IMSc Faculty Recruitment 2026: Fellow and Reader Eligibility, Pay and How to Apply
The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai has invited online applications for 10 regular faculty positions as Fellow – E and Reader – F. IMSc is an aided institute under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India, and it follows Central Government pay scales. If you hold a PhD and have spent a few years as a postdoc in mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical computer science or computational biology, this is a rare permanent research job. Browse more teaching and faculty government jobs if you want to compare options.
The online portal accepts applications till 6:00 PM on 15 November 2026. The 10 vacancies are one combined figure for both posts and all four research areas, so the institute will decide the final split. This article explains the eligibility, age limit, pay level, selection steps and the conditions that can end an application. Read it fully before you start, and follow GovtJobsAlert.in for new research and faculty openings.
Key Highlights of IMSc Faculty Recruitment 2026
IMSc is a national institute for fundamental research in the theoretical sciences. It runs a PhD programme, hosts postdocs and visiting scientists, and is funded by DAE with partial funding from the Government of Tamil Nadu. Faculty here do research, guide PhD students, teach and help with administration.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai |
| Advertisement No. | 04-R/IMSc/2026 dated 1 October 2026 |
| Posts | Fellow – E and Reader – F |
| Total Vacancies | 10 (combined for both posts) |
| Pay Level | Level 12 (Fellow – E), Level 13 (Reader – F) |
| Application Mode | Online portal only |
| Last Date | 15 November 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Job Location | C I T Campus, Taramani, Chennai |
How Many Vacancies are in IMSc Faculty Recruitment 2026?
The notification prints a single vacancy figure across both posts. There is no post-wise or area-wise split, and no category-wise breakup is printed.
| Post | Pay Level | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Fellow – E | 12 | 10 (combined with Reader – F) |
| Reader – F | 13 | 10 (combined with Fellow – E) |
| Total | – | 10 |
The positions are open in these four research areas:
| Area | Focus mentioned in the notification |
|---|---|
| Pure Mathematics | – |
| Theoretical Physics | Particularly quantum matter and information |
| Theoretical Computer Science | Including theory of cryptography, theoretical foundations of AI/ML, and mathematical aspects of quantum computing |
| Computational Biology | – |
Please note one point that many applicants miss. The institute reserves the right to fill or not to fill positions in any of the listed areas, depending on the quality of applications it receives. So the 10 seats are not guaranteed to be shared equally across the four areas.
What is the Eligibility for IMSc Fellow and Reader Posts 2026?
Educational Qualification and Experience
| Post | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|
| Fellow – E | PhD + 2 years of postdoc experience |
| Reader – F | PhD + 5 years of postdoc experience |
Your postdoc experience is counted with reference to the last date for submission of applications, which is 15 November 2026. If you will complete your second or fifth postdoc year after that date, you do not meet the requirement for that post. Check your joining dates carefully before choosing a post.
How do you pick the right post? Look at both conditions together, not one at a time. With at least two years of postdoc work and age up to 35, Fellow – E is open to you. With at least five years of postdoc work and age up to 38, Reader – F is open to you. A candidate aged 36 to 38 with fewer than five postdoc years fits neither post, so do this simple check first and save yourself a wasted application. You can also explore other post graduate government jobs that suit research degree holders.
Age Limit
| Post | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Fellow – E | 35 years |
| Reader – F | 38 years |
🎂 Not sure if you meet the age criteria? Use our free Age Calculator for Government Exams to find your exact age on the cut-off date and instantly check your eligibility — including any age relaxation you qualify for. →
Age is counted as on the last date for receipt of applications, that is 15 November 2026. The notification does not print a minimum age or any category-wise age relaxation, so read the official notification yourself before relying on any relaxation you may get elsewhere.
What is the Salary for IMSc Fellow and Reader Posts 2026?
