About the Recruitment
The National Institute of Technology Rourkela has released an advertisement for the recruitment of a Project Fellow for a sponsored research project. This recruitment drive, under notification number NITR / SR / 2026 / Advt.- 251D016 / L / 055, seeks to fill one temporary position for a duration of 10 months. The project, titled "The design, fabrication, and characterization of a compact low frequency mechanical underwater noise generator," is funded by the Naval Research Board (NRB). Professor Dibya Prakash Jena is the Principal Investigator (PI), with Dr. Mohit Lal serving as the Co-PI for this initiative. This is an excellent opportunity for qualified candidates to contribute to cutting-edge research in a prestigious institution.
Post-wise and Category-wise Vacancy Details
The current recruitment drive by NIT Rourkela is for the position of Project Fellow, with a single vacancy available. This position is open to eligible candidates who meet the specified academic and age criteria, offering a unique opportunity to engage in a specialized research project.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates interested in the Project Fellow position at NIT Rourkela must fulfill specific educational qualifications and other requirements as outlined in the official notification.
Essential Educational Qualifications:
- Applicants must possess a B.Tech/B.E. and an M.Tech degree in any discipline.
- Alternatively, candidates with an M.Sc. degree in Physics or Mathematics are also eligible.
- A crucial academic requirement is having more than 60% marks in their 10th, 12th, and qualifying degrees (B.Tech/B.E. and M.Tech or M.Sc.).
- The notification permits one second-class result in either the 10th or 12th standard examinations.
Desirable Qualifications and Skills:
While not mandatory, candidates possessing the following skills will be given preference and are considered highly desirable for the project:
- Proficiency in 3D modelling using SolidWorks software.
- Experience with FEM (Finite Element Method) simulation using ANSYS/COMSOL.
- Competence in MATLAB Programming, especially with hardware integration.
- Knowledge and experience in Polymer/viscoelasticity material modeling using TTS (Time-Temperature Superposition).
The selection process will also consider the candidate's overall performance and suitability for the specific requirements of the research program.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The age limit for candidates applying for the Project Fellow position at NIT Rourkela is set at 30 years for general category applicants. However, age relaxations are provided for candidates belonging to reserved categories as per government norms.
- General Candidates: The upper age limit is 30 years.
- SC/ST/PwD Candidates: A relaxation of 5 years is applicable, making the upper age limit 35 years.
- OBC (Non-creamy layer) Candidates: A relaxation of 3 years is applicable, setting the upper age limit at 33 years.
The crucial date for calculating the age limit will be the last date for the receipt of applications. Candidates are advised to ensure they meet the age criteria before applying.
Application Fee and Payment Method
As per the official recruitment notification released by the National Institute of Technology Rourkela, no application fee has been specified for candidates applying for the Project Fellow position. This means that interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications without any financial cost. There is no mention of any payment method required for this recruitment.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Project Fellow position at NIT Rourkela is structured to identify candidates best suited for the research project. It primarily involves an application submission, shortlisting, and a walk-in interview.
- Application Submission: Prospective candidates must first prepare their application. This involves filling out the application form and gathering all necessary documentary proofs, including educational qualifications (mark sheets, certificates), experience certificates (if any), details of publications (if any), and one passport-size photograph. These documents, along with the application form, must be sent as a soft copy via email to either jena@nitrkl.ac.in or lalma@nitrkl.ac.in. The deadline for submitting these applications is 14 July 2026.
- Shortlisting of Candidates: After the application deadline, all submitted applications will be thoroughly reviewed. Candidates will be shortlisted based on their academic merit, relevant experience, and how well their profile aligns with the specific requirements and needs of the research project.
- Interview Notification: Only those candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted. They will receive an email notification containing details about the interview, including the exact time and any specific instructions.
- Walk-in Interview: Shortlisted candidates are required to attend a walk-in interview. The interview is scheduled for 14 July 2026, at 10:00 AM, and will take place at the Department of Industrial Design, National Institute of Technology Rourkela. This interview will assess the candidate's knowledge, skills, and suitability for the project.
- Document Verification: During the interview process, candidates must present all their original documents for verification. It is crucial to provide accurate and genuine information. The notification explicitly states that the selection or joining process will be cancelled if any false information or unsupported documents are submitted.
The final selection will be based on the candidate's performance in the interview and the verification of their credentials.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
For the Project Fellow position at NIT Rourkela, there is no formal written examination. The selection process primarily relies on the evaluation of submitted applications followed by a walk-in interview. Therefore, there is no specific exam pattern or syllabus to prepare for in the traditional sense.
