IGCAR Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026: 50 Posts
📅 Posted: 22/06/2026 📝 Updated: 24/06/2026
Total Vacancy50
Salary₹37,000/month (Yr 1–2) → ₹42,000/month (Yr 3–5) for Direct PhD | ₹25,000/month (Yr 1) → ₹42,000/month (later years) for Integrated PhD + ₹60,000/year Contingency Grant
LocationAll India
Last Date13/07/2026
Short Information: Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam — a premier R&D centre under the Department of Atomic Energy — is inviting applications for 50 Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Engineering Sciences. This is a structured research career pathway: selected JRFs register for Ph.D. under HBNI (Homi Bhabha National Institute), which ranked 7th nationally in the NIRF 2025 Research Institutions category. The monthly stipend starts at ₹37,000 for the first two years and increases to ₹42,000 from the third year onwards for Direct Ph.D. candidates. For Integrated Ph.D. (B.Tech./B.E. entrants), the first year stipend is ₹25,000/month, rising to ₹37,000 in years two and three, and ₹42,000 thereafter. An annual contingency grant of ₹60,000 is also provided for books, materials, and travel. Subsidized hostel accommodation is available within the DAE Township, Kalpakkam. The application window is open from 22 June 2026 to 13 July 2026. Candidates with M.Sc., M.Tech., B.E./B.Tech. in eligible disciplines, and valid GATE/JEST/UGC-CSIR-NET scores are eligible. The JRF fellowship does NOT confer any right to regular government employment — it is a research training program leading to a Ph.D. degree.
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IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026 2026Important Dates
| Notification Released | 22/06/2026 |
| Application Begin | 22/06/2026 (10:00 hrs) |
| Last Date to Apply | 13/07/2026 (23:59 hrs) |
| Screening Test (Tentative) | 02/08/2026 |
| Interview (Tentative) | 3rd Week of August 2026, at Kalpakkam |
| Final Marksheet Submission Deadline (Final Year Candidates) | 31/12/2026 |
IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026 2026Application Fee
| All Categories | ₹0 |
Payment: N/A
IGCAR Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026: 50 PostsVacancy Details & Age Limit
Age Limit: Maximum 28 Years (as on 13/07/2026)
(OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years, SC / ST: 5 Years, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (40% and above): 10 Years)
| Post Name | Total Post | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) — Category A (Physical & Chemical Sciences) | ~ | M.Sc. / Integrated M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Radiation Physics (min 55%) + Valid UGC-CSIR-NET / JEST / GATE (after Masters) |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) — Category B (Nuclear Engineering) | ~ | M.Tech./M.E. in Nuclear Engineering / Nuclear Science & Technology (min 55%) — Screening Test mandatory |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) — Category C (Engineering Sciences) | ~ | B.E./B.Tech. in Chemical / CS / Electrical / Electronics / Mechanical / Metallurgical Engineering (min 55%) + Valid GATE / JEST score |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) — Category D (M.E./M.Tech. via GATE) | ~ | M.E./M.Tech. with admission based on valid GATE score in eligible disciplines + B.E./B.Tech. or M.Sc. (Physics/Chemistry) as base degree (min 55%) |
| Total | 50 | |
| Note: Total 50 fellowships (approximate, may vary). JRF fellowship does not confer any right to regular employment at IGCAR or DAE. | ||
Recruitment Table: Discipline-Wise Research Areas
| Discipline | Key Research Areas |
|---|---|
| Physical Sciences | Condensed Matter Physics, Defect Solid State Physics, Computational Physics, Surface & Interface Physics, Radiation Physics, Reactor Physics, Nanomaterials, Radiation Dosimetry |
| Chemical Sciences | Chemical Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Radiochemistry, Actinide Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Nano-ceramics, Corrosion-resistant Coatings, Metal Organic Frameworks (MOF) |
| Engineering Sciences | Chemical Process Engineering, ML/ANN for NDE, Robotics, Thermal Hydraulics, Structural Mechanics, Metallurgy, Fracture Mechanics, Nuclear Engineering, Computational Fluid Dynamics |
| Note:Post-wise and category-wise vacancy breakdowns are not specified in the notification. Total 50 fellowships across all disciplines. | |
IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026Eligibility Criteria
- Candidate must be an Indian National.
