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 |
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| Post | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
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| Total Fellowships | 50 (approximate, may vary) |
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| Eligible Nationality | Indian Nationals only |
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| Application Start Date | 22 June 2026 (10:00 hrs) |
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| Last Date to Apply | 13 July 2026 (23:59 hrs) |
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| Screening Test Date | 02 August 2026 (tentative) |
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| Interview | Third week of August 2026 (tentative), at Kalpakkam |
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| Stipend Range | ₹25,000 - ₹42,000 per month |
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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 Sciences | Condensed 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) |
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| Chemical Sciences | Chemical 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) |
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| Engineering Sciences | Chemical 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 |
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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.
| category | additional requirement | eligible qualification |
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| A - Physics | Mathematical Physics/Numerical Methods at M.Sc. level and Chemistry as ancillary at B.Sc. level | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Physics |
| A - Materials Science | Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry at B.Sc. level, or B.Sc. in Materials Science | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Materials Science/Materials Science & Engg. |
| A - Chemistry | Physics and Mathematics as ancillary subjects at B.Sc. level | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Chemistry |
| A - Radiation Physics | Physics/Chemistry and Mathematics ancillary at B.Sc. level and Mathematical Physics at M.Sc. level | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Radiation Physics |
| B | - | M.Tech./M.E. in Nuclear Engineering / Nuclear Science & Technology |
| C | Eligible for direct interview if GATE score is above IGCAR's cut-off | B.E./B.Tech./B.Sc. Engg./B.Sc.[Tech.] in Chemical, Computer Science, Electrical & Electronics, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, or Metallurgical Engineering |
| D | Must 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 Test | M.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:
| A | Valid UGC-CSIR-NET Fellowship (SLET/Lectureship not eligible), valid JEST score, or valid GATE score after Master's degree |
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| B | No automatic exemption - must appear for Screening Test, then interview if shortlisted |
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| C | Valid GATE score above IGCAR's cut-off, or valid JEST score with an eligible engineering discipline - both qualify for Direct Interview |
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| D | Exempted 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 |
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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
| course | duration | stipend structure |
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| Direct Ph.D. | 5 years | Years 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 years | Year 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 years | Year 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: