IIT (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad has released a project-based recruitment notice for the post of Junior Research Fellow under an ANRF sponsored project in the Department of Petroleum Engineering. The opening is for one position and is linked to a research project on formate-based injection methods for enhanced carbon storage and oil recovery in Cambay Basin oil fields. The official notice is issued through the Office of the Dean, Research and Development.
This is a research post rather than a regular institute-wide permanent appointment. The notice clearly states the essential academic qualifications, the requirement of GATE or NET qualification, the fellowship amount, the project tenure, and the tentative online interview schedule. It also notes that the selected candidate may be allowed to register for a Ph.D. at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad as per institute rules.
One part of the notice needs careful attention: the deadline is not presented consistently. The last-date row in the official PDF shows 26 April 2026, but the application instruction line says candidates should email their documents on or before 20 April 2026. Because of this conflict, applicants should treat the earlier date as safer unless IIT (ISM) publishes a correction or clarification.
Recruitment Overview
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has invited applications for a Junior Research Fellow position under an ANRF sponsored project. The official notice has been issued by the Office of the Dean, Research and Development, and the project is being handled in the Department of Petroleum Engineering.
The opening is for one post only. The Principal Investigator named in the official notice is Dr. Neetish Kumar Maurya, Assistant Professor, Department of Petroleum Engineering, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
Project Title and Research Area
The project title in the official notice is Development of a Novel Formate-Based Injection Method for Enhanced Carbon Storage and Oil Recovery in Cambay Basin Oil Fields: Supporting Energy Security and Net-Zero Goals.
This makes the position relevant for candidates interested in enhanced oil recovery, carbon sequestration, reservoir-focused chemical injection methods, and applied petroleum research. The role is clearly technical and research-oriented rather than administrative or teaching-oriented.
Important Dates and Deadline Mismatch in the Official Notice
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Notice date | 02 April 2026 |
| Last date shown in the notice table | 26 April 2026, 11.00 pm |
| Last date mentioned in the application instruction line | 20 April 2026, 11.00 pm |
| Tentative interview date | 30 April 2026, 10.00 am |
| Interview mode | Online |
The official PDF contains two different deadlines. The project opening page and the Last Date & Time row in the PDF indicate 26 April 2026, 11.00 pm. However, the How to Apply section says candidates should email the application on or before 20 April 2026, 11.00 pm.
Because the two dates do not match, applicants should avoid relying on the later date unless IIT (ISM) issues a formal correction. Submitting before 20 April 2026 is the safer approach.
Vacancy and Position Details
The recruitment is for one Junior Research Fellow position. The position is project-based and linked to the sanctioned sponsored project identified as IIT (ISM) Project No. SRDP 1285 G.
This is not presented in the notice as a regular permanent cadre recruitment. Candidates should read it as a temporary research appointment tied to the duration and continuation of the project.
Eligibility Criteria and Essential Qualification
The official notice lists the following essential qualifications:
- B.Tech, M.E. or M.Tech in Petroleum Engineering
- B.Tech, M.E. or M.Tech in Chemical Engineering
- M.Sc. in Chemistry
In addition to the academic qualification, the notice clearly states that the candidate must be GATE or NET qualified. This requirement is part of the essential eligibility and should not be treated as optional.
Desirable Qualification and Job Description
For Petroleum Engineering candidates, the notice says experience or knowledge in Enhanced Oil Recovery and reservoir simulation is desirable. For candidates from Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, knowledge of the basic chemistry of salt, surfactants and polymer is desirable.
The listed job responsibilities include designing different formate-based chemical slugs for EOR and carbon sequestration and evaluating different injection schemes along with synergy with other chemical EOR methods. This means applicants should be prepared for laboratory, simulation or project analysis work closely aligned with subsurface and chemical recovery research.
Fellowship, Tenure and Ph.D. Opportunity
The fellowship mentioned in the official notice is Rs. 37,000 plus applicable HRA per month for the first two years from the start of the project. The notice also states that the position may be extended by one more year with fellowship of Rs. 42,000 plus applicable HRA per month on satisfactory performance.
The tenure is initially for one year and may be extended up to three years or until completion of the project. The notice further states that the selected candidate may be allowed to register for the Ph.D. programme at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad as per institute rules, and the position may be converted into a regular Institute JRF if the candidate is admitted to the Ph.D. programme.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The upper age limit mentioned in the official notice is 28 years at the time of appointment. The same notice states that relaxation in the upper age limit will be given to SC, ST, OBC non-creamy layer and female candidates as per Government of India and DST rules.
Candidates who fall under reserved or relaxation-eligible categories should keep their supporting documents ready in case they are asked to produce them during scrutiny or interview.
How to Apply
The application process is through email. Candidates are required to send a single PDF to neetish@iitism.ac.in. The email subject should be Application for JRF position in ANRF Project.
The single PDF should contain the following:
- Curriculum Vitae
- GATE or NET score card
- Copies of all marksheets and certificates starting from 10th class
- Proof of work experience, if any
The topic label says apply online, but the official notice specifically instructs candidates to apply by emailing the documents rather than through a separate application portal.
Selection Process and Interview Details
The official notice mentions a tentative interview date of 30 April 2026 at 10.00 am, and it specifies that the interview will be online. The notice does not describe a separate written test, so the recruitment appears to be based on shortlisting followed by interview.
Since the interview date is marked tentative, candidates should monitor the official project opening page and their email for any change in schedule, shortlisting communication or further instructions from the Principal Investigator or the institute.
What Is Confirmed and What Still Needs Clarification
Confirmed in the official notice are the post title, number of posts, academic qualifications, mandatory GATE or NET requirement, age limit, fellowship amount, tentative interview date, online interview mode, project tenure and email-based application process.
The only major point that needs clarification is the application deadline. One part of the notice says 26 April 2026, while the application instruction line says 20 April 2026. Until IIT (ISM) issues a correction, candidates should proceed on the basis of the earlier submission date to avoid missing the opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many posts are available in IIT ISM Dhanbad JRF Recruitment 2026?
There is 1 Junior Research Fellow post in this recruitment.
What is the required qualification for IIT ISM Dhanbad JRF 2026?
The essential qualification is B.Tech, M.E. or M.Tech in Petroleum Engineering or Chemical Engineering, or M.Sc. in Chemistry, along with GATE or NET qualification.
Is GATE or NET mandatory for this JRF post?
Yes. The official notice states that the candidate must be GATE or NET qualified.
What is the fellowship for IIT ISM Dhanbad Junior Research Fellow 2026?
The fellowship is Rs. 37,000 plus applicable HRA per month for the first two years, with possible extension for one more year at Rs. 42,000 plus applicable HRA per month based on satisfactory performance.
What is the age limit for IIT ISM Dhanbad JRF Recruitment 2026?
The upper age limit is 28 years at the time of appointment, with relaxation for eligible categories as per Government of India and DST rules.
How should candidates apply for the IIT ISM Dhanbad JRF post?
Candidates should email a single PDF containing CV, GATE or NET score card, marksheets, certificates and work experience proof, if any, to neetish@iitism.ac.in.
What is the last date to apply for IIT ISM Dhanbad JRF Recruitment 2026?
The official notice contains two dates. The Last Date row shows 26 April 2026, 11.00 pm, but the How to Apply section says on or before 20 April 2026, 11.00 pm. Candidates should submit early unless IIT ISM issues a clarification.