- Maximum age: 28 years as on 13/07/2026. Age relaxation: OBC — 3 years; SC/ST — 5 years; PwBD (40%+) — 10 years.
- Minimum 55% aggregate marks at graduation and post-graduation levels from a recognized University. SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/PwBD candidates get 5% relaxation (i.e., 50% minimum).
- Category A: M.Sc. / Integrated M.Sc. in Physics (General/Applied/Condensed Matter/Nuclear/Theoretical), Materials Science, Chemistry (General/Applied/Organic/Inorganic/Physical/Analytical), or Radiation Physics. Specific ancillary subject requirements apply at B.Sc. level.
- Category B: M.Tech./M.E. in Nuclear Engineering / Nuclear Science & Technology.
- Category C: B.E./B.Tech./B.Sc. Engg. in Chemical Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Metallurgical Engineering.
- Category D: M.E./M.Tech. with admission based on valid GATE score in eligible discipline; base degree must be B.E./B.Tech. or M.Sc. (Physics or Chemistry).
- GATE/JEST/UGC-CSIR-NET scores must be declared at the time of application — cannot be updated later under any circumstances.
- Final year students (graduating in 2025-26) may apply but must submit final marksheet by 31/12/2026. Stipend will begin only after final degree submission.
- Not eligible: Candidates with M.Sc./B.Tech. in Particle Physics, Electronics, Astrophysics, Geophysics, Biophysics, Medical Physics, Polymer/Medicinal/Pharmaceutical/Biochemistry/Environmental/Industrial Chemistry, MCA, M.Sc. Computer Science, or B.Tech. in Petroleum/Polymer/Sugar technology streams.
IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026Pay Scale / Salary Structure
| Post Name | Salary Level |
|---|---|
| JRF — Direct Ph.D. | Year 1–2: ₹37,000/month | Year 3–5: ₹42,000/month | Contingency Grant: ₹60,000/year (Duration: 5 years) |
| JRF — Integrated Ph.D. (Single Degree) | Year 1: ₹25,000/month + ₹30,000 one-time book allowance | Year 2–3: ₹37,000/month | Year 4–6: ₹42,000/month | Contingency Grant: ₹60,000/year from Year 2 (Duration: 6 years) |
| JRF — Integrated Ph.D. (Double Degree — M.Sc. Engg. + Ph.D.) | Year 1: ₹25,000/month + ₹30,000 one-time book allowance | Year 2–3: ₹37,000/month | Year 4–7: ₹42,000/month | Contingency Grant: ₹60,000/year from Year 2 (Duration: 7 years) |
IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026Selection Process Steps
- Application Scrutiny (based on degree, academic record, GATE/JEST/UGC-CSIR-NET scores)
- Screening Test — Tentatively on 02/08/2026 at Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad (for candidates not exempted)
- Direct Interview — For Category A (with valid UGC-CSIR-NET/JEST/GATE after Masters), Category C (with valid GATE above IGCAR cut-off), Category D (M.Tech. via valid GATE)
- Personal Interview at Kalpakkam — Tentatively 3rd week of August 2026 (for all shortlisted candidates)
- Document Verification + Medical Fitness check at DAE Hospital, Kalpakkam (before final induction)
IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026Detailed Exam Pattern
Recruitment Details: Screening Test & Selection Overview
- Mode: Offline written Screening Test at designated centres (Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad).
- Screening Test Date (Tentative): 02/08/2026.
- Negative Marking: No negative marking mentioned in official notification.
- Exemption from Screening Test — Category A: Valid UGC-CSIR-NET Fellowship (NOT Lectureship/SLET) OR valid JEST score OR valid GATE score after Masters degree, subject to IGCAR cut-off.
- Exemption from Screening Test — Category C: Valid GATE score above IGCAR cut-off OR valid JEST score in eligible engineering discipline.
- Exemption from Screening Test — Category D: M.E./M.Tech. admitted via valid GATE in eligible discipline.
- Mandatory Screening Test — Category B: All M.Tech./M.E. (Nuclear Engineering) candidates must appear.
