IIT Delhi IRD Recruitment 2026: Overview & Background
The Industrial Research & Development Unit (IRD) at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has released an official recruitment advertisement inviting eligible, dynamic, and qualified Indian nationals to apply for temporary research positions. The available positions are for Principal Project Scientist and Senior Project Scientist to work on advanced research and development projects currently underway at IIT Delhi.
IIT Delhi offers a stimulating environment for cutting-edge scientific research. Selected candidates will get an exceptional platform to work on innovative technologies, publish high-impact scientific research papers, and interact with leading industry experts and academics. Interested applicants must submit their complete applications via email before the closing deadline of 11 November 2026.
Vacancies Breakdown & Educational Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for the positions must ensure they meet the mandatory academic qualifications and requisite professional experience before submitting their applications. Below is the detailed breakdown:
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Minimum Qualification & Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Principal Project Scientist | 01 | Ph.D. in relevant branch of Engineering/Technology/Science with high academic standing OR M.Tech / M.E. in 1st Class with at least 6 years of relevant industrial or R&D experience. |
| Senior Project Scientist | 01 | Ph.D. in relevant discipline OR M.Tech / M.E. in 1st Class with minimum 3 years of post-qualification R&D experience. |
Age Limit, Age Relaxation & Reservation Guidelines
The upper age limits for research and project staff positions under IRD are determined according to IIT Delhi policies and Government of India norms for sponsored research projects.
- General Candidates: As specified in the detailed advertisement issued on the IRD website.
- Age Relaxation: Standard age relaxations apply for candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and female candidates as per institute norms.
- Experience Exemption: Extraordinary research publications or patents may be given appropriate weightage during shortlisting.
Pay Scale, Salary Structure & Perks
The positions are purely temporary and sponsored by external funding agencies under the IRD unit. Remuneration is offered as a consolidated monthly fellowship/salary as detailed below:
- Principal Project Scientist: Consolidated pay scale of Rs. 56,000/- to Rs. 79,000/- per month + HRA (as per institute rules).
- Senior Project Scientist: Consolidated pay scale of Rs. 42,000/- to Rs. 64,000/- per month + HRA (as per institute rules).
- Perks & Medical Allowances: Project staff are entitled to medical facilities as per IRD project norms and standard leave benefits.
Selection Process & Assessment Criteria
The recruitment process for IIT Delhi IRD project posts is structured to ensure selection based purely on merit and domain expertise:
- Initial Screening & Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their academic credentials, research background, publications, and relevant work experience.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview, which may be conducted offline at the IIT Delhi campus or online via video conferencing.
- Document Verification: Original certificates, degrees, and work experience documents will be verified at the time of joining or interview.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply via Email
Interested and eligible candidates must apply strictly via the email route as outlined in the official notification. Follow these steps to apply smoothly:
- Visit the official IRD website at ird.iitd.ac.in and download the prescribed application form format (Form IRD/REC-4).
- Fill in all the required personal details, academic qualifications, publication list, and professional experience carefully.
- Attach self-attested scanned copies of supporting documents including educational certificates, mark sheets, experience certificates, and proof of identity.
- Save all documents in a single compiled PDF file.
- Send the compiled application to the designated project email address mentioned in the official IRD notification prior to 11 November 2026.
- Mention the Advertisement Code and Post Applied For clearly in the email subject line.
Important Guidelines & General Instructions
- Incomplete applications or applications received after the stipulated deadline of 11 November 2026 will be rejected without any correspondence.
- The appointment is purely on a contract basis and co-terminus with the duration of the research project.
- No TA/DA will be paid to candidates for attending the selection interview.
- Candidates working in government organizations, PSUs, or autonomous bodies must present a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer.