ISRO launches Junior Research Fellowship program, applications open until July 11

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has invited applications for its Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) program at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru, offering opportunities for postgraduate candidates to pursue research in science and engineering disciplines.

Applications can be submitted through the official ISRO website, isro.gov.in, and the deadline to apply is July 11, 2026.

The fellowship is open to candidates holding ME, MTech, MSc (Engineering), or MSc degrees in relevant fields.

Research positions are available in areas including artificial intelligence and machine learning, electronics and VLSI, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science and information technology, and physics and mathematics.

For positions JRF-E1 to JRF-E12 and JRF-M1 to JRF-M3, applicants must have a first-class ME, MTech, MSc (Engineering), or equivalent postgraduate degree with at least 60% marks or a CGPA of 6.5 on a 10-point scale.

For the JRF-E13 position, candidates must possess either a first-class MSc with a minimum of 65% marks or a CGPA of 6.84/10 or a first-class MTech or equivalent postgraduate degree with at least 60% marks or a CGPA of 6.5/10.

Applicants must also have qualified through CSIR-UGC NET, including lectureship, GATE, or other recognized national-level examinations conducted by central government agencies and institutions. Exams considered equivalent to NET include CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, JAM, and JEST.

The upper age limit is 28 years as of July 11, 2026. Age relaxation of three years is available for OBC candidates, while SC and ST applicants are eligible for a five-year relaxation.

Additional relaxations will be provided in accordance with Government of India rules for ex-servicemen, persons with benchmark disabilities, widows, divorced women, and judicially separated women who have not remarried.

Candidates can apply by visiting the Careers section on the ISRO website, registering with an email ID, completing the application form, and submitting it online. Applicants are advised to save a copy of the submitted form for future reference.

ISRO said candidates will first undergo a screening process based on academic performance and details provided in the application. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews, and call letters will be sent via email.

The fellowship is initially offered for two years and may be extended based on project requirements and performance evaluations.

Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of ₹37,000, which may increase to ₹42,000. The combined tenure as a Junior Research Fellow and Senior Research Fellow can extend up to five years.

ISRO clarified that selection under the fellowship program does not guarantee regular employment at URSC or any other ISRO or Department of Space center.

Candidates selected for interviews must produce original educational certificates, mark sheets, proof of age, work experience documents, and valid NET, GATE, or equivalent examination scorecards, along with self-attested copies.

The agency also stated that degrees obtained through Open and Distance Learning programs will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted online, and all future communication will be conducted through email or the official ISRO website.

Only candidates who have completed their qualifying degrees are eligible to apply. Students awaiting final results cannot participate in the recruitment process.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to be held in Bengaluru, although ISRO reserves the right to change the venue or schedule if required.