ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026: 16 Vacancies at URSC, ₹37,000 Stipend – Apply Online by July 11

ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026 notification released. URSC invites online applications for 16 Junior Research Fellow posts. M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc with GATE/NET required. Last date: July 11, 2026.

ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026 — URSC Opens 16 Research Fellow Positions for Science & Engineering Postgraduates

If you have an M.Tech, M.E., or M.Sc in engineering or science — and you’ve cleared GATE, NET, or any equivalent national-level exam — this is the notification you’ve been waiting for.

ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru has officially released the ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026 notification (Advt. No. URSC:02:2026, dated June 12, 2026). A total of 16 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions are open across electronics, computer science, optical engineering, mechanical, and thermal disciplines. The online application window is live right now and closes on July 11, 2026.

This isn’t a desk job or a standard government exam with lakhs of aspirants scrambling for a few seats. These are highly specialised research posts — think FPGA firmware, THz detector materials, spacecraft thermal modelling, orbit determination. If your postgraduate specialisation matches one of the 16 listed areas, the competition pool is naturally narrower than a typical PSU recruitment. That’s a good thing.

ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026 — Overview

Particular	Details
Organisation	U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), ISRO
Department	Department of Space, Government of India
Post Name	Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Notification No.	Advt. No. URSC:02:2026
Total Vacancies	16
Application Mode	Online
Job Location	Bengaluru, Karnataka (transferable to any ISRO/DOS centre in India)
Fellowship Stipend	₹37,000/month (JRF); up to ₹42,000/month (SRF)
Essential Qualification	M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) or M.Sc — First Class, with GATE/NET/equivalent
Application Start Date	June 12, 2026
Last Date to Apply	July 11, 2026
Official Website	www.isro.gov.in

Important Highlights

• 16 JRF posts across engineering (13 posts) and mechanical/thermal disciplines (3 posts)
• Mandatory: GATE, CSIR-UGC NET, JAM, JEST, or equivalent national-level qualifying exam
• Starting fellowship: ₹37,000 per month, with HRA if hostel is not provided
• Maximum tenure as JRF + SRF combined: 5 years
• JRFs with research aptitude are encouraged to pursue Ph.D. through external university registration
• Selection purely through interview — no written exam by URSC
• Online applications only; hall tickets and all communications sent by e-mail only
• Open and Distance Learning (ODL) degree holders are not eligible
• Applications awaiting final results are not eligible — only passed candidates may apply
• This position does not lead to a regular ISRO appointment automatically

Vacancy Details — Post-wise Breakdown

The notification lists 16 separate JRF positions, each tied to a specific technical domain. No category-wise (SC/ST/OBC) vacancy breakup has been published in the notification — the 16 positions are listed individually by post code.

Post No.	Vacancies	Required Specialisation	Core Work Area
JRF-E1	1	Microelectronics or equivalent	Microcircuit assembly, ECAD layout, advanced packaging for high-density applications
JRF-E2	1	Computer Science / IT	User interface development, mission analysis package modelling
JRF-E3	1	Computer Science / IT	Telemetry & telecommand software for spacecraft operations
JRF-E4	2	Power Electronics	DC-DC converter development, 100V power bus development
JRF-E5	1	Digital Electronics / Micro-Electronics / Signal Processing / VLSI / Embedded Systems	Spacecraft test equipment, analog/digital/mixed signal circuits, FPGA/VHDL firmware
JRF-E6	1	Engineering Physics / Applied Optics or Integrated M.Tech in Optical Engineering	Segmented mirror optics development and characterization, telescope mirror alignment
JRF-E7	1	Applied Physics / Material Science / Opto-electronics	THz detector material studies, lithographic micro-antenna fabrication, THz optics
JRF-E8	1	Optical Engineering / Applied Optics / Opto-electronics or Integrated M.Tech	Optical subsystem design, free-space transmission simulation, link budget estimation
JRF-E9	1	Electronics & Communication	FPGA & ASIC development, digital signal processing, AI/ML algorithms
JRF-E10	1	Digital Electronics / Micro Electronics / Signal Processing / Mechatronics	FPGA/VHDL for digital logic, control applications, board and system design
JRF-E11	1	Digital Electronics / VLSI / Embedded Systems	VLSI design, embedded system design, high-performance computing systems
JRF-E12	1	Electronics & Communications / Avionics / Instrumentation	Digital circuit design, hardware package interface, FPGA, MATLAB, Python, C++, Linux
JRF-E13	1	M.Sc in Mathematics/Physics OR M.Tech in Aerospace	Flight dynamics product analysis, satellite ephemeris, orbit determination
JRF-M1	1	Thermal Engineering / Thermal Science & Engineering / Heat Transfer in Energy Systems	Numerical modelling of thermal devices, AI/ML data analysis, MATLAB, UGNx-TMG, Python
JRF-M2	1	Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering	Reliability modelling, failure theories, life & environmental testing, risk assessment
JRF-M3	1	Mechanical Engineering / Machine Design	Mechanical element design, FEM stress analysis, 3D modelling and analysis tools

JRF-E4 is the only post with 2 vacancies; every other post has 1. The total stands at 16. URSC notes that the numbers are provisional and may change based on actual requirements.

ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

For posts JRF-E1 to JRF-E12, JRF-M1, JRF-M2, and JRF-M3: Candidates need an M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) or equivalent postgraduate degree in First Class, with a minimum aggregate of 60% or a CGPA/CPI of 6.5 on a 10-point scale in the relevant subject.

For post JRF-E13:

• If applying with M.Sc in Mathematics/Physics: First Class with a minimum aggregate of 65%, or CGPA/CPI of 6.84 on a 10-point scale.
• If applying with M.Tech or equivalent PG degree in Aerospace: First Class with a minimum aggregate of 60%, or CGPA/CPI of 6.5 on a 10-point scale.

One important clarification from the notification: rounding off of percentage or CGPA is not permitted. Enter values to the nearest 2 decimal points. So if your CGPA is 6.499, it stays 6.499 — it cannot be rounded up to 6.5. Read that again before you apply.

Degrees completed through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) are explicitly excluded. All degrees must be recognised by AICTE, UGC, or another organisation authorised by the Government of India.

National-Level Qualifying Examination (Mandatory)

This is a hard requirement. You must have qualified through at least one of the following:

1. CSIR-UGC NET (including Lectureship/Assistant Professorship)
2. GATE (conducted by MoE)
3. JAM — Joint Admission Test (conducted by MoE)
4. JEST — Joint Entrance Screening Test
5. National-level examinations conducted by central government bodies such as DST, DBT, DAE, DOS, DRDO, MoE, ICAR, ICMR, IIT, IISc, IISER, NISER, etc. — specifically those conducted for Ph.D. programme admission

Meeting the degree requirement alone does not make you eligible. The national qualifying exam is non-negotiable.

ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026 Age Limit

All age calculations are based on the closing date — July 11, 2026.

Category	Maximum Age
General	28 years
OBC	31 years (3 years relaxation)
SC / ST	33 years (5 years relaxation)
PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, Widows, Divorced Women (not remarried), Women judicially separated from husbands	As per Government of India orders

Fellowship & Stipend Details

The fellowship starts as JRF and can progress to Senior Research Fellow (SRF). Here’s how the financial side breaks down:

Component	Details
JRF Monthly Stipend	₹37,000
SRF Monthly Stipend	Up to ₹42,000
HRA	Paid at prescribed rates if hostel accommodation is not provided
Medical Benefits	Admissible for self, as per ISRO/DOS rules
DA	Not payable
Leave	Casual leave only; maternity leave for female JRFs as per Government of India instructions
Canteen	Subsidised canteen facility available
Regular Employment Benefits	Not applicable — JRFs are not treated as regular employees

The fellowship is initially for two years. Extension beyond two years is based on work assessment and project requirement. Progression from JRF to SRF after two years is at the sole discretion of ISRO/DOS/URSC. Combined JRF + SRF tenure cannot exceed five years.

The fellowship does not lead to any automatic right of regular employment at URSC or any other ISRO/DOS centre. That’s explicitly stated in the notification — twice.

Application Fee

No application fee is mentioned in the official notification.

Application fee details are not officially announced. Candidates should check the online application portal at www.isro.gov.in for any updates before submitting.

