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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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:

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

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

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: