The Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat has released an official recruitment notification for one Junior Research Fellow (JRF)/Project Assistant position under a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) sponsored research project. Eligible candidates holding an M.Sc. in Chemistry or an equivalent qualification can apply for this opportunity. The application process is conducted through email submission, and interested candidates must send their application along with supporting documents before 21 July 2026. This recruitment offers a monthly fellowship of up to ₹37,000 plus 18% HRA for JRF candidates, making it an excellent opportunity for young researchers looking to build a career in scientific research and higher education. All recruitment details have been released through the official SVNIT notification.
Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat |
| Project Sponsor | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Assistant |
| Advertisement Number | Not Mentioned in Official Notification |
| Total Vacancies | 01 |
| Application Mode | Email Application |
| Registration Start Date | Applications Open |
| Last Date | 21 July 2026 |
| Fellowship | ₹20,000 – ₹37,000 + 18% HRA |
| Job Location | Surat, Gujarat |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Official Website | www.svnit.ac.in |
About the Recruitment

Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat has announced a recruitment drive to appoint one qualified candidate for the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or Project Assistant under a DRDO-sponsored research project. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Naved I. Malek, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry.
The project focuses on developing advanced superhydrophobic coating materials for aerospace applications. Initially, the appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension up to three years, depending on project requirements and the candidate’s performance. Additionally, the selected candidate may also get an opportunity to register for a Ph.D. programme at SVNIT as per institute rules.
Working on a DRDO-funded project at one of India’s leading National Institutes of Technology provides valuable research exposure. Candidates interested in material science, chemistry, nanotechnology, coating technology, and aerospace research should consider applying for this opportunity.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | July 2026 |
| Application Process Started | Already Started |
| Last Date for Email Submission | 21 July 2026 |
| Interview Date | To be communicated to shortlisted candidates |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Vacancy |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Assistant | 01 |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should carefully read the official notification before submitting their application. Only eligible candidates will be shortlisted for the interview.
Educational Qualification
The educational requirements vary depending on the position offered.
For Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Candidates must possess:
- M.Sc. in Chemistry or an equivalent degree with First Division
- Qualified GATE or NET examination in Chemistry or a relevant discipline
For Project Assistant
Candidates must possess:
- M.Sc. in Chemistry or an equivalent degree
- First Division in the qualifying examination
Candidates having knowledge of coating technology or coating-related research will be given preference as a desirable qualification.
Age Limit
The official notification does not separately specify an age criterion for the DRDO project recruitment.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | Not Mentioned in Official Notification |
| Maximum Age | Not Mentioned in Official Notification |
| Cut-off Date | Not Mentioned in Official Notification |
Age Relaxation
Age relaxation will be applicable according to the rules and guidelines prescribed by the sponsoring agency and the institute.
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | As per Government Rules |
| OBC | As per Government Rules |
| PwBD | As per Government Rules |
| Other Eligible Categories | As per Applicable Rules |
Salary Structure
Selected candidates will receive an attractive fellowship based on the position offered.
| Post | Fellowship |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow | ₹37,000 per month + 18% HRA |
| Project Assistant | ₹20,000 per month + 18% HRA |
The appointment is purely temporary and will remain valid for the duration of the project. However, it may be extended based on project requirements and satisfactory performance.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | Nil |
Applicants are not required to pay any application fee while applying for this recruitment.
Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of the following stages:
- Screening of applications.
- Shortlisting based on eligibility.
- Personal Interview.
- Final selection based on interview performance.
Only shortlisted candidates will receive an interview invitation through email. The interview may be conducted either at the Department of Chemistry, SVNIT Surat, or through online mode, depending on the institute’s decision. No TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview.
Exam Pattern
There will be no written examination for this recruitment.
Selection will be based entirely on:
- Academic qualifications
- Eligibility
- Performance in the Interview
Syllabus
Since there is no written examination, the recruiting authority has not released any official syllabus.
Candidates appearing for the interview should prepare topics related to:
- Chemistry
- Material Science
- Surface Coatings
- Research Methodology
- Subject-specific concepts
- Recent developments in the relevant field
Required Documents
Candidates should prepare the following documents before submitting their application. Sending complete and accurate documents will improve the chances of successful shortlisting.
- Duly filled application form in the prescribed format.
- Recent passport-size colour photograph.
- Self-attested copies of M.Sc. mark sheets and degree certificate.
- Class 10 and Class 12 certificates.
- GATE/NET qualification certificate (for JRF applicants).
- Valid proof of date of birth.
- Government-issued photo identity proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, etc.).
- Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable.
- PwBD certificate, if applicable.
- Experience certificate (if available).
- Details of M.Sc. dissertation/project work.
- Any other relevant academic or research certificates supporting your application.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit their application through email as prescribed in the official notification. Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official SVNIT website and download the recruitment notification along with the prescribed application form.
- Read the notification carefully before filling out the application.
- Complete the application form using correct personal, educational, and contact details.
- Affix a recent passport-size colour photograph in the space provided.
- Enter details of your educational qualifications from Class X onwards.
- Mention your M.Sc. dissertation details and research experience, if applicable.
- Fill in your GATE/NET qualification details if applying for the JRF position.
- Attach self-attested copies of all required certificates and supporting documents.
- Scan the completed application form and all supporting documents.
- Merge the application form and supporting documents into a single PDF file.
- Email the PDF to navedmalek@chem.svnit.ac.in before 21 July 2026.
- Keep the original documents ready, as they must be produced during the interview for verification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applications are rejected because of avoidable errors. Keep the following points in mind:
- Applying after the last date.
- Sending multiple PDF files instead of a single merged PDF.
- Leaving mandatory fields blank.
- Uploading unclear or unreadable scanned documents.
- Providing an incorrect email address or mobile number.
- Forgetting to sign the application form.
- Not attaching GATE/NET certificates while applying for the JRF post.
- Sending incomplete educational documents.
- Ignoring the eligibility requirements mentioned in the notification.
Why You Should Apply
The SVNIT Surat Recruitment 2026 offers much more than a temporary research position. Candidates selected for this project will gain practical experience by working on a DRDO-funded research project at one of India’s leading National Institutes of Technology.
Some major benefits include:
- Opportunity to work on a prestigious DRDO-sponsored project.
- Monthly fellowship up to ₹37,000 plus HRA.
- Exposure to advanced research in chemistry and aerospace materials.
- Opportunity to work under experienced faculty members.
- Possibility of enrolling in a Ph.D. programme at SVNIT, subject to institute rules.
- Valuable research experience that can strengthen future academic and professional careers.
Preparation Tips
Candidates appearing for the interview should focus on strengthening both technical knowledge and research aptitude.
- Revise core Chemistry concepts thoroughly.
- Prepare topics related to material science and surface coatings.
- Study recent developments in superhydrophobic materials and nanotechnology.
- Revise laboratory techniques and analytical instruments.
- Read about DRDO research activities and ongoing projects.
- Practice answering technical interview questions confidently.
- Keep your dissertation work and research projects ready for discussion.
- Carry all original certificates during the interview.
Important Instructions
- Read the official notification carefully before applying.
- Ensure you meet all eligibility conditions.
- Submit the application before 21 July 2026.
- Send only one PDF containing both the application form and supporting documents.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
- Original certificates will be verified during the interview.
- No TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview.
- The institute reserves the right to fill or not fill the advertised position.
- The appointment is temporary and project-based.
FAQs
1) What is the last date to apply for SVNIT Surat Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the application by email is 21 July 2026. Candidates should ensure that their application reaches the institute before the deadline.
2) How many vacancies are available?
SVNIT Surat has announced one vacancy for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or Project Assistant under a DRDO-sponsored research project.
3) What educational qualification is required?
Applicants should possess an M.Sc. in Chemistry or an equivalent degree. Candidates applying for the JRF position must also have a valid GATE or NET qualification in the relevant discipline.
4) Is GATE or NET mandatory?
Yes. A valid GATE or NET qualification is required for candidates applying as Junior Research Fellow. However, Project Assistant applicants are not required to have GATE or NET, as per the notification.
5) What salary will selected candidates receive?
The selected Junior Research Fellow will receive ₹37,000 per month plus 18% HRA, while the Project Assistant will receive ₹20,000 per month plus 18% HRA.
6) What is the selection process?
Candidates will first be shortlisted based on their applications. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to attend an interview, which may be conducted offline or online.
7) Is there any application fee?
No. The official notification clearly states that candidates are not required to pay any application fee for this recruitment.
8) Can candidates apply through post?
No. The official notification instructs candidates to submit a scanned application form and supporting documents via email in a single PDF file.
9) Can the project duration be extended?
Yes. The appointment is initially for one year, but it may be extended up to three years depending on project requirements and satisfactory performance.
10) Will the selected candidate get a Ph.D. opportunity?
The notification states that the selected candidate may be encouraged to register for a Ph.D. programme at SVNIT, subject to the institute’s rules and eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
The SVNIT Surat Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for candidates with an M.Sc. in Chemistry who wish to build a career in scientific research. The recruitment offers competitive fellowship benefits, the chance to work on an important DRDO-sponsored project, and exposure to advanced research at one of India’s premier technical institutes. Eligible candidates should carefully review the official notification, prepare the required documents, and submit their application by email before the closing date to avoid missing this opportunity.
Direct Important Links
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification PDF | Official SVNIT Recruitment Notification |
| Application Form | Available in the Official Notification |
| Email for Application | navedmalek@chem.svnit.ac.in |
| Official Website | https://www.svnit.ac.in |




