The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), India’s premier nuclear research facility, has announced its highly anticipated Junior Research Fellowship (JRF-2026) recruitment drive. As a constituent unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), BARC plays a pivotal role in advancing nuclear science, technology, and applications for national development. This recruitment offers a golden opportunity for aspiring scientists and engineers to contribute to cutting-edge research in nuclear physics, chemical engineering, biosciences, and more.
The JRF-2026 program is designed to nurture young talent by providing a structured research environment under the guidance of eminent scientists. Successful candidates will engage in high-impact projects while pursuing a Ph.D. or M.Tech. degree. With over 200+ vacancies across multiple disciplines, this recruitment drive is one of the largest in recent years, reflecting BARC’s commitment to expanding its research capabilities.
Applications for JRF-2026 will be accepted exclusively online through the official portal. Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying, as applications are subject to rigorous scrutiny. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of vacancies, eligibility, application procedures, and key dates.
The JRF-2026 recruitment drive includes opportunities in five major disciplines. The distribution of vacancies, age limits, and pay scales are outlined in the table below. Note that the number of vacancies is tentative and may vary based on organizational requirements.
| Post Name | Number of Vacancies | Age Limit (as of 10/04/2026) | Pay Scale (Per Month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (Physics) | 50 | Maximum 28 years (Relaxation applicable as per Govt. norms) | ₹37,000 + HRA (Revised as per DAE guidelines) |
| Junior Research Fellow (Chemistry) | 40 | Maximum 28 years | ₹37,000 + HRA |
| Junior Research Fellow (Biosciences) | 30 | Maximum 28 years | ₹37,000 + HRA |
| Junior Research Fellow (Engineering Sciences – Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, etc.) | 60 | Maximum 28 years | ₹37,000 + HRA |
| Junior Research Fellow (Geology/Geophysics) | 20 | Maximum 28 years | ₹37,000 + HRA |
| Total Vacancies | 200+ | — | — |
Table of Contents
ToggleTo ensure a fair and merit-based selection process, BARC has set stringent eligibility criteria for JRF-2026. Candidates must fulfill educational qualifications, GATE score requirements (where applicable), and other conditions outlined below.
| Discipline | Minimum Qualification | Minimum Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | M.Sc. in Physics (or equivalent) | 60% aggregate marks |
| Chemistry | M.Sc. in Chemistry (or equivalent) | 60% aggregate marks |
| Biosciences | M.Sc. in Life Sciences/Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Microbiology (or equivalent) | 60% aggregate marks |
| Engineering Sciences | B.E./B.Tech./M.E./M.Tech. in Mechanical/Chemical/Electrical/Electronics/Computer Science (or equivalent) | 60% aggregate marks |
| Geology/Geophysics | M.Sc. in Geology/Applied Geology/Geophysics (or equivalent) | 60% aggregate marks |
Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply. Foreign nationals are not permitted under this recruitment drive.
Selected candidates must undergo a pre-employment medical examination as per BARC’s standards. Failure to meet medical criteria may result in disqualification.
The application process for JRF-2026 is entirely online. Candidates must register on the official portal, fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the application fee (if applicable). Below is a step-by-step guide: