Have you ever dreamed of working with the organization that launched Chandrayaan-3 to the Moon and sent Mangalyaan to Mars? Your dream could become reality! ISRO Recruitment 2026 is now open, and the Indian Space Research Organisation’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru is inviting applications for 16 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions across exciting fields like AI, FPGA, Optical Engineering, Power Electronics, and more. This is not just a job — it is a chance to contribute to India’s future in space. If you hold a first-class ME, MTech, or MSc (Engineering) degree and have cleared GATE or CSIR-UGC NET, you are eligible to apply online between 12 June and 11 July 2026.
ISRO Recruitment 2026
| Organization | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) |
|---|---|
| Centre | U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru |
| Advertisement No. | URSC:02:2026 |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 16 |
| Nature of Job | Fellowship (Contract-based, not permanent) |
| Job Location | Bengaluru (primary); may be posted anywhere in India |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 12 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 July 2026 |
| Official Website | www.isro.gov.in |
| Selection Method | Interview (after initial screening) |
Important Warning: ISRO has officially advised candidates to ignore any fake appointment offers circulating in the name of ISRO. Apply only through the official website www.isro.gov.in.
Recruitment to the posts of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Notification Pdf
Vacancy Details – Complete Post-wise Breakdown
The ISRO Recruitment 2026 JRF notification has 16 vacancies across 16 different position codes. Each position requires a different engineering or science specialization. Here is the full list:
| Position Code | Specialization Required | Vacancies | Work Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| JRF-E1 | Microelectronics or equivalent | 1 | Microcircuit Assembly, Thin/Thick Film Packaging |
| JRF-E2 | Computer Science / IT | 1 | User Interface, Mission Analysis Modelling |
| JRF-E3 | Computer Science / IT | 1 | Telemetry & Telecommand Software for Spacecraft |
| JRF-E4 | Power Electronics | 2 | DC-DC Converters, 100V Power Bus Development |
| JRF-E5 | Digital Electronics / VLSI / Embedded Systems | 1 | Spacecraft Testing Equipment, FPGA/VHDL Firmware |
| JRF-E6 | Engineering Physics / Applied Optics | 1 | Segmented Mirror Optics, Telescope Mirror Alignment |
| JRF-E7 | Applied Physics / Material Science / Opto-electronics | 1 | THz Detector Materials, Lithographic Micro-Antenna |
| JRF-E8 | Optical Engineering / Applied Optics | 1 | Optical Subsystem Design, Free Space Communication |
| JRF-E9 | Electronics & Communication | 1 | FPGA/ASIC Development, AI/ML Algorithms |
| JRF-E10 | Digital Electronics / Signal Processing / Mechatronics | 1 | FPGA/VHDL Design, Board & System Design |
| JRF-E11 | Digital Electronics / VLSI / Embedded Systems | 1 | VLSI Design, High Performance Computing |
| JRF-E12 | Electronics & Communication / Avionics / Instrumentation | 1 | Digital Circuit Design, FPGA, MATLAB, Python |
| JRF-E13 | Mathematics / Physics (MSc) OR Aerospace (MTech) | 1 | Flight Dynamics, Orbit Determination |
| JRF-M1 | Thermal Engineering / Thermal Science | 1 | Numerical Modelling, AI/ML Data Analysis |
| JRF-M2 | Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering | 1 | Reliability Modelling, Risk Assessment |
| JRF-M3 | Mechanical Engineering / Machine Design | 1 | FEM Stress Analysis, 3D Modelling Tools |
| Total | 16 |
Note: There is no category-wise reservation breakdown (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) specified for these JRF positions in the notification. Positions are open to all eligible Indian nationals. Reserved category candidates get age relaxation as per government rules.
Job Location Details
All initial interviews will be conducted in Bengaluru only. However, selected JRFs may be posted at any ISRO/DOS centre located anywhere in India based on project requirements.
| Primary Interview Location | Possible Posting Locations |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru, Karnataka | Any ISRO Centre across India (as per project need) |
For details of all ISRO centre locations across India, visit www.isro.gov.in.
Eligibility Criteria for ISRO Recruitment 2026
This section is very important. Read it word by word before applying.
Age Limit
The cut-off date for calculating age is the last date of application: 11 July 2026.
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 28 Years |
| OBC (Other Backward Class) | 31 Years (+3 years relaxation) |
| SC / ST (Scheduled Caste / Tribe) | 33 Years (+5 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) | As per Government of India rules |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Government of India rules |
| Widows / Divorced Women | As per Government of India rules |
In simple words: For General category, you must be born on or after 11 July 1998.
Educational Qualification
For JRF-E1 to JRF-E12, JRF-M1, JRF-M2, JRF-M3 (Engineering Posts):
- You must have an ME / MTech / MSc (Engineering) or equivalent postgraduate degree in the relevant specialization.
