The Indian Space Research Organisation has released the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Recruitment 2026 notification on June 12, 2026 at the official website www.isro.gov.in. As per Advt. No. URSC:02:2026 dated 12/06/2026, the online application process begins from June 12, 2026 and closes on July 11, 2026. This ISRO JRF Recruitment is for science and engineering postgraduates who want a fellowship-based research opportunity in India’s space sector.
The notification covers a total of 16 vacancies across 16 posts: JRF-E1 (1), JRF-E2 (1), JRF-E3 (1), JRF-E4 (2), JRF-E5 (1), JRF-E6 (1), JRF-E7 (1), JRF-E8 (1), JRF-E9 (1), JRF-E10 (1), JRF-E11 (1), JRF-E12 (1), JRF-E13 (1), JRF-M1 (1), JRF-M2 (1) and JRF-M3 (1), for the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru. Candidates should check all details from the below article.
Verification note: This article is based directly on the official ISRO/URSC notification (Advt. No. URSC:02:2026, dated June 12, 2026). Candidates are advised to cross-check every detail, especially dates and eligibility, on www.isro.gov.in before applying.
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Quick Summary – ISRO JRF Recruitment
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), ISRO, Department of Space |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Notification No. | Advt. No. URSC:02:2026 |
| Notification Date | June 12, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 16 JRF Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | June 12, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | July 11, 2026 |
| Place of Posting | Bengaluru, Karnataka (transferable to any ISRO/DOS centre in India) |
| Selection Process | Interview |
| Fellowship Stipend | ₹37,000 per month (JRF), up to ₹42,000 per month (SRF) |
| Official Website | www.isro.gov.in |
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About U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC)
URSC, located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is the lead centre of ISRO for satellite technology, working on conceptualization, design, development, fabrication, testing, launch and in-orbit management of spacecraft. The notification also states that URSC has built the INSAT communication satellite system and the IRS earth observation satellite constellation over four decades, and has supported space science missions such as Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission, Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1 and Astrosat.
This recruitment is for science and engineering postgraduates seeking a research fellowship that combines hands-on spacecraft technology work with the option of pursuing a Ph.D.
Vacancy Details and Job Specification (Post-wise)
The table below lists each post, the required qualification, and the core area of work as stated in the notification.
| Post No. | Vacancies | Essential Qualification | Area of Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| JRF-E1 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Microelectronics or equivalent | Microcircuit assembly and packaging, ECAD layout design, advanced microelectronics packaging |
| JRF-E2 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Computer Science / IT or equivalent | User interface development, modelling of mission analysis packages |
| JRF-E3 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Computer Science / IT or equivalent | Telemetry and telecommand software packages for spacecraft operations |
| JRF-E4 | 2 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Power Electronics or equivalent | DC-DC converter development, 100V power bus development |
| JRF-E5 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Digital Electronics / Micro-Electronics / Signal Processing / VLSI / Embedded Systems or equivalent | Spacecraft test equipment design, analog/digital/mixed signal circuits, FPGA/VHDL firmware |
| JRF-E6 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Engineering Physics / Applied Optics or equivalent, or Integrated M.Tech in Optical Engineering | Segmented mirror optics development and characterization, telescope mirror alignment |
| JRF-E7 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Applied Physics / Material Science / Material Engineering / Opto-electronics or equivalent | THz detector material studies, lithographic micro-antenna fabrication, THz optics |
| JRF-E8 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Optical Engineering / Applied Optics / Opto-electronics or equivalent, or Integrated M.Tech in Optical Engineering | Optical subsystem design, free-space transmission studies, link budget estimation |
| JRF-E9 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Electronics & Communication or equivalent | FPGA and ASIC development, digital signal processing, AI/ML algorithms |
| JRF-E10 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Digital Electronics / Micro Electronics / Signal Processing / Mechatronics or equivalent | FPGA/VHDL design for digital logic, control applications, board and system design |
| JRF-E11 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Digital Electronics / VLSI / Embedded Systems or equivalent | VLSI design, embedded system design, high-performance computing systems design |
| JRF-E12 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Electronics & Communications / Avionics / Instrumentation | Digital circuit design and testing, hardware package interface, FPGA, MATLAB, Python, C++, Linux device drivers |
| JRF-E13 | 1 | M.Sc in Mathematics / Physics, or M.Tech (or equivalent) in Aerospace | Flight dynamics product analysis, tracking data analysis, orbit determination |
| JRF-M1 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Thermal Engineering / Thermal Science & Engineering / Thermal Science & Energy Systems / Heat Transfer in Energy Systems or equivalent | Numerical modelling of active thermal devices, AI/ML data analysis, optimization techniques |
| JRF-M2 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering or equivalent | Reliability modelling, failure theories, life and environmental testing, risk assessment |
| JRF-M3 | 1 | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg.) in Mechanical Engineering / Machine Design or equivalent | Mechanical element design, finite element stress analysis, 3D modelling and analysis tools |
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Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
For posts JRF-E1 to JRF-E12 and JRF-M1 to 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 subject area specified for that post.
