date to apply online is 04 May 2026.
There are 02 Project Associate-I posts.
Candidates should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering or a related field.
Strong programming skills in Python, C++ or similar languages are required.
The salary is Rs. 37,000 + HRA per month for candidates with NET, GATE or equivalent qualification and Rs. 30,000 + HRA per month for others.
The project area includes machine learning, optimisation, reinforcement learning and large-scale combinatorial optimisation problems.
No. It is initially for 3 months and may be extended up to two years based on performance and project requirements.
IIM Bangalore will shortlist candidates, and only shortlisted applicants will be intimated for the next stage.