IIT Guwahati Associate Project Engineer (Aqualens Project) Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 1 Post

IIT Guwahati Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati), under its Research and Development Section, has issued a recruitment notification for the year 2026. The institute is inviting applications for the engagement of one Associate Project Engineer on a purely temporary and contractual basis for the project titled "Aqualens" within the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering (EEE). This is a project-based position with a very short tenure of 89 days. The selection process is straightforward, hinging solely on the candidate's performance in an offline interview. Interested candidates who meet the educational and experience criteria must apply online through the official portal before the deadline.

Eligibility, Selection Process & Key Highlights

Candidates aspiring for the Associate Project Engineer post must hold either a Master's Degree in Engineering/Design or a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Design coupled with three years of relevant professional experience. Notably, the notification does not specify any age limit or mention a cut-off date for age calculation. The recruitment is a single-stage process—only an offline interview scheduled for 25th February 2026. Candidates shortlisted based on their applications will be informed via email. It is critical to note that this is a project staff position; it does not confer any right for permanent absorption at IIT Guwahati. Furthermore, the institute has clearly stated that no travel allowance, daily allowance, or campus accommodation will be provided for the interview or during the appointment period.

About Important Dates for IIT Guwahati Recruitment 2026

The timeline for this recruitment is concise and strictly bound by the project's requirements. The most critical date is 20th February 2026, which is the absolute last day to submit your online application on the IITG R&D portal. Applications submitted after this date, even by a minute, will not be considered. Following the application deadline, the project team will screen all submissions and prepare a shortlist. Only candidates who are shortlisted will receive an email communication regarding the interview; there is no separate admit card. The interview is fixed for 25th February 2026 at 11:00 AM and will be conducted offline at the EEE Conference Room. Candidates must plan their travel to Guwahati accordingly, keeping in mind that no TA/DA is provided. There is no mention of a correction window, so accuracy during the initial application is paramount.

About Application Fees for IIT Guwahati Recruitment 2026

A significant aspect of this recruitment is that there is no application fee. This is common for many project-based positions at research institutions like IITs, as the goal is to attract qualified candidates without imposing a financial barrier. The term "Not Applicable" means the concept of a fee does not exist in this recruitment process. Candidates should not look for any payment gateway or fee details on the portal. This also implies that the application process is purely merit-based from the initial stage, and no payment confirmation is required to complete the submission. However, the absence of a fee should not lead to casual applications, as the shortlisting criteria will be stringent based on the project's specific needs.

About Age Limit for IIT Guwahati Recruitment 2026

In a notable departure from many government recruitments, this notification does not prescribe any upper or lower age limit for candidates. The terms "Not Specified" and "Not Mentioned" indicate that age is not a filtering criterion for this particular project position. This is often the case for short-term, specialized project roles where the focus is squarely on technical expertise and immediate requirement fulfillment rather than long-term service rules. However, candidates should not assume this means complete flexibility; the hiring committee may implicitly consider the relevance and recency of experience. Since no age cut-off date is mentioned, your age as on the date of application or interview is typically considered. While this opens the door for both young post-graduates and experienced professionals, the selection will ultimately depend on who is the best fit for the project's technical scope.

About Eligibility Criteria for IIT Guwahati Recruitment 2026

The eligibility criteria provide two clear pathways to qualify for the Associate Project Engineer role. The first path is academic: a Master's degree (M.E./M.Tech/M.Des) in any branch of Engineering or Design. No additional experience is mandated for candidates choosing this route. The second path is experience-based: a Bachelor's degree (B.E./B.Tech/B.Des) accompanied by a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience. The term "relevant" is crucial here; your experience should ideally align with the domain of the "Aqualens" project, which, being under the EEE department, likely involves electronics, instrumentation, signal processing, or related fields. The notification does not specify any minimum percentage/CGPA requirement, meaning a simple pass degree that meets the UGC/AICTE norms is sufficient. Candidates must be prepared to provide original degree certificates and experience letters for verification.

About Vacancy Details for IIT Guwahati Recruitment 2026

There is a single vacancy for the position of Associate Project Engineer under the "Aqualens" project. This highlights the highly specialized and selective nature of the recruitment. A single post means the competition, though limited to eligible candidates, will be intense, as the institute is looking for the one best-suited individual. The post is not generic; it is tied to a specific project with defined objectives, deliverables, and a short duration of 89 days. Candidates should tailor their application and prepare for the interview by researching IIT Guwahati's EEE department and potential areas related to "Aqualens" (which might pertain to water quality sensing, imaging, or related electrical/electronic systems) to demonstrate precise alignment with the project's needs.

