IIT Kharagpur Junior Research Fellow (Chemical Engineering) Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online

IIT Kharagpur invites applications for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in the Department of Chemical Engineering. This is a temporary research position funded by sponsored research projects at one of India's premier technical institutes. The position offers an opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in chemical engineering while pursuing higher studies (typically PhD). JRFs are appointed for project-based research work and receive a monthly stipend as per Government of India norms. The recruitment is open to candidates across India who meet the educational qualifications and have qualified in GATE/NET or equivalent examinations. This position serves as an entry point for a research career in academia or industry.

Typical / Indicative dates based on standard IIT recruitment cycles

Typical / Indicative vacancy distribution

Note: Exact vacancy numbers depend on specific project requirements and funding availability.

Educational Qualification

• Essential: Bachelor's degree (B.E./B.Tech) in Chemical Engineering or allied disciplines from a recognized university/institute with minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST candidates)
• OR Master's degree (M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc) in Chemical Engineering or related fields with minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST candidates)
• Mandatory: Valid GATE score in Chemical Engineering or qualified in CSIR-UGC NET/equivalent national level examination
• Desirable: Prior research experience, publications, or project work in relevant areas

Age Limit

Typical / Indicative age criteria

Age Relaxation

Age calculated as on the last date of application submission

Nationality

• Candidate must be a citizen of India
• Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan may also apply subject to eligibility norms

1. Visit the official IIT Kharagpur website (www.iitkgp.ac.in) or the Department of Chemical Engineering recruitment portal
2. Navigate to the 'Recruitment' or 'Career Opportunities' section under the Chemical Engineering Department
3. Download the application form or access the online application link for Junior Research Fellow position
4. Fill the application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details
5. Upload scanned copies of required documents (photograph, signature, educational certificates, caste certificate if applicable, GATE scorecard, experience certificates)
6. Pay the application fee online through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI (if applicable)
7. Review all entered information carefully before final submission
8. Submit the application form and save/print the confirmation page with application number for future reference
9. Send a hard copy of the application along with self-attested documents to the specified address (if required by the notification)

Application Fees

Typical / Indicative fee structure

Note: Many research positions at IITs do not charge application fees. Check official notification for confirmation.

1. Screening of Applications: All received applications are screened based on educational qualifications, GATE/NET scores, and eligibility criteria. Only shortlisted candidates are called for the next stage.

1. Written Test / Presentation (if applicable): Shortlisted candidates may be required to appear for a technical written test or give a presentation on their research interests and previous academic work in chemical engineering.

1. Personal Interview: Candidates are assessed through a comprehensive interview conducted by a panel of faculty members. The interview evaluates technical knowledge in chemical engineering, research aptitude, understanding of the project area, and communication skills.

1. Document Verification: Original documents including educational certificates, mark sheets, GATE scorecard, caste certificate (if applicable), and identity proof are verified at the time of interview or after selection.

1. Final Merit List: Based on performance in the interview and academic credentials, a final merit list is prepared. Selected candidates are offered the JRF position subject to verification of documents and medical fitness.

Selection is primarily interview-based. No formal written examination is conducted.

Interview Pattern

Written Test (If Conducted)

Negative Marking: Typically no negative marking in interviews. If written test is conducted, there may be 0.25-0.33 marks deduction for wrong answers.

Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics

• Laws of thermodynamics and their applications
• Phase equilibria and chemical reaction equilibria
• Thermodynamic properties of pure substances and mixtures
• Fugacity, activity coefficients, and excess properties
• Equations of state

Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Particle Mechanics

• Fluid statics and dynamics
• Laminar and turbulent flow
• Flow through pipes and packed beds
• Dimensional analysis and similitude
• Particle dynamics and particle-fluid systems

Heat Transfer

• Steady and unsteady heat conduction
• Convective heat transfer
• Radiation heat transfer
• Heat exchangers design and analysis
• Boiling and condensation

Mass Transfer

• Molecular diffusion in fluids
• Convective mass transfer
• Interphase mass transfer
• Absorption, distillation, extraction
• Adsorption, drying, humidification

Chemical Reaction Engineering

• Rate equations and stoichiometry
• Ideal reactor design (batch, CSTR, PFR)
• Non-ideal reactors and residence time distribution
• Catalysis and catalytic reactors
• Multiple reactions and selectivity

Process Control and Instrumentation

• Process dynamics and control
• Feedback and feedforward control
• Controller tuning
• Stability analysis
• Process instrumentation and measurements

Mechanical Operations

• Size reduction and size separation
• Mixing and agitation
• Filtration, settling, and centrifugation
• Conveying and storage of materials

Process Equipment Design

• Design of reactors, heat exchangers, separation columns
• Pressure vessels and piping
• Materials of construction
• Process economics and optimization

Mathematics and Numerical Methods

• Linear algebra and calculus
• Differential equations
• Numerical methods for engineers
• Probability and statistics

Note: Specific topics may vary based on the research project requirements

Typical / Indicative salary structure as per DST/CSIR/MHRD norms

Stipend is revised periodically as per Government of India guidelines. Additional benefits include access to institute facilities, subsidized accommodation (if available), and library resources.

Junior Research Fellows can progress to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) status after completing 2 years or upon PhD registration with increased stipend (₹35,000). Successful completion of research work leads to PhD degree, opening pathways to academic positions (Assistant Professor), research scientist roles in CSIR labs, DRDO, or R&D positions in chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Many JRFs publish in high-impact journals, attend international conferences, and build strong research profiles for future academic or industrial research careers.

For JRF positions at IIT Kharagpur, formal admit cards are typically not issued as the selection is primarily interview-based. Shortlisted candidates receive interview call letters via email or through the application portal 7-10 days before the scheduled interview date. Candidates must carry the interview call letter (printout) along with original documents and one set of self-attested photocopies to the interview venue.

Results are usually declared within 2-4 weeks after the completion of interviews. Selected candidates are informed individually through email and phone calls. The final result or selection list may also be published on the IIT Kharagpur official website or the Department of Chemical Engineering webpage. Waitlisted candidates may be considered if selected candidates decline the offer. Joining formalities must be completed within the stipulated time frame mentioned in the offer letter.

Typical / Indicative cutoff expectations: Since selection is primarily interview-based, there is no formal numerical cutoff. However, candidates with GATE scores above 450-500 (Chemical Engineering) or valid CSIR-UGC NET qualification are generally preferred. The minimum academic performance expected is 60% in qualifying degree for general category and 55% for SC/ST candidates. Interview performance carries significant weightage (60-70%) along with academic credentials (30-40%) in final selection.

Interview centres are typically located at:

• Primary Centre: IIT Kharagpur Campus, Kharagpur, West Bengal

In exceptional cases, interviews may be conducted online via video conferencing platforms. Candidates are informed about the mode and venue at least one week before the scheduled date. All candidates are expected to appear at the specified centre at their own expense.