BITS Pilani Recruitment 2026: 9 JRF/Research Associate-I Posts – Apply Online @ bits-pilani.ac.in

Post-Wise Vacancy & Pay Scale

BITS Pilani has notified 9 project-based positions under the DST National Quantum Mission across its Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses. The post-wise distribution is as follows:

Note: Selected JRF candidates will be promoted to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) from the third year onward after performance evaluation, with a revised stipend of Rs. 42,000/- per month.

Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualification

Junior Research Fellow (JRF) – Computer Science/Engineering (06 Posts)

• First-class M.E./M.Tech. or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Technology, Quantum Computing, or allied disciplines.
• Candidates must satisfy DST JRF eligibility criteria through NET, GATE, or any other prescribed national-level selection process as per DST norms.

Junior Research Fellow (JRF) – Physics (01 Post)

• M.Sc./M.S. or equivalent degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Quantum Science & Technology, Mathematical Physics, or allied disciplines.
• Candidates must qualify NET/GATE or the prescribed national-level selection process as per DST norms.

Research Associate-I (RA-I) (02 Posts)

• Route A: Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Computer Science/Engineering or allied disciplines.
• Route B: M.E./M.Tech. or equivalent with a minimum of three years of research, teaching, or design & development experience after the postgraduate degree, along with at least one published SCI-indexed research paper.
• Experience must be as per DST norms for RA-I appointments.

Pay, Tenure & Project Duration

All positions are purely contractual and project-funded. The tenure details are:

• Junior Research Fellow: Appointed for 2 years initially. Based on performance evaluation, the appointment may be extended for a third year as Senior Research Fellow (SRF), making the total tenure 3 years.
• Research Associate-I: Appointed for a tenure of 3 years.
• JRF Fellowship: Rs. 37,000/- per month
• SRF Fellowship (from Year 3 for JRF): Rs. 42,000/- per month
• RA-I Fellowship: Rs. 58,000/- per month

Selected JRF candidates may be permitted to register for the Ph.D. program of BITS Pilani, subject to the institute's norms and guidelines.

Important: These are contract/project-based appointments and do not carry permanent government job security or lifetime pension benefits.

Selection Process & Screening Clause

The selection process for the BITS Pilani JRF/RA-I recruitment follows these stages:

1. Online Application Screening: Applications will be screened based on academic merit, relevant experience, research publications (for RA-I), and specific project requirements.
2. Shortlisting: Only candidates meeting the eligibility criteria and shortlisted by the selection committee based on merit and project suitability will be called for the interview.
3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be informed about the interview schedule. The interview may be conducted online or offline, as decided by the selection committee.
4. Final Selection: Merit-based selection considering performance in the interview and overall suitability for the project requirements.

Note: No TA/DA will be paid to candidates for attending the interview.

How to Apply for BITS Pilani JRF/RA-I Recruitment 2026

1. Visit the BITS Pilani NQM Project Online Application Portal.
2. Select the preferred campus (Pilani, Goa, or Hyderabad) and the desired position (JRF or RA-I) in the application form.
3. Fill in all required details and upload supporting documents.
4. Submit the completed application online on or before 15 October 2026.

Direct link: Apply Online for BITS Pilani JRF and RA-I Posts on the NQM Project Careers Page

Required Documents & Instructions for Candidates

• Original Matriculation (10th) Certificate / Birth Certificate as Proof of Date of Birth.
• All Degree and Consolidated Mark Sheets (B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, M.Sc./M.S., and Ph.D. wherever applicable).
• Valid NET/GATE Score Card or Certificate proving DST JRF eligibility (mandatory for JRF posts).
• Experience Certificates on official letterhead for RA-I candidates applying through the experience route.
• Proof of at least one published SCI-indexed research paper for RA-I candidates (if applicable).
• Valid Category / Caste Certificate in Central Government prescribed format (if claiming reservation).
• Two recent passport-size photographs and a valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar / Voter ID / PAN).

Important Links

• Download BITS Pilani JRF and RA-I Official Notification PDF
• Access the BITS Pilani NQM Project Online Application Portal
• Visit the Official BITS Pilani Website

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last date to apply for BITS Pilani JRF/RA-I Recruitment 2026?

The last date to submit the online application for BITS Pilani JRF and Research Associate-I posts under the NQM project is 15 October 2026. The online application portal opened on 30 September 2026.

Are these permanent government jobs?

No. These are purely contractual, project-based appointments funded by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the National Quantum Mission. JRF posts have a 2-year tenure (extendable to 3 years as SRF), and RA-I posts have a 3-year tenure. These do not carry permanent government job security or pension benefits.

What is the salary structure for BITS Pilani JRF and RA-I posts?

Junior Research Fellow (JRF) receives Rs. 37,000 per month. Upon promotion to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) from the third year, the stipend increases to Rs. 42,000 per month. Research Associate-I (RA-I) receives Rs. 58,000 per month.

Is there an application fee for BITS Pilani JRF/RA-I Recruitment?

The official notification does not specify any application fee for these project-based positions. Candidates should refer to the official notification PDF for any fee-related details.

Can JRF candidates register for a Ph.D. at BITS Pilani?

Yes, selected JRF candidates may be permitted to register for the Ph.D. program of BITS Pilani, subject to the institute's norms, guidelines, and availability of Ph.D. registration slots.

What is the selection process for these posts?

Candidates will be shortlisted based on academic merit, relevant experience, and project requirements. Shortlisted candidates will be informed about an online or offline interview. Only qualified and suitable candidates will be called for the interview. No TA/DA will be paid.