About Caste Category Wise Posts for IIT Guwahati Recruitment 2026

The notification does not provide any category-wise breakdown of the sole vacancy. In official terms, the reservation status is "Not Specified." This is common for short-term project positions funded by specific grants or contracts, where standard government reservation rules may not be stringently applied as they are for regular institutional posts. It typically implies that the post is open to all eligible candidates irrespective of category, and selection will be purely on merit and interview performance. However, candidates belonging to reserved categories are still encouraged to apply. If any relaxation is intended, it is usually mentioned explicitly. The absence of such information suggests a unified merit list. Candidates should not assume any reservation benefits unless a subsequent corrigendum specifies otherwise.

About Exam Pattern for IIT Guwahati Recruitment 2026

The selection process is remarkably streamlined: there is no written examination. The entire weightage for selection rests on your performance in the offline interview. This places immense importance on how you present yourself, your technical knowledge, project understanding, and problem-solving skills during the face-to-face interaction. The interview panel, likely comprising the Principal Investigator (Prof. Samarendra Dandapat) and other project members, will assess your direct suitability for the project's hands-on requirements. Candidates should prepare by thoroughly reviewing their academic projects, technical skills, and any prior work experience. Be ready to discuss your Master's/Bachelor's thesis, detailed project reports, and how your skills can contribute to "Aqualens." Since it's the only stage, there is no safety net; you must excel in this single interaction to secure the position.

About Physical Eligibility Criteria for IIT Guwahati Recruitment 2026

No physical standards or tests are required for this post, as clearly indicated by "Not Applicable" in the table. This is standard for engineering and research-oriented project positions, which are purely technical and involve laboratory or desk-based work. The role does not entail any field duties demanding specific physical attributes like height, chest measurement, or endurance tests. However, upon final selection, the institute may require a basic medical fitness certificate as part of the joining formalities to ensure the candidate is fit for employment. This is a routine administrative step and not a competitive physical criterion. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply if they meet the core educational and experience requirements, as the institute is an equal-opportunity employer.

About Salary for IIT Guwahati Recruitment 2026

The remuneration is a consolidated amount of ₹41,250 per month, broken into a pay of ₹40,000 and a fixed medical component of ₹1,250. It is crucial to understand the term "consolidated"; this is not a pay scale with increments but a fixed sum for the contract duration. Notably, House Rent Allowance (HRA) is not provided. This significantly impacts the net benefit, especially since no campus accommodation is available. Candidates relocating to Guwahati must factor in the full cost of private accommodation from this salary. The appointment is for a very short term of 89 days (roughly 3 months), clearly defining it as a temporary project engagement with no extension guaranteed. This structure is typical for project staff roles, offering competitive stipends for short-duration, high-skill work but without the long-term benefits of permanent employment.

About Syllabus for IIT Guwahati Recruitment 2026

Since there is no written test, a traditional syllabus does not apply. However, candidates must prepare a "syllabus" for the interview. The focus will be entirely on your domain expertise. You should be prepared to answer deep technical questions from your core engineering or design subjects—be it VLSI, embedded systems, signal processing, communication, power systems, or product design, depending on your background. Furthermore, you must research the project's likely domain ("Aqualens" suggests aquatic or water-related lens/sensing technology) and the EEE department's related work. Revise your academic projects, thesis, and professional work thoroughly. The panel will assess conceptual clarity, practical application skills, and how quickly you can contribute to the project. Think of the interview as an oral comprehensive exam of your entire relevant academic and professional knowledge.

About How to Apply for IIT Guwahati Recruitment 2026

The application process is completely online through the dedicated R&D portal of IIT Guwahati. Do not send hard copies via post or email; they will not be accepted. The key is to locate the correct advertisement for the "Aqualens" project among various listings on the portal. Once you find it, meticulously fill in every field of the form. Since there is no mention of a correction window, you must ensure all details—especially your email ID, mobile number, degree particulars, and experience details—are error-free. Your email ID is the primary channel for all future communication, including the interview call. After submission, use the portal's functionality to check your application status. For any technical issues (like login problems), contact the provided helpdesk (proman@iitg.ac.in, 0361-258-2759). For project-related queries, contact the Principal Investigator, Prof. Samarendra Dandapat.

About Mode of Selection for IIT Guwahati Recruitment 2026

The mode of selection is unequivocally a merit-based process centered on a single interview. The journey begins with the screening of online applications to filter candidates who meet the minimum eligibility. Those shortlisted will receive an interview call via email. The interview is the be-all and end-all of this recruitment—it carries 100% weightage. There is no written test score, no group discussion, and no separate document verification round before the final decision. The panel's assessment during the interview will cover depth of subject knowledge, relevance of past work to the project, clarity of thought, and overall aptitude for research and development. The candidate with the highest interview rating will be offered the position. This system rewards candidates who can effectively articulate their expertise and potential contribution under direct scrutiny.

