IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - 50 Junior Research Fellowship Posts

The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, has invited online applications for 50 Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions under Advertisement No. IGCAR/02/2026, covering Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Engineering Sciences. Indian nationals up to 28 years of age can apply online from 22 June 2026 to 13 July 2026. Selected JRFs register for a Ph.D. under the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) and receive a monthly stipend ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹42,000.

Important: Always verify details on the official website. Dates, vacancies, and eligibility criteria may change. We collect data from various sources for informational purposes.

IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - 50 Junior Research Fellowship Posts – Overview

Pay Scale / SalaryCandidates evaluating the financial package can note that the stipend amount increases progressively each year and depends on whether the candidate is registered for a Direct Ph.D. or an Integrated Ph.D. (single or dual degree). A yearly contingency grant is also provided in addition to the monthly stipend, and continuation depends on satisfactory annual performance review. Calculate your exact in-hand Salary in 10 seconds - Calculate Now
Selection ProcedureCandidates wondering how they will be shortlisted can note that the process combines a Screening Test and Interview, or a Direct Interview, depending on the candidate's qualification category and national-level exam scores (GATE/JEST/UGC-CSIR-NET). A summary scrutiny happens first for shortlisting, while a detailed credential check is done only at the final selection stage. Screening Test: Tentatively on 02 August 2026 at Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Hyderabad. Candidates choose a preferred centre while applying, though IGCAR can reallot candidates or skip a centre based on candidate numbers. Interview: Held in person at Kalpakkam, tentatively from the third week of August 2026, for all candidates who clear the Screening Test or qualify for a Direct Interview. Exemption from Screening Test by category:
Application ModeOnline

IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026 - Quick Summary

This section gives candidates a fast, one-look reference for the entire recruitment before they dive into eligibility and selection details. IGCAR, a constituent institution of HBNI, is recruiting JRFs to support Ph.D.-level research in nuclear and allied sciences. HBNI itself was ranked 7th nationwide in the "Research Institutions" category of the 2025 NIRF rankings.

Advertisement No.IGCAR/02/2026
PostJunior Research Fellow (JRF)
Total Fellowships50 (approximate, may vary)
Eligible NationalityIndian Nationals only
Application Start Date22 June 2026 (10:00 hrs)
Last Date to Apply13 July 2026 (23:59 hrs)
Screening Test Date02 August 2026 (tentative)
InterviewThird week of August 2026 (tentative), at Kalpakkam
Stipend Range₹25,000 - ₹42,000 per month

IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026 - Areas of Research

Candidates often want to know which research disciplines IGCAR is recruiting for before checking detailed eligibility. The 50 fellowships span three broad domains - Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Engineering Sciences - with research themes tied directly to nuclear and reactor technology. IGCAR also welcomes high-quality interdisciplinary research connected to its core programmes.

Physical SciencesCondensed matter physics, defect solid-state physics, computational physics (DFT/MD simulations), surface and interface physics, radiation-resistant polymers and graphene-based materials, magnetic nanomaterials and nanofluids, reactor physics, and radiation physics (shielding, dosimetry, environmental radioactivity)
Chemical SciencesChemical thermodynamics, solid-state and high-temperature chemistry, electrochemistry, spectroscopy and lasers, radiochemistry, actinide chemistry, trace/ultra-trace analytical techniques, nano-ceramics, super-hydrophobic and corrosion-resistant coatings, computational chemistry, and Metal Organic Frameworks (MOF)
Engineering SciencesChemical process engineering, ML/ANN-based signal and image processing for non-destructive evaluation (NDE), electromagnetic sensor development, thermal hydraulics, computational fluid dynamics, robotics, materials synthesis and characterization, fracture mechanics, corrosion science, and nuclear engineering

IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026 - Educational Qualification

