NIT Rourkela Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for Field Assistant, Junior Research Fellow and More Posts
NIT Rourkela Jobs 2026: JRF, Research Assistant & Field Investigator Vacancies, Salary, Eligibility and Application Process
The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela Recruitment 2026 includes several project-based opportunities for candidates interested in research, engineering, artificial intelligence, social sciences and fieldwork. These vacancies are advertised separately through the institute's Sponsored Research, Industrial Consultancy and Continuing Education (SRICCE) project-fellowship portal.
Current opportunity: As of 15 October 2026, the official NIT Rourkela Project Fellowship page lists an active recruitment for 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under the CHAAYANKAN: Comprehensive AI-based Geospatial Data Analytics for Tea Plantation Monitoring project. The application deadline is 25 October 2026, and the online interview is scheduled for 28 October 2026 at 10:00 AM.
Other NIT Rourkela project advertisements issued in September 2026 included Field Investigator and Research Assistant positions in the School of Management. Their application deadline was 25 September 2026, and the walk-in interviews were scheduled for 1 October 2026. Those opportunities are now closed. An earlier JRF position in Food Process Engineering also closed in September.
Important clarification: These are separate project-specific recruitment notices, not one combined recruitment with a common application form. The Field Assistant title sometimes appears in older NIT Rourkela project advertisements, but I could not verify an active Field Assistant vacancy for October 2026 on the current official project-fellowship page. The article below distinguishes the currently open JRF position from previously advertised, closed vacancies.
For the active JRF position, candidates must submit the signed application and supporting documents by email as a single PDF file. Although some recruitment websites describe this as “Apply Online,” it is not a conventional web-form application.
Official recruitment portal: NIT Rourkela Project Fellowship / Career Page
NIT Rourkela Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | National Institute of Technology Rourkela |
| Location | Rourkela, Odisha |
| Recruiting Section | Sponsored Research, Industrial Consultancy and Continuing Education (SRICCE) |
| Recruitment Type | Project-based research positions |
| Current Open Position | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Current Open Vacancies | 1 JRF post |
| Current Project | CHAAYANKAN – AI-based Geospatial Data Analytics for Tea Plantation Monitoring |
| Current Advertisement Number | NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-26CS050/L/082 |
| Current Advertisement Date | 9 October 2026 |
| Current Application Deadline | 25 October 2026 |
| Current Interview Date | 28 October 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Current JRF Fellowship | ₹37,000 per month in Years 1–2; ₹42,000 in Years 3–4, subject to the notice |
| Current Application Mode | Email submission of one PDF |
| Official Website | nitrkl.ac.in |
| Official Project Fellowship Page | Open Current Advertisements |
The official SRICCE page is the main source for currently active project vacancies. It also retains links to separate research advertisements, which may have different deadlines and selection methods.
Source: NIT Rourkela Official Project Fellowship Page.
NIT ROURKELA RECRUITMENT 2026
Current Opening: 1 Junior Research Fellow
CHAAYANKAN AI Research Project
Fellowship: ₹37,000–₹42,000 per Month
Computer Science / IT / Related Qualifications
Apply Through Email
Last Date: 25 October 2026
Online Interview: 28 October 2026
Official Website: NIT Rourkela
NIT Rourkela Recruitment 2026 JRF Field Investigator Research Assistant project vacancies
About NIT Rourkela Recruitment 2026
The National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) is an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
The institute regularly recruits project personnel for research funded by government departments, agencies, industrial partners and other organisations. Depending on the project, the advertised positions may include Junior Research Fellows, Research Assistants, Field Investigators, Project Research Scientists, Project Associates and Field Assistants.
These are not necessarily regular institute employee posts. Many are temporary or contractual positions that continue only for the duration of the sponsored project.
The required qualifications also vary significantly. A JRF position in Computer Science may require an engineering or postgraduate qualification and a valid GATE/NET credential. A Field Investigator position may require a degree in Management, Commerce, Economics, Sociology or Social Work, together with the skills needed for survey-based research.
For this reason, candidates should identify the exact advertisement number and project title before applying.
You can view the current official notices here:
NIT Rourkela Project Fellowship Page
Current NIT Rourkela Vacancy 2026 – Junior Research Fellow
The main currently open opportunity verified on the official project-fellowship page is for 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under the project:
“CHAAYANKAN: Comprehensive AI-based Geospatial Data Analytics for Tea Plantation Monitoring.”
The advertisement was published on 9 October 2026 under Advertisement No. NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-26CS050/L/082.