For JRF-E13, the qualification is either an M.Sc in Mathematics or Physics in First Class with a minimum aggregate of 65% (or CGPA/CPI of 6.84), or an M.Tech (or equivalent postgraduate degree) in Aerospace in First Class with a minimum aggregate of 60% (or CGPA/CPI of 6.5).
In all cases, candidates must additionally have qualified through one of the following national-level routes: CSIR-UGC NET (including Lectureship/Assistant Professorship), GATE, or a national-level examination conducted by central government departments and agencies such as DST, DBT, DAE, DOS, DRDO, MoE, ICAR, ICMR, IIT, IISc, IISER or NISER.
Candidates who completed a professional course through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) are not eligible to apply. Only candidates who have already passed their qualifying examination can apply; those awaiting final results are not eligible.
NET / NET-Equivalent Qualifications
The notification lists the following examinations as equivalent to NET for these posts:
- CSIR-UGC NET, including NET-Lectureship
- GATE, conducted by the Ministry of Education
- JAM (Joint Admission Test), conducted by the Ministry of Education
- JEST (Joint Entrance Screening Test)
- National-level examinations conducted by central government departments and agencies such as DST, DBT, DAE, DOS, DRDO, MoE, ICAR, ICMR, IIT, IISc, IISER, NISER
Age Limit
The maximum age limit is 28 years as on July 11, 2026 (the closing date for online applications). Age relaxation applies as follows:
- 5 years for SC/ST candidates
- 3 years for OBC candidates
- As per Government of India orders, for Ex-Servicemen, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), widows, divorced women, and women judicially separated from their husbands who have not remarried
Fellowship and Stipend
The fellowship is initially for a duration of two years, extendable based on work assessment and project requirements. The combined maximum period of engagement as JRF and Senior Research Fellow (SRF) put together is five years. JRFs with research aptitude will be encouraged to register for a Ph.D. with an external university.
- JRF stipend: ₹37,000 per month
- SRF stipend (after upgrade): up to ₹42,000 per month
- HRA: Paid at prescribed rates if hostel accommodation is not provided at the place of posting
- Medical benefits: Admissible for self, as per extant rules
- DA: Not paid
- Leave: JRFs are eligible only for casual leave; maternity leave is available to all female JRFs as per Government of India instructions
- Other benefits: Subsidised canteen facilities; JRFs are not entitled to benefits or concessions admissible to regular employees
Awarding of SRF status after two years as JRF is at the sole discretion of ISRO/DOS/URSC. The fellowship does not confer any claim or right to regular appointment at URSC or any ISRO/DOS centre.
Age Limit (As on Cutoff Date)
As on July 11, 2026 (the cut-off date for all purposes, including age and qualification):
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General | Up to 28 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years relaxation |
| OBC | 3 years relaxation |
| Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, widows, divorced women, judicially separated women (not remarried) | As per Government of India orders |
Selection Process
The selection process has two stages, as stated in the notification.
- Screening: Initial shortlisting based on academic performance and other parameters given in the online application. Meeting the minimum qualification does not automatically qualify a candidate for an interview.
- Interview: Conducted in Bengaluru on a notified date for screened-in candidates. URSC/ISRO reserves the right to change the venue or date.
Call letters for the interview are sent only by e-mail to shortlisted candidates. The interview result is announced on the ISRO website. Requests to change the interview venue or the candidate’s communication e-mail ID will not be entertained.