- Interview: Conducted in person at Kalpakkam for all shortlisted candidates (Screening Test qualifiers + Direct Interview eligible). Final decision of Selection Committee is binding.
- Weightage: Final selection is merit-based on Screening Test performance and/or Interview. IGCAR reserves the right to set cut-off scores.
Recruitment Table: Screening Test / Direct Interview — Category Wise
| Category | Qualification | Selection Mode |
|---|---|---|
| A | M.Sc. / Integrated M.Sc. (Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Radiation Physics) | Direct Interview (if valid UGC-CSIR-NET/JEST/GATE above cut-off) OR Screening Test → Interview |
| B | M.Tech./M.E. in Nuclear Engineering | Screening Test → Interview (mandatory) |
| C | B.E./B.Tech. in eligible Engineering disciplines | Direct Interview (if valid GATE/JEST above cut-off) OR Screening Test → Interview |
| D | M.E./M.Tech. admitted via valid GATE | Direct Interview (if valid GATE in eligible discipline) OR Screening Test → Interview |
Recruitment Info: Medical Fitness Requirement
- Final induction as JRF is subject to being declared Medically Fit by the Medical Superintendent, DAE Hospital, Kalpakkam.
- Selected candidates are eligible to join the Contributory Health Service Scheme (CHSS) of IGCAR.
- Medical fitness is verified at the final stage before joining — candidates found medically unfit will not be inducted.
Recruitment Table: Fellowship Structure — Year-wise Stipend
| PhD Programme | Year | Monthly Stipend | Additional Benefits | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Ph.D. | Year 1–2 | ₹37,000 | ₹60,000/year Contingency Grant | 5 Years |
| Direct Ph.D. | Year 3–5 | ₹42,000 | ₹60,000/year Contingency Grant | 5 Years |
| Integrated Ph.D. (Single Degree) | Year 1 | ₹25,000 | ₹30,000 one-time book allowance | 6 Years |
| Integrated Ph.D. (Single Degree) | Year 2–3 | ₹37,000 | ₹60,000/year Contingency Grant | 6 Years |
| Integrated Ph.D. (Single Degree) | Year 4–6 | ₹42,000 | ₹60,000/year Contingency Grant | 6 Years |
| Integrated Ph.D. (Double Degree) | Year 1 | ₹25,000 | ₹30,000 one-time book allowance | 7 Years |
| Integrated Ph.D. (Double Degree) | Year 2–3 | ₹37,000 | ₹60,000/year Contingency Grant | 7 Years |
| Integrated Ph.D. (Double Degree) | Year 4–7 | ₹42,000 | ₹60,000/year Contingency Grant | 7 Years |
| Note:Continuation/enhancement of fellowship is subject to satisfactory annual performance review. Stipend begins only after submission of final qualifying degree certificate. | ||||
Recruitment Info: Qualifications NOT Eligible for IGCAR JRF
- B.Tech. in Aerospace, Automobile, Production, Industrial Production, Ceramics, Architecture, Geology, Mining, Bio-Medical Engineering, Instrumentation, Life Science, Information Technology, Mechatronics.
- B.Tech. Chemical Engineering under petroleum, polymer, sugar, oil, soap technology streams.
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA) and M.Sc. in Computer Science.
- M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Particle Physics, Electronics, Astrophysics, Geophysics, Biophysics, or Medical Physics.
- M.Sc. in Polymer, Medicinal, Pharmaceutical, Biochemistry, Environmental, or Industrial Chemistry.
IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026How to Apply
- Visit IGCAR's official recruitment page: https://www.igcar.gov.in/recruitment.html.
- Fill the online application form — no hard copy applications will be accepted.
- Clearly indicate your qualifying exam details (GATE/JEST/UGC-CSIR-NET score, paper, year) at the time of application — these CANNOT be changed or added later.
- After final submission, take a printout of the filled application, affix a recent passport-size photograph, and sign at the designated space.
- Select your preferred Screening Test centre (Chennai / Delhi / Kolkata / Bhubaneswar / Hyderabad) while applying.