- You must have scored minimum 60% marks (aggregate) OR CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale – whichever is mentioned in your degree.
- You must have also cleared one of these national-level qualifying exams:
- GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
- CSIR-UGC NET (including Lectureship/Assistant Professorship)
- National level exams conducted by DST, DBT, DAE, DOS, DRDO, MoE, ICAR, ICMR, IIT, IISc, IISER, NISER, etc.
For JRF-E13 (Mathematics/Physics or Aerospace):
Option 1 – If you have MSc in Mathematics or Physics:
- Minimum 65% average marks across all semesters OR CGPA of 6.84 on 10-point scale
- Must have qualified GATE or CSIR-UGC NET or equivalent national exam
Option 2 – If you have MTech in Aerospace or equivalent:
- Minimum 60% marks OR CGPA of 6.5 on 10-point scale
- Must have qualified GATE or CSIR-UGC NET or equivalent national exam
Very Important: Candidates who completed their degree through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) / Distance Education are NOT eligible to apply for JRF positions.
Also Important: Rounding off of marks or CGPA is not allowed. If you have 59.9%, you do not qualify — the minimum is 60.00%.
National Qualifying Exams Accepted (NET Equivalent List)
| Exam | Conducting Body |
|---|---|
| CSIR-UGC NET (including Lectureship) | CSIR / UGC |
| GATE | Ministry of Education (MoE) |
| JAM (Joint Admission Test) | MoE |
| JEST (Joint Entrance Screening Test) | DST |
| National exams by DST, DBT, DRDO, IIT, IISc, IISER, NISER, etc. | Respective bodies |
Application Fee
One of the best things about this ISRO Recruitment 2026 notification is that there is no application fee for any category.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates (General / OBC / SC / ST / PwBD / Female) | NIL (Free) |
It is completely free to apply! No fee, no payment. Just register online and upload your documents.
Important Dates – ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026
Mark these dates in your diary right now and set reminders on your phone!
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 12 June 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 12 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 11 July 2026 |
| Cut-off Date for Age & Qualification | 11 July 2026 |
| Interview Call Letter | Via Email only (date to be announced) |
| Interview Location | Bengaluru (date to be announced by URSC/ISRO) |
Note: Students who are waiting for their final results are NOT eligible to apply. Only candidates who have already passed their qualifying degree should apply.
ISRO Recruitment 2026 Apply Online
The application process is fully online through ISRO’s official website. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1 – Visit the Official ISRO Website Go to www.isro.gov.in and look for the “CAREERS” section on the homepage.
Step 2 – Find the JRF Advertisement Look for Advertisement No. URSC:02:2026 dated June 12, 2026. Click on the relevant position you want to apply for.
Step 3 – Register Online Complete the online registration process. After registration, you will receive an Online Registration Number. Save this number carefully — you will need it for future reference and to download your hall ticket.
Step 4 – Fill in the Application Form Enter all details carefully including your personal information, educational qualifications (with exact CGPA/percentage — no rounding allowed), GATE/NET score details, and work experience if any.
Step 5 – Enter Your Email ID Correctly Your email ID is extremely important. Your Hall Ticket / Interview Call Letter will be sent ONLY by email. Double-check your email address before submitting.
Step 6 – Upload Required Documents Upload the following documents in the specified formats:
- Latest colour passport-size photo (not older than 6 months) in JPG/JPEG format, maximum 500 KB
- Signature in JPG/JPEG format, maximum 500 KB
- All semester marksheets + final passing certificate as a single PDF, maximum 1 MB
- SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-Serviceman certificate (if claiming age relaxation) as PDF, maximum 1 MB
- GATE score card OR CSIR-UGC NET score card as PDF, maximum 1 MB
Step 7 – Review and Submit Carefully review all the information you have entered. Once satisfied, submit the form. Do not submit multiple applications for the same position.
Step 8 – Save Your Application Save or print your submitted application for future reference. Keep checking your registered email and www.isro.gov.in regularly for interview updates.
📌 Pro Tip Box: — Photo must be recent (within 6 months), coloured, passport-size, in JPG/JPEG only — max 500 KB — Signature also in JPG/JPEG only — max 500 KB — All marksheets combined into ONE single PDF — max 1 MB — GATE/NET score card as PDF — max 1 MB — Do NOT upload photos of objects, ID cards, or anything other than your face in the photo field. Your application will be rejected if you do. — Government employees must also send a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current employer after submitting the online application.
ISRO Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
There is no written examination for ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026. The selection happens in two stages:
Stage 1 – Initial Screening ISRO’s screening committee will shortlist candidates based on academic performance (marks/CGPA), GATE/NET score, and other parameters in the application. Meeting the minimum eligibility does NOT guarantee an interview call. Only the best candidates are shortlisted.
