There is no written exam for these 8 Research Associate posts at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam. Your application is checked first, and shortlisted candidates go straight to an interview. A Research Associate is a paid research fellowship, not a regular government job, and you must email your application by 31.10.2026.
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Recruitment Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Research Associate (RA) |
| Organization | Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India |
| Notification / Advertisement No. | IGCAR/04/2026 |
| Location | Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu |
| Total Vacancies | 8 (indicative, so the number can change) – 1 post in each of 8 research projects |
| Qualification | PhD in Chemistry, Physics or Life Sciences, or MTech in Metallurgy or Mechanical Engineering (project-wise, see Vacancy Details) |
| Age Limit | Maximum 35 years as on 31.10.2026 Check your age eligibility → |
| Selection Process | Screening of applications → Interview at Kalpakkam |
| Pay Scale | Rs 58,000 per month stipend (fixed), plus Rs 60,000 a year research grant |
| How to Apply | Email the filled form and documents to jrfrect@igcar.gov.in |
| Official Notification | Download Notification PDF |
| Official Website / Apply Online | IGCAR Recruitment Page |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opening date | 07.10.2026 |
| Last date to email your application | 31.10.2026 |
| Last date for the referee report to reach IGCAR | 07.11.2026 |
| Age, qualification and category counted as on | 31.10.2026 |
| Interview date | Not announced yet (IGCAR will post it on its website) |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | Not specified in notification |
Vacancy Details
| Code | Research Project | Qualification Required | Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC-01 | Extractant synthesis for actinide separation (Chemistry) | PhD in Chemistry (organic synthesis) | 1 |
| PC-02 | Purification and recycling of used LiCl-KCl molten salt (Chemistry) | PhD in Chemistry | 1 |
| PC-03 | Quantum secure telemetry over optical fibre (Physics) | PhD in Physics | 1 |
| PC-04 | Plasmonic and 2D TMDC semiconductor sensors (Physics) | PhD in Physics, with experience in making and testing nanomaterials and 2D TMDC | 1 |
| PC-05 | Defect analysis in CdZnTe semiconductor crystals (Physics) | PhD in Physics | 1 |
| PC-06 | Cast alloy slugs and phase changes (Metallurgy) | MTech in Metallurgy | 1 |
| PC-07 | Remote deployment module for the inter-space crawler (Mechanical) | MTech in Mechanical Engineering | 1 |
| PC-08 | Effect of natural radiation on wild plants and animals in Tamil Nadu (Life Sciences) | PhD in Life Science, Zoology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or allied subject, with experience in DNA and protein analysis and cell handling | 1 |
The notification does not give a category-wise breakup (UR, OBC, SC, ST). It lists one post for each project, so the total is 8.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | PhD or MTech in the subject listed for each project (see Vacancy Details above) |
| Age Limit | Maximum 35 years as on 31.10.2026 Check your age eligibility → |
| Experience | Needed only for PC-04 (nanomaterials and 2D TMDC) and PC-08 (DNA, protein and cell work) |
| Not Eligible | Scholars who have already submitted their PhD thesis and are waiting for it to be evaluated |
| Government Employees | Those working in a Central or State government body, PSU or corporation must bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC, a letter from your employer allowing you to apply) at document verification |
So you need to be 35 or younger on 31.10.2026. If you turn 36 after that date, you are still within the limit. The notification does not mention any age relaxation for reserved categories.
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Screening | IGCAR checks the applications it receives. Only candidates who pass this screening are called for the interview. |
| 2. Interview | Held at Kalpakkam. Selection is on the interview alone. The notification does not give marks or a date. Call letters go to your email only, nothing is sent by post or courier. |
| 3. Document verification | Before joining, you show the originals of your proof of date of birth, degrees and mark sheets on the date IGCAR tells you. |
In short: there is no written exam. Your application is checked first, and only shortlisted candidates are called to Kalpakkam for the interview.
