IIT Madras Principal Project Officer Vacancy 2026

Introduction

The Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (IC&SR) at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has announced a recruitment drive for the post of Principal Project Officer. This is a temporary, contract-based position located at IIT Madras, Chennai. The role involves significant responsibility in the day-to-day technical and operational management of a shared nanofabrication facility, supporting faculty, students, and other users. The application process is entirely online, with a clear deadline for submission. Candidates are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria, particularly the educational qualifications and experience requirements, as well as the detailed duties associated with the post. The official notification provides comprehensive details, and applicants must ensure they meet all specified conditions before applying. The last date to submit applications is 12 November 2026. All eligible candidates are encouraged to apply through the official IC&SR portal. The official notification should be consulted for the most accurate and complete information.

Recruitment Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

A total of 01 vacancy has been announced for the post of Principal Project Officer.

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

Candidates must meet one of the following mandatory educational and experience criteria:

• A Master's degree in Engineering with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• A Master's degree in Science with a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience.
• A Ph.D. with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.

Only relevant experience gained after obtaining the minimum qualifying degree will be considered. The notification also lists desirable technical experience, core capabilities, and professional skills, which are considered an added advantage but not mandatory.

Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of India. Persons who migrated from Pakistan intending to settle permanently in India, and subjects of Nepal, are also eligible, provided they possess a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India.

Relaxation: For exceptionally outstanding candidates, the minimum qualification and/or experience may be relaxed. The institute may also relax the experience requirement for SC/ST candidates if insufficient candidates with the required experience are available.

Cut-off Date: All eligibility conditions will be assessed as of the closing date for online applications, which is 12 November 2026.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The official notification does not specify the age limit for this recruitment.

Application Fee

The official notification does not specify the application fee for this recruitment.

Salary and Pay Scale

The selected candidate will receive a consolidated pay in the range of Rs.1,20,000/- to Rs.1,50,000/- per month.

Selection Process

Candidates will be shortlisted for a test and/or interview based on the information provided in their online applications. IIT Madras reserves the right to limit the number of candidates called for the written test, skill test, or interview based on qualifications, higher and more relevant experience, and other academic achievements. The institute will determine the screening and testing methods. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email.

Application Procedure

Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the official IC&SR portal. The steps are as follows:

1. Visit the IC&SR IIT Madras current openings page.
2. Locate advertisement number ICSR/PR/Advt. 225/2026 and find the application link for the Principal Project Officer position.
3. Fill out the online application questionnaire (Google Form), providing your updated CV, details of relevant qualifications and experience, and your availability to join.
4. Ensure all entries are correct and accurate before submission, as the application cannot be edited or reverted once submitted.
5. Do not apply more than once for the same post, as multiple applications from a single candidate may lead to rejection.
6. Print a copy of the submitted application form for your records. Do not send a hard copy to the institute.

All correspondence will be done via email, so candidates must provide a correct and active email address.

Required Documents

Candidates are advised to keep the following ready for the application process:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Details of relevant qualifications and experience
• Information regarding availability to join

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

Instructions:

• The post is temporary and purely on a contract basis, initially for one year, extendable based on performance.
• Completing the contract does not grant any right to further extension, regularization, or permanency at IIT Madras.
• Candidates already working in any project at IIT Madras must apply through the proper channel or produce a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of document verification, test, or interview. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
• Documents and antecedents may be verified at any time, and services are liable to be terminated if fake documents are submitted or information is suppressed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Incomplete Application: Ensure all sections of the online form are filled accurately and completely.
• Incorrect Email Address: Providing a wrong email address will prevent you from receiving important communications from IIT Madras.
• Multiple Applications: Applying more than once for the same post can lead to disqualification.
• Not Checking Eligibility: Carefully read and ensure you meet all the mandatory educational and experience criteria before applying.
• Ignoring NOC Requirement: If you are an internal candidate, ensure you obtain and submit the NOC as required.

Official Notification and Application Links

FAQs

Q1: What is the last date to apply for the Principal Project Officer post at IIT Madras?
A1: The last date for online application is 12 November 2026.

Q2: What is the salary for the Principal Project Officer position?
A2: The salary offered is between Rs.1,20,000/- to Rs.1,50,000/- per month.

Q3: Is there an age limit for this recruitment?
A3: The official notification does not specify an age limit for this post.

Q4: What are the minimum educational qualifications required?
A4: You need a Master's degree in Engineering with 10 years of experience, a Master's degree in Science with 15 years of experience, or a Ph.D. with 3 years of experience.

Q5: How will candidates be selected?
A5: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their applications, followed by a test and/or interview.