IIT Indore has released an official advertisement for a National Postdoctoral Fellowship under the SAKSHAM ANRF-PAIR project. This specific opening is linked to Theme-3 Advance Materials, with IIT Indore as the hub institution and NIT Kurukshetra as the spoke institution. The recruitment is for 1 fellowship position, and the application is to be submitted online through the link provided in the official notice.
The official advertisement is dated 02 April 2026 and states that applications must be submitted within 3 weeks from the date of advertisement. Based on that timeline, the effective last date is 22 April 2026. The notice also gives the interview date as 28 April 2026 and states that the interview will be conducted in hybrid mode at IIT Indore, with Google Meet details to be shared with shortlisted candidates.
This fellowship is intended for Indian researchers with a PhD in materials-related disciplines such as Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Nanotechnology, Nanoscience, Metallurgical, Polymer, Chemical Engineering, Energy Materials, or allied areas. Along with the PhD requirement, the official notice asks for publication credentials, and it also states that candidates should have qualified GATE or NET in the preceding years. Candidates should read the official advertisement carefully because this is a project-based, temporary appointment with specific academic and research expectations.
Recruitment Overview
IIT Indore has announced 1 National Postdoctoral Fellowship position under the SAKSHAM ANRF-PAIR project. This advertisement relates to Theme-3 Advance Materials and is being implemented with IIT Indore as the hub institution and NIT Kurukshetra as the spoke institution.
The fellowship is project-based and temporary. The workplace may vary from time to time according to project requirements mentioned in the official advertisement.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement date | 02 April 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 22 April 2026 |
| Interview date | 28 April 2026 |
| Interview time | 09:30 AM onwards |
The official notice states that applications must be submitted within 3 weeks from the advertisement date. Based on the 02 April 2026 notice date, the effective application deadline is 22 April 2026.
Vacancy and Project Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | National Postdoctoral Fellowship |
| Vacancy | 1 |
| Project | SAKSHAM - Scientific Advancements in Knowledge for Sustainability, Healthcare, and Materials |
| Theme | Theme-3 Advance Materials |
| Hub Institution | IIT Indore |
| Spoke Institution | NIT Kurukshetra |
This is not a general institute-wide fellowship pool. It is a specific project-linked NPDF position under the ANRF-PAIR framework.
Eligibility Criteria
- PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Physics (Materials or Applied), Nanotechnology, Nanoscience, Metallurgical, Polymer, Chemical Engineering, Energy Materials, or allied areas.
- The applicant should be an Indian citizen.
- The candidate must have 2 research publications.
- At least one research publication should be published or accepted within the last 2 years as first author or corresponding author in a reputed peer-reviewed journal.
- Candidates with a granted patent will be given preference.
The official notice also states that the candidate should have qualified GATE or NET in the preceding years.
Desirable Qualifications and Research Profile
The notice gives extra preference to candidates who fit the project theme well. The desirable profile includes the following:
- Strong background in advanced materials, including nanomaterials and functional or energy materials.
- Hands-on experience in material synthesis and characterization.
- Working familiarity with techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, spectroscopy, or similar tools.
- Interdisciplinary research experience and a good publication record.
- Prior research experience aligned with the thematic areas of the project.
Fellowship Amount, Tenure and Appointment Terms
The selected candidate will receive Rs. 80,000 per month plus 10% HRA as per norms.
The initial appointment will be for 1 year. The notice further states that the position is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project, and the contract may be extended based on satisfactory performance until the completion of the project.
- Age limit: As per ANRF norms.
- Candidate is expected to join immediately.
- Remuneration is taxable as per norms.
- No TA or DA will be paid for attending the interview.
Selection Process
The selection process is based on interview.
The interview is scheduled for 28 April 2026 from 09:30 AM onwards. It will be conducted in hybrid mode at IIT Indore, and the Google Meet link and interview details will be communicated to shortlisted candidates.
The notice also makes it clear that merely meeting the essential qualifications does not automatically entitle a candidate to selection or even consideration.
How to Apply Online
- Read the official advertisement carefully and confirm that your research background matches Theme-3 Advance Materials.
- Prepare a complete CV with academic details from 10th standard onward.
- Add publication details, hands-on research experience, and nature of work clearly in the CV.
- If you have a valid GATE or NET score, mention the year, discipline, marks, and all-India rank in the CV.
- Submit the application through the online form provided in the official notice before the deadline.
- The application form link given in the official notice is online application form.
Incomplete applications are liable to be rejected.
Documents and Details to Keep Ready
- Updated CV with academic record from 10th standard onward.
- Details of year of passing, institute, university or college, and marks or grades.
- Publication list and proof of published or accepted papers.
- Research experience details relevant to advanced materials and characterization work.
- GATE or NET details, if applicable.
- Original certificates and self-attested copies of supporting documents for interview.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Two recommendation letters on the official letterhead of the referee, to be brought at the time of interview.
Other Conditions Applicants Should Note
- The appointment is purely temporary and project-linked.
- The fellowship does not carry regular service benefits such as bonus, gratuity, LTC, DA, or CCA.
- Leaves will be governed by project guidelines and no leave encashment will apply.
- IIT Indore reserves the right not to fill or to cancel the advertised post without assigning any reason.
- The official notice does not provide a separate numeric age limit and instead states that age will be as per ANRF norms.
- No separate application fee clause is stated in the official advertisement.
Candidates should rely on the official advertisement for final eligibility and interview compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for IIT Indore National Postdoctoral Fellowship Recruitment 2026?
The effective last date is 22 April 2026, based on the official notice dated 02 April 2026 and the instruction to apply within 3 weeks.
How many vacancies are available in this recruitment?
There is 1 vacancy for the National Postdoctoral Fellowship position.
What is the fellowship amount for the selected candidate?
The fellowship is Rs. 80,000 per month plus 10% HRA as per norms.
What qualifications are required for this IIT Indore NPDF post?
Candidates should have a PhD in materials-related or allied disciplines, Indian citizenship, and the required publication record mentioned in the official notice.
Is GATE or NET required for this fellowship?
The general information section of the official advertisement states that the candidate should have qualified GATE or NET in the preceding years.
How will the selection be done for this fellowship?
Selection will be through interview, scheduled in hybrid mode at IIT Indore.
What is the duration of the appointment?
The initial appointment is for 1 year, and it may be extended based on satisfactory performance until the project is completed.