IGCAR Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 50 JRF Posts | Check Eligibility, Stipend & Last Date
Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, has released IGCAR Recruitment 2026 notification for 50 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) posts under Advertisement No. IGCAR/02/2026. This is a golden opportunity for Indian science and engineering graduates/postgraduates who want to pursue a Ph.D. under Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) while working at one of India’s top nuclear research centres. Online applications start from 22 June 2026 and close on 13 July 2026. Candidates should read the full notification carefully and apply before the last date to avoid missing this opportunity.
🏢 Organization Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Department of Atomic Energy |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Advertisement No. | IGCAR/02/2026 |
| Job Location | Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu |
The IGCAR is one of the best research institutes in India’s Department of Atomic Energy that concentrates its efforts on fast reactors and nuclear fuel cycles research. As a part of the HBNI, which ranks the 7th place among all other Indian Research Institutions in the NIRF 2025 list, the IGCAR presents an excellent chance to start a research career along with government privileges. That is why the IGCAR Junior Research Fellowship Recruitment 2026 attracts many Indian science and engineering students.
📊 Number of Vacancies & Reservation
Total Posts: 50 Junior Research Fellowships
This notice does not give any table of categories (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwBD) of 50 positions. The process of reservation will take place in accordance with Government of India guidelines.
Since there are only 50 fellowship positions available in the fields of Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Engineering Sciences nationwide, it is bound to be highly competitive. Candidates belonging to reserved categories are entitled to concessions on fees and age limits (as mentioned below).
🎓 Discipline & Educational Qualification
IGCAR JRF 2026 eligibility is divided into four qualification categories:
| Category | Eligible Qualification |
|---|---|
| Category A | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Radiation Physics (with specified ancillary subject requirements) |
| Category B | M.Tech./M.E. in Nuclear Engineering / Nuclear Science & Technology |
| Category C | B.E./B.Tech./B.Sc. Engg./B.Sc. (Tech.) in Chemical, Computer Science, Electrical & Electronics, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, or Metallurgical Engineering |
| Category D | M.E./M.Tech. (admission via valid GATE score) in eligible disciplines |
Research Areas covered: Condensed Matter Physics, Radiation Physics, Chemical Sciences (Radiochemistry, Actinide Chemistry, Electrochemistry, etc.), and Engineering Sciences (Mechanical, Metallurgical, Electronics, Computer Science, Chemical & Nuclear Engineering).
Note: Degrees in Aerospace, Biomedical, Information Technology, Life Sciences, MCA, and several other specified streams are NOT eligible. Final-year students (2025–26) awaiting results may also apply, subject to submitting final marksheets by 31 December 2026.
The multi-disciplinary format ensures that students from varied scientific and engineering disciplines qualify for this program, provided they have their discipline exactly matching one of those listed, since IGCAR adheres to a strict discipline matching format and even some of these disciplines have been barred from consideration.
📉 Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Aggregate Marks |
|---|---|
| General/UR | 55% at both Graduation and Post-Graduation |
| SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/PwBD | 50% (5% relaxation) |
It is necessary to convert the CGPA/GPA into a percentage as per the formula provided by the specific institute. Passing the cut off is one of the eligibility criteria, and anyone with a lower percentage than this cut off cannot apply, hence it becomes imperative that you verify your percentage score.
🎂 Age Limit
- Maximum Age: 28 years (as on 13-07-2026, the closing date)
- Age Relaxation:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- PwBD (40% and above benchmark disability): 10 years
However, there is no specific age limit stated in the notification except for those eligible as graduates. The age relaxation provisions provide the reserved category aspirants an added advantage of time; therefore, it is wise to calculate your age as on 13 July 2026.
💰 Application Fee
The official advertisement (IGCAR/02/2026) does not specify a separate application fee structure in the notification text — candidates should check the online application portal at the time of filling the form for any applicable fee and accepted payment modes, as IGCAR explicitly warns that only the application fee (if any) is payable through the official portal, and no other payment is ever required at any recruitment stage.
The IGCAR has issued an alert about fraudsters who demand money in exchange for “job offers.” The genuine application fee, if any, can be paid only using the online application portal at the time of submitting the final application.
⚙️ Selection Process
The IGCAR JRF selection involves the following stages:
- Screening Test (for candidates not exempted) — tentatively on 02 August 2026
- Personal Interview — tentatively from the third week of August 2026 at Kalpakkam
- Document Verification — at the final stage, prior to interview/induction
Exemption from Screening Test is available for candidates with a valid UGC-CSIR-NET fellowship, JEST score, or GATE score above the cutoff (decided by IGCAR) — such candidates go directly to the interview round.
This is a dual process where those who have done well in the Screening Test will appear for the interview, so candidates having good NET / GATE / JEST scores must make sure that they come into notice in their applications.
