The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), recognized globally as an premier Institution of National Importance, has officially announced a notification for the recruitment of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) vacancies on a contract/project basis. Administered under the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), this prestigious project offers an exceptional opportunity for engineering postgraduates and science master’s degree holders who possess a strong inclination toward cutting-edge research and innovation.
The sponsored research initiative is titled “Vortex Electromagnetic Waves and Their Use for Defense and Civilian Applications”, financially funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the prestigious J C Bose Grant 2026. The research project is directed under the expert mentorship of Principal Investigator Prof. Amalendu Patnaik. Appointed fellows will work on advanced microwave concepts, antenna systems, and next-generation wave propagation models, while also having a prospective pathway toward PhD enrollment at IIT Roorkee, subject to institute guidelines.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) |
| Department | Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) |
| Project Title | Vortex Electromagnetic Waves and Their Use for Defense and Civilian Applications |
| Sponsoring Agency | ANRF (J C Bose Grant 2026) |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 02 Posts |
| Job Type | Contractual / Project Research Fellow |
| Job Location | Roorkee, Uttarakhand |
| Application Mode | Email Application (Digital Submission) |
| Last Date to Apply | 05 November 2026 (until 5:00 PM) |
| Official Portal | https://www.iitr.ac.in |
Important Dates
Candidates aspiring to apply for this research opening must carefully monitor the critical timeline established by IIT Roorkee. Because this recruitment operates under specialized grant deadlines, missing the scheduled application submission cut-off will lead to outright disqualification.
| Event / Stage | Scheduled Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release Date | 14 October 2026 |
| Application Commencement Date | 14 October 2026 |
| Closing Date for Submission of Applications | 05 November 2026 (by 5:00 PM) |
| Shortlisting Notification Date | To be communicated to shortlisted candidates via email |
| Interview Date (Virtual / Online Mode) | To be announced shortly after shortlisting |
| Result & Joining Declaration | Following the completion of online interviews |
Application Fee & Payment Mode
In accordance with the official recruitment circular published by IIT Roorkee, there is no application fee prescribed for any candidate category. Applicants belonging to General, Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) can submit their applications completely free of cost. Applicants should exercise vigilance against fraudulent claims demanding processing or application charges under the name of IIT Roorkee.
Age Limit & Relaxations
While the project advertisement released by the Department of ECE does not explicitly delineate a strict rigid age boundary in the summary notification, the age ceiling is generally governed by standard national funding body (ANRF / DST / CSIR) directives for Junior Research Fellowships:
- Standard Upper Age Limit: Generally 28 to 35 years as of the closing date of application (subject to prevailing funding body norms).
- Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories: Up to 5 years relaxation in upper age limit for SC, ST, PwBD, and Female candidates.
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Relaxation: Up to 3 years age relaxation as per Government of India guidelines.
- Special Institutional Provision: The notification expressly specifies that preference shall be granted to SC/ST candidates with equal academic qualifications and research experience.
Educational Qualification & Detailed Eligibility Criteria
To be deemed eligible for the Junior Research Fellow vacancies at IIT Roorkee, applicants must satisfy comprehensive academic and competitive testing criteria before the final application submission date.
1. Academic Qualifications
- Postgraduate Degree in Engineering/Technology: Candidates must hold an M.E. or M.Tech. degree in RF and Microwave Engineering, Communication Systems, Signal Processing, or an equivalent discipline from a recognized University or Institute with strong academic credentials.
- Postgraduate Degree in Science: Alternatively, candidates holding an M.Sc. degree in Electronics or an allied domain from an accredited institution are eligible.
2. Mandatory National Level Competitive Test Qualification
- Candidates must possess a valid qualified score in the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) or NET (National Eligibility Test / CSIR-UGC NET).
- Documentary proof of qualifying GATE/NET is mandatory and must be attached alongside the CV.
3. Desirable Competencies
- Solid foundational knowledge in electromagnetic theory, antenna design, and microwave circuits.
- Familiarity with industry-standard electromagnetic simulation software such as Ansys HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, or Keysight ADS.
- Proficiency in computational tools like MATLAB or Python for data analysis and signal processing algorithms.
- Previous publication records in peer-reviewed journals or national/international conference proceedings will be considered an added advantage.
Vacancy Details & Post-wise Breakdown
The notification presents two (02) vacancies under this advanced engineering initiative. Successful candidates will be appointed on a full-time temporary basis, initially for a term of one (1) year. The tenure is extendable annually up to a maximum duration of five (5) years or until the completion of the project, strictly subject to periodic assessment and satisfactory performance.
| Post Designation | Total Vacancies | Monthly Fellowship / Emoluments | Tenure Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 02 |
Years 1 & 2: Rs. 37,000/- per month + applicable HRA Years 3, 4 & 5: Rs. 42,000/- per month + applicable HRA | Initially 1 Year (Extendable up to 5 Years based on performance) |
Note: House Rent Allowance (HRA) will be admissible as per current institutional regulations if campus accommodation is not allotted to the fellow. Selected candidates may also receive an invaluable opportunity to enroll in the Ph.D. program at IIT Roorkee, subject to departmental shortlisting and standard institute entrance guidelines.
Job Description & Core Roles
Selected Junior Research Fellows will be actively engaged in high-impact technological innovations under the supervision of Prof. Amalendu Patnaik. The primary responsibilities encompass:
- Carrying out theoretical modeling, numerical simulations, and prototype designs for vortex electromagnetic waves possessing orbital angular momentum (OAM).
- Investigating the propagation characteristics and wave behavior for state-of-the-art defense radar systems and ultra-dense civilian wireless communications.
- Fabricating and experimentally testing antenna arrays and spatial phase-plate structures inside specialized microwave anechoic chamber facilities.
- Preparing technical progress reports, project deliverables, and research manuscripts for submission to high-impact international journals.
- Collaborating seamlessly with team members, research associates, and administrative offices to ensure timely accomplishment of project milestones.
Selection Process & Interview Pattern
The recruitment process at IIT Roorkee for project personnel is merit-driven, competitive, and transparent. The selection pipeline involves two fundamental stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Screening and Shortlisting
The screening committee of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering evaluates all received applications based on academic transcripts, GATE/NET credentials, relevance of the candidate’s specialization, and prior research accomplishments. Only candidates who thoroughly satisfy the benchmark metrics are shortlisted for the interview.
Stage 2: Technical Interview (Online Mode)
Shortlisted applicants will receive an official notification via email detailing the date, time slot, and meeting link for the online interview. During the virtual interaction, candidates are assessed on:
- Core conceptual understanding of Electromagnetics, Antennas, Microwave Engineering, and Signal Systems.
- Analytical problem-solving abilities and experimental or simulation tool familiarity.
- Clarity of research vision, communication skills, and project readiness.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply
Applicants must follow the prescribed digital application process rigorously. No physical paper application needs to be delivered via postal courier. Follow the instructions outlined below:
- Draft Application on Plain Paper: Compose a clear formal application addressing the Principal Investigator, Dept. of Electronics and Communication Engineering, IIT Roorkee.
- Prepare a Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV): Formulate a comprehensive CV mentioning chronological educational credentials (from High School through Postgraduation) with passing years, percentages/CGPA, university names, and specialization details.
- Compile Work & Research Experience: Detail all industrial, field, or academic laboratory experiences with valid organizational proofs.
- Assemble Supporting Documents: Collect self-attested copies of all mark sheets, degree certificates, GATE/NET scorecards, valid category certificates (if applicable), and research publications.
- Merge into a Single PDF: Scan all the documents along with your CV into a unified, high-resolution, legible PDF document.
- Transmit Email: Dispatch the completed application dossier via email to the Principal Investigator at the designated email portal ([email protected]) before 05 November 2026 by 5:00 PM. Mention the email subject line clearly: “Application for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) – ANRF Project (ECE)”.
Important Links
Access the official advertisements, career portals, and recruitment resources via the authentic links indexed below:
| Resource Name | Link Details |
|---|---|
| Official Recruitment Notification (PDF) | Download Official Notification PDF |
| Principal Investigator Application Email | Submit Application by Email |
| IIT Roorkee Official Portal | Visit IIT Roorkee Official Website |