IIT Delhi Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 – Optics and Photonics Centre, Advertisement No. IITD/IRD/277/2026

Post-Wise Vacancy and Pay Scale

The consolidated fellowship of Rs. 37,000 per month plus House Rent Allowance at 27% of basic pay is applicable for the entire tenure of the position, which is renewable annually or until project completion (29 January 2031), whichever is earlier. This is a project-funded position under the Department of Science and Technology (National Quantum Mission).

Eligibility Criteria and Educational Qualification

• Junior Research Fellow: M.Sc. degree with First Class in Physics / Optics / Electronics from a recognized university.
• Essential: Qualified NET or GATE examination.
• Desirable: Prior experience or research exposure in quantum optics and/or quantum key distribution (QKD).
• NET/GATE Relaxation Clause: The requirement of NET/GATE for selection to the JRF post may be relaxed for candidates who have graduated from Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs) with a CGPA of more than 8.000 (equivalent to 80% aggregate marks).

Selection Process and Screening Clause

1. Short-Listing: IIT Delhi reserves the right to fix higher criteria for short-listing eligible candidates from those satisfying the advertised qualifications. The criteria may consider academic performance, relevant research experience, and suitability to the project requirements.
2. Publication of Short-List: Short-listed candidates will be displayed on the official web link at IIT Delhi IRD Short-Listed Candidates Page.
3. Online Interview: Only short-listed candidates will be informed regarding online interview schedule and details. The interview will be conducted via online mode.

Note: No Travel Allowance (TA) or Daily Allowance (DA) will be paid for appearing in the online interview.

How to Apply for IIT Delhi Junior Research Fellow Post

1. Download Form No. IRD/REC-4 from the official IRD website: IIT Delhi IRD Recruitment Page.
2. Fill out the form completely with accurate details of educational qualifications, percentage of marks/division, work experience (if any), and other relevant information.
3. Send the completed application form via email to Prof. Parvendra Kumar (Project Investigator). The exact email ID is mentioned in the official notification PDF.
4. Mention the advertisement number IITD/IRD/277/2026 on the subject line of the email.
5. Ensure the application is submitted on or before 23 October 2026 by 5:00 PM.

Required Documents and Instructions for Candidates

• Original Matriculation (10th) Certificate or Birth Certificate as Proof of Date of Birth.
• M.Sc. Degree Certificate and all Consolidated Mark Sheets in Physics / Optics / Electronics (First Class).
• NET / GATE qualifying certificate or score card.
• CFTI graduation certificate with CGPA above 8.000 (if applying under the NET/GATE relaxation clause).
• Experience certificates on official letterhead, if applicable (preferably in quantum optics or quantum key distribution).
• Valid Category / Caste Certificate in Central Government prescribed format (if claiming reservation).
• Completed and signed Form No. IRD/REC-4.
• Two recent passport-size photographs and a valid Photo ID proof (Aadhaar / Voter ID / PAN Card).
• All documents should be self-attested and attached as scanned copies along with the email application.

Important Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the last date to apply for the IIT Delhi Junior Research Fellow recruitment 2026?

The last date to submit the completed application via email is 23 October 2026 by 5:00 PM. Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.

2. What is the salary for the Junior Research Fellow post at IIT Delhi?

The Junior Research Fellow at IIT Delhi Optics and Photonics Centre will receive a consolidated fellowship of Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA at 27%. The appointment is renewable annually or until the project duration ends (29 January 2031).

3. What are the educational qualifications required for IIT Delhi JRF recruitment?

Candidates must hold an M.Sc. degree with First Class in Physics / Optics / Electronics and must have qualified NET or GATE. However, the NET/GATE requirement may be relaxed for candidates from Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs) who have a CGPA of more than 8.000 (80% aggregate). Experience in quantum optics or quantum key distribution is desirable but not mandatory.

4. Is the IIT Delhi Junior Research Fellow position permanent?

No. This is a contractual, project-based position funded by the Department of Science and Technology under the National Quantum Mission. The appointment is renewable yearly or up to the project duration (until 29 January 2031). It does not carry the benefits of a permanent government job such as lifetime pension or job security.

5. How can I apply for the IIT Delhi JRF post?

Download Form No. IRD/REC-4 from the IRD website (ird.iitd.ac.in/rec), fill it out completely, and send it via email to Prof. Parvendra Kumar with the advertisement number IITD/IRD/277/2026 on the subject line by 23 October 2026, 5:00 PM.

6. What is the selection process for the IIT Delhi Junior Research Fellow?

The selection process consists of short-listing based on eligibility and project suitability, followed by an online interview for short-listed candidates. The short-list will be published at ird.iitd.ac.in/shortlisted. IIT Delhi reserves the right to fix higher criteria for short-listing than the minimum advertised qualifications.