📚 Examination Syllabus
- Screening Test: Based on the subject/discipline of the candidate’s qualifying degree (Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Radiation Physics, or relevant Engineering discipline)
- Exam Pattern: Specific pattern/marking scheme is not detailed in the advertisement — candidates should refer to the official IGCAR website closer to the test date for the latest syllabus and pattern update
The revised IGCAR JRF syllabus being discipline-based, the aspirants are suggested to review their key post-graduation/graduation subjects well and keep a close watch on the official website for any syllabus PDF released prior to the screening test.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification/Advertisement No. | IGCAR/02/2026 |
| Application Start Date | 22 June 2026 (10:00 hrs) |
| Application Last Date | 13 July 2026 (23:59 hrs) |
| Tentative Screening Test | 02 August 2026 |
| Tentative Interview | Third week of August 2026 |
With the application window open for just about three weeks, candidates should not wait until the last date — apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues on the portal.
📝 How to Apply
- Visit the official IGCAR recruitment page: igcar.gov.in/recruitment.html
- Click on the “Apply Online” link for Advertisement No. IGCAR/02/2026 (JRF).
- Register and fill in personal, academic, and category details accurately.
- Enter qualifying exam details (GATE/UGC-CSIR-NET/JEST score, if applicable).
- Choose your preferred Screening Test centre (Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, or Hyderabad).
- Upload required documents/photo as specified in the portal.
- Submit the form and take a printout of the final submitted application.
- Affix a passport-size photo and sign the printout — keep it safe for document verification.
First-time applicants should keep scanned copies of all certificates ready beforehand, since the online form often has limited time and upload requirements that can be tricky if not prepared in advance.
📜 General Conditions
- Furnishing false/incomplete information leads to outright rejection at any stage.
- Candidates in Central/State Govt./PSU/Autonomous Body jobs must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at document verification.
- SC/ST/OBC certificates must be valid as on 13-07-2026 and in the prescribed Government of India format.
- The number of fellowships (50) is approximate and may vary; IGCAR reserves the right not to fill all positions.
- Candidates not meeting the qualification criteria should not apply.
- The fellowship does not guarantee regular employment at IGCAR/DAE.
- Canvassing in any form leads to disqualification.
- Legal disputes are subject to Chennai jurisdiction.
The above conditions indicate that the selection procedure followed by IGCAR is one that is highly based on merit and documentation – hence candidates need to ensure that all original certificates are readily available to avoid inconsistencies.
🔗 Important Links
- Apply Online: https://www.igcar.gov.in/igcjrf.in/
- Official Notification (PDF): https://www.igcar.gov.in/recruit/JRF_Advt2026.pdf
- Official Website: https://www.igcar.gov.in/recruitment.html
❓ FAQ IGCAR JRF Recruitment 2026
The online application closes on 13 July 2026 (23:59 hrs). Applications opened on 22 June 2026.
IGCAR has announced 50 Junior Research Fellowship vacancies under Advertisement No. IGCAR/02/2026.
Indian nationals with M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc., M.Tech./M.E., or B.E./B.Tech. in specified Physical Science, Chemical Science, or Engineering disciplines, with at least 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD), and not older than 28 years as on the closing date, can apply.
Direct Ph.D. candidates get Rs. 37,000/month (1st-2nd year) rising to Rs. 42,000/month (3rd-5th year). Integrated Ph.D. candidates start at Rs. 25,000/month plus a one-time book allowance of Rs. 30,000, increasing in later years. A contingency grant of Rs. 60,000/year is also provided.
Selection involves a Screening Test (tentatively 02 August 2026) followed by a Personal Interview (tentatively third week of August 2026) at Kalpakkam. Candidates with valid GATE/NET/JEST scores above the cutoff may be exempted from the Screening Test.
The maximum age limit is 28 years as on 13 July 2026, with relaxation of 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST, and 10 years for PwBD candidates.
Applications must be submitted online only through the official IGCAR website, igcar.gov.in/recruitment.html. No hardcopy or third-party website applications are accepted.
Disclaimer
Please verify all details from the official IGCAR website or the official notification PDF before applying. CurrentOpenings is not responsible for any mismatch, change, or error in the information presented above.
| Advertisement No. | IGCAR/02/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 49 |
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Apply Date | 22 Jun 2026 — 13 Jul 2026 Live · 19 days left |
| Job Location | 📍 Tamil Nadu |
| Official Advertisement | Download PDF |
| Application Start Date | 22 June 2026 (10:00 hrs) |
| Application Last Date | 13 July 2026 (23:59 hrs) |
| Tentative Screening Test | 02 August 2026 |
| Tentative Interview | Third week of August 2026 |
| Apply Online | Apply Now |
| Official Website | Open Website |
| Join Telegram Channel | |
| Join WhatsApp Channel |
Similar Jobs
NBEMS Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 53 Posts of Deputy Director, Junior Accountant, Stenographer & Junior Assistant | Check Eligibility, Salary & Last Date
LIVEDRDO DYSL-QT Recruitment 2026: Apply for 2 JRF (Electronics) Posts | Stipend ₹37,000, Check Eligibility & Last Date
BSF Constable Tradesman PET-PST Result 2026 जारी – 1.81 लाख उम्मीदवार लिखित परीक्षा के लिए चयनित
Border Security Force (BSF)
LIVESSC CGL Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 12,256 Posts | Check Eligibility, Salary & Last Date
BRO GREF Recruitment 2026 – Apply for 899 Vacancies | Post-wise Details, Eligibility & Salary
Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
GTRE DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply for 150 Posts | Walk-in Interview on 6th June 2026
Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE)