IIT Madras has released a project recruitment notification for the temporary post of Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Civil Engineering. The recruitment is being handled through the Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research, and the notification clearly states that there are 3 vacancies. These are contractual project positions and not regular institute appointments.
The work profile is research-focused and linked to metamaterials for impact and blast mitigation applications. The notification mentions structural mechanics, testing, simulation, software tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS and ABAQUS, and physical prototype development through methods such as 3D printing and metal or sheet cutting. That makes this opening most relevant for candidates with hands-on engineering research exposure rather than only academic coursework.
For candidates searching for the key facts first, the important points are simple: the official advertisement is dated 09 April 2026, the last date to apply online is 22 April 2026, the post is in Civil Engineering under IIT Madras, the salary is Rs. 42,000 plus 30% HRA per month, and the initial tenure is 1 year with the possibility of extension for up to 2 more years based on performance. The notification does not mention any application fee or age limit.
Recruitment overview and important dates
IIT Madras has invited online applications for the temporary post of Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Civil Engineering. The recruitment is being conducted under a sponsored research setup through the Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Senior Research Fellow |
| Advertisement number | ICSR/PR/Advt. 47/2026 |
| Advertisement date | 09 April 2026 |
| Department | Civil Engineering |
| Number of vacancies | 3 |
| Last date for online application | 22 April 2026 |
The notification does not mention a separate written exam date or interview date. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted later by the institute.
Vacancy details and department
The opening is for 3 Senior Research Fellow positions in the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras. The notification names Prof. Phanisri Pradeep Pratapa of the Department of Civil Engineering as the coordinator for the project.
| Post | Department | Vacancies | Nature of post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Research Fellow | Civil Engineering | 3 | Temporary and contractual |
These are project-based positions. The notification explicitly states that all positions are on a purely contract basis and that completion of the contract period does not create any right to regularization or permanent appointment at the institute.
Job profile and research work
This recruitment is centered on a technical research project rather than routine administrative work. The selected candidates will be expected to contribute directly to research and development tasks.
- Develop metamaterials for impact and blast mitigation applications.
- Work with technical concepts related to structural mechanics, behaviour, testing, and simulation.
- Use engineering software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS, and ABAQUS.
- Build physical prototypes through 3D printing or sheet and metal cutting in the lab.
- Attend meetings and prepare technical reports.
The work profile indicates that hands-on design, modelling, simulation, and prototyping experience will be especially useful for this role.
Eligibility criteria
The official notification sets out minimum educational and experience requirements for the Senior Research Fellow post. Candidates should check that they meet both the qualification and experience conditions before applying.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational qualification | Minimum UG in Engineering in Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, or related fields |
| Experience | Two years of research experience |
| Preferred qualification | GATE qualified |
The institute also notes that the prescribed qualifications are minimum requirements. Merely meeting them does not guarantee that a candidate will be called for interview or any later stage.
Salary, tenure, and contract conditions
The pay and tenure are clearly stated in the official announcement. Candidates looking for the core employment terms should focus on these points.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly pay | Rs. 42,000 |
| HRA | 30% of pay |
| Initial duration | 1 year |
| Possible extension | Up to an additional 2 years based on performance |
| Nature of appointment | Purely contractual |
The notification also makes it clear that the contract can end with the project term and does not create any claim for permanent employment at IIT Madras.
Selection process
The notification does not prescribe a single fixed mode such as interview only or written test only. Instead, IIT Madras reserves the right to decide the method of screening and testing applicants.
- Candidates will be shortlisted based on the information submitted in the online application.
- The institute may use written test, skill test, interview, or another screening method as needed.
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
- Calling a candidate for test or interview does not guarantee selection.
The institute also reserves the right to restrict the number of candidates called for further stages based on qualifications, relevance of experience, and academic achievements beyond the minimum requirement.
How to apply online
Applications must be submitted online only through the IIT Madras project recruitment portal. Hard copy of the application should not be sent to the institute unless specifically requested later for verification or test stages.
- Visit the official IIT Madras project recruitment portal.
- Register with a valid email ID.
- Select the relevant advertisement for Senior Research Fellow, Advt. 47/2026.
- Fill in personal, academic, and experience details carefully.
- Review the application before final submission because edits are not allowed after submission.
- Submit the application on or before 22 April 2026.
- Take a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.
The notification advises candidates not to apply twice for the same post. If multiple applications are received for the same post from the same candidate, the candidature may be rejected.
Documents and verification requirements
Candidates should keep all supporting records ready because the institute may verify the claims made in the application at any stage of selection or even after appointment.
- Educational qualification certificates and mark sheets.
- Proof of research experience after the minimum qualifying degree.
- Valid GATE record, if applicable.
- No Objection Certificate for candidates already working in any project at IIT Madras, if required.
- Printed copy of the submitted online application form.
The notification states that the application details provided online must be true. If any information or document is found false at a later stage, the candidature may be rejected.
Age limit, fee, and other conditions
The official notification does not mention any application fee for this post. It also does not specify a separate age limit in the advertisement text.
| Item | Status in notification |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Not mentioned |
| Age limit | Not mentioned |
| Nationality | Candidates must be citizens of India; other categories mentioned in the notification may require eligibility certificate from the Government of India |
The crucial date for determining eligibility in all respects is the prescribed closing date for submission of online application, as stated in the notification.
Important instructions for applicants
Before applying, candidates should read the general instructions carefully because the institute has kept broad discretion over screening, selection, and post filling.
- All correspondence will be made through email only.
- The institute may reject any or all applications without assigning reasons.
- The institute has the right not to fill the advertised position.
- Any corrigendum or clarification, if issued, will be uploaded on the website only.
- No correspondence regarding result or non-selection will be entertained.
- Women candidates are encouraged to apply.
For technical issues related to application submission, the notification provides the official recruitment email IDs and contact number through the Office of IC and SR.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in IIT Madras Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026?
There are 3 vacancies for the post of Senior Research Fellow.
What is the last date to apply for IIT Madras Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026?
The last date for submission of online application is 22 April 2026.
Which department has announced the IIT Madras Senior Research Fellow post?
The post has been announced in the Department of Civil Engineering.
What qualification is required for IIT Madras Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026?
Candidates need a minimum UG degree in Engineering in Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, or related fields, along with two years of research experience.
What is the salary for the IIT Madras Senior Research Fellow post?
The salary is Rs. 42,000 per month plus 30% HRA.
Is GATE mandatory for IIT Madras Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026?
No. The notification lists GATE qualification as preferred, not mandatory.
Is the IIT Madras Senior Research Fellow post permanent?
No. It is a temporary contractual project position.