IGCAR Recruitment 2026- Apply Online
Post : Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Total Fellowships : 50
Important Dates :
Candidates need to track three key dates for this recruitment cycle: when applications open, when they close, and when the screening test and interview are tentatively scheduled. The entire online application window runs for about three weeks, so candidates should avoid last-minute submissions.
Online Application Start Date : 22 June 2026 (10:00 hrs)
Online Application Closing Date : 13 July 2026 (23:59 hrs)
Screening Test (Tentative) : 02 August 2026
Personal Interview (Tentative) : Third week of August 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.
| Discipline | Key Research Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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 |
Age Limit :
Candidates 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.
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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).
Category-Wise Eligibility
| Category | Eligible Qualification | Additional Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| A – Physics | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Physics | Mathematical Physics/Numerical Methods at M.Sc. level and Chemistry as ancillary at B.Sc. level |
| A – Materials Science | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Materials Science/Materials Science & Engg. | Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry at B.Sc. level, or B.Sc. in Materials Science |
| A – Chemistry | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Chemistry | Physics and Mathematics as ancillary subjects at B.Sc. level |
| A – Radiation Physics | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Radiation Physics | Physics/Chemistry and Mathematics ancillary at B.Sc. level and Mathematical Physics at M.Sc. level |
| B | M.Tech./M.E. in Nuclear Engineering / Nuclear Science & Technology | – |
| C | B.E./B.Tech./B.Sc. Engg./B.Sc.[Tech.] in Chemical, Computer Science, Electrical & Electronics, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, or Metallurgical Engineering | Eligible for direct interview if GATE score is above IGCAR’s cut-off |
| D | M.E./M.Tech. (admission based on valid GATE score in Physics, Chemistry, or any Category-C discipline) | 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 |
Qualifications NOT Eligible for IGCAR JRF 2026
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.
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:
| Category | Exemption Condition |
|---|---|
| A | Valid UGC-CSIR-NET Fellowship (SLET/Lectureship not eligible), valid JEST score, or valid GATE score after Master’s degree |
| B | No automatic exemption – must appear for Screening Test, then interview if shortlisted |
| C | Valid GATE score above IGCAR’s cut-off, or valid JEST score with an eligible engineering discipline – both qualify for Direct Interview |
| 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 |
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.
| Course | Stipend Structure | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Ph.D. | Years 1-2: ₹37,000/month; Years 3-5: ₹42,000/month; Contingency grant (incl. book allowance): ₹60,000/year | 5 years |
| Integrated Ph.D. (single degree) | 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 | 6 years |
| Integrated Ph.D. (dual degree) | 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 | 7 years |
Application Fee :
Candidates preparing to apply should know that the official notification confirms an application fee is payable at the time of final submission of the online application, though the exact fee amount per category is not specified within the advertisement itself. IGCAR’s caution notice explicitly states that this application fee is the only payment it ever collects – no refundable security deposits or other charges are ever requested at any stage of recruitment. Candidates should check the exact fee amount directly on the application portal during final submission.
How to Apply ?
Candidates ready to apply should follow the official online process carefully, since IGCAR does not accept hardcopy applications under any circumstances. After submitting the online form, candidates must print it, attach a photo, and sign it for use during later verification stages.
Visit the official IGCAR recruitment page or the dedicated JRF Exam Portal.
Register using your email ID and create a password (note: name, date of birth, category, gender, email ID, and mobile number cannot be changed after registration).
Fill in personal, academic, and category details accurately, including GATE/UGC-CSIR-NET/JEST scores where applicable.
Select your preferred Screening Test centre (Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, or Hyderabad).
Submit the application and pay the application fee online.
Take a printout of the submitted application, affix a recent passport-size photo, and sign at the marked place.
Download and print the Admit Card once published, and bring it along with a valid photo ID to the Screening Test/Interview.
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:
Candidature remains provisional until detailed document verification is completed at the final selection stage.
Selected candidates must be declared medically fit by the Medical Superintendent, DAE Hospital, Kalpakkam, before final induction as JRF.
The selected candidates list will be published on igcar.gov.in and communicated through registered email.
Subsidized bachelor hostel accommodation is provided during the fellowship tenure; candidates shortlisted for interview also get nominal-charge accommodation for 48 hours at DAE Township, Kalpakkam.
Selected candidates are eligible to join the Contributory Health Service Scheme (CHSS).
The fellowship does not confer any claim to regular employment at IGCAR or any DAE unit, and the JRF tenure is not counted as service for any DAE/government post.
Records of non-selected candidates are not preserved beyond 6 months from the publication of the select list.
Any legal disputes are subject to Chennai jurisdiction, with the English version of the advertisement treated as the reference copy.
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Important Links
Official Notification : Click here
Apply Online : Click here
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