IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has released an official project opening notice for the recruitment of one ANRF Junior Research Fellow under an ANRF ARG sponsored research project. The post is connected to a research project on integrating IoT-enabled sensors with groundwater models for real-time monitoring of nitrate transport in the Lower Ganga River Basin. The notice has been issued through the Office of the Dean (Research and Development), and the position will work under the supervision of Prof. Tinesh Pathania from the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering.
The recruitment is for a project-based research role and not for a regular institute cadre post. The essential qualification combines a relevant postgraduate degree with GATE or NET qualification, and the role involves field work, groundwater modelling, sensor monitoring, laboratory work, and report preparation. The fellowship structure and project tenure are also clearly stated in the official notice.
One point that applicants should note carefully is the application mode. Some third-party listings use the phrase apply online, but the official IIT (ISM) Dhanbad notice asks candidates to send their application as a single PDF by email to the principal investigator. The interview schedule has not been announced in advance and will be shared later only with shortlisted candidates.
Recruitment Overview
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has invited applications for one ANRF Junior Research Fellow position under a sponsored ANRF ARG project. The opening has been issued by the Office of the Dean (Research and Development) and is linked to the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering.
The sanctioned project carries sanction number ANRF/ARG/2025/004357/ENS dated 16 March 2026, and the IIT (ISM) project number mentioned in the notice is SRDP 1287 G. The official notice date is 06 April 2026.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Sanction date | 16 March 2026 |
| Notice date | 06 April 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 25 April 2026 |
| Last time to apply | 5:00 PM |
| Interview date | Not announced in advance |
Candidates should submit the application before the stated deadline because the official notice does not mention any late acceptance window.
Vacancy and Project Details
There is only one vacancy for the ANRF Junior Research Fellow post. The project title is Integration of IoT-Enabled Sensors with Groundwater Models for Real-Time Monitoring of Nitrate Transport: Field Application to Lower Ganga River Basin.
The principal investigator is Prof. Tinesh Pathania, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. The contact email given in the official notice is tineshpathania@iitism.ac.in.
Eligibility Criteria
The essential qualification in the official notice includes M.Tech in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science and Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Hydrology, Agricultural Engineering, or Remote Sensing and GIS. Candidates with M.Sc. in Environmental Science are also eligible.
In addition to the academic qualification, the candidate must be GATE or NET qualified. Applicants who do not meet the GATE or NET requirement should not treat the post as eligible unless IIT (ISM) issues any later clarification.
Job Profile and Desirable Skills
The selected ANRF JRF will work on field visits, monitoring IoT sensors, maintaining sensor data records, collecting water samples, and carrying out laboratory experiments. The role also includes groundwater flow and nitrate transport modelling using MODFLOW and MT3DMS, integration of IoT sensor data with groundwater models, model calibration and validation, and preparation of project reports.
The notice lists basic knowledge of MATLAB or Python as desirable. Exposure to Finite Difference Method or other numerical techniques is also desirable.
Age Limit, Fellowship and Tenure
The upper age limit is 30 years. The notice states that relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, PWD, and female candidates will be applicable as per Government of India rules.
The fellowship is Rs. 37,000 per month for the first two years and Rs. 42,000 per month for the third year. HRA at 20 percent is admissible subject to non-availability of hostel accommodation.
The project tenure is initially for one year and can be extended up to three years based on performance.
Application Mode Clarified
The official IIT (ISM) Dhanbad notice does not ask candidates to fill a separate online application form. Instead, it instructs interested candidates to submit their application by email as a single PDF file.
This matters because some aggregated job pages use the phrase apply online in the headline. For this recruitment, the confirmed official application mode is email submission to the principal investigator.
How to Apply
- Read the official project opening notice carefully.
- Prepare your application as a single PDF.
- Include scanned self-attested copies of educational qualification certificates, age proof, GATE or NET score card, and your CV.
- Email the complete PDF to tineshpathania@iitism.ac.in.
- Use the prescribed subject line mentioned in the official notice.
- Send the email on or before 25 April 2026 by 5:00 PM.
Applicants should keep a copy of the sent email and the attached PDF for future reference.
Documents Required and Email Subject Line
The official notice asks for scanned self-attested copies of certificates related to educational qualification, age, and GATE or NET score card, along with a CV. Candidates should make sure the file is clear and complete before sending it.
The required email subject line is Application for JRF position under ANRF/ARG/2025/004357/ENS project. Using the correct subject line is important because the notice specifies it directly.
Selection Process and Interview
The official notice says shortlisted candidates will be informed about the date of interview later. It also makes clear that merely meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview call.
Candidates will be shortlisted based on merit and the requirement of the project. No written test, admit card schedule, or fixed interview date is published in the notice.
Application Fee and Other Conditions
The official notice does not mention any application fee for this recruitment. Since no fee instruction is given in the project opening PDF, applicants should rely only on any future official update if IIT (ISM) adds a separate fee-related instruction later.
The notice also states that candidates should make their own arrangements for stay at Dhanbad if required. No TA or DA will be paid to attend the interview.
What Is Confirmed and What Is Not Yet Announced
Confirmed details include the post name, total vacancy, project title, qualification, GATE or NET requirement, upper age limit, fellowship amount, tenure, application email, last date, and the fact that shortlisting will be followed by an interview.
What is not yet announced in the official notice includes the exact interview date, interview mode, and any separate shortlist publication schedule. Candidates should therefore track the official IIT (ISM) project openings page and their email regularly after applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in IIT (ISM) Dhanbad ANRF JRF Recruitment 2026?
There is 1 vacancy for the ANRF Junior Research Fellow post.
What is the last date to apply for IIT (ISM) Dhanbad ANRF JRF Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply is 25 April 2026, and the application must reach by 5:00 PM.
What is the application mode for this IIT (ISM) Dhanbad JRF post?
The official notice asks candidates to apply by email by sending a single PDF with the required documents.
Is GATE or NET mandatory for this recruitment?
Yes. The official notice states that the candidate must be GATE or NET qualified.
What is the fellowship for the selected ANRF JRF?
The fellowship is Rs. 37,000 per month for the first two years and Rs. 42,000 per month for the third year, with 20 percent HRA subject to hostel non-availability.
What is the age limit for IIT (ISM) Dhanbad ANRF JRF Recruitment 2026?
The upper age limit is 30 years, with relaxation for eligible categories as per Government of India rules.
Is there any application fee mentioned in the official notice?
No application fee is mentioned in the official project opening notice.