IMSc follows Central Government pay scales and allowances, and the notification says emoluments are at par with similar institutions of the Government of India.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fellow – E | Pay Level 12 |
| Reader – F | Pay Level 13 |
| Accommodation | Off-campus faculty accommodation, subject to availability |
| HRA | Paid if institute accommodation is not taken or not available |
| Pension | National Pension Scheme (NPS) |
Under NPS, you contribute 10% of Pay and Dearness Allowance every month and the Government contributes 14%. IMSc also follows Central Government rules for leave, has a sabbatical policy and encourages travel for scientific work.
What is the Selection Process for IMSc Faculty Recruitment 2026?
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initial screening | Applications are screened and suitable ones are taken up for further processing |
| Expert evaluation | The institute may obtain evaluation reports from other experts in your field |
| Research seminar and interaction | Shortlisted candidates give a research seminar and interact with IMSc faculty |
| Final selection | Based on the recommendations of a Selection Committee |
Meeting the minimum eligibility does not automatically mean you will be shortlisted. The institute may pre-screen candidates and process only those it finds suitable. So your research plan and publication list matter a lot. Write the plan in clear, simple language that an expert from a nearby field can also follow, because outside experts may be asked to evaluate your work. Prepare your seminar talk early, and keep checking our results page for outcomes of similar recruitments.
How to Apply Online for IMSc Fellow and Reader Posts 2026?
There is only one route: the IMSc faculty recruitment portal. No hard copy or email application is accepted.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official IMSc application portal (link in Essential Links below) |
| 2 | Fill in your details with a valid email ID and keep it active, because IMSc will send all communication only to that email |
| 3 | Upload a single PDF with your CV (date of birth, nationality, current affiliation, postal and email addresses), complete publication list, current research interests, research plan and any other information you want to share |
| 4 | Enter the names of 3 academic referees; IMSc will contact them directly |
| 5 | Submit before 6:00 PM on 15 November 2026 and keep a copy of what you submitted |
If you work in a Government, Semi Government, Public Undertaking or Autonomous body, you must apply through proper channel and enclose a No Objection Certificate from your present employer. Keep this ready before you start, because an incomplete application will not be considered.
Speak to your three referees before you submit. IMSc will contact them directly, so tell them in advance and confirm their current email addresses. Also make sure your single PDF opens properly and carries every item in the list above, since there is no second chance to add a missing page after the last date.
What are the Important Dates for IMSc Faculty Recruitment 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification date | 1 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply online | 15 November 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Age and experience counted as on | 15 November 2026 |
The opening date of the portal is not printed in the notification. Do not wait for the last evening, because applications received after the last date are summarily rejected.
Is There an Application Fee for IMSc Faculty Recruitment 2026?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All candidates | Not mentioned in the notification |
The advertisement does not mention any application fee or payment mode. If the portal asks for a payment, follow the instructions shown there.
What Can Get Your IMSc Faculty Application Rejected?
| Condition | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Online only | Applications must be submitted through the online portal only |
| Incomplete applications | Incomplete applications will not be considered |
| No hard copy or email | No hard copies or email applications shall be entertained |
| Late applications | Applications received after the last date shall be summarily rejected |
| Government employees | Apply through proper channel with a No Objection Certificate from your present employer |
| False information | If any information or claim is found false at any stage, your candidature is liable to be rejected, along with other appropriate action |
| Found ineligible | IMSc may accept or reject any application at any stage if the candidate is found ineligible |
| Canvassing | Canvassing in any form will be a disqualification |
| Recruitment cancelled | The Director may cancel the whole recruitment process without giving reasons |
| Communication | No communication will be entertained from candidates |
| Final authority | The decision of the Director, IMSc, is final and binding in all matters, including eligibility |
| Disputes | Subject to Chennai jurisdiction; the English advertisement on the IMSc website is the reference |
The institute also says women candidates and candidates from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.
IMSc Faculty Recruitment 2026 Essential Links
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for IMSc Faculty Recruitment 2026 – 10 Fellow & Reader Posts
- Visit IMSc Faculty Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
If you have a PhD and the right postdoc years, this is a chance to build a long research career at one of India’s best-known theoretical science institutes. Polish your research plan, line up your three referees, and submit before 15 November 2026. For more research and university openings, see other government jobs and keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in.