Why IISc Matters
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, consistently ranked among the top global research universities, offers one of the most prestigious faculty recruitment programs in India. Renowned for cutting-edge research in science and engineering, IISc attracts highly qualified academics worldwide. Faculty positions here are not only about teaching but also about contributing to world-class research, guiding the brightest students, and shaping India’s academic future.
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, is India’s leading center for advanced research and higher education. Through its rolling faculty recruitment program, IISc invites applications for Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, Professors, and Visiting Chairs. This article provides a detailed guide to positions, eligibility, application requirements, benefits, and the selection process.
What Positions Are Open
IISc regularly advertises faculty recruitment opportunities across disciplines. Current positions include:
Regular Faculty Positions in diverse branches of science and engineering, available through the rolling advertisement process.
Visiting Chair Professorships, such as the Infosys Chair in Physical and Mathematical Sciences, designed for eminent scientists to spend time at IISc collaborating on advanced projects.
Special Recruitment Drives targeting under-represented categories including SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD candidates to ensure inclusivity and
diversity.
These roles emphasize both teaching and research. Successful applicants are expected to supervise PhD scholars, publish high-impact research, and actively engage in interdisciplinary initiatives.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Academic Prerequisites
Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline, with a first-class or equivalent grade in prior degrees. IISc emphasizes academic distinction at every stage of education.
Post-doctoral Experience
Typically, at least three years of post-PhD teaching, research, or professional experience is required. However, in exceptional circumstances, candidates with less experience but significant achievements may also be considered.
Age Considerations
For the Assistant Professor track, IISc generally prefers candidates up to the age of 35 years. This is a guideline rather than a strict cutoff, and the institute may consider outstanding profiles beyond this limit.
Performance Expectations
Applicants should demonstrate:
A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
Evidence of independent research capabilities.
Potential for securing national and international research grants.
A commitment to teaching excellence at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
style="text-align: justify;">Interdisciplinary interests are highly valued, particularly for candidates who can bridge science, engineering, and emerging technologies.
Application Process and Required Documents
Where to Apply
All applications must be submitted through IISc’s dedicated online portal: IISc Faculty Recruitment Portal.
Essential Documents
Applicants should prepare the following:
Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include academic qualifications, research output, teaching history, and references (at least three experts familiar with your work).
Research Statement/Plan: Outline past contributions, proposed projects, laboratory needs, and estimated budgets.
Teaching Plan: Detail courses you can teach and how your pedagogy enhances the learning experience.
Selected Publications: Up to five significant papers that best represent your contributions.
Certificates: Caste, disability, or EWS certificates, if applying under reserved categories.
IISc encourages candidates to ensure clarity and completeness in documentation, as incomplete applications may not be considered.
Compensation, Benefits, and Institutional Support
Pay Scales
Assistant Professors are appointed at Academic Level 12 of the 7th Central Pay Commission, starting at approximately ₹101,500 per month, plus allowances. Salary progression is performance-linked, with clear pathways to higher levels.
Research Support
To help faculty establish laboratories quickly, IISc offers start-up research grants, covering essential equipment, computing resources, and initial project
costs.
Relocation and Housing
The institute provides relocation assistance for domestic and international candidates. Faculty members are also eligible for on-campus housing, easing the transition into IISc’s vibrant academic community.
Leave and Sabbatical
Faculty benefit from structured leave entitlements, including travel concessions, sabbatical leave for research collaborations, and annual contingency grants for conference travel.
Teaching Load
New faculty often receive a reduced teaching load initially to prioritize laboratory setup and secure external funding.
Selection and Recruitment Process
The faculty recruitment process at IISc is rigorous, transparent, and multi-staged:
Preliminary Screening: Departmental committees evaluate applications to ensure eligibility and departmental alignment.
Seminar and Campus Visit: Shortlisted candidates present research seminars, meet faculty, and engage in discussions to assess mutual compatibility.
Departmental Recommendation: After evaluation, the department forwards shortlisted candidates to divisional and central committees.
Selection Committee Interview: A high-level committee, often including external experts, conducts final interviews.
Approval and Offer: Recommendations are forwarded to the Director and Governing Council, culminating in a formal offer of appointment.
Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. IISc prioritizes academic excellence, research potential, and institutional fit.
To stand out, applicants should:
Maintain a consistent record of high-impact publications.
Develop a clear research vision for the next five to ten years, including potential funding opportunities.
Demonstrate teaching competence across multiple levels and subjects.
Highlight ability to contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives.
Show awareness of administrative and mentorship responsibilities, such as supervising PhD candidates and supporting departmental activities.
Challenges and Considerations
While joining IISc is prestigious, candidates must prepare for certain challenges:
High competition: Applications are received from top researchers globally, making selection highly competitive.
Relocation logistics: International candidates should factor in visa timelines and relocation requirements.
Balancing roles: Faculty must effectively manage both research and teaching.
Sustaining funding: Beyond start-up grants, long-term research success depends on securing external grants.
Why Choose IISc?
Research Environment
IISc provides state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced computational facilities, and interdisciplinary research centers.
Student Community
The institute attracts top talent through competitive national exams, ensuring high-caliber students at both master’s and doctoral levels.
Academic Freedom
Faculty enjoy autonomy to pursue ambitious and innovative research, supported by a culture that values creativity.
Global Visibility
IISc faculty frequently collaborate internationally, participate in conferences, and gain global recognition through impactful research.
Preparing to Apply: Practical Checklist
Before applying, ensure the following:
An updated CV with clear evidence of academic achievements.
A well-structured research plan with realistic resource needs.
A teaching statement demonstrating adaptability and innovation.
Required certificates, if applicable.
Strong references from established academics.
Preliminary discussions with IISc faculty to align expectations.
Program Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Program Name | IISc Faculty Recruitment (Rolling Advertisement) |
| Host Country | India |
| Funded By | Indian Institute of Science |
| Duration | Permanent (subject to probation) |
| Study Mode | Full-time, on-campus |
| Eligibility | PhD holders with research/teaching experience |
| Financial Support | Salary as per 7th CPC, research grants, housing, relocation |
| Fields of Study | Science, Engineering, Interdisciplinary areas |
| Deadline | Rolling – applications accepted year-round; next review cycle expected by March 2026 (we will update soon) |
| Official Website | IISc Careers – Faculty Recruitment |
Conclusion
Faculty recruitment at IISc represents one of the most competitive and rewarding academic career opportunities in India. The institute offers an exceptional ecosystem where research excellence, high-quality students, and robust institutional support converge. While the selection process is rigorous, those who succeed gain access to a vibrant academic environment and global recognition. For aspiring faculty members committed to teaching and research at the highest level, IISc remains an unparalleled destination. Official Source: IISc
References
IISc Rolling Faculty Advertisement (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IISc faculty recruitment process?IISc follows a rolling recruitment process that includes application screening, research seminar, departmental recommendation, selection committee interview, and final approval before the offer.
Who can apply for faculty positions at IISc?Applicants with a PhD in relevant disciplines and strong research or teaching experience can apply for regular and special category faculty positions.
What is the age limit for Assistant Professor positions at IISc?IISc generally prefers candidates under 35 years for Assistant Professorships, though exceptional applicants above this age may also be considered.
How do I apply for faculty jobs at IISc?You must apply through the official IISc Faculty Recruitment Portal, uploading a CV, research plan, teaching statement, and supporting documents.
What documents are required for IISc faculty applications?Candidates need a CV, research statement, teaching plan, selected publications, references, and certificates for reservation categories if applicable.
What salary does IISc offer for Assistant Professors?Assistant Professors start at Academic Level 12 under the 7th CPC, with a basic pay of around ₹101,500 per month plus allowances.
Does IISc provide research funding for new faculty?Yes, IISc offers start-up research grants covering laboratory equipment, computing resources, and initial project costs to help new faculty establish their work.
Are international candidates eligible for IISc faculty recruitment?Yes, IISc welcomes applications from international scholars with relevant qualifications and research achievements across science and engineering disciplines.
What benefits do IISc faculty members receive?Faculty receive on-campus housing, relocation support, research grants, sabbatical leave, conference travel assistance, and competitive pay scales with career progression.
When is the deadline for IISc faculty applications?IISc accepts applications year-round under its rolling advertisement. The next review cycle is expected around March of the following year.
