IIT Kharagpur Project Associate II Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
IIT Kharagpur is recruiting for Project Associate II positions across India, welcoming candidates from any educational background to apply. The institute hasn't specified the exact number of vacancies or the closing date for applications yet, so you'll need to monitor their official portal regularly for these details. The role accepts applicants nationwide, making it accessible regardless of your location. Since salary information remains undisclosed at present, focus on checking the detailed job notification once it's published on IIT Kharagpur's recruitment page. Keep your resume ready and bookmark their careers section—watch for the official announcement to understand the complete compensation package and submit your application promptly when the window opens.
Job Description
Eligibility
How to Apply
Important Dates, Fees & How to Apply
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Important Dates & Fees
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 21 Sept 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 21 Sept 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | Refer notification |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | Same as last date |
| Total Vacancies | As per notification |
| Application Fee | General / OBC: ₹100–₹500. SC / ST / PwD / Women: Usually exempt. Refer notification for exact amount. |
| Mode of Payment | Online — UPI / Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card |
| Mode of Application | Online only via the official portal listed above |
Step-by-step: How to apply online
Read the official notification PDF first.
Before filling any form, download and read the full notification published by IIT Kharagpur Project Associate II. It carries the binding eligibility criteria, age-relaxation table, fee structure, exam pattern, and the syllabus. The detailed page above is a clean summary — the PDF is the legal document.Confirm you meet eligibility.
Check your age (as on the cut-off date stated in the notification), educational qualification, and category-specific reservations. Many candidates fill the form and lose the fee because their qualification did not match exactly.Keep documents ready before opening the form.
Scanned passport-size photo (recent, white background), signature, left-thumb impression, 10th certificate, qualifying degree, caste/EWS/PwD certificate if applicable, and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID). Use 100% scale and the file-size limits the portal specifies.Open the official application portal.
Use only the official application URL: www.iitsystem.ac.in. Never apply through a Telegram / WhatsApp forwarded link — those are scams.Register, then log in.
Most portals require a one-time registration with your name, mobile, email and a password. Save the registration number — you will need it for every future login, admit-card download and result check.Fill the form carefully.
Personal details, educational qualification, communication address, category, and preferences. Cross-check each field. After final submission, most portals lock the form and corrections cost an extra fee.Pay the application fee online.
Use UPI, net-banking, debit / credit card. Keep the transaction receipt; some portals require you to upload the receipt before downloading the admit card.Submit & save the confirmation.
Save the final PDF acknowledgement and your registration number. Last-day submissions frequently fail because of portal overload — do not wait.
Source verified by the hireds.in editorial team. For the official notification, always visit the recruiter portal listed at the top of this page. Editorial policy.
The 2026 recruitment cycle IIT Kharagpur Project Associate II Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online notification carries multiple vacancies for All India, released by IIT Kharagpur Project Associate II for direct recruitment through the standard selection process.
Minimum eligibility is Any, the candidate age band is 18–35 years (with statutory relaxations for reserved categories as per DoPT norms).
This notification was released on 22 Sept 2026 — candidates are advised to complete registration well before the closing timestamp to avoid last-hour portal congestion.
Overview
IIT Kharagpur invites applications for the position of Project Associate II under various research projects. The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, one of India's premier technical institutions, regularly recruits project staff for sponsored research and development projects. Project Associates work on cutting-edge research in areas like AI, machine learning, data analytics, and domain-specific applications. This is a contractual position offering excellent exposure to research methodologies and collaboration with leading faculty members. The position provides an opportunity to contribute to nationally important projects while gaining valuable research experience. Selected candidates will work in state-of-the-art laboratories and have access to world-class research infrastructure.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | January 2026 (Indicative) |
| Application Start Date | January 2026 (Indicative) |
| Application Last Date | February 2026 (Indicative) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | February 2026 (Indicative) |
| Shortlist Release | February 2026 (Indicative) |
| Interview/Selection Date | March 2026 (Indicative) |
| Result Declaration | March 2026 (Indicative) |
Vacancy Details
Typical/Indicative
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 5 |
| OBC | 2 |
| SC | 1 |
| ST | 1 |
| EWS | 1 |
| Total | 10 |
Note: Exact vacancy numbers vary by project requirements and will be specified in the official notification.
