IIG Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 — 26 Vacancies

About This Job

IIG is hiring 26 Junior Research Fellows (JRF) for its Doctoral Programme in Geomagnetism and Allied Fields. If you have an M.Sc. in Physics, Geophysics, Space Physics, or related subjects with at least 60% marks, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 30 April 2026. Age limit is up to 27 years as on 1 July 2026. The monthly stipend is Rs. 37,000 per month as per DST guidelines.

Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - 26 Posts

Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) is an autonomous research institute under the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, based in Navi Mumbai. It conducts frontline research in Geomagnetism, Solid Earth Physics, Space Weather, Upper Atmospheric/Ionospheric Physics, and Space Plasma Physics. 26 JRF seats are open for the 2026 Doctoral Programme — this is a great opportunity for science postgraduates who want to pursue a PhD in cutting-edge earth and space science research. If you hold a valid GATE/NET/INSPIRE(JRF) certificate, you get a direct interview call without any entrance test.

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification

• You need an M.Sc. or M.Sc.(Tech.) in Physics, Geophysics, Space Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied Geology, Applied Mathematics, Applied Geophysics, Marine Geophysics, or allied subjects.
• Minimum marks required: 60% or equivalent CGPA in M.Sc./M.Sc.(Tech.).
• Your B.Sc. must have Physics or Mathematics as one of the subjects.
• If you are in the final year of your M.Sc. and expect results before August 2026, you can also apply now.

Relaxation in Marks

• Candidates from SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/PwBD/EWS categories get a 5% relaxation in minimum qualifying marks on production of valid certificate, as per UGC norms.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 27 years as on 1 July 2026.
• Age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/EWS categories as per Government of India reservation policy.

Salary / Stipend

• JRF Stipend: Rs. 37,000 per month (as per DST/Govt. of India guidelines).
• After 2 years, the fellowship is upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) with a stipend of Rs. 42,000 per month.
• HRA and other allowances as applicable under IIG/DST guidelines.
• A contingency grant is also provided to support research expenses.

Application Fee

• All categories: Rs. 100/- (non-refundable)
• Payment mode: Online only via the application portal.

Selection Process

Selection happens in two tracks depending on whether you have a qualifying national exam certificate:

1. Direct Interview Track (with GATE/NET/INSPIRE-JRF): If you hold a valid GATE, NET, or INSPIRE(JRF) certificate in relevant subjects (valid as of January 2026), you are called directly for the interview at IIG, Navi Mumbai — no entrance exam needed.
2. Entrance Exam + Interview Track (without GATE/NET/INSPIRE): You must first appear for an IIG Entrance Exam conducted at Navi Mumbai. Minimum qualifying marks in the entrance exam: 50% (45% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/EWS). Candidates who qualify are then called for the interview.

Entrance Exam Pattern:

• 50% subject-specific questions from relevant disciplines
• 50% general questions including basic research methodology related to IIG research areas

Weightage in Final Selection:

• Entrance Exam: 70% weightage
• Interview: 30% weightage

Government of India reservation policy is followed throughout the selection process.

How to Apply

1. Go to the IIG careers page at iigm.res.in/careers/research-scholars.
2. Click on the online application link available on the page.
3. Fill in the online application form with your personal, educational, and other details.
4. Upload all required documents (photo, signature, certificates).
5. Pay the application fee of Rs. 100/- online.
6. Submit your application before 30 April 2026.

Outstation candidates called for the entrance exam or interview will be reimbursed second class train fare by the shortest route on production of a valid confirmed/RAC travel ticket, as per IIG policy.

Important Dates

• Notification / Advertisement Number: 01/IIG/HRD/2026/Research Scholar
• Online Application Start: 1 April 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 30 April 2026
• Exam / Interview Date: To be announced

• Conduct original research in Geomagnetism, Space Physics, Atmospheric Science, or related fields as assigned
• Work with state-of-the-art experimental and high-performance computing facilities at IIG
• Prepare and present research findings at internal seminars and academic conferences
• Assist senior scientists in data collection, analysis, and interpretation
• Write and contribute to research papers and publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Maintain accurate records of experimental work, data, and observations
• Register for and progress towards a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree as per IIG programme requirements