NIT Rourkela Project Fellow Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 4 Posts
Opportunity for eligible engineering, MCA and science graduates to work on an Information Security and Hardware Security research project at an Institute of National Importance.
4 PROJECT FELLOW POSTSLAST DATE: 25 NOVEMBER 2026GATE QUALIFIED REQUIREDNIT Rourkela Project Fellow Recruitment 2026: The National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela), Odisha, has published a new advertisement inviting applications for 04 Project Fellow (PF) positions under the project titled “Information Security Education and Awareness project Phase III (Hardware Security)”. The advertisement is dated 30 October 2026, and the last date to submit the application is 25 November 2026. The project is associated with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
This opportunity is mainly relevant to candidates with a B.E./B.Tech degree in CSE, IT, ECE or a related discipline, MCA, or an appropriate M.Sc. qualification. The listed essential conditions also include the required academic score, Physics-Chemistry-Mathematics (PCM) in Classes 11 and 12, and a qualifying GATE score. Candidates should read the original advertisement carefully before sending their application because merely having a degree does not automatically guarantee shortlisting.
1. NIT Rourkela Project Fellow Recruitment 2026 – Overview
Before applying, candidates should understand the basic recruitment information. The advertisement is hosted on NIT Rourkela’s official Project Fellowship/Career page. The project is titled Information Security Education and Awareness project Phase III (Hardware Security), and the recruiting department is Computer Science and Engineering.
| Particular | Recruitment Details |
|---|---|
| Institute | National Institute of Technology Rourkela |
| Post Name | Project Fellow (PF) |
| Total Vacancies | 04 Posts |
| Department | Computer Science and Engineering |
| Project | Information Security Education and Awareness project Phase III (Hardware Security) |
| Advertisement Number | NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-24CS021/L/087 |
| Advertisement Date | 30 October 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 25 November 2026 |
| Interview Date | Will be notified later |
| Application Mode | Online/email submission of signed application soft copy as directed in the notice |
| Job Nature | Temporary / contractual, project-based |
| Job Location | NIT Rourkela, Odisha |
2. About the Institute and Research Project
National Institute of Technology Rourkela is an Institute of National Importance located in Rourkela, Sundargarh district, Odisha. It offers engineering, science, technology and research programmes and undertakes sponsored research projects in different departments. This recruitment is being made for a specific sponsored research assignment, rather than for a regular open-ended campus position.
The selected Project Fellows will be associated with the Information Security Education and Awareness project Phase III, focusing on Hardware Security. Hardware security is an area of computer engineering that studies how electronic systems and devices can be protected from attacks, unauthorised access, hidden malicious components and attempts to extract sensitive information from hardware.
In simple terms, software security protects programmes and data, while hardware security also examines the physical electronic components and the way they behave. Modern devices, smart cards, processors, embedded systems and communication equipment can all require hardware-level protection. The project’s research themes include secure hardware architectures, FPGA-based implementation and machine-learning approaches for detecting security threats.
This role may suit graduates who want research exposure beyond routine software development. It can provide an opportunity to work with research problems, technical documentation, experiments and academic guidance. Candidates should, however, assess the temporary nature and fellowship amount before deciding.
3. Vacancy Details – How Many Posts Are Available?
According to the recruitment summary for Advertisement No. NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-24CS021/L/087, NIT Rourkela is inviting applications for four Project Fellow positions. The listed post title is Project Fellow (PF), and the positions are connected with the Computer Science and Engineering Department.
| Post | Department / Project Area | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Project Fellow (PF) | Computer Science and Engineering – Hardware Security | 04 |
| Total | 04 | |
The notice does not provide a category-wise reservation breakup in the recruitment summary available on the official career listing. Applicants should not assume a category-wise distribution unless it is explicitly mentioned in the full advertisement or application instructions.
4. Educational Qualification – Who Can Apply?
The educational requirement is technical and subject-specific. Candidates should compare their degree title and branch with the exact wording of the advertisement. The stated eligible academic routes are:
- B.E. / B.Tech: Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Information Technology (IT), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), or a related discipline.
- MCA: Master of Computer Applications.
- M.Sc.: M.Sc. in an appropriate branch of Science, subject to the project’s subject suitability.
