IIT Madras is recruiting for a temporary Research Associate-III position in the Department of Civil Engineering through its Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research system. For most applicants, the practical questions are straightforward: who can apply, what the work is, how much it pays, and what the correct online application route is. This page is built around those exact questions so you can decide quickly whether the role fits your background.
This vacancy is for one position and is initially offered for one year, with the possibility of extension for up to two more years based on performance. The notification clearly places the role in an engineering research setting focused on metamaterials, structural mechanics, testing, simulation, and prototype development. Because the post is contract-based, candidates should read the eligibility and application instructions carefully before applying.
Recruitment Overview
This recruitment is for the temporary post of Research Associate-III in the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Madras. The position is being processed through the institute's Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research system under Advertisement No. ICSR/PR/Advt. 48/2026 dated 09 April 2026.
The vacancy is meant for candidates with a strong engineering research background. The notification identifies the post as contractual and linked to project work rather than a permanent institute appointment.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Research Associate-III |
| Department | Civil Engineering |
| Vacancies | 1 |
| Location | IIT Madras, Chennai |
| Advt. No. | 48/2026 |
| Mode of Apply | Online |
Important Dates
The notification was issued on 09 April 2026. The last date for submission of the online application is 22 April 2026.
Applicants should not wait until the final day because the application cannot be edited after submission, and the institute communicates primarily through the email address entered in the application form.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 09 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 22 April 2026 |
| Test / Interview Date | Not announced in the notification |
Vacancy, Department and Duration
There is 1 vacancy for the Research Associate-III post. The position is attached to the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, and the notification names Prof. Phanisri Pradeep Pratapa as the coordinator.
The appointment is initially for 1 year. IIT Madras has stated that the term may be extended by an additional 2 years based on performance. This makes the role suitable for candidates looking for a serious medium-term research assignment, but it should still be treated as a contractual position rather than a regular post.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility in the notification is specific and should be read carefully before applying.
| Path | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Option 1 | Minimum PhD or MS in Engineering in Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace or related fields |
| Option 2 | Minimum M.Tech or ME in Engineering in Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace or related fields with at least one research paper in a Science Citation Indexed journal |
The notice also says the prescribed qualifications are the minimum for consideration. IIT Madras may relax qualifications or experience in exceptional cases, but applicants should not assume relaxation as a standard rule.
No separate age limit is mentioned in the notification.
What the Job Involves
This is not a generic research role. The job description is clearly focused on engineering research and prototype development.
- Develop metamaterials for impact and blast mitigation applications.
- Work with concepts related to structural mechanics, behaviour, testing, and simulation.
- Use software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS, and ABAQUS.
- Make physical prototypes through 3D printing or sheet and metal cutting in the lab.
- Attend meetings and prepare reports.
Applicants with a background in structural mechanics, simulation, experimental work, and prototype development are likely to find the role more aligned with their profile.
Salary and Nature of Appointment
The pay for the Research Associate-III post is Rs 67,000 per month plus 30% HRA. The notification presents this as a consolidated monthly package structure for the advertised role.
The appointment is purely on contract basis. IIT Madras has explicitly stated that completion of the contract period will not confer any right to extension, regularization, permanency, or absorption in the institute.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Monthly Pay | Rs 67,000 |
| HRA | 30% of pay |
| Appointment Type | Contract |
| Permanency Claim | Not available through this post |
How to Apply Online
The application has to be submitted online. IIT Madras has directed candidates to apply through its ICSR recruitment system and to make sure they select the correct advertisement number.
- Open the IIT Madras ICSR recruitment portal.
- Register with a valid email ID if you are a new user.
- Locate Advertisement No. 48/2026 for Research Associate-III.
- Fill in the online application carefully with the correct academic and research details.
- Submit the application before 22 April 2026.
- Take a printout of the submitted application form for future verification if called.
The notice also states that the application cannot be edited or reverted once it is submitted. Hard copy of the application should not be sent to the institute unless specifically asked later during the process.
Selection Process
The notification does not publish a fixed one-line selection formula such as only interview or only written test. Instead, IIT Madras states that candidates will be shortlisted based on the information given in the online application and that the institute reserves the right to decide the mode of screening and testing.
In practical terms, applicants should expect shortlisting first, followed by a written test, skill test, interview, or a combination of these if IIT Madras decides to use them. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Mere submission of the application does not confirm eligibility or selection. The institute may also restrict the number of candidates called for the next stage based on higher qualifications, relevance of experience, and academic achievements.
Important Instructions Before You Apply
- All positions are on purely contract basis.
- Use a correct and active email address because communication will be sent by email.
- Do not submit multiple applications for the same post.
- A separate application is required for each post.
- The system accepts a single application with the registered login ID for an advertisement.
- The information submitted in the application must be true and verifiable.
- If called later, you must produce a printout of the application form during document verification, test, or interview.
- Applicants already working in a project at IIT Madras must apply through proper channel or produce a No Objection Certificate at the relevant stage.
- Any corrigendum or clarification will be uploaded on the website only.
No application fee is mentioned in the notification. Since the notice does not confirm a fee waiver or fee requirement separately, applicants should rely on the live portal while submitting the form.
Official Links and Helpdesk
Applicants should rely on official IIT Madras pages and the notification PDF for all final decisions. This is especially important because updates, clarifications, and shortlisting-related notices are usually posted only on the official recruitment system.
- Official Notification PDF
- IIT Madras ICSR Recruitment Portal
- Current Openings Page
- Online Application Portal
For technical issues during application, the notification lists the support emails icsrrecruitment@icsrpis.iitm.ac.in and icsrrecruitment6@icsrpis.iitm.ac.in, and the contact number 044-2257 9796 during working hours on working days.
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for IIT Madras Research Associate-III Recruitment 2026?
The last date for submission of the online application is 22 April 2026.
How many vacancies are available in this IIT Madras RA-III recruitment?
There is 1 vacancy for the Research Associate-III post.
What is the required qualification for the IIT Madras Research Associate-III post?
Applicants need either a PhD or MS in Engineering in Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace or related fields, or an M.Tech/ME in those fields with at least one SCI journal paper.
What is the salary for IIT Madras Research Associate-III Recruitment 2026?
The pay is Rs 67,000 per month plus 30% HRA.
Is the IIT Madras Research Associate-III post permanent?
No. It is a purely contractual post, initially for 1 year and extendable by up to 2 more years based on performance.
How should candidates apply for the IIT Madras RA-III vacancy?
Candidates must apply online through the IIT Madras ICSR recruitment system and select Advertisement No. 48/2026 for the relevant position.
Does IIT Madras require a hard copy of the application form at the time of submission?
No. The hard copy should not be sent to the institute at submission stage, but a printout of the submitted application must be kept for verification if called later.