Selection Process

URSC uses a two-stage process:

Stage 1 — Screening All received applications are screened based on academic performance and other parameters mentioned in the online form. Simply meeting the minimum qualification does not automatically earn an interview call. URSC shortlists based on their internal criteria, which can include GATE/NET scores, academic percentages, and the relevance of the candidate’s specialisation to the specific post applied for.

Stage 2 — Interview Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview in Bengaluru only. Interview call letters are sent exclusively by e-mail. The result is announced on the ISRO website. URSC reserves the right to change the interview date or venue.

Outstation candidates who clear document verification at the interview will be reimbursed travel fare up to second-class sleeper rail fare by the shortest route (or non-AC government bus fare, whichever is less), regardless of the actual mode of travel used.

ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026 Important Dates

Event	Date
Notification Release Date	June 12, 2026
Online Application Start	June 12, 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	July 11, 2026
Cut-off Date for Age & Qualification	July 11, 2026
Interview Date	To be notified by e-mail
Interview Result	www.isro.gov.in

Required Documents

Keep these ready in soft copy (for the online application) and originals + self-attested photocopies (for the interview):

• Recent colour passport-size photograph (not older than 6 months), JPG/JPEG, maximum 500 KB
• Signature in JPG/JPEG format, maximum 500 KB
• Mark sheets of all semesters/years + final pass certificate, as a single PDF (max 1 MB)
• CSIR-UGC NET score card, or GATE score card, or equivalent national-level exam score card (PDF, max 1 MB)
• Caste/category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-Serviceman), if claiming age relaxation (PDF, max 1 MB)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer — required if already working in a Central/State Government, PSU, or autonomous body (to be submitted separately after online application)
• Original degrees and mark sheets (for the interview)
• Proof of age (for the interview)

Do not upload anything other than your own photo in the photograph upload field. The notification specifically states that such applications will be rejected outright at any stage.

How to Apply for ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026

Step 1: Go to the official ISRO website — www.isro.gov.in

Step 2: Navigate to the “CAREERS” section on the homepage.

Step 3: Find the advertisement for JRF recruitment (Advt. No. URSC:02:2026) and click the online application link.

Step 4: Register yourself — you’ll receive an online Registration Number. Save it carefully for all future correspondence.

Step 5: Fill in the online application form accurately. Pay particular attention to your percentage/CGPA entry — rounding is not allowed.

Step 6: Enter your active e-mail ID correctly. Hall tickets, interview call letters, and all official communication will come only through e-mail.

Step 7: Upload the mandatory documents — photograph, signature, mark sheets, and NET/GATE score card — in the specified formats and file size limits.

Step 8: Review your application thoroughly before final submission. Multiple applications for the same post are discouraged; if you do submit multiple applications, only the most recently submitted one before the deadline will be considered.

Step 9: Submit the application before July 11, 2026.

Step 10: If you are currently employed in a government/PSU/autonomous body, send your NOC from your employer separately to the address/e-mail specified in the notification, clearly mentioning your name, post applied for, and registration number.

Why This Recruitment Matters

ISRO isn’t just another PSU. URSC in Bengaluru is the centre that built Chandrayaan-3’s spacecraft, the INSAT communication satellites, and the NavIC navigation system. Working here as a JRF means your research actually goes into hardware that gets launched into orbit. That’s not something many research fellowships can offer.

For candidates who want a Ph.D. without the financial strain of a pure academia track, this is a compelling option. The ₹37,000 per month stipend is liveable in Bengaluru with subsidised canteen access, HRA, and medical benefits. And the ability to register for a Ph.D. with an external university while working at URSC means you walk out with both research experience and a doctorate — a combination that opens doors in academia, DRDO, CSIR, and private aerospace firms alike.

The honest caveat: this is not a permanent government job. The notification makes it crystal clear that the fellowship carries no right to regular appointment. For those whose goal is long-term ISRO employment specifically, this serves better as a stepping stone than a destination. But for someone genuinely interested in spacecraft research, the five-year maximum tenure is more than enough time to build a strong publication record and launch a serious research career.

Preparation Tips for the Interview

Since selection at URSC is entirely through interview (after academic screening), here’s what actually matters:

Know your post’s work area deeply. Each JRF post has a specific technical scope listed in the notification. Review the job specification for your chosen post and make sure you can speak confidently about the core technologies involved — whether that’s FPGA architecture for JRF-E9 or reliability modelling for JRF-M2.