- Carry original certificates and one set of self-attested photocopies at the time of document verification before the interview: DOB proof, educational mark sheets from Class 10 onwards, GATE/JEST/NET certificate, experience certificate (if any), caste/disability certificate (if applicable), NOC from current employer (if in Govt./PSU).
- Admit card for Screening Test and/or Interview will be published on the IGCAR website. Download, affix photo, sign, and bring it along with a valid photo ID.
- For queries: jrfrect@igcar.gov.in
Recruitment Note: About IGCAR — Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research
Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), established in 1971 at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, is one of India's premier scientific institutions under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India. It is dedicated to the development of fast reactor technology and associated fuel cycle facilities through multi-disciplinary research spanning physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering. IGCAR operates India's Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) and is spearheading the construction of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) as part of India's three-stage nuclear power programme. IGCAR is a Constituent Institution of Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) — a deemed-to-be university of DAE — which ranked 7th nationally in the NIRF 2025 Research Institutions category. The centre employs over 3,000 scientific, technical, and administrative staff and has produced hundreds of Ph.D. scholars in nuclear and allied sciences over its history.
Recruitment Note: Job Profile — Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
As a Junior Research Fellow at IGCAR, selected candidates work as full-time research scholars embedded within active research groups across Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Engineering Sciences. Day-to-day work involves literature surveys, experimental design and execution in world-class laboratory facilities, computational modelling, data analysis, and scientific writing. JRFs are mentored directly by senior scientists and work on problems related to fast reactor materials, radiation physics, actinide chemistry, advanced NDE techniques, thermal hydraulics, and related frontier areas. They are expected to publish research papers in peer-reviewed international journals and present work at conferences. Ph.D. registration under HBNI provides a structured academic framework including coursework, annual review examinations, and a formal thesis submission process. The fellowship is for a fixed duration (5–7 years depending on programme) and does not guarantee any subsequent employment at IGCAR or any DAE unit.
Recruitment Note: Benefits & Perks Beyond Stipend
Selected JRFs receive subsidized bachelor hostel accommodation within the DAE Township at Kalpakkam — a self-contained township with schools, hospitals, recreational facilities, and transport. Access to the Contributory Health Service Scheme (CHSS) of IGCAR provides medical coverage for the fellow. An annual contingency grant of ₹60,000 covers books, journal subscriptions, conference travel, and research consumables. Candidates shortlisted for interview receive accommodation at DAE Township for 48 hours (nominal charges). The research environment at IGCAR includes access to advanced instruments such as electron microscopes, accelerators, positron annihilation facilities, and high-temperature labs not available at most academic institutions.
Recruitment Note: Important Caution — Fraud Notice
IGCAR has issued a caution notice warning that fraudulent recruitment advertisements using IGCAR's name/logo are circulating on social media, WhatsApp, and fake websites. IGCAR does NOT charge any fee other than the application fee, and does not authorize any external agency or website to accept applications. All genuine vacancies are posted exclusively on www.igcar.gov.in. Candidates must not respond to any solicitations demanding money for job offers claiming to be from IGCAR. In case of fraud, report immediately to appropriate authorities and write to jrfrect@igcar.gov.in.
IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026Important Official Links
| Apply Online Application Window: 22/06/2026 to 13/07/2026 (23:59 hrs) | Click Here ↗ |
| Download Notification Advt No. IGCAR/02/2026 | Click Here ↗ |
| Download Admit Card (Screening Test) Available from IGCAR website before 02/08/2026 | Inactive 🔒 |
| Official Website | Click Here ↗ |
Disclaimer Information provided here is for quick reference. Verify all details on the official website before taking action.