Eligibility
Educational Qualification
- Essential: Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech) OR Master's degree (M.Sc./M.Tech/MCA) in relevant discipline from a recognized university
- Specific projects may require specialization in Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, or related fields
- Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) or equivalent CGPA
- Fresh graduates as well as candidates with research experience are eligible
Age Limit
Typical/Indicative
| Particulars | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age | 35 years |
Age Relaxation:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwD (UR) | 10 years |
| PwD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Govt. rules |
Age calculated as on the last date of application submission
Nationality
- Candidates must be Indian citizens
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) may apply for certain projects with specific approval
How to Apply
- Visit the official IIT Kharagpur recruitment portal or the project-specific advertisement link
- Read the detailed notification and ensure you meet all eligibility criteria
- Click on 'Apply Online' link for the Project Associate II position
- Register with valid email ID and mobile number to create login credentials
- Fill the online application form with personal, educational, and experience details
- Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and required documents (PDF/JPG format)
- Pay the application fee through online mode (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI)
- Review all entered information carefully before final submission
- Submit the application form and note down the application/registration number
- Download and save the submitted application form for future reference
Application Fees
Typical/Indicative
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹200 - ₹500 |
| SC/ST/PwD | Nil/₹100 |
| Women Candidates | ₹100 - ₹200 |
Payment mode: Online only (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
Selection Process
- Application Screening: All submitted applications are screened based on eligibility criteria, educational qualifications, and relevant experience. Only candidates meeting the essential requirements proceed to the next stage.
- Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on academic performance, relevant project experience, publications (if any), and overall profile suitability for the specific research project.
- Written Test/Technical Assessment: Shortlisted candidates may be required to appear for a written test or technical assessment covering subject knowledge, analytical ability, and research aptitude (project-specific requirement).
- Personal Interview: Qualified candidates are called for face-to-face or online interview with the project Principal Investigator and selection committee. The interview assesses technical knowledge, research interest, problem-solving skills, and communication abilities.
- Document Verification: After successful interview, selected candidates must submit original documents for verification including educational certificates, experience letters, caste certificate (if applicable), and identity proof.
- Medical Fitness: Selected candidates may need to undergo medical examination as per institute norms to ensure fitness for the position.
- Final Selection: Merit list is prepared based on interview performance and document verification. Offer letters are issued to selected candidates with joining formalities.
Exam Pattern
Selection Process Pattern
Note: IIT Kharagpur Project Associate positions typically do not have a formal written examination. Selection is primarily through interview and assessment.
Written Test/Technical Assessment (If Conducted - Project Specific)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject Knowledge | 20-30 | 50-60 | 60 minutes |
| Research Aptitude | 10-15 | 20-30 | 30 minutes |
| Analytical Ability | 10-15 | 15-20 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 40-60 | 100 | 2 hours |
Negative Marking: May have 0.25 marks deduction for wrong answers (project-specific)
Interview/Assessment
| Component | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Knowledge | 40-50 | 20-30 minutes |
| Research Interest & Aptitude | 20-30 | 10-15 minutes |
| Communication & Personality | 20-30 | 10-15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 40-60 minutes |
The exact pattern varies based on individual project requirements
Syllabus
Core Technical Knowledge (Based on Qualification)
- Fundamentals of the candidate's engineering/science discipline
- Advanced concepts relevant to the project domain
- Recent developments and trends in the subject area
- Research methodologies and experimental techniques
- Data analysis and interpretation methods
Computer Science & IT Projects
- Programming languages (C, C++, Python, Java)
- Data structures and algorithms
- Database management systems
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence concepts
- Web technologies and frameworks
- Software engineering principles
- Operating systems and computer networks
Electronics & Communication Projects
- Analog and digital electronics
- Signal processing techniques
- Communication systems and protocols
- Embedded systems and microcontrollers
- VLSI design fundamentals
- Wireless communication technologies
- Control systems and instrumentation
Mechanical/Civil Engineering Projects
- Engineering mechanics and strength of materials
- Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics
- Manufacturing processes or construction technologies
- CAD/CAM tools and simulation software
- Project management principles
- Quality control and testing methods
Research Aptitude & Methodology
- Research problem identification and formulation
- Literature review and citation practices
- Experimental design and data collection
- Statistical analysis and interpretation
- Technical report writing
- Presentation and communication skills
- Ethics in research and intellectual property rights
General Awareness (Project Context)
- Current trends in science and technology
- Government initiatives in research and development
- National missions and flagship programs
- Industry-academia collaboration models
- Sustainable development goals
Specific syllabus varies significantly based on the project domain and Principal Investigator's requirements
Salary
Typical/Indicative - As per IIT Kharagpur norms
| Component | Amount (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Consolidated Salary | ₹31,000 - ₹35,000 |
| HRA (if applicable) | Included in consolidated pay |
| Other Allowances | As per project sanction |
| Gross Monthly Salary | ₹31,000 - ₹35,000 |
| In-Hand Salary | ₹29,000 - ₹33,000 |
Additional Benefits:
- Medical facilities at IIT Kharagpur hospital
- Access to institute facilities (library, sports, guest house at concessional rates)
- Leave as per project rules (typically 1 day per month)
- Opportunity for research publications and conference participation
- Professional development through workshops and seminars
- No DA (Dearness Allowance) for contractual positions
Salary may vary based on project funding, candidate qualifications, and experience. Higher qualifications (M.Tech/Ph.D.) may attract better compensation.