Candidates wondering whether they qualify can note that IGCAR requires a consistently good academic record with a minimum aggregate percentage at both graduation and post-graduation levels, with relaxation for reserved categories. Final-year students awaiting results can also apply, subject to specific conditions. Eligibility is further split into four qualification categories based on the candidate's degree and any national-level exam scores held. General Conditions (apply to all categories): Minimum 55% aggregate at both graduation and post-graduation from a recognized university; relaxed to 50% for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/PwBD candidates. CGPA/GPA must be converted to percentage as per the candidate's institute formula. Candidates graduating in 2025-26 and awaiting final results may apply, but must complete all academic requirements before the application closing date and submit final marksheets/certificates by 31 December 2026. Stipend is paid only after submission of the final qualifying degree certificate. Only UGC/AICTE-approved degrees from recognized universities are accepted. Candidates with a 5-year integrated M.Sc. degree need a minimum of 55% aggregate in M.Sc./B.S-M.S (dual degree). Candidates with certain degree backgrounds are specifically excluded, so checking this list before applying can save time: Bachelor's degrees in Aerospace, Automobile, Production, Industrial Production, Reliability, Ceramics, Architecture, Geology, Mining, Bio-Medical Engineering, Bio-Medical, Instrumentation, Life Science, Communication, Information Technology, Dyes & Dye Intermediates, Electrochemical, Energy Systems, Oils & Fats, Paints & Varnishes, Petrochemicals, Plastics, Paper, Sugar Technology, Textiles, and Mechatronics. B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering specializing in petroleum, polymer, sugar, oil, or soap technology. Master of Computer Applications (MCA) and M.Sc. in Computer Science. M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Particle Physics, Electronics, Astrophysics, Geophysics, Biophysics, and Medical Physics. M.Sc. in Polymer, Medicinal, Pharmaceutical, Biochemistry, Environmental, and Industrial Chemistry.

categoryadditional requirementeligible qualification
A - PhysicsMathematical Physics/Numerical Methods at M.Sc. level and Chemistry as ancillary at B.Sc. levelM.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Physics
A - Materials SciencePhysics, Mathematics and Chemistry at B.Sc. level, or B.Sc. in Materials ScienceM.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Materials Science/Materials Science & Engg.
A - ChemistryPhysics and Mathematics as ancillary subjects at B.Sc. levelM.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Chemistry
A - Radiation PhysicsPhysics/Chemistry and Mathematics ancillary at B.Sc. level and Mathematical Physics at M.Sc. levelM.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Radiation Physics
B-M.Tech./M.E. in Nuclear Engineering / Nuclear Science & Technology
CEligible for direct interview if GATE score is above IGCAR's cut-offB.E./B.Tech./B.Sc. Engg./B.Sc.[Tech.] in Chemical, Computer Science, Electrical & Electronics, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, or Metallurgical Engineering
DMust have a base B.E./B.Tech. degree in a Category-C discipline or M.Sc. (Physics/Chemistry); candidates without a valid GATE score must appear for the Screening TestM.E./M.Tech. (admission based on valid GATE score in Physics, Chemistry, or any Category-C discipline)

IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026 - Selection Process

Candidates wondering how they will be shortlisted can note that the process combines a Screening Test and Interview, or a Direct Interview, depending on the candidate's qualification category and national-level exam scores (GATE/JEST/UGC-CSIR-NET). A summary scrutiny happens first for shortlisting, while a detailed credential check is done only at the final selection stage. Screening Test: Tentatively on 02 August 2026 at Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Hyderabad. Candidates choose a preferred centre while applying, though IGCAR can reallot candidates or skip a centre based on candidate numbers. Interview: Held in person at Kalpakkam, tentatively from the third week of August 2026, for all candidates who clear the Screening Test or qualify for a Direct Interview. Exemption from Screening Test by category:

AValid UGC-CSIR-NET Fellowship (SLET/Lectureship not eligible), valid JEST score, or valid GATE score after Master's degree
BNo automatic exemption - must appear for Screening Test, then interview if shortlisted
CValid GATE score above IGCAR's cut-off, or valid JEST score with an eligible engineering discipline - both qualify for Direct Interview
DExempted if admitted to M.E./M.Tech. via valid GATE in an eligible discipline; others must appear for the Screening Test in their graduation discipline

IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026 - Stipend and Fellowship Tenure 2026