Candidates should focus on preparing for the interview, which will likely assess their:
- Technical Knowledge: Questions related to their B.Tech/M.Tech/M.Sc. discipline, particularly in areas relevant to the project (e.g., mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics, acoustics, material science).
- Desirable Skills: Proficiency in 3D modelling (SolidWorks), FEM simulation (ANSYS/COMSOL), MATLAB programming, and polymer/viscoelasticity material modeling will be highly valued. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and expertise in these areas.
- Research Aptitude: Understanding of research methodologies, problem-solving abilities, and a keen interest in the project's domain (low frequency mechanical underwater noise generator).
- Communication Skills: Ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively.
Candidates are advised to thoroughly review the project description and be ready to discuss how their skills and experience align with the project's objectives.
Pay Scale and Benefits
The National Institute of Technology Rourkela offers an attractive remuneration package for the Project Fellow position, along with opportunities for professional growth within a research environment.
Pay Scale:
- For Year 1: The selected Project Fellow will receive a consolidated salary of INR 37,000 per month. Additionally, House Rent Allowance (HRA) will be provided if applicable, as per the institute's rules.
- For Year 2 and 3: While the exact monthly salary for subsequent years is not specified in this notification, it will be determined as per the project guidelines and funding agency norms, along with applicable HRA.
Benefits and Opportunities:
The Project Fellow position offers several valuable benefits beyond the monetary compensation:
- Learning Opportunities: The role provides excellent opportunities to learn advanced techniques and methodologies relevant to the project.
- Industrial Exposure: Candidates will have a good opportunity to work with industry partners, gaining practical experience and insights into real-world applications.
- Career Development: This position can pave the way for a possible industrial career, offering a strong foundation and network.
- Research Association: Fellows will have the chance to associate with an underwater acoustic test facility, which is described as a very unique laboratory, enhancing their research profile.
This temporary engagement, initially for 10 months, is governed by the terms and conditions set by the funding agency, which may be amended from time to time.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Applying for the Project Fellow position at NIT Rourkela involves an email-based application process. Candidates must follow these steps carefully to ensure their application is successfully submitted by the deadline.
- Download Application Form: First, obtain the prescribed application form. Although not explicitly linked in the provided text, it is typically available on the official NIT Rourkela website under the recruitment section or within the detailed notification PDF.
- Fill the Application Form: Complete the application form accurately with all required personal, academic, and professional details.
- Prepare Documentary Proofs: Gather soft copies (scanned copies) of all necessary documents. This includes:
- Educational qualification certificates and mark sheets (from 10th standard onwards).
- Experience certificates (if any).
- Details of any publications (if applicable).
- One recent passport-size photograph.
- Compile Application Package: Ensure all documents are properly scanned and compiled, preferably into a single PDF file, for easy submission.
- Email Submission: Send the soft copy of your completed application form along with all documentary proofs via email. The application must be sent to either of the following email addresses:
- jena@nitrkl.ac.in (Principal Investigator)
- lalma@nitrkl.ac.in (Co-Principal Investigator)
It is advisable to send the application to both email addresses to ensure receipt.
- Adhere to Deadline: The last date for submitting the application is 14 July 2026. Ensure your email is sent well before this deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Await Shortlisting Notification: After the deadline, the applications will be reviewed. Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email about the interview details.
Candidates are reminded that only soft copies of applications are required to be sent to the Institute. Hard copies are not mentioned as part of the initial application process.
Documents Required
Candidates applying for the Project Fellow position at NIT Rourkela must prepare and submit the following documents as soft copies along with their application form:
- Application Form: The duly filled and signed application form.
- Educational Qualification Certificates: Mark sheets and certificates for 10th standard, 12th standard, B.Tech/B.E., M.Tech, and/or M.Sc. degrees.
- Experience Certificates: Any relevant work experience certificates, if applicable.
- Publications: Details or copies of any research publications, if applicable.
- Passport-size Photograph: One recent passport-size photograph.
- Category Certificate: For candidates seeking age relaxation (SC/ST/OBC/PwD), a valid caste/category certificate issued by the competent authority.
It is crucial to ensure that all submitted documents are clear, legible, and accurate, as any discrepancies may lead to the cancellation of candidature.
Important Dates
Candidates interested in the Project Fellow recruitment at NIT Rourkela should note the following key dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Notification Release Date | 03 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Submission | 14 July 2026 |
| Walk-in Interview Date | 14 July 2026 |
| Walk-in Interview Time | 10:00 AM |
Important Links
Here are the essential links for candidates interested in the NIT Rourkela Project Fellow recruitment:
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for any updates or announcements regarding this recruitment.