Career Growth
Project Associates at IIT Kharagpur can progress to Senior Project Associate or Project Officer positions based on performance and project requirements. Many Project Associates use this opportunity to pursue higher education (M.Tech/Ph.D.) with recommendations from faculty mentors, or transition to permanent research positions, faculty roles in academic institutions, or research scientist positions in DRDO, ISRO, CSIR labs, and private R&D organizations. The research experience and publications gained significantly enhance career prospects in both academia and industry.
Admit Card
Admit cards or interview call letters are typically sent via email to shortlisted candidates 7-10 days before the scheduled interview date. Candidates should regularly check their registered email ID and the official IIT Kharagpur recruitment portal for updates. The call letter contains details about interview date, time, venue (or online platform link), and list of documents to be carried for verification.
Result
Results are declared within 2-4 weeks after completion of interviews and document verification process. Selected candidates are informed via email and phone, and the final selection list may be published on the department website or official recruitment portal. Candidates are advised to check their application status regularly on the portal using their registration credentials.
Expected Cutoff
Typical/Indicative: Since selection is primarily interview-based, there is no formal written exam cutoff. However, candidates generally need minimum 60-70% marks in qualifying degree for General/OBC category and 55-60% for SC/ST/PwD category. Interview performance cutoff typically ranges from 50-60 marks out of 100, with category-wise relaxation of 5-10 marks for reserved categories. The actual cutoff varies significantly based on project requirements, number of applicants, and candidate quality.
Exam Centres
Interview Centres (Typical/Indicative):
- Primary: IIT Kharagpur Campus, West Bengal (Most interviews conducted here)
- Online Mode: Video conferencing through Google Meet/Zoom for outstation candidates (increasingly common post-pandemic)
Other Possible Centres (for large-scale recruitments):
- East: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ranchi
- North: Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur
- West: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar
- South: Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram
- Northeast: Guwahati, Shillong
Most Project Associate interviews are conducted at IIT Kharagpur campus or via online mode
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum educational qualification required for Project Associate II position at IIT Kharagpur?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech) OR Master's degree (M.Sc./M.Tech/MCA) in relevant discipline with minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD). The specific qualification requirements may vary based on individual project needs as mentioned in the detailed advertisement.
What is the application fee for IIT Kharagpur Project Associate recruitment?
The application fee typically ranges from ₹200-₹500 for General/OBC/EWS candidates. SC/ST/PwD candidates are usually exempted or charged a nominal fee of ₹100. Women candidates may have reduced fees of ₹100-₹200. The exact fee is specified in each project notification and must be paid online.
How many vacancies are available for Project Associate II positions?
The number of vacancies varies significantly across different projects and is not fixed. Typically, each project advertises 1-5 positions. Multiple projects may recruit simultaneously, leading to 10-20 total positions institute-wide. Exact vacancy details are mentioned in individual project notifications throughout the year.
What is the salary structure for Project Associate II at IIT Kharagpur?
Project Associate II positions offer a consolidated monthly salary of ₹31,000 to ₹35,000 as per typical IIT Kharagpur norms. The in-hand salary after deductions is approximately ₹29,000-₹33,000. Additional benefits include access to institute facilities, medical services, and opportunities for research publications and professional development.
How many attempts are allowed for IIT Kharagpur Project Associate recruitment?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for Project Associate positions. Candidates can apply multiple times for different project openings as long as they meet the age criteria and eligibility requirements. Each project recruitment is independent and does not affect eligibility for future applications.
Is there negative marking in the selection process?
Most Project Associate recruitments are based solely on interview and document verification without a written examination. In cases where a written test or technical assessment is conducted (project-specific), negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer may apply, but this varies by project and is clearly mentioned in the notification.
Is the application process online or offline for Project Associate positions?
The application process is primarily online through the IIT Kharagpur recruitment portal or project-specific advertisement links. Candidates must fill the online form, upload required documents, and pay fees through online mode. Offline applications are generally not accepted unless specifically mentioned in the notification.
What are the main stages in the selection process for Project Associate II?
The selection process typically includes: (1) Application screening based on eligibility, (2) Shortlisting based on academic merit and experience, (3) Written test/technical assessment (if required for specific projects), (4) Personal interview with Principal Investigator and panel, (5) Document verification of original certificates, and (6) Medical fitness check if applicable. Most selections are finalized primarily through interview performance.