Salary and Benefits
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stipend | Rs 58,000 per month for the whole tenure |
| Contingency Grant | Rs 60,000 per year, a research grant for books, stationery, software and hardware, journals, mailing and travel to seminars and conferences |
| Tenure | 2 years at first, extended by 1 more year if your work is satisfactory |
| Medical | You can join the Contributory Health Service Scheme (CHSS) of the Department of Atomic Energy, as applicable |
| Accommodation | Subsidised bachelor hostel. Family accommodation only in specially deserving cases |
| Regular Job | The fellowship gives no claim to a regular job at IGCAR or any DAE unit |
In plain terms, you get a fixed Rs 58,000 a month and a Rs 60,000 yearly grant for your research expenses. The notification does not mention DA or HRA (extra pay for cost of living and house rent), so plan around the stipend figure alone. The 2 years of service will not count towards any DAE or other government post.
How to Apply
- Open the IGCAR recruitment page and download the application form. The same form is on the last pages of the notification.
- Fill in your details. Write your name and date of birth exactly as on your Class 10 (SSC) certificate, and paste a digital passport-size photograph on the form.
- Scan the filled form along with self-attested copies of your documents (see the Documents Required table below).
- Email the scanned copies to jrfrect@igcar.gov.in before 31.10.2026. The subject line must be “Research Associate Position”.
- Ask your thesis supervisor to email one referee report (a recommendation about you) directly to the same address, with your name on it, by 07.11.2026.
Note: Keep your email ID active until the results are out. IGCAR sends the interview call letter only by email.
Documents Required
| Document | Format / Notes |
|---|---|
| Digital passport-size photograph | Pasted on the application form. The notification gives no size. Resize your photo and signature → |
| Valid ID proof | Aadhaar Card, Driving Licence, Voter ID or similar, self-attested |
| Mark sheets | Class 10, Class 12, BSc, MSc or BE/BTech, MTech, self-attested |
| Degree certificates | Self-attested copies |
| Consolidated mark sheets | With your percentage or CGPA calculation for the qualifying exams |
| Soft copy of your thesis synopsis | Attach it to the email |
| Degree or provisional certificate | Of your qualifying degree |
| Referee report | Sent by your thesis supervisor directly to IGCAR, not by you |
| No Objection Certificate | Only if you work in a government body, PSU or corporation. Needed at document verification |
Bring a copy of your application, a photo ID and all documents in original to the interview. Without them you will not be allowed to sit it.
Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification (PDF) | Download Notification PDF |
| Application Form / Official Website | IGCAR Recruitment Page |
| Join Telegram Channel | Join Telegram Channel |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Join WhatsApp Channel |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Write your name and date of birth exactly as on your Class 10 (SSC) certificate. IGCAR says wrong details can disqualify you.
- Attach every self-attested document on the checklist. IGCAR can reject an application that is missing them.
- The referee report must come from your thesis supervisor, straight to IGCAR, by 07.11.2026. You cannot send it for them.
- If you have already submitted your PhD thesis and it is waiting for evaluation, do not apply. IGCAR does not give this fellowship to such scholars.
- Apply only if you meet the project’s qualification. Wrong or false information can get you rejected at any stage, even after an interview call.
- Check the IGCAR website now and then. Any update put there counts as official notice to candidates, and no letters are sent by post.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for IGCAR Research Associate 2026?
You must email your application by 31.10.2026, and the referee report must reach IGCAR by 07.11.2026.
How many Research Associate posts are there at IGCAR?
There are 8 posts, one in each research project from PC-01 to PC-08, and the notification calls this number indicative, meaning it can change.
What qualification is needed for IGCAR Research Associate?
Six projects need a PhD in chemistry, physics or life sciences, and two need an MTech in metallurgy or mechanical engineering.
What is the age limit for IGCAR Research Associate 2026?
You can be at most 35 years old on 31.10.2026, and the notification states no age relaxation.
Is there a written exam for IGCAR Research Associate?
No, selection is by interview alone at Kalpakkam, after your application is screened.
How much is the IGCAR Research Associate stipend?
You get Rs 58,000 a month, plus a Rs 60,000 yearly contingency grant, which is money for books, software, journals and travel for your research.
How do I apply for IGCAR Research Associate?
Download the form from the IGCAR recruitment page and email it with your documents to jrfrect@igcar.gov.in, and note that the notification mentions no application fee.
Is the IGCAR Research Associate a permanent job?
No, the fellowship lasts 2 years, can be extended by 1 year, and gives no claim to regular employment at IGCAR or any DAE unit.
Disclaimer: The information above has been compiled from the official notification for the convenience of job seekers. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before applying.
