Introduction
The Assistant Professor Grade II recruitment at IIIT Kottayam is a valuable gateway for early-career researchers in Computer Science and Information Technology who wish to teach and build a research profile at an Institution of National Importance. In this detailed guide, you will find the essential information you need before applying: eligibility criteria, pay level, selection process, application steps, and expert tips to strengthen your profile. The focus is on candidates in CSE/IT and allied areas, especially those interested in interdisciplinary work.
The Indian Institute of Information Technology Kottayam has issued a rolling advertisement inviting online applications from Indian nationals, including Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), for Assistant Professor Grade II positions on contract.
Why Assistant Professor Grade II Recruitment at IIIT Kottayam Matters
IIIT Kottayam is an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and functions with a strong focus on information technology education and research. The Assistant Professor Grade II position gives young PhD holders a chance to enter this ecosystem early, gain teaching experience, and begin building a research track record in collaboration with established faculty.
Moreover, this is a rolling advertisement, which means the institute aims to build a pool of strong candidates rather than hire for a single, one-time vacancy. The number of positions will depend on institutional needs and financial stability at the time of
selection. This flexibility can be an advantage for serious applicants because strong profiles may be considered whenever the institute is ready to fill posts.
Key Features of the IIIT Kottayam Assistant Professor Grade II Positions
Academic Level and Pay
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- Designation: Assistant Professor Grade II (on contract)
- Academic Level: Level-10 (7th CPC), Cell 8
- Initial Pay: ₹70,200 per month in the Academic Pay structure, plus admissible allowances as per rules.
While the pay level aligns with central government norms, candidates should note a key difference: those appointed as Assistant Professor Grade II are not entitled to certain benefits available to regular cadre faculty—such as NPS and LTC. However, they will receive leave benefits as applicable to regular faculty, and service conditions may be revised by the institute depending on financial decisions of the Board of Governors.
Departments and Areas of Specialisation
The current recruitment is for:
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- Department: Computer Science & Engineering / Information Technology
- Areas of specialisation: All areas within CSE/IT, with a willingness to work on interdisciplinary projects.
If your research cuts across AI, data science, cyber security, systems, or software engineering, this breadth of acceptable specialisations gives you ample room to position your profile.
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Eligibility: Who Should Apply?
Essential Qualification
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- PhD in a relevant area of Computer Science or Information Technology is mandatory.
- In addition, candidates must have at least one publication in an SCI journal, which signals a minimum research standard expected by the institute.
Age Criteria
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- The preferred upper age limit is 35 years.
- Age relaxation is applicable as per Government of India norms for reserved categories.
Reservation and Category Requirements
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- Reservation follows Government of India norms.
- Candidates must submit valid certificates in the prescribed format for SC/ST/OBC-NCL, EWS, or PwD categories, as applicable.
Overall, this faculty recruitment is best suited for early-career Indian PhD holders with a strong technical background in CSE/IT, an SCI-indexed publication, and clear interest in teaching B.Tech-level core courses.
Selection Process: How IIIT Kottayam Shortlists and Recruits
IIIT Kottayam follows a multi-stage selection process designed to measure both subject knowledge and teaching potential.
Stage 1: Written Examination
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- All applicants must appear for a written test based on the core subjects of the B.Tech CSE curriculum at IIIT Kottayam.
- Minimum marks required in the written test:
- 60% for General category
- 50% for OBC-NCL
- 45% for SC/ST candidates
Only candidates who achieve this threshold move to the next stage.
Stage 2: Presentation and Interview
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- Qualified candidates give a presentation, often on a topic aligned with their teaching or research interests.
- A duly constituted selection committee then conducts a personal interview to assess teaching aptitude, research vision, and overall fit for the institute.
Shortlisted candidates for presentation and/or interview are reimbursed travel expenses up to AC-III tier train fare within India, based on valid tickets. No TA/DA is paid for the written test itself.
The institute may restrict the number of candidates based on higher qualifications, teaching experience, or research achievements beyond the minimum.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Online
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Review the Official Advertisement
Start by downloading and reading the rolling advertisement for faculty positions from the official recruitment portal or via the career section (link given below)
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Prepare Your Documents
You will need:
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- Recent passport-size photograph in digital format.
- Detailed CV with academic record, research output, and teaching experience.
- Scanned copies of:
- PhD certificate or
provisional degree.
- All degree certificates and mark sheets.
- SCI journal publication proof.
- Experience certificates.
- Category certificate (if applicable).
Ensure that every claim in the online form is backed by an uploaded document; the institute does not accept additional documents after the closing date.
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Submit the Online Application
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- Applications must be submitted only through the online recruitment portal; no hard copy is required.
- There is no application fee for this recruitment.
- Candidates working in government or public sector institutions must upload a No Objection Certificate from their employer along with the form.
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Track Acknowledgement and Updates
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- After successful submission, you should receive an acknowledgement by email.
- If no acknowledgement arrives within a week, the advertisement advises candidates to contact the support email mentioned in the notification.
- All further communication—such as exam dates, shortlists, or changes in schedule—will appear only on the Institute website; no separate emails or letters will be sent.
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Note the Application Deadline
For the current cycle, the closing date for online applications is 22 December 2025, 5.00 PM. The advertisement stresses that candidates should apply well in advance, as the institute will not be responsible for last-minute technical issues.
Expert Tips, Common Mistakes, and Practical Advice
Highlight the Right Research Output
Since one SCI publication is mandatory, list it clearly with complete bibliographic details. If you have additional SCI, Scopus, or high-quality conference papers, organise them by category. This helps the shortlisting committee assess your research profile quickly.
Map Your Expertise to the B.Tech Curriculum
The written test is based on core B.Tech CSE subjects at IIIT Kottayam. Review their curriculum and revise key topics such as data structures, algorithms, operating systems, computer networks, and databases. A candidate who can solve core undergraduate-level problems confidently has a clear advantage.
Avoid Incomplete or Inconsistent Applications
A frequent reason for rejection is mismatch between claims and uploaded documents. For example, a candidate may claim three years of teaching experience but upload only one appointment letter. The institute explicitly states that incomplete applications or unsupported claims will be summarily rejected, even if the candidate qualifies in the written test.
Prepare a Short, Impactful Teaching Demo
During the presentation stage, focus on clarity, student engagement, and conceptual depth rather than covering too many topics. Use examples from real-world systems or current technologies in AI, data science, or cyber security to show how you will connect theory with practice.
Understand the Contractual Nature of the Post
Because IIIT Kottayam operates under a PPP model and receives no recurring funding from the government, the advertisement clearly notes that service conditions—including pay and benefits—can be revised to maintain financial stability. Applicants who understand and accept this context will be better prepared for long-term planning.
Summary Table
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Feature
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Details
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Program Name
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Rolling Advertisement for Faculty Positions – Assistant Professor Grade II (on contract), IIIT Kottayam
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Host Country
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India
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Funded By
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Indian Institute of Information Technology Kottayam (PPP model under Ministry of Education)
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Duration
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Contract appointment; specific tenure not clearly specified in the advertisement
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Study Mode
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Full-time on-campus teaching and research
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Eligibility
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Indian nationals (including PIO/OCI) with PhD in relevant CSE/IT area and at least one SCI journal publication; age preferably below 35 years
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Financial Support
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Academic Pay Level-10, Cell 8; initial pay ₹70,200 per month plus admissible allowances; certain cadre benefits like NPS/LTC not applicable to Grade II
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Fields of Study
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All areas of Computer Science & Engineering / Information Technology, with willingness for interdisciplinary projects
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Deadline
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22/12/2025, 05:00 PM (for current online application cycle)
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Official Website
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Click here |
Conclusion
The Assistant Professor Grade II recruitment at IIIT Kottayam offers a focused path into academia for young CSE/IT researchers who are ready to teach core undergraduate courses and pursue research in an institution dedicated to information technology. With a structured selection process, SCI publication requirement, and clear expectations on teaching competence, the institute is looking for candidates who combine subject depth with classroom skill.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are comfortable with the contractual nature of the post, this could be a strategic step towards a sustained academic career. Start by studying the official advertisement carefully, aligning your CV and documents with the requirements, and planning your preparation for the written test and teaching presentation. Finally, keep checking the IIIT Kottayam career page for updates and ensure you submit your application well before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Assistant Professor Grade II at IIIT Kottayam a permanent job? No. Assistant Professor Grade II is a contractual position, and specific service conditions may differ from those of regular cadre faculty, especially regarding benefits such as NPS and LTC.
Can candidates who have just submitted their PhD thesis apply? A PhD in the relevant area is essential. Check the latest notification for any relaxation for thesis-submitted applicants, and apply only if you meet the criteria.
Are there any application fees for this recruitment? No. The institute has clearly stated that there is no application fee for applying against this advertisement.
How many Assistant Professor Grade II posts are available? The number of positions is not fixed. It depends on the institute’s needs and financial stability at the time the selection process is completed.
Will travel expenses be reimbursed for all stages of selection? Travel reimbursement (up to AC-III tier rail fare) is available only for candidates shortlisted for the presentation and/or interview. No TA/DA is provided for the written examination.
What is the last date to apply online? The closing date for the current cycle is 22 December 2025 (5.00 PM). Applications submitted after this deadline will not be entertained.
Which candidates are likely to be shortlisted? Beyond eligibility, the institute may prefer candidates with strong teaching, impactful publications, and contributions like projects or patents under four-tier IIIT norms.
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