IISER Bhopal JRF and Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal (IISER Bhopal) — Department of Chemistry
Executive Summary & Key Facts
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal (IISER Bhopal) has issued an official recruitment notification for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Associate-I, announcing a total of multiple vacancies located in Madhya Pradesh. The online application window opens on 14 October 2026 and closes on 14 October 2026. To be eligible, applicants must hold M.Sc. / MS / BS-MS / BS / BTech or equivalent in Physics, Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Biophysics, or Physical Chemistry with minimum 60% aggregate or CGPA/CPI 7.0 on a 10-point scale. JRF requires a valid NET/GATE/JEST or equivalent national eligibility test; candidates from IISERs, IITs, NITs, or IISc with CPI above 8.0/10.0 are exempt. Project Associate-I does not require NET/GATE/JEST. and be within the prescribed age limit of As per recruitment norms, with category relaxation applicable as per government guidelines. Selected candidates will receive an approved pay scale of Rs. 37,000 + HRA for JRF; Rs. 30,000 + HRA for Project Associate-I. The selection procedure comprises Shortlisting of applications followed by an online interview for shortlisted candidates.. For complete guidelines, syllabus breakdown, and official notification PDF, refer to the verified information below on ApplySarkariJob.
📅 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Associate-I - Important Dates & Schedule
| Application Start | 14 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply |
14 Oct 2026
|
📋 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Associate-I - Eligibility Criteria & Vacancy Overview
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Associate-I |
|---|---|
| Qualification | M.Sc. / MS / BS-MS / BS / BTech or equivalent in Physics, Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Biophysics, or Physical Chemistry with minimum 60% aggregate or CGPA/CPI 7.0 on a 10-point scale. JRF requires a valid NET/GATE/JEST or equivalent national eligibility test; candidates from IISERs, IITs, NITs, or IISc with CPI above 8.0/10.0 are exempt. Project Associate-I does not require NET/GATE/JEST. |
| Age Limit | As per recruitment norms |
| Salary | Rs. 37,000 + HRA for JRF; Rs. 30,000 + HRA for Project Associate-I |
| Application Fee |
General: ₹0
OBC: ₹0
EWS: ₹0
SC: ₹0
ST: ₹0
fee_exempted: Yes
payment_mode: Not specified
|
| Selection Process | Shortlisting of applications followed by an online interview for shortlisted candidates. |
Complete Salary Breakup & Allowances
Rs. 37,000 + HRA for JRF; Rs. 30,000 + HRA for Project Associate-I
Remuneration & Monthly Pay Scale
Official Prescribed Pay: Rs. 37,000 + HRA for JRF; Rs. 30,000 + HRA for Project Associate-I
📝 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Associate-I - Detailed Notification Guide
Overview of IISER Bhopal JRF and Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal (IISER Bhopal) has officially released a recruitment advertisement under Department of Chemistry project notifications (Advt. No. CRG/2023/000970). This opening invites dynamic and qualified science and engineering graduates to contribute to advanced research projects based in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Candidates who want to build a rewarding scientific career in premier national institutes can explore all latest Madhya Pradesh Government Jobs for similar scientific positions.
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal (IISER Bhopal) |
| Advertisement No. | CRG/2023/000970 |
| Department | Department of Chemistry |
| Project | Theoretical / Computational Biological Physics |
| Funding Agency | Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), DST, Government of India |
| Tenure | 6 months, or until completion of the project |
| Post Name(s) | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or Project Associate-I |
| Vacancies | Not specified in the notification |
| Pay | Rs. 37,000 + HRA for JRF; Rs. 30,000 + HRA for Project Associate-I |
| Job Location | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
| Application Mode | Email ([email protected]) |
| Last Date | 14 October 2026 |
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
| Post | Essential Qualification | Desirable Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | M.Sc. / MS / BS-MS / BS / BTech or equivalent in Physics, Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Biophysics, or Physical Chemistry with a minimum of 60% aggregate or a CGPA/CPI of 7.0 on a 10-point scale. Valid score/rank in NET/GATE/JEST or an equivalent national eligibility test (students from national institutes like IISERs, IITs, NITs, IISc with a CPI above 8.0/10.0 are exempt). | Proficiency in computer programming (Python or any other programming/scripting language). |
| Project Associate-I | M.Sc. / MS / BS-MS / BS / BTech or equivalent in Physics, Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Biophysics, or Physical Chemistry with a minimum of 60% aggregate or a CGPA/CPI of 7.0 on a 10-point scale (without NET/GATE/JEST qualification). | Proficiency in computer programming (Python or any other programming/scripting language). |
The current recruitment drive seeks to fill positions for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Project Associate-I on a contractual basis. Those interested in comparing similar national scientific vacancies can also check the IIT Gandhinagar Program Associate-I Recruitment 2026 recruitment details. Selected candidates will work directly under sponsored research grants, gaining invaluable exposure to high-end academic infrastructure and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
Educational Qualifications & Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet specific academic requirements set by the Department of Chemistry at IISER Bhopal. Candidates holding a qualifying degree with strong academic credentials are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria carefully before submitting their candidacy.
- Qualifying Degrees: M.Sc., MS, BS-MS, BS, BTech, or equivalent degree in Physics, Engineering Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Biophysics, or Physical Chemistry.
- Academic Marks: Candidates must have secured a minimum of 60% aggregate marks or a CGPA/CPI of 7.0 on a 10-point scale.
- JRF Specific Criteria: Applicants for the Junior Research Fellow position must possess a valid NET, GATE, JEST, or equivalent national eligibility test score. However, candidates graduating from IISERs, IITs, NITs, or IISc with a CPI above 8.0 out of 10.0 are exempt from national tests.
- Project Associate-I Criteria: A valid national eligibility test score (NET/GATE/JEST) is not required for the Project Associate-I post.
Aspirants looking for broader career openings can also check more Graduate jobs in Madhya Pradesh to match their qualifications with active state and central government portals.
Remuneration, Pay Scale & Contract Terms
The selected researchers will receive monthly emoluments aligned with standard funding agency guidelines. The compensation package is structured to support researchers pursuing cutting-edge scientific inquiries.
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Consolidated monthly salary of Rs. 37,000 + HRA.
- Project Associate-I: Consolidated monthly salary of Rs. 30,000 + HRA.
- Nature of Employment: Purely contractual for an initial duration of 6 months or until the completion of the project, whichever is earlier.
Age Norms: The official notification specifies that the age limit will be governed strictly as per institutional and project recruitment norms.
Selection Procedure & Interview Stages
The recruitment process at IISER Bhopal is designed to evaluate academic proficiency, research aptitude, and technical knowledge without requiring a written competitive examination.
- Stage 1 (Application Shortlisting): All applications received via email by the stipulated deadline will be screened by a selection committee based on academic records, technical background, and project alignment.
- Stage 2 (Online Interview): Only shortlisted candidates will be notified via email and invited to appear for an online interview conducted via virtual platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet.
Application Fee & Important Dates
Candidates must take note of the crucial timelines and fee structures to ensure their applications are processed successfully without any administrative rejection.
- Application Deadline: The last date to submit the complete application via email is 14 October 2026. Applications arriving after this date will not be entertained.
- Application Fee: There is no application fee required for General, OBC, EWS, SC, or ST candidates. The application process is entirely free of cost.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply via Email
Because applications must be submitted digitally, candidates should follow a precise procedure to ensure compliance with institutional guidelines.
- Step 1: Read the official notification thoroughly by downloading the Official Notification PDF.
- Step 2: Compile all necessary documents into a single combined PDF file. This file must include your cover letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), academic certificates from Class 10+2 onwards, contact details of two academic referees, and proof of NET/GATE/JEST qualification (if applying for JRF).
- Step 3: Draft an email addressed to the official recruitment email address specified in the notification PDF.
- Step 4: Attach the single consolidated PDF containing your credentials and send the email on or before 14 October 2026.
- Step 5: Monitor your registered email inbox. Only candidates shortlisted by the screening committee will receive interview call letters and meeting links.
Candidate Advisories & Precautions
To avoid disqualification due to technical errors, candidates should keep the following advisory points in mind:
- Verify that all academic certificates, marksheets, and qualification proofs are merged into one single PDF file before attaching them to the email. Sending multiple unorganized files may result in rejection.
- Ensure the application email reaches the designated inbox before the absolute cutoff on 14 October 2026. Late submissions are automatically discarded.
- Provide active email addresses and phone numbers for both yourself and your academic referees, as all interview schedules and communications will happen electronically.
📝 How to Apply for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Associate-I
📑 Documents Required for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Associate-I
- Single combined PDF file
- Cover letter
- Detailed CV
- Names and email addresses of two referees
- Copies of academic credentials from 10+2 onwards
- Proof of NET/GATE/JEST qualification, if applicable
⚠️ Important Application Guidelines & Instructions
- Prepare all documents in one single PDF before emailing.
- Send the application only to the official email address mentioned in the notice.
- Applications received after 14 October 2026 will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the online interview.