Stage 2 – Document Verification + Interview Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview in Bengaluru. Before the interview begins, original documents will be verified. Only candidates who pass document verification will be allowed to appear for the interview. Travel allowance (2nd class sleeper train fare) will be reimbursed to outstation candidates who clear document verification and appear for interview.
Stage 3 – Final Selection Based on interview performance, a final select panel will be announced on the ISRO website.
Stage 4 – Joining Selected JRFs will be offered the position for an initial period of 2 years, extendable up to a maximum of 5 years (combined JRF + SRF tenure).
Salary / Fellowship Stipend
This is a fellowship, not a regular government job salary. However, the pay is quite good for a research fellowship.
| Stage | Monthly Stipend | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | ₹37,000 per month | Initial 2 years |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | ₹42,000 per month | After 2 years (if upgraded) |
Additional Benefits:
- HRA (House Rent Allowance): Paid at prescribed rates if hostel accommodation is not provided
- Medical benefits: Allowed for self (as per ISRO rules)
- Subsidized canteen facilities: Available
- Maternity Leave: Available for female JRFs as per Government of India rules
- Casual Leave: Available (limited)
- DA (Dearness Allowance): Not paid
Estimated in-hand salary: After HRA addition, total take-home can be approximately ₹40,000–₹50,000 per month depending on city and hostel availability.
This fellowship does NOT lead to permanent ISRO employment. It gives no right or claim to a regular job at URSC or any ISRO/DOS centre.
Preparation Tips for ISRO JRF Interview 2026
Since selection is purely interview-based (after screening), here is how you should prepare:
Time Required: Start preparing 4–6 weeks before your expected interview date. Focus on your core subject and recent developments in your field.
How to Prepare for the Technical Interview:
- Thoroughly revise the core subjects of your postgraduate degree related to your chosen JRF position
- Study your BTech/MTech final year project deeply — interviewers often ask about your own research
- Understand ISRO’s recent missions — Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, NAVIC, and upcoming missions
- Prepare for questions on FPGA, VHDL, VLSI, signal processing, optical systems, or whatever your specialization is
- Read your GATE subject syllabus again — the interview often tests the same concepts
Best Resources:
- NPTEL online courses — free video lectures on every engineering subject (nptel.ac.in)
- GATE Previous Year Papers — understand the depth of questions asked
- ISRO Official Website — read about current projects and departments at URSC
- YouTube channels like NPTEL IIT, Gate Academy, and subject-specific channels for core engineering topics
- Your own MTech thesis / project report — know every detail
Books by Subject:
- VLSI/Digital: “VLSI Design” by Weste & Harris; “Digital Design” by Morris Mano
- Power Electronics: “Power Electronics” by PS Bimbhra
- Optics: “Introduction to Optics” by Pedrotti
- Signal Processing: “DSP” by Proakis & Manolakis
- Thermal: “Heat Transfer” by Cengel & Ghajar
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026 all about?
ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru is hiring 16 Junior Research Fellows across engineering and science specializations. This is a contractual fellowship (not a permanent government job) lasting initially 2 years and extendable up to 5 years.
Q2. Is GATE score mandatory for ISRO JRF 2026?
Yes. You must have a valid GATE score OR have cleared CSIR-UGC NET or any equivalent national-level exam conducted by bodies like DST, DBT, DRDO, IIT, IISc, etc. Without one of these, you are not eligible to apply.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for ISRO JRF Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 11 July 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Q4. Is there any application fee for ISRO JRF 2026?
No. There is absolutely no application fee for any candidate — General, OBC, SC, ST, Female, or PwBD. It is completely free to apply.
Q5. Can final year students apply for ISRO JRF 2026?
No. Only candidates who have already passed their qualifying degree are eligible. Students awaiting final results cannot apply.
The ISRO Recruitment 2026 for Junior Research Fellows is a once-in-a-career opportunity for young engineers and scientists to work inside India’s most celebrated space organization. Whether your passion is FPGA design, optical communications, AI algorithms, thermal systems, or spacecraft testing, ISRO has a position that matches your skills and ambitions. With a fellowship of ₹37,000 per month, potential PhD registration, and the prestige of working on India’s future space missions, this opportunity is worth every effort you put in.
✅ Apply online at www.isro.gov.in under CAREERS between 12 June – 11 July 2026 ✅ Make sure your GATE/NET score is valid and your degree shows minimum 60% ✅ Bookmark this page for future updates and notifications ✅ Share this article with your engineering batchmates, MTech classmates, and friends who deserve this chance ✅ Keep checking your email and ISRO website regularly for interview announcements
Space is calling. Answer it. Best of luck! 🚀🌙
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