IIT Mandi released an official project recruitment notice for the post of Research Associate I under a DRDO-funded research project titled Development of phase-field modeling and machine learning-based approaches for the fracture analysis of composite structures under multiphysics loadings. The opening is for one temporary project position in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering.
The official advertisement, dated 27 February 2026, states that the selected candidate will receive a consolidated salary of Rs 58,000 per month. It also makes clear that the appointment is temporary, with the initial term set for one year or until the end of the project, whichever is earlier, and continuation depends on satisfactory performance.
One important point is that the official IIT Mandi notice does not describe a portal-based form submission. Instead, candidates were asked to email their complete CV as a PDF attachment to the Principal Investigator with the advertisement number in the subject line. Since the deadline mentioned in the notice was 20 March 2026, applicants checking the recruitment now should treat the application window as closed unless IIT Mandi issues a fresh update.
Recruitment Overview
IIT Mandi invited applications from Indian nationals for 1 temporary Research Associate I position. The recruitment was issued under Advertisement No. IITM /SRIC/DRDO(AR&DB)/RAK/562/01 dated 27 February 2026.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Institute | IIT Mandi |
| Post | Research Associate I |
| Vacancy | 1 |
| Advertisement Number | IITM /SRIC/DRDO(AR&DB)/RAK/562/01 |
| Job Type | Temporary project position |
| School/Center | School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering |
Important Dates and Current Status
The official notification gives a clear closing date for applications. No separate written test date, interview date, or result date was announced in the PDF.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement date | 27 February 2026 |
| Last date to submit application by email | 20 March 2026 by 5:00 PM |
| Interview schedule | Not announced in advance |
Based on the published deadline, the application window mentioned in the notice has already closed unless IIT Mandi releases an extension or a fresh advertisement.
Vacancy and Project Details
There is 1 vacancy for Research Associate I. The position is attached to the project titled Development of phase-field modeling and machine learning-based approaches for the fracture analysis of composite structures under multiphysics loadings.
The funding agency named in the notice is the Aeronautical Research and Development Board, DRDO. The project duration mentioned in the advertisement is 36 months, with the stated end date as 20 November 2028.
Eligibility Criteria
The essential educational qualification mentioned in the IIT Mandi notice is specific and limited to certain engineering areas.
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.
- Candidates should have good knowledge of computational solid mechanics and numerical methods.
- Candidates should have good programming skills related to FEM with MATLAB.
- Candidates should also have Python skills for machine learning work.
The official notice does not mention a separate age limit for this position.
Salary and Appointment Terms
The advertised consolidated salary for the Research Associate I post is Rs 58,000 per month. The notice does not mention HRA or any separate allowance for this position.
The appointment is temporary. IIT Mandi states that the initial appointment will be for one year or up to the end of the project, whichever is earlier. Renewal for a few months or a year may be considered on the basis of satisfactory performance.
Application Mode and How to Apply
The official IIT Mandi notice asks interested candidates to apply by sending their complete CV as a PDF attachment through email. It does not describe a separate application form or portal-based submission for this post.
- Prepare a complete CV in PDF format.
- Mention all required personal, academic, and research details clearly.
- Use the advertisement number in the email subject line.
- Send the email to Dr. Raj Kiran at raj@iitmandi.ac.in.
- Ensure the application reaches before 20 March 2026, 5:00 PM.
Because the submission was digital and email-based, some listings may describe it as online application, but the official method in the notice is email submission of the CV.
What to Include in the Application CV
The IIT Mandi advertisement gives a fairly detailed description of what the CV should contain. Applicants were expected to send a complete CV, not a brief resume.
- Personal details
- Academic qualifications
- Research experience
- Publications, if any
- Name, affiliation, and mobile number
- Email addresses of two referees
- Educational qualification details with percentage of marks or division
- Work experience details
Candidates should make sure the document is complete, readable, and aligned with the requirements of the project.
Selection Process
The advertisement indicates that IIT Mandi may shortlist candidates by applying higher criteria than the minimum advertised qualification. Meeting the basic eligibility does not automatically guarantee an interview call.
- Applications are screened by IIT Mandi.
- Shortlisted candidates are selected based on qualifications and project requirements.
- Interview details are either displayed on the website or communicated individually.
- The interview may be held in offline or online mode.
Important Conditions in the Official Notice
The official notification includes a few conditions that matter for interpretation of the recruitment.
- Relaxation of marks may be granted to SC and ST candidates as per Government of India norms.
- IIT Mandi reserves the right to fix higher shortlisting criteria.
- In case a retired or superannuated government employee is selected, salary will be fixed as per prevailing Government of India rules and norms.
- The position is temporary and linked to project duration and performance.
What Is Confirmed and What Is Not Announced
The official IIT Mandi PDF clearly confirms the post name, number of vacancies, qualification, salary, project title, funding agency, application method, and deadline.
The notice does not clearly mention an application fee, category-wise reservation breakup, detailed interview date, or a separate result schedule. Those details should be treated as not announced in the official advertisement rather than assumed.
Official Notification and Contact
Candidates were instructed to send the application directly to the Principal Investigator mentioned in the official notice.
- Contact person: Dr. Raj Kiran
- Email for application and clarification: raj@iitmandi.ac.in
- Institute: Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh 175075
Applicants checking the recruitment after the deadline should use the IIT Mandi recruitment pages to see whether any extension, corrigendum, or fresh opening has been issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many posts are available in IIT Mandi Research Associate I Recruitment 2026?
There is 1 post for Research Associate I.
What is the last date to apply for IIT Mandi Research Associate I Recruitment 2026?
The official notice gave 20 March 2026, 5:00 PM, as the last date for submission by email.
What qualification is required for the IIT Mandi Research Associate I post?
The essential qualification is a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.
What salary is offered for the IIT Mandi Research Associate I position?
The advertised salary is Rs 58,000 per month on a consolidated basis.
How was the application supposed to be submitted?
Candidates were asked to email their complete CV as a PDF attachment to raj@iitmandi.ac.in with the advertisement number in the subject line.
What skills are specifically mentioned in the IIT Mandi notification?
The notice asks for knowledge of computational solid mechanics, numerical methods, FEM with MATLAB, and Python for machine learning.
Did IIT Mandi mention an application fee or age limit in the official notice?
The official notice does not clearly mention any application fee or a specific age limit for this post.