The project combines artificial intelligence, machine learning and geospatial data analysis to support the monitoring of tea plantations. The broader CHAAYANKAN project involves NIT Rourkela, the Tea Board of India and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO. The technology aims to use satellite and related observation data to improve the monitoring of tea-growing areas.
Current JRF Vacancy Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Vacancies | 1 |
| Advertisement Number | NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-26CS050/L/082 |
| Project | CHAAYANKAN |
| Application Deadline | 25 October 2026 |
| Interview | 28 October 2026 at 10:00 AM |
| Age Limit | Maximum 28 years, subject to relaxation |
| Fellowship | ₹37,000 per month in Years 1–2; ₹42,000 in Years 3–4, subject to the notice |
| Tenure | Approximately 2 years and 6 months, co-terminus with the project |
| Application Method | Email submission of a single PDF |
| Work Location | RRSC-East, ISRO, Kolkata, as reported in the recruitment details |
Official source: NIT Rourkela Project Fellowship Page. Select the CHAAYANKAN advertisement dated 9 October 2026 to read the complete notice.
Important Note on the Work Location
Although NIT Rourkela is the recruiting institute, the current JRF advertisement identifies the place of work as RRSC-East, ISRO, Kolkata. Candidates should review this condition carefully before applying, particularly if they intend to remain in Rourkela.
Current JRF Eligibility Criteria 2026
The active JRF vacancy is intended for candidates with suitable qualifications in Computer Science, Information Technology or an equivalent discipline.
The recruitment information lists alternative qualification routes.
Route 1 – M.Tech / M.E. / Research-Based Master's Degree
Candidates may qualify with an M.Tech, M.E., M.Tech (Research) or M.S. (Research), following a B.Tech/B.E., in Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology or an equivalent discipline.
The stated academic requirement is at least 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, under the route specified in the advertisement.
Route 2 – B.Tech / B.E. with GATE
Another route permits candidates with a B.Tech/B.E. in Computer Science and Engineering or Information Technology who have a valid GATE score in Computer Science, IT, AI & Data Science or an equivalent paper.
The advertised academic threshold for this route is:
CGPA above 7.0 on a 10-point scale; or
Marks above 65%.
Candidates should confirm the precise degree and score combination in the official PDF.
Route 3 – M.Sc. / MCA with GATE or NET
Candidates with an M.Sc. or MCA in Computer Science, Information Technology or an equivalent discipline may also qualify with the required GATE/NET credential.
The recruitment details list the minimum academic requirement as CGPA 6.5 or 60% for this route.
Desirable Skills
The recruitment information identifies the following desirable skills:
Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Software development experience, particularly with Python.
Good mathematical understanding.
Working knowledge of remote sensing and GIS.
A valid GATE score in CS, IT, AI & Data Science or an equivalent paper, as relevant.
These are particularly relevant because the project combines computing techniques with geospatial information. Candidates should be ready to explain their technical background during the interview.
Age Limit
The upper age limit is 28 years as on the last date of application, subject to applicable relaxation.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | Up to 5 years |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | Up to 5 years |
| Female Applicants | Up to 5 years |
| OBC-NCL | Up to 3 years |
The exact rules and supporting certificate requirements should be checked in the advertisement.
JRF Fellowship and Project Duration
The current JRF recruitment lists the following fellowship schedule:
| Fellowship Period | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Years 1–2 | ₹37,000 |
| Years 3–4 | ₹42,000 |
The advertised project tenure is approximately 2 years and 6 months, co-terminus with the project. This means the actual engagement cannot automatically be assumed to continue for four years merely because the fellowship schedule lists rates for Years 3 and 4.
Candidates should confirm the applicable fellowship, HRA provision and final appointment duration from the original notice and offer letter.
The engagement is temporary and project-based, not a permanent NIT Rourkela employee appointment.
How to Apply for the Current NIT Rourkela JRF Vacancy
The current JRF notice uses email submission rather than a standard online application form.
Step 1 – Open the Official Project Fellowship Page
Visit:
NIT Rourkela SRICCE / Project Fellowship Page
Find the advertisement dated 9 October 2026 titled CHAAYANKAN: Comprehensive AI-based Geospatial Data Analytics for Tea Plantation Monitoring.
Step 2 – Download the Official Notification
Read the full advertisement, especially the educational qualification, age limit, fellowship, project duration, work location and application instructions.
Step 3 – Download and Complete the Application Form
Use the application form specified in the notice or linked under the Project Fellowship notices section.