In addition to the degree, the listed minimum academic performance is CGPA of at least 6.5 on a 10-point scale, or at least 60% marks in B.E./B.Tech. or an equivalent examination. The wording should be read as written in the notification. If a candidate’s university uses a different grading scale or conversion formula, the candidate should attach the official conversion certificate or grading explanation, wherever available.
PCM in Class 11 and Class 12
The notice also specifies that Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) must have been studied in both the 11th and 12th standards. This is an important condition. Candidates should check their higher-secondary marksheets and subject records before applying. Do not assume that a later engineering or postgraduate degree automatically removes this school-level requirement.
Is GATE qualification compulsory?
Yes. GATE qualified is mentioned as an essential condition. Applicants should keep their GATE scorecard and examination details ready. The advertisement summary does not justify assuming that a non-GATE candidate will be accepted simply because the candidate has a high degree score. Check the exact notification for any discipline-specific wording and the validity or year-related conditions, if mentioned.
5. Desirable Skills and Research Experience
The project is specialised, so candidates with practical knowledge of hardware security and related computing topics may find the work more relevant to their background. The recruitment information lists the following desirable areas:
- M.Tech by Research / MS by Research background.
- Design and implementation of secure hardware architectures using FPGA platforms.
- Development and evaluation of machine-learning and deep-learning models for side-channel attack detection.
- Hardware Trojan identification and detection.
- Fault-injection resilience and evaluation of hardware systems against such attacks.
“Desirable” generally refers to additional knowledge or experience that may strengthen an application; it should not be confused with a compulsory qualification unless the full advertisement specifically states otherwise. A fresher who meets all essential conditions should still read the notice and apply if eligible. Applicants who have completed academic projects, internships, dissertations or research work in these areas can explain that experience clearly in their CV.
What do these technical terms mean?
FPGA: A reconfigurable electronic chip used to build and test digital hardware circuits. Side-channel attack: An attack that uses indirect clues such as power consumption, timing or electromagnetic signals to learn secret information. Hardware Trojan: A hidden malicious change or component in an electronic circuit. Fault injection: Deliberately disturbing a device’s operation to test whether an attacker can make it reveal information or behave incorrectly.
6. Fellowship / Monthly Remuneration
The recruitment information lists the Project Fellow payment as ₹12,400 per month for Year 1 and Year 2. Candidates should note the period attached to the amount. Do not assume that the same figure or an increased amount will automatically apply in a later year. Any extension, revision, deductions or additional benefits will be governed by the institute’s project rules and the terms stated in the appointment offer.
| Period | Published Pay Information |
|---|---|
| Year 1 and Year 2 | ₹12,400 per month |
| Any later period | Not confirmed in the summary; check the complete advertisement / appointment terms |
This is a project fellowship amount and should not be compared directly with the pay scale of a permanent central government post. Candidates should consider the research experience, location, duration, monthly expenses and career goals together. If the exact amount is a deciding factor, confirm it from the official advertisement or the project office before accepting an offer.
7. Age Limit and Application Fee
The available recruitment summary does not clearly state an age limit or application fee for this particular advertisement. Therefore, this article does not present an unverified maximum age or fee as a confirmed rule. Some third-party job pages may show an age figure from an older advertisement or an earlier project notice; applicants should not rely on that unless it is repeated in Advertisement No. L/087.
Before applying, open the current PDF and check the eligibility/terms section. If an age limit, relaxation, fee or exemption applies, follow the exact current notice. If no fee is asked for in the official application instructions, do not pay any agent or unofficial website claiming to guarantee selection.
8. Important Dates – Mark Your Calendar
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Date | 30 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Application | 25 November 2026 |
| Interview Date | Will be notified later |
| Interview Details | Check the official NIT Rourkela career page and your email |
Do not wait until the final evening. Keep enough time for scanning documents, combining them into one PDF, checking the application form and sending the email. Candidates should also monitor their registered email address, including the spam/junk folder, for any communication about shortlisting or interview details.
9. Selection Process – How Will Candidates Be Selected?
The recruitment information indicates an interview-based selection process. The institute may first examine the received applications and shortlist candidates according to the project’s requirements, academic background and relevant experience. Only candidates selected for the next stage should expect an interview communication.
- Application screening: The submitted form, educational records and supporting documents may be checked for completeness and eligibility.
