IPF 2026

Question: I registered for the IPF'26, but I did not get any meeting link

Answer: Due to the large number of registrants, we had to limit participation to those who already have PhD degrees. We apologise for our inability to host everyone in the meeting.

Question: Could you please explain the faculty reqruitment and selection process?

Answer: The selection process consists of several stages, and minor changes occur in every hiring round. For the upcoming hiring cycle that will start in July-Agust 2026, the process is explained below.

There are multiple rounds of evaluation and shortlisting before a final hiring decision is made. The hiring decision depends on the overall quality of the candidates. The objective is to recruit the best possible candidates. Although every department may have its own minimum eligibility requirements, the evaluation is based not only on the number of publications but also, and more importantly, on their quality. For example, it is not the case that having four papers automatically guarantees a shortlist, or that having only one paper automatically rules out a candidate.

As part of the application, candidates will be required to submit up to three of their best papers. These papers are read carefully so that the department can make its own independent assessment of the quality and significance of the candidate's research contributions. Based on this assessment, candidates may be invited for departmental presentation. The first round of evaluation will lead to some candidates invited for a departmental interaction (which will involve a research seminar and more). A second round of evaluation will occur based on the Departmental interaction, and those shortlisted in this second round will be invited for interviews.

Both rounds of evaluations are planned to be completed before the end of November 2026, after which the final shortlist of candidates to be invited for interviews will be prepared.

During the interview, candidates may be asked to make a brief presentation in front of a selection committee. This committee consists of experts from other institutions in addition to members from IITG. The committee hears the department's opinion about a candidate. However, the expert committee functions independently. It is constituted by the Director in consultation with the Deans, and is responsible for making the final hiring recommendations.

This is the overall process followed for faculty hiring.

Question: What are the expectations from a newly reqruited Assistant Professor in terms of teaching, research, funding, collaboration, and institutional contribution during the initial years?

Answer: We understand that the initial period can be challenging, especially for candidates relocating to India from abroad. Settling into a new environment and setting up a home can realistically take anywhere from three to six months, so we keep that in mind during the transition period.

That said, our expectations remain high, particularly in teaching and research. We are looking for faculty who can excel in both. If you receive a startup research grant, you will also be given sufficient time to apply for external funding opportunities. There are several avenues available, including the Prime Minister's Research Fund and the newly established ANRF (Anusandhan National Research Foundation). In fact, the CEO of ANRF was the Chief Guest at this year's convocation.

We also encourage collaboration with other academic institutions and industry partners, as well as meaningful institutional contributions. However, new faculty members are not burdened with significant administrative or institutional responsibilities at the beginning. As you settle in, we gradually encourage you to take on such roles if you are interested.

Overall, our expectations are no different from those of leading institutions around the world. We expect excellence in teaching, research, collaboration, and institutional engagement, while recognizing that new faculty need some time to settle into their new roles.

Question: How rigid is the institution regarding preceeding academic stream criteria?

Answer: Each department has its own specific requirements, and the respective Heads of Department will be able to explain those in greater detail.

However, if you approach the department in advance and make a case for your background and experience, many of these questions can often be addressed. That is why we strongly encourage prospective candidates to visit the department in person whenever possible.

For example, if you are sitting in the United States, Germany, or Japan and send an email saying, "I completed my PhD in Chemistry, but I am currently working in Energy. Am I eligible?" it is often difficult to provide a definitive answer without understanding your complete academic and professional background.

An in-person interaction allows us to better appreciate your profile and assess how it aligns with the department's requirements. Therefore, if you happen to be in India, we encourage you to visit us. We will be in a much better position to answer your questions and guide you accordingly.

Question: How does IIT Guwahati evaluate and support interdisciplinary researchers whose work spans multiple disciplines and combines academic research with professional or industry experience?

Answer: We highly value and encourage candidates with industry experience. We also strongly support multidisciplinary research and collaborations that span different fields, as these often lead to innovative ideas and impactful outcomes.

There is absolutely no doubt that such experiences are welcome. We genuinely appreciate and encourage industry exposure, interdisciplinary work, and diverse academic backgrounds, and we see them as valuable strengths that enrich our academic and research environment.

Question: What mechanisms are available for young faculty members to initiate collaboration across department, schoools, research centres at IIT Guwhati, particularly during initial years?

Answer: See answers above. Also, there are a number of centers and schools in the IIT Guwahati which were established to foster inter-disciplinary research. But often it is simply a matter of looking for people you want to collaborate with and talking to them. Plenty of faculty members in traditional departments collaborate with colleagues from other departments and schools.

Question: Many funding programs increasingly emphasize on translational outcomes. How does IIT Guwahati support faculty pursuing fundamental curiosity driven research that may have longer term impact?

Answer: The world is increasingly moving toward translational research—research that bridges fundamental discoveries with real-world applications. While curiosity-driven, fundamental research remains extremely important, and we strongly encourage those who are passionate about it and excel in that area, the reality is that not everyone is primarily a theoretical researcher. Therefore, we believe translational research should also be a major focus.

We also want our faculty to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. This is not limited to starting companies or commercial ventures, though IITG does strongly encourage facuty and staff to found startups and we have an incubation center to facilitate that. Rather, it is about taking ownership, showing initiative, and driving ideas forward. As the CEO of ANRF, Dr.Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, aptly said, being entrepreneurial means taking responsibility and following through on it. That is the kind of mindset we hope to foster across our faculty.

Question: Is there any age limit to apply for the position of Assistant Professor at IIT Guwahati? IIT Delhi has relaxed the age limit to 38 years for women candidates. Will it also be the case for IIT Guwahati?

Answer: The normal upper age limit is 35 years. However, in the case of women candidates, exceptions may be considered. If you believe you have a strong case, you are encouraged to meet with us and discuss it. Any relaxation of the age limit will be decided on a case-by-case basis, depending on the strength of your overall profile and the justification you present.

Question: How does IIT Guwahati mentor and evaluate young faculties during their first five years?

Answer: We believe in continuously mentoring our faculty throughout their journey with us. We regularly conduct teaching and learning workshops to help faculty enhance their teaching skills and become more effective educators.

We also organize workshops on research funding opportunities, where faculty are guided on identifying suitable funding agencies, preparing competitive proposals, and navigating the funding process.

Overall, we are committed to providing continuous mentorship and support, especially for young faculty members. We understand that relocating to India—or to any new place—can be a significant transition, and we strive to help our faculty settle in, adapt, and succeed both professionally and personally.

Question: How should a candidate arrange the department visit? Do they e-mail the Director directly?

Answer: The candidates are to e-mail the respective HoDs.

Question: What is the approach of the institute going to be to deal with the US Visa restrictions faced by the prospective faculties?

Answer: If the candidate is unable to visit due to visa restrictions, we can still evaluate them online and extend a contractual offer based on that evaluation. Once they are able to come to the institute, we will arrange an in-person interview. Subject to a satisfactory interview, the contractual appointment will then be converted into a permanent position.