Fill in the personal, educational and other information accurately. Sign the application as required.
Step 4 – Prepare Supporting Documents
Prepare the required educational certificates and marksheets. Include your GATE/NET details or other supporting evidence required by the qualification route you are claiming.
Research papers and experience certificates, where applicable, should also be included.
Step 5 – Combine All Documents into One PDF
The current recruitment instructions require the completed and signed application and supporting documents to be combined into one PDF file.
Check that all pages are readable and in the correct order.
Step 6 – Send the Application by Email
Send the signed application PDF to the email address specified in the current official advertisement.
Mention NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-26CS050/L/082 in the subject line as instructed.
Use the exact recipient email address from the official notice; do not guess the address or use an email from a different project.
Step 7 – Submit Before the Deadline
The last date to submit the application is 25 October 2026.
No hard copy is required under the application instructions described in the current recruitment summary. Retain a copy of the sent email and application file for your records.
Step 8 – Prepare for the Interview
The online interview is scheduled for 28 October 2026 at 10:00 AM. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed about the interview arrangements.
Keep your email account active and monitor the official website for shortlisting information.
NIT Rourkela Research Assistant Recruitment 2026 – Previous Opening
NIT Rourkela's School of Management advertised 1 Research Assistant post under the project:
“Sustainable Women Entrepreneurship through Community Driven Ecosystem: Exploration on Self Help Groups of Odisha.”
The project was funded by the National Foundation for Corporate Governance (NFCG).
This vacancy is now closed. Applications had to be submitted by 25 September 2026, and the walk-in interview was scheduled for 1 October 2026 at 10:00 AM.
Previous Research Assistant Vacancy Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Research Assistant (RsA) |
| Vacancies | 1 |
| Department | School of Management |
| Project | Sustainable Women Entrepreneurship through Community Driven Ecosystem |
| Qualification | Master's degree in Management, Commerce, Economics, Sociology or Social Work |
| Maximum Age | 35 years as on the application deadline |
| Remuneration | ₹30,000 per month in Year 1 |
| Application Deadline | 25 September 2026 – Closed |
| Interview | 1 October 2026 – Passed |
| Application Method | |
| Engagement | Temporary / project-based |
The role involved reviewing academic literature, entering data into software, running statistics, creating charts and graphs, assisting with reports, proofreading manuscripts and formatting bibliographies.
Notification copy: Research Assistant Advertisement PDF.
Candidates who missed this deadline should not send a late application unless the institute publishes an extension or a new advertisement.
NIT Rourkela Field Investigator Recruitment 2026 – Previous Opening
The same School of Management project also advertised 1 Field Investigator vacancy.
The position was related to fieldwork and data collection for the research project on sustainable women's entrepreneurship and Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Odisha.
This vacancy is also closed. The deadline was 25 September 2026, and the walk-in interview took place on 1 October 2026 at 10:00 AM.
Field Investigator Vacancy Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Field Investigator |
| Vacancies | 1 |
| Department | School of Management |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's or Master's degree in Management, Commerce, Economics, Sociology or Social Work |
| Maximum Age | 35 years as on the application deadline |
| Monthly Remuneration | ₹20,000 |
| Application Deadline | 25 September 2026 – Closed |
| Interview | 1 October 2026 – Passed |
| Application Method | |
| Engagement | Temporary / contractual |
The listed responsibilities included conducting field visits, identifying respondents, administering questionnaires, conducting interviews, collecting reliable data, maintaining records and helping organise field data for research.
Notification copy: Field Investigator Advertisement PDF.
NIT Rourkela JRF Recruitment 2026 – Food Process Engineering
Another JRF position was advertised in September 2026 in a different research area, Food Process Engineering.
This earlier vacancy was for one Junior Research Fellow and was associated with Advertisement No. NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-26FP002/I/075. The application deadline was 22 September 2026, so it is now closed.
The advertised qualification covered candidates with B.Tech and M.Tech qualifications in Food Process Engineering, Food Engineering and Technology, Food Technology, Processing and Food Engineering, Agricultural Process Engineering, Post-Harvest Engineering or Agricultural Engineering, subject to the prescribed academic threshold.
Previous Food Process Engineering JRF Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow |
| Vacancies | 1 |
| Subject Area | Food Process Engineering and related disciplines |
| Qualification | Relevant B.Tech with M.Tech in the listed disciplines |
| Minimum Academic Requirement | CGPA 6.5/10 or 60%, as specified |
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹37,000 |
| Maximum Age | 28 years, subject to relaxation |
| Application Deadline | 22 September 2026 – Closed |
| Application Method | |
| Selection | Online interview |
This vacancy was separate from the current CHAAYANKAN JRF position. Candidates should not reuse its eligibility conditions when applying to the October 2026 JRF advertisement.
