BARC has released Advertisement No. 3/2026(R-V) for Research Associate fellowships linked to specialized R&D projects at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai. This recruitment is not a single generic vacancy with one uniform qualification. Instead, candidates have to match themselves against a specific research project, because each project has its own subject requirement, preferred experience, field of work, and fellowship duration.
For applicants, the most important things to understand first are the application mode, deadline, and project fit. The application has to be sent offline in the prescribed format, the last date for receipt of application is 24 April 2026, and candidates must apply separately for each research project with a separate set of documents. The official notice also makes it clear that applications received through email will not be accepted.
Most of the advertised positions are research-intensive fellowships in chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical engineering, biotechnology, agriculture, accelerator science, nuclear physics, and related areas. Fellowship level will be fixed as RA-I, RA-II, or RA-III based on qualifications, post-Ph.D. research experience, publication quality, and interview performance. So before applying, candidates should read the relevant project entry carefully instead of assuming that one qualification will suit every post.
Recruitment Overview
BARC is recruiting Research Associates for multiple R&D projects at Trombay, Mumbai under Advertisement No. 3/2026(R-V). The projects cover different research domains, so candidates should apply only against the project number that matches their subject and research background.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Bhabha Atomic Research Centre |
| Post | Research Associate Fellowship |
| Total posts | 56 |
| Projects covered | 26 research projects |
| Location | Trombay, Mumbai |
| Application mode | Offline |
| Selection | Interview after screening |
This is a project-based research fellowship recruitment, so the role, discipline, and duration vary from one project to another.
Important Dates
The official PDF prominently mentions the last date for receipt of application. Candidates should plan for delivery time and not wait until the end, because this is a postal application process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement number | 3/2026(R-V) |
| Last date for receipt of application | 24 April 2026 |
| Interview date | Not yet announced; only screened-in candidates will be called |
BARC has stated that updates related to selection will be published on its official website, so applicants should keep checking the careers section after applying.
Post Count and Project Scope
The advertisement covers Research Project Nos. 1 to 26. Based on the official project-wise requirement figures in the notification, the total number of Research Associate positions comes to 56.
These fellowships are spread across highly specialized R&D areas such as nuclear fuels and reactor materials, laser and plasma technologies, chemical engineering for nuclear fuel cycle and water purification, rare earth and uranium recovery, muon tomography, radiochemicals and radiopharmaceuticals, accelerator and reactor based nuclear physics, agriculture and biotechnology, and advanced materials.
- Project-wise requirement is not uniform.
- Some projects require 1 Research Associate, while others require multiple fellows.
- Candidates must apply separately for each project they want to be considered for.
Who Can Apply
There is no single universal qualification for all 56 posts. The official notification says educational qualification is as indicated against each research project. Most projects require a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, but a few project entries also accept specified engineering qualifications such as B.E., B.Tech., M.E., or M.Tech. in relevant branches.
| Qualification pattern | What the notice indicates |
|---|---|
| Most projects | Ph.D. in relevant discipline such as Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biosciences, Agriculture, Biotechnology or related area |
| Some engineering-focused projects | B.E. / B.Tech. / M.E. / M.Tech. in specified branches, depending on the project entry |
| Experience preference | Project-specific research experience, technical skills, publications, modelling, simulation, instrumentation or laboratory work may be preferred |
The safest way to judge eligibility is to match your degree and research background with the exact project number you plan to apply for.
Fellowship Amount and Placement Level
BARC will place selected candidates in one of three fellowship levels: RA-I, RA-II, or RA-III. The level is not something the candidate chooses on the form. It is decided by the interview committee based on qualifications, post-Ph.D. research experience, quality of publications or products or processes developed, and performance in the selection interview.
| Level | Amount |
|---|---|
| RA-I | Rs. 58,000 per month plus contingency grant of Rs. 60,000 per annum plus HRA as applicable |
| RA-II | Rs. 61,000 per month plus contingency grant of Rs. 60,000 per annum plus HRA as applicable |
| RA-III | Rs. 67,000 per month plus contingency grant of Rs. 60,000 per annum plus HRA as applicable |
BARC also states that scholars who have only submitted their Ph.D. thesis and are awaiting evaluation are not eligible for this fellowship.
Duration of Fellowship
The duration is project-dependent. For many projects, the notice states maximum three years. Some projects carry a specific end date, such as up to 30 June 2029, up to 31 January 2029, or up to 31 January 2028, depending on the research project.
This means candidates should not assume that every fellowship runs for exactly the same period. The applicable duration is the one printed against the project number in the official notification.
- Maximum duration for many entries: 3 years
- Some entries mention a fixed end date or maximum three years, whichever is earlier
- Duration should be checked project-wise before applying
How to Apply Offline
The official process is offline only. Candidates have to use the prescribed application format given in the advertisement and send the completed application with supporting documents by post.
- Download the official advertisement PDF and application format.
- Choose the exact Research Project Number you want to apply for.
- Fill the application form carefully with personal, academic, and research details.
- Attach one set of photocopies of mark sheets, degree certificates, academic credentials, and work experience documents.
- Send the application to the notified BARC postal address.
- Write the Research Project Number clearly on the envelope.
BARC has specifically said that applications received through email will not be accepted or considered.
Postal Address and Envelope Instructions
The advertisement gives a specific recipient and postal address for submission. Candidates should copy the address carefully and ensure the correct Research Project Number is written on the envelope.
Applications should be sent to