Candidates evaluating the financial package can note that the stipend amount increases progressively each year and depends on whether the candidate is registered for a Direct Ph.D. or an Integrated Ph.D. (single or dual degree). A yearly contingency grant is also provided in addition to the monthly stipend, and continuation depends on satisfactory annual performance review. Calculate your exact in-hand Salary in 10 seconds - Calculate Now

coursedurationstipend structure
Direct Ph.D.5 yearsYears 1-2: ₹37,000/month; Years 3-5: ₹42,000/month; Contingency grant (incl. book allowance): ₹60,000/year
Integrated Ph.D. (single degree)6 yearsYear 1: ₹25,000/month + one-time book allowance of ₹30,000; Years 2-3: ₹37,000/month; Years 4-6: ₹42,000/month; Contingency grant: ₹60,000/year from Year 2
Integrated Ph.D. (dual degree)7 yearsYear 1: ₹25,000/month + one-time book allowance of ₹30,000; Years 2-3: ₹37,000/month; Years 4-7: ₹42,000/month; Contingency grant: ₹60,000/year from Year 2

Documents Required for IGCAR JRF 2026

Candidates should keep the following documents ready in original, along with one self-attested photocopy of each, for submission at the time of document verification prior to the interview: Date of Birth proof (Aadhaar Card/Driving License/Passport/PAN Card/Voter ID) Educational certificates and marksheets from SSC/Class 10 onwards Experience certificates (if applicable) Category certificate for SC/ST/OBC (in the Government of India prescribed format, valid as on 13 July 2026) Disability certificate, where applicable No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer, if employed in Central/State Govt./PSU/Autonomous Body Proof of GATE/UGC-CSIR-NET/JEST score, where claimed

Important Instructions for IGCAR JRF Candidates

A few additional rules apply beyond eligibility and the application process, and missing these can affect a candidate's final selection even after a successful interview:

Important Dates

Last Date to ApplyThird week of August 2026

Age Limit

NotesCandidates checking age eligibility can note that the maximum age is calculated as on the application closing date, not the date of applying. The general age cap is 28 years, with relaxation available for reserved categories and persons with disabilities. Only specific documents are accepted as proof of date of birth. | Maximum Age: 28 years as on 13 July 2026 (closing date) OBC Relaxation: Up to 3 years SC/ST Relaxation: Up to 5 years PwBD Relaxation (40% and above disability): Up to 10 years Accepted DOB Proof: Only SSC/Matriculation/HSC certificate or birth certificate - no subsequent change requests are entertained.

Important Links

Official Notification PDFClick Here ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many vacancies are there in IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026?
IGCAR has announced 50 Junior Research Fellowships under Advertisement No. IGCAR/02/2026, though the number is approximate and may vary at the time of final selection.
Q: What is the last date to apply for IGCAR JRF 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 13 July 2026, by 23:59 hrs. Applications opened on 22 June 2026 at 10:00 hrs.
Q: What is the age limit for IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026?
The maximum age limit is 28 years as on the closing date (13 July 2026), with relaxation of 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST, and 10 years for PwBD candidates.
Q: What is the minimum qualification required for IGCAR JRF 2026?
Candidates need a minimum of 55% aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD) at both graduation and post-graduation, in an eligible subject under Category A, B, C, or D as specified in the notification.
Q: Is there a written exam for IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026?
Yes, a Screening Test is tentatively scheduled for 02 August 2026, though candidates with a valid UGC-CSIR-NET Fellowship, JEST score, or qualifying GATE score may be exempted and called for a Direct Interview.
Q: What is the stipend for IGCAR Junior Research Fellows?
The stipend ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹42,000 per month depending on the year of the programme, along with an annual contingency grant of ₹60,000.
Q: Is there an application fee for IGCAR JRF 2026?
Yes, an application fee is payable at the time of final online submission, though the exact amount is not specified in the advertisement; candidates should check the application portal for the fee during submission.
Q: How can I apply for IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can apply online through the JRF Exam Portal at igcjrf.in or via igcar.gov.in/recruitment.html by registering, filling the application form, paying the fee, and submitting before 13 July 2026.