Previous JRF notice: Food Process Engineering JRF Recruitment PDF.
Is NIT Rourkela Field Assistant Recruitment 2026 Open?
The title of this roundup includes Field Assistant, but I could not verify an active 2026 Field Assistant advertisement on NIT Rourkela's current Project Fellowship page as of 15 October 2026.
A Field Assistant notice that appears in search results is dated 10 October 2025 and concerns a separate project in the Department of Planning and Architecture. Its application deadline and interview date belong to the 2025 recruitment cycle, so it must not be presented as an open 2026 vacancy.
Candidates searching for Field Assistant jobs should use the official project-fellowship page and check the date, project code, qualification, pay and deadline of any newly published notice.
This distinction matters because research institutes often publish separate project recruitment notices throughout the year. Similar post names do not mean that the vacancies belong to the same advertisement or share the same application process.
NIT Rourkela Recruitment 2026 – How the Selection Process Works
The selection process depends on the individual project advertisement. The current JRF and the earlier School of Management vacancies did not have identical procedures.
For the Current JRF Vacancy
The process includes:
- Application screening: The institute assesses eligibility, qualification and project suitability.
- Shortlisting: Only candidates shortlisted by the institute are invited to the next stage.
- Online interview: The current interview is scheduled for 28 October 2026 at 10:00 AM.
- Document verification: Educational and other supporting documents may be verified.
- Final selection: The appointment is offered according to the institute's decision and project requirements.
For the Closed Research Assistant and Field Investigator Vacancies
The earlier School of Management positions involved application screening followed by a walk-in interview on 1 October 2026.
Candidates should not assume that this process will be repeated for future vacancies. Always follow the specific notice for the post being advertised.
Documents Required for NIT Rourkela Project Positions
The exact documents depend on the advertised post, but applicants should generally prepare the items requested in the relevant notification.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Completed Application Form | Required format for the project position |
| Educational Certificates | Proof of the required degree |
| Marksheets | Verification of marks / CGPA |
| GATE / NET Documents | Where required by the advertisement |
| Research Papers | If applicable and requested |
| Experience Certificates | Where experience is required or being claimed |
| Age Proof | As specified by the notice |
| Category Certificate | Where claiming a prescribed relaxation |
| Signed Application PDF | Required for the current email-based JRF process |
For the current JRF post, the completed and signed application and supporting documents must be sent as one PDF. Candidates should use the required filename and email subject instructions in the official notice if the advertisement specifies them.
Do not submit an application to an email address copied from a different project advertisement.
Important Instructions for Applicants
1. Check the advertisement number. NIT Rourkela publishes different notices for different project positions.
2. Confirm the current status. The active opening verified on 15 October 2026 is the CHAAYANKAN JRF position. The September Field Investigator, Research Assistant and Food Process Engineering JRF positions are closed.
3. Read the current qualification rules. The active JRF post has distinct qualification routes with academic and GATE/NET requirements.
4. Follow the actual application method. The active JRF application is submitted by email as one PDF, rather than through a general online form.
5. Check the work location. The current JRF notice identifies RRSC-East, ISRO, Kolkata, as the place of work.
6. Review the fellowship schedule. The current advert lists ₹37,000 for Years 1–2 and ₹42,000 for Years 3–4; actual engagement is co-terminus with the project.
7. Keep the application proof. Save the email and all files sent to the institute.
8. Do not apply late. Applications for the current JRF must reach the institute by 25 October 2026.
9. Monitor interview communications. Only shortlisted candidates will receive online interview information.
10. Use official sources. Verify all details on the official NIT Rourkela Project Fellowship page before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions – NIT Rourkela Recruitment 2026
1. Is NIT Rourkela Recruitment 2026 currently open?
The official Project Fellowship page currently lists a Junior Research Fellow position under the CHAAYANKAN project, with the last date of 25 October 2026. The Field Investigator and Research Assistant posts advertised in September have closed.
2. How many vacancies are currently open?
The current CHAAYANKAN advertisement lists 1 JRF vacancy.
3. What is the last date for the current JRF application?
The deadline is 25 October 2026.
4. When is the JRF interview?
The online interview is scheduled for 28 October 2026 at 10:00 AM.