Quick Overview
🚀 Recruitment Overview
Quick Summary of the Notification
| Organization |  IGCAR |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancy | 50 |
| Salary | ₹37,000/month (Yr 1–2) → ₹42,000/month (Yr 3–5) for Direct PhD | ₹25,000/month (Yr 1) → ₹42,000/month (later years) for Integrated PhD + ₹60,000/year Contingency Grant |
| Job Location | All India |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 13/07/2026 |
| Official Website | Visit Website ↗ |
💡 Expert Tip
The single biggest rejection trigger in IGCAR JRF applications is mismatching your GATE/JEST/UGC-CSIR-NET score to the wrong paper. At the time of application, you must clearly indicate the qualifying exam details — IGCAR will not allow you to change or add these scores later at any stage. Category-D candidates (M.E./M.Tech.) must also carry a certificate from their institution confirming that their M.Tech. admission was based on a valid GATE score — this is checked at the interview stage and missing it means instant disqualification even if you've cleared the Screening Test. Final-year students must submit their mark sheet by 31 December 2026, but stipend payment begins only after submission of the final qualifying degree certificate.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 What is the stipend for IGCAR Junior Research Fellow (JRF)? ▼
Ans: For Direct Ph.D. candidates: ₹37,000/month in the first two years and ₹42,000/month from the third year onwards, plus an annual contingency grant of ₹60,000 for books and research materials. For Integrated Ph.D. (B.E./B.Tech. entry): ₹25,000/month in year one (with a ₹30,000 one-time book allowance), ₹37,000 in years 2–3, and ₹42,000 from year 4 onwards. Subsidized hostel accommodation is additional.
Q.2 What is the last date to apply for IGCAR JRF 2026? ▼
Ans: The last date to submit the online application is 13 July 2026 at 23:59 hours. The application portal opened on 22 June 2026 at 10:00 hours. No hard copy applications are accepted. After online submission, candidates must take a printout, affix a passport photo, and sign it for use at the time of document verification before the interview.
Q.3 Is there any negative marking in the IGCAR JRF Screening Test? ▼
Ans: No negative marking has been mentioned in the official notification for the Screening Test. The test is used to shortlist candidates for the Personal Interview at Kalpakkam. Candidates with valid UGC-CSIR-NET Fellowship, JEST score, or GATE score above IGCAR's cut-off (Category A and C) may be exempted from the Screening Test and called directly for the interview.
Q.4 What is the age limit for IGCAR JRF 2026? ▼
Ans: The maximum age limit is 28 years as on the closing date 13 July 2026. Age relaxation is applicable: OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates get 3 years relaxation, SC/ST candidates get 5 years, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (40% or more) get 10 years relaxation. No minimum age has been specified. Age is calculated strictly from SSC/Matriculation/HSC Certificate or Birth Certificate only.
Q.5 How to download the IGCAR JRF 2026 Notification PDF? ▼
Ans: The official notification (Advt No. IGCAR/02/2026) is available on the IGCAR recruitment page at https://www.igcar.gov.in/recruitment.html. All updates including Screening Test admit cards, results, and interview schedules will also be published on the same page. For queries, email jrfrect@igcar.gov.in. Beware of fake websites or social media posts — IGCAR only publishes on its official website.
Q.6 What is the educational qualification for IGCAR JRF 2026? ▼
Ans: Qualifications vary by category: M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Radiation Physics (Category A); M.Tech./M.E. in Nuclear Engineering (Category B); B.E./B.Tech. in Chemical/CS/Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical/Metallurgical Engineering (Category C); M.E./M.Tech. admitted via valid GATE (Category D). All candidates must have minimum 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD). Final year students of 2025-26 may also apply.
Q.7 What is the selection process for IGCAR JRF 2026? ▼
Ans: Selection involves: (1) Application scrutiny based on degree, academic record, and GATE/JEST/UGC-CSIR-NET scores; (2) Screening Test on 02/08/2026 at 5 centres for candidates not exempted; (3) Personal Interview at Kalpakkam (tentatively 3rd week of August 2026) for all shortlisted candidates; (4) Document Verification and Medical Fitness check at DAE Hospital, Kalpakkam before final induction. Candidates with valid qualifying exam scores above IGCAR's cut-off may be directly called for interview without Screening Test.
Q.8 Is IGCAR JRF a permanent government job? ▼
Ans: No. The JRF fellowship is strictly a research training programme, not a regular government job. The fellowship does not confer any right to employment at IGCAR or any unit of the Department of Atomic Energy. The period of service as JRF will not be counted towards any government post. The fellowship supports full-time Ph.D. research under HBNI for a fixed duration of 5–7 years, after which the scholar completes the degree and moves on to independent careers.
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