MANIT Bhopal Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Walkin

Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) Bhopal, a premier technical institution and Institute of National Importance, invites applications for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions through a walk-in interview process for 2026. This recruitment is part of various sponsored research projects running at the institute. JRF positions are project-based temporary appointments offering opportunities to work on cutting-edge research in engineering and technology domains. Selected candidates will work under principal investigators on specific research projects while gaining valuable research experience. The position is ideal for candidates aspiring to pursue higher research degrees (PhD) or careers in R&D. MANIT Bhopal is located in Madhya Pradesh and operates under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Typical / Indicative dates

Typical / Indicative vacancies

Note: Actual vacancies vary by project requirements and are specified in individual project advertisements.

Educational Qualification

• Essential: B.E./B.Tech in relevant engineering discipline (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, Chemical, or related branches) from a recognized university/institute
• Desirable: M.E./M.Tech in relevant specialization OR qualifying GATE/NET examination
• Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) in qualifying degree
• First class degree preferred for most projects

Age Limit

Age as on last date of application/walk-in date:

Age Relaxation:

Nationality

• Candidate must be a citizen of India
• Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) may apply for certain project positions as per project guidelines

Walk-in Interview Process:

1. Check the official MANIT Bhopal website (www.manit.ac.in) for specific project advertisement and walk-in details
2. Download the prescribed application form from the advertisement notice
3. Fill the application form completely with accurate details
4. Arrange all required documents: educational certificates, mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), age proof, GATE/NET scorecard (if applicable), experience certificates, and recent passport-size photographs
5. Take printouts of all documents in original plus one set of self-attested photocopies
6. Report to the specified venue at MANIT Bhopal campus on the walk-in date with all original documents
7. Submit the filled application form at the registration desk along with document verification
8. Attend the walk-in interview as per the schedule provided
9. Wait for the merit list/result declaration as communicated by the selection committee

Application Fees

Note: Walk-in interviews typically do not require advance application fees.

1. Document Verification: Candidates must bring all original certificates and self-attested copies for verification at the walk-in venue. Incomplete documentation leads to rejection.

1. Written Test/Screening (if applicable): Depending on the number of candidates, a screening test covering basic engineering concepts, research aptitude, and project-specific technical knowledge may be conducted.

1. Personal Interview: Candidates undergo technical interview by a panel of experts including the Principal Investigator and subject specialists. Assessment covers academic background, technical knowledge, research aptitude, project understanding, and communication skills.

1. Presentation (if required): Some projects may require candidates to make a brief presentation on their previous academic project work or research interests.

1. Merit List Preparation: Final selection based on interview performance, academic record, GATE/NET score (if applicable), and relevant experience. Merit list prepared category-wise.

1. Document Re-verification: Selected candidates must submit verified copies of all certificates before joining.

Not Applicable

This is a walk-in recruitment process without a formal written examination. However, if screening test is conducted:

Screening Test Pattern (Indicative)

Negative Marking: Typically 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer (if screening test is conducted)

Interview Pattern

Core Engineering Subjects

• Fundamentals of relevant engineering discipline (Mechanical/Civil/Electrical/Electronics/Computer Science)
• Engineering mathematics and numerical methods
• Applied physics and chemistry concepts
• Material science basics

Research Methodology

• Research design and methodology
• Data collection and analysis techniques
• Statistical methods in research
• Literature review and research ethics
• Technical writing and documentation

Project-Specific Technical Areas

• Domain-specific advanced topics as per project requirements
• Latest developments in the research area
• Software tools and simulation techniques relevant to project
• Experimental methods and instrumentation

General Aptitude

• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Quantitative aptitude
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving approach

Current Developments

• Recent advances in engineering and technology
• Sustainable development and green technologies
• Industry 4.0 and digital transformation
• Government initiatives in research and innovation

Note: Specific syllabus varies by project and is detailed in individual project advertisements

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

Major Allowances:

• HRA: House Rent Allowance provided if hostel accommodation not available (typically 24-30% of basic)
• Contingency: Annual contingency grant for research expenses, books, travel to conferences
• Medical Benefits: Access to institute medical facilities
• No DA/TA: As JRF is fellowship-based, traditional allowances like DA are not applicable

Note: Salary upgradation possible after PhD registration or completion of specific project milestones as per funding agency norms

Junior Research Fellows can upgrade to Senior Research Fellows (SRF) after completing 2 years and fulfilling criteria like PhD registration, publications, or assessment. After completion of PhD, candidates can pursue Post-Doctoral positions, Assistant Professor roles in technical institutions, or research scientist positions in DRDO, ISRO, CSIR labs, and private R&D organizations. The research experience and publications significantly enhance career prospects in academia and industry.

Admit cards are not applicable for walk-in recruitment processes. Candidates must check the official MANIT Bhopal website for the specific walk-in date, venue details, and reporting time mentioned in the project advertisement. Candidates should carry the downloaded advertisement notice, filled application form, and all original documents on the walk-in date for entry and verification purposes.

Results are typically declared within 7-10 working days after the walk-in interview. The selected candidates' list is displayed on the official MANIT Bhopal website (www.manit.ac.in) and notice boards of the concerned department. Selected candidates are contacted via email or phone for joining formalities. Waitlisted candidates may be called if selected candidates decline the offer.

Typical / Indicative cutoff criteria:

Since this is an interview-based selection, cutoffs are based on interview performance rather than marks. Generally, candidates scoring above 60% in the interview are considered for selection. Category-wise relaxation of approximately 5-10% is provided for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates. Candidates with GATE/NET qualification or M.Tech degrees from premier institutes typically have better selection chances. Final selection depends on project requirements and candidate availability.

Walk-in Interview Centre:

Central India:

• Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Note: All walk-in interviews are conducted at the MANIT Bhopal campus only. Candidates from all states across India are eligible to attend. No exam centres in other cities as this is a walk-in process at the institute premises.