Brush up on your GATE/NET syllabus topics. The interview panel typically draws on foundational concepts from your qualifying exam syllabus. A solid grip on fundamentals matters more than peripheral knowledge.

Prepare your project and thesis work. For postgraduate candidates, the M.Tech/M.E. dissertation or project is often a focus area in the interview. Know your own work well enough to explain it, defend your choices, and discuss extensions.

Get your documents organised early. You need to bring originals and self-attested photocopies of everything — degrees, mark sheets, score cards, certificates. Set this up before the interview date, not the night before.

Stay updated through the ISRO website. Interview dates and any corrigenda will be published only at www.isro.gov.in. Check it regularly after submitting your application.

Featured Snippet Answer

What is ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026? ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru has invited online applications for 16 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions under Advt. No. URSC:02:2026. Candidates with M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in First Class and a valid GATE, CSIR-UGC NET, or equivalent national-level score, aged up to 28 years (as on July 11, 2026), can apply online at www.isro.gov.in by July 11, 2026. The monthly fellowship stipend is ₹37,000.

ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026 FAQ

Q1. What is the last date to apply for ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026? The online application closes on July 11, 2026. This is also the cut-off date for determining age and qualification eligibility. There is no information about any extension — apply well before the deadline.

Q2. Is GATE mandatory for ISRO JRF 2026? Not GATE specifically, but a national-level qualifying examination is mandatory. Accepted qualifications include GATE, CSIR-UGC NET (including Lectureship), JAM, JEST, or national-level exams conducted by central government bodies such as DST, DBT, IITs, IISc, IISER, NISER, DRDO, etc. for Ph.D. admission. You need at least one of these.

Q3. What is the monthly stipend for ISRO JRF 2026? The starting fellowship stipend is ₹37,000 per month as JRF. After two years, if upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF), the stipend can go up to ₹42,000 per month. HRA is also paid if hostel accommodation is not provided. DA is not applicable.

Q4. Will this JRF position lead to a permanent job at ISRO? No. The official notification explicitly states the JRF position does not confer any claim or right for regular appointment at URSC or any ISRO/Department of Space centre. It is a research fellowship, not a permanent government job.

Q5. Can final-year students or students awaiting results apply? No. Only candidates who have already passed their qualifying degree examination are eligible. Students waiting for their final results are specifically excluded.

Q6. Can candidates with an ODL degree apply for ISRO JRF 2026? No. The notification explicitly excludes candidates who completed their professional course through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) from applying for these JRF positions.

Q7. What is the age limit for ISRO URSC JRF 2026? The maximum age is 28 years as on July 11, 2026 for general category candidates. SC/ST candidates get a 5-year relaxation (up to 33 years), and OBC candidates get a 3-year relaxation (up to 31 years). PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and certain categories of women get relaxation as per Government of India orders.

Q8. Is there an application fee for ISRO JRF 2026? The official notification does not mention any application fee. Candidates should check the online application portal at www.isro.gov.in for the most current information.

Q9. How will I know if I am shortlisted for the interview? Interview call letters will be sent only by e-mail to shortlisted candidates. URSC will not send physical letters. Make sure to provide a correct, active e-mail ID in your application and check it regularly.

Q10. Where will the interview be conducted? The interview will be held in Bengaluru only. URSC reserves the right to change the venue or date, and any such change will be communicated through e-mail and on the ISRO website.

ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026 Final Words

The ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026 is one of those rare openings where your academic specialisation can translate directly into spacecraft research — not a generic desk role, not a general engineering post, but work that feeds into real missions orbiting the Earth. If your GATE or NET score is sitting unused, this is exactly the kind of opportunity it was meant to unlock.

Check your eligibility carefully — the percentage/CGPA rules are strict, the ODL exclusion is firm, and the national exam requirement is non-negotiable. Read the official notification PDF once end-to-end before you fill the form.

Useful Important Links

Resource	Link
Apply Online	www.isro.gov.in — Careers Section
Official Notification PDF	Download PDF
Check Latest Job Updates	Latest Jobs
Official Website	www.isro.gov.in
Clarification / Queries	[email protected]