5. What is the JRF fellowship?
The recruitment details list ₹37,000 per month during Years 1 and 2, increasing to ₹42,000 during Years 3 and 4, subject to the applicable fellowship provisions. The engagement is co-terminus with the project, which is listed as about 2 years and 6 months.
6. What is the qualification for the current JRF?
The advertised routes include relevant M.Tech/M.E./research master's qualifications in CSE/IT, B.Tech/B.E. with a relevant GATE score, or M.Sc./MCA with GATE/NET in Computer Science, IT or an equivalent discipline, subject to the marks/CGPA requirements in the notice.
7. Can BA or MA candidates apply for the current JRF?
The current JRF is focused on Computer Science, IT or related technical fields. BA/MA candidates should not apply unless their qualification meets the exact requirements in the official advertisement.
8. Were Field Investigator and Research Assistant vacancies available?
Yes. NIT Rourkela advertised one Field Investigator and one Research Assistant position in the School of Management project. Their application deadline was 25 September 2026, with interviews on 1 October 2026. Both opportunities are now closed.
9. Is the Field Assistant vacancy open in 2026?
I could not verify an active Field Assistant vacancy in the current official 2026 project-fellowship listings. A Field Assistant notice found in search results was from 2025 and should not be treated as a current vacancy.
10. Is there an application fee for the current JRF?
The current recruitment summary does not specify an application fee. Candidates should review the official notice for any applicable conditions.
11. Can I apply through an online form?
The current JRF application process requires submission of the signed application and supporting documents as one PDF by email. This is an electronic application, but not a conventional web-form application.
12. Is this a permanent NIT Rourkela job?
No. The project fellowships are temporary or contractual appointments connected with the funded research project.
13. Where can I find new NIT Rourkela vacancies?
Visit the official NIT Rourkela Project Fellowship page and check the latest advertisements and deadlines.
NIT Rourkela Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
| Link Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Project Fellowship Page | Check Current Advertisements |
| Current JRF Advertisement – CHAAYANKAN | Open Official Advertisement List |
| Field Investigator – Previous Notice | View Advertisement PDF |
| Research Assistant – Previous Notice | View Advertisement PDF |
| Food Process Engineering JRF – Previous Notice | View Advertisement PDF |
| NIT Rourkela Official Website | Visit Website |
Note: The Field Investigator, Research Assistant and Food Process Engineering JRF links are for closed recruitment rounds. The currently open JRF advertisement should be accessed from the official project-fellowship page.
Suggested Internal Links for Odisha Job Alert
For better internal navigation and SEO, link to relevant articles already published on your website:
Latest Odisha Government Jobs 2026
NIT Rourkela JRF Recruitment 2026
Research Assistant Recruitment in Odisha
Field Investigator Jobs 2026
Government Research Fellowships
Computer Science Research Jobs
AI and Machine Learning Jobs in Odisha
Engineering Jobs in Odisha
Only use actual published URLs from your blog so readers do not encounter broken or unrelated links.
Conclusion
The NIT Rourkela Recruitment 2026 headline covers different project-based opportunities rather than one common recruitment notification. As of 15 October 2026, the currently open vacancy confirmed on the official Project Fellowship page is one Junior Research Fellow position under the CHAAYANKAN AI-based tea plantation monitoring project.
The current JRF application deadline is 25 October 2026, with an online interview scheduled for 28 October 2026 at 10:00 AM. The position is intended for candidates with relevant technical qualifications in Computer Science, Information Technology or an equivalent discipline and the required GATE/NET credentials, depending on the qualification route.
The fellowship is listed at ₹37,000 per month for Years 1 and 2 and ₹42,000 during Years 3 and 4, subject to the notice and applicable conditions. The project tenure is co-terminus with the project, so candidates should not assume a guaranteed four-year appointment.
The earlier Research Assistant and Field Investigator advertisements offered opportunities for candidates with relevant Management, Commerce, Economics, Sociology or Social Work backgrounds, but their application deadline and interview dates have passed. I could not verify an active 2026 Field Assistant vacancy on the current official project-fellowship page.
Eligible candidates interested in the active JRF post should download the current official advertisement, confirm the qualification and GATE/NET rules, and send the signed application with supporting documents as one PDF by email before 25 October 2026.
Actionable Call to Action
Visit the official NIT Rourkela Project Fellowship page, open the CHAAYANKAN JRF advertisement dated 9 October 2026, read the complete eligibility conditions and submit your application using the exact email instructions in the notice. Share this recruitment update with eligible research candidates in Odisha and across India.
