NIT Kurukshetra Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

• Post-graduation in Mechanical or Production Engineering/Technology from a UGC-recognized university, institute or autonomous body, with at least 60% aggregate marks or 6.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale for General candidates. SC/ST/PwD candidates receive a relaxation of 5% marks or 0.5 CGPA.
• Alternatively, a full-time bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology or equivalent with at least 75% aggregate marks or 8.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale or equivalent.
• Final-year Master's students who have submitted their dissertation or thesis but are awaiting final-semester results may apply; they must submit their results by 30 November 2026.
• CSIR/UGC-NET or GATE is desirable.

• Prepare an application in the prescribed format and include a valid email address and contact number.
• Attach a detailed CV and self-attested photocopies of documents covering marks, category, achievements and experience, as applicable.
• Email the application to lead Co-PI Dr. Lalit Thakur at the address given in the official notice by 20 November 2026, 11:59 PM.
• Check the official notice for the prescribed format; the notice does not attach it.

Recruitment and project

NIT Kurukshetra has announced one Junior Research Fellow opening under Advertisement 37/2026. The position is in a Mechanical Engineering project on ultrasonic-assisted stir casting and rare earth-modified magnesium alloy hybrid composites for aerospace and automotive applications. The project is supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation under its PAIR Program.

The work falls under the Advanced Materials theme of SAKSHAM, with NIT Kurukshetra as the spoke institution and IIT Indore as the hub. The workplace may change between the two institutions according to project needs.

Eligibility and appointment

Applicants can qualify through a postgraduate degree in Mechanical or Production Engineering/Technology with the specified marks or CGPA, or through a full-time Engineering/Technology bachelor's degree or equivalent with the higher marks requirement. The maximum age is 32 years on 20 November 2026. CSIR/UGC-NET or GATE is desirable, but meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee a test or interview invitation.

The fellowship is Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA under the applicable norms. The initial appointment lasts up to 30 June 2027. It may continue till September 2029 or be co-terminus with the project, based on semester-wise performance. The selected candidate will be encouraged to pursue a PhD at NIT Kurukshetra under its rules.

Application and selection

Candidates should email the prescribed-format application, a detailed CV and self-attested document photocopies to lead Co-PI Dr. Lalit Thakur by 20 November 2026, 11:59 PM. Include a valid email address and contact number. The notice does not attach the prescribed application format. Incomplete or late applications will be rejected.

Final-year Master's applicants who have submitted their dissertation or thesis but await results must provide those results by 30 November 2026. Shortlisted candidates will receive the written test and/or interview schedule by email. The written-test syllabus follows the relevant GATE/NET curriculum; candidates who have qualified GATE, NET or another national-level examination are exempt from that test. No test or interview date is specified, and no TA/DA is payable for attending.