- Shortlisting: Candidates may be shortlisted based on merit and the requirements of the Hardware Security project.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be informed about the date, mode and other interview instructions. The official career page currently says the interview date will be notified later.
- Final decision: Selection and joining will be subject to verification of qualifications, documents and institute/project conditions.
Applicants should prepare to explain their final-year project, programming and hardware knowledge, GATE background, research interests and any relevant experience. A clear explanation of what they personally completed in a project is more useful than listing many technologies without practical understanding.
10. How to Apply for NIT Rourkela Project Fellow Recruitment 2026
The recruitment is listed on the official NIT Rourkela Project Fellowship page. The application instructions for project fellow positions use a signed application soft copy with supporting documents, submitted by email as directed in the relevant advertisement. This is why applicants should read the current PDF instead of expecting a railway-style online portal or a simple one-click form.
- Visit the official NIT Rourkela Project Fellowship page.
- Find the entry titled Information Security Education and Awareness project Phase III (Hardware Security), Advertisement No. NITR/SR/2026/Advt.-24CS021/L/087.
- Open and read the current advertisement PDF carefully, including application instructions, PI contact details and any special conditions.
- Download the Project Fellow application form available through the official page, if the notice directs candidates to use it.
- Fill in all details accurately: name, contact details, educational qualifications, marks/CGPA, GATE information, research experience and other requested particulars.
- Sign the application form. Attach clear copies of educational certificates and marksheets, GATE scorecard, CV, research papers (if any), experience certificates (if any) and other requested documents.
- Combine the completed, signed application and supporting documents into one readable PDF file, if instructed by the advertisement.
- Email the PDF to the address/addresses specified in the current advertisement. Use the advertisement number in the email subject line exactly as instructed.
- Send the application before 25 November 2026 and keep the sent email, PDF and delivery record safely.
11. Documents to Keep Ready
Preparing documents in advance can prevent last-minute mistakes. The following list is a practical preparation checklist; the exact set should be matched with the current notice.
- Completed and signed Project Fellow application form.
- Updated CV or résumé with education, technical skills and project details.
- Class 10 certificate/marksheet for date of birth, if requested.
- Class 11 and 12 marksheets or proof showing Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- B.E./B.Tech, MCA or M.Sc. degree/provisional certificate, as applicable.
- All semester/year marksheets and CGPA-to-percentage conversion certificate, where applicable.
- GATE scorecard / proof of qualification.
- Research papers, publications or dissertation summary, if available.
- Internship, project or work experience certificates, if available.
- Photo identity proof and recent photograph, if required by the form.
Scan each document clearly. Make sure the text, marks, dates and signatures are readable. Use meaningful file names such as “Application_Form_Name.pdf” or “GATE_Scorecard_Name.pdf” before combining them. Do not alter marksheets or certificates. If a document is not available, follow the instructions in the notification instead of attaching an unrelated file.
12. How to Prepare for the Interview
Since this is a research-oriented position, preparation should focus on the project area and on the candidate’s own academic work. Candidates can revise subjects relevant to their degree and read introductory material about secure hardware, FPGA systems and hardware threat detection.
- Prepare a two-minute introduction covering your degree, technical interests and relevant projects.
- Revise digital logic, computer architecture, embedded systems and basic information security topics relevant to your branch.
- Understand the basic working of an FPGA and how hardware designs are tested.
- Read about side-channel attacks, hardware Trojans and fault injection at an introductory level.
- Be ready to explain your final-year project: problem, method, tools, your contribution and result.
- Keep your original documents and a copy of the application available if the institute asks for verification.
For example, a candidate who developed a digital design on an FPGA board should be prepared to describe the design choices, test cases and problems solved. A candidate with a machine-learning project should understand the dataset, evaluation method and limitations. Avoid claiming experience you cannot explain.
13. Is This a Permanent Government Job?
No. The project fellowship is described as a temporary/contractual engagement and is co-terminus with completion of the project. “Co-terminus” means the engagement is linked to the project period and may end when the project is completed, subject to the appointment terms. It is not the same as a regular permanent faculty, technical assistant or administrative post at NIT Rourkela.
Such project roles can still be valuable for candidates who want research experience, exposure to an institute environment, collaboration with faculty and a chance to work on a specialised technical topic. Before joining, candidates should read the appointment letter carefully for tenure, fellowship amount, leave rules, reporting arrangements and any other conditions.
14. Why This Opportunity May Be Useful for Odisha Candidates
For engineering, MCA and science graduates in Odisha, a research assignment at NIT Rourkela can provide exposure to a focused technical project without needing to relocate to a distant metro city. Candidates from Rourkela, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Balangir, Bargarh, Nuapada, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and other parts of the state can review the eligibility and decide whether the project fits their background. Applicants from other states are also encouraged to check the official eligibility terms.
Consider a hypothetical example: a young CSE graduate from a small town in western Odisha has completed a final-year project involving digital systems and has qualified GATE. If the candidate also meets the PCM and academic-score conditions, this project may provide a route to apply research skills in a professional laboratory. This is an illustrative example, not a real selected candidate or a promise of selection. The final decision rests with the institute.
15. Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
- Ignoring GATE: The notice lists GATE qualification as an essential condition. Do not overlook it.
- Not checking PCM: Confirm Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in both Class 11 and Class 12.
- Using the wrong email: Use the address given in the current advertisement, not an old notice or unofficial website.
- Missing the advertisement number: Put the correct number in the email subject if asked.
- Sending an incomplete PDF: Check the form, signature, marksheets and GATE details before sending.
- Assuming permanent employment: This is project-based and temporary.
- Waiting until the deadline: Submit early and retain proof of sending.
- Trusting unverified claims: Do not pay agents or believe anyone promising guaranteed selection.
16. Official Links – Notification and Application
| Purpose | Official Link |
|---|---|
| NIT Rourkela Project Fellowship / Career Page | Click Here – Official Career Page |
| Official Advertisement PDF | Download Notification PDF |
| NIT Rourkela Official Website | Visit Official Website |
The official Project Fellowship page is the best place to check for corrections, changes to the interview schedule or further instructions. If a direct PDF does not open, return to the career page and select the matching Advertisement No. L/087.
17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are 04 Project Fellow (PF) vacancies under the Hardware Security project.
The last date to submit the application is 25 November 2026.
The listed routes include B.E./B.Tech in CSE, IT, ECE or a related discipline, MCA, or M.Sc. in an appropriate branch of Science, subject to the stated score conditions.
Yes. GATE qualified is listed as an essential qualification.
Yes. Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are specified as mandatory in both 11th and 12th standards.
The listed amount is ₹12,400 per month for Year 1 and Year 2. Confirm all applicable terms from the full notice and offer letter.
The available summary for this specific advertisement does not clearly state the age limit. Check the current official PDF for any age condition or relaxation.
The available summary does not specify an application fee. Refer to the current official advertisement and do not pay unofficial agents.
The official Project Fellowship listing says the interview date will be notified later. Check the official page and your email regularly.
No. It is a temporary/contractual project position linked to completion of the project.
The official project page invites applications from Indian citizens. Candidates should verify all exact conditions in the current notice.
No. Meeting minimum qualifications does not necessarily guarantee shortlisting. The institute may shortlist candidates according to merit and project requirements.
18. Final Words – Apply Carefully Before 25 November
NIT Rourkela Project Fellow Recruitment 2026 offers four project-based research positions in the field of Information Security Education and Awareness – Phase III (Hardware Security). Candidates with the specified CSE/IT/ECE-related, MCA or M.Sc. background should carefully check their academic marks, Class 11–12 PCM subjects and GATE qualification before preparing the application.
The most important action is to download the current official advertisement, complete the prescribed form, attach readable supporting documents and submit the application exactly as instructed before 25 November 2026. Keep a copy of the email and PDF for your records. The interview date is still to be announced, so keep checking the official institute page.
Ready to Apply?
Check the eligibility in the official advertisement and submit your application before the deadline.
OFFICIAL CAREER PAGEDOWNLOAD NOTIFICATIONDisclaimer: This article is prepared for job-information purposes using the official NIT Rourkela Project Fellowship listing and available recruitment details. It is not an official NIT Rourkela publication. Recruitment rules, eligibility, application procedure, fellowship and interview details are controlled by the institute’s latest advertisement and any corrigendum. Candidates must verify every detail from the official PDF before applying.