One practical detail from the notification: candidates must bring originals and self-attested photocopies of all certificates, mark sheets, NET/GATE/equivalent score cards, and proof of age and work experience to the interview itself, not just upload them online.
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How to Apply for ISRO URSC JRF Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official ISRO website, www.isro.gov.in, and go to the “CAREERS” section.
- Register online between June 12, 2026 and July 11, 2026.
- Complete the online application form and note the online registration number generated after submission; this number should be preserved for future reference.
- Provide a correct and working e-mail ID in the application, since hall tickets and all further communication are sent only by e-mail.
- Upload the mandatory documents in the specified formats (see checklist below).
Documents Checklist Before You Submit:
- 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 each semester/year along with the final pass certificate for the essential qualification, combined into a single PDF not exceeding 1 MB
- SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-Serviceman certificate, if claiming age relaxation, as a PDF not exceeding 1 MB
- CSIR-UGC NET score card, or GATE score card, or score card from a qualifying national-level examination, as a PDF not exceeding 1 MB
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer, to be sent separately after the online application, for candidates already employed in central/state government, PSUs, or autonomous bodies
Applications submitted without complete information or a valid photograph will be rejected. If a photo-upload field contains anything other than the candidate’s photo, the application will not be considered for screening or interview under any circumstances.
How This Compares to Similar Central Government and PSU Recruitments
This is editorial context, not part of the official notification; confirm specifics with the hiring office. Compared to JRF and similar fellowship recruitments at other central scientific establishments such as DRDO laboratories or CSIR institutes, the ISRO URSC notification follows a broadly similar structure: a postgraduate qualification with a minimum percentage or CGPA threshold, a mandatory NET/GATE-equivalent qualification, and selection through interview rather than a written exam. The ₹37,000 starting stipend is in the typical range for JRF positions at DST- and DOS-funded research bodies, where stipends are generally tied to UGC/CSIR JRF norms rather than set independently by each institute. One difference is the number of distinct, narrowly defined technical posts (16 separate posts for 16 vacancies), each tied to a specific area of spacecraft technology, rather than a small number of generic research positions. This works in a candidate’s favour if their specialisation matches a specific post closely, since the competition pool for a niche area such as THz detector materials or segmented mirror optics is naturally smaller than for a broad electronics or computer science opening.
Should You Apply?
This recruitment is suitable for postgraduates in engineering, applied physics, or mathematics who hold a qualifying NET, GATE, JAM, JEST, or equivalent national-level score, and who are looking for a research-oriented entry point into India’s space programme rather than an administrative or purely teaching-linked role. It particularly suits candidates whose specialisation lines up closely with one of the 16 listed areas, such as VLSI design, thermal engineering, optical engineering, or flight dynamics, since each post is evaluated against a specific technical profile rather than a general aptitude.
Important Links – ISRO URSC JRF Recruitment 2026
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | ISRO JRF Recruitment PDF Download |
| Apply Online / Official Website | ISRO official Website |
| Latest ISRO/Space Sector Jobs | ISRO Recruitment |
Candidates applying for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions are advised to visit the links above for the official PDF and application form.
FAQs — ISRO URSC JRF Recruitment 2026
What is the last date to apply for ISRO URSC JRF Recruitment 2026?
The online application process closes on July 11, 2026. This date is also the cut-off for determining age and qualification eligibility.
What is the stipend for JRF at URSC?
The fellowship stipend is ₹37,000 per month as JRF, with the possibility of an increase to ₹42,000 per month after promotion to Senior Research Fellow (SRF).
Does the JRF position lead to a permanent job at ISRO?
No. The notification states the JRF position does not confer any claim or right to regular appointment at URSC or any ISRO/Department of Space centre.
Can candidates with an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) degree apply?
No. The notification specifically excludes candidates who completed their professional course through Open and Distance Learning from applying for JRF positions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandeep Khati is the founder of India Job Alerts and a B.Tech in Computer Science from JGEC (2010). He started his career as a Systems Engineer at TCS and has been active in digital publishing since 2011, beginning with SearchDarjeeling.com(2011) and working as a web developer and designer at Darjeeling Informatics. Launched in April 2025, India Job Alerts is his most focused project — dedicated to publishing verified government and PSU job notifications for West Bengal, Sikkim, and All-India candidates. Every post is cross-checked against official notifications before publishing.. Know more