Beyond the standard details, this notification carries specific conditions and implications that every candidate must fully comprehend before applying. These points define the nature of the engagement and set clear expectations.

Temporary Project Engagement – Implications and Planning

This position is not a permanent job at IIT Guwahati; it is a temporary contractual role for 89 days under a specific sponsored project named "Aqualens." The tenure is extremely short—roughly three months. This has major implications: there is no job security, no guarantee of extension, and no automatic absorption into any other role at IITG after the project ends. Candidates should view this as a short-term research assignment or a prestigious project experience to add to their resume. It is ideal for fresh post-graduates seeking project exposure or professionals looking for a brief, high-impact engagement. However, individuals seeking stable, long-term employment should consider this carefully. The appointment is co-terminus with the project or its specific phase, and your service will end on the 89th day unless a fresh order is issued (which is not promised).

Logistical and Financial Considerations – TA/DA & Accommodation

The notification explicitly states: "No TA/DA" and "No accommodation." This is a critical financial consideration. "No TA/DA" means you will not be reimbursed for your travel (Train/Air/Fare) or daily expenses incurred to attend the offline interview in Guwahati. "No accommodation" means that even if selected, you will not be provided with hostel or campus housing during your 89-day stint. You must arrange and bear the full cost of private lodging in Guwahati, which can be significant. Candidates from outside Assam must calculate the total cost of travel for the interview and potential relocation against the consolidated salary of ₹41,250 (with no HRA). This makes the role more feasible for local candidates or those who can manage these costs independently.

Application and Selection Nuances – No Reservations & Direct Contact

The notification does not mention reservation policies (for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) for this single post. In the absence of such specifications, the selection is typically considered "Open" or "Unreserved," with merit being the sole criterion. Candidates from reserved categories should not assume any relaxation in eligibility or selection marks unless officially stated in a corrigendum. Furthermore, the instructions emphasize that shortlisting communication will be via Email only. Regularly check the email account used in your application, including the spam folder, after 20th February 2026. For any genuine doubt regarding the project's technical scope, contacting the Principal Investigator (PI) directly via the provided email is acceptable, but avoid calling for basic information already available in the notification.

1. What is the last date to apply for the IIT Guwahati Associate Project Engineer post?

The last date to submit the online application is 20th February 2026. The application portal will close on this date, and no late submissions will be accepted.

2. Is there any application fee for this recruitment?

No. There is no application fee required for this project position. The online application process is completely free of charge.

3. What is the age limit for applying?

The official notification does not specify any age limit (minimum or maximum) for candidates applying for this post.

4. I have a B.Tech degree with 3.5 years of experience. Am I eligible?

Yes. You meet the eligibility criteria under Option B: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering + 3 years of experience. Your 3.5 years exceeds the minimum requirement.

5. Will IIT Guwahati pay for my travel to attend the interview?

No. The notification clearly states "No TA/DA." Candidates must bear all travel and accommodation expenses for the interview themselves.

6. Is campus accommodation provided if I am selected?

No. The notification explicitly mentions "No accommodation." Selected candidates must arrange their own lodging in Guwahati for the 89-day period.

7. What is the salary for the Associate Project Engineer?

The monthly consolidated emolument is ₹41,250, which includes ₹40,000 as pay and ₹1,250 as a medical allowance. No HRA is provided.

8. Is there a written exam for this recruitment?

No. There is no written test. The selection is based 100% on the performance in the offline interview.

9. Where will the interview be conducted?

The interview will be conducted offline at the EEE Conference Room, IIT Guwahati campus, Guwahati - 781039, Assam.

10. How will I know if I am shortlisted for the interview?

Shortlisted candidates will be informed via the email address provided in their online application. Keep checking your inbox and spam folder after 20th Feb 2026.

11. Is this a permanent job at IIT Guwahati?

No. This is a purely temporary, project-based contractual appointment for a fixed duration of 89 days only.

12. Are there any reservations for SC/ST/OBC candidates?

The notification does not mention any category-wise reservation for this single post. The selection is likely to be on pure merit.

13. Can I apply if I am in the final semester of my M.Tech?

You can apply only if you will receive your final degree certificate on or before the date of joining. You must be able to produce the certificate when required.

14. Whom should I contact for technical issues with the application portal?

For technical assistance, email proman@iitg.ac.in or call 0361-258-2759. For project queries, contact Prof. Samarendra Dandapat.

15. What documents do I need to bring to the interview?

Bring all original educational certificates, mark sheets, experience letters, identity proof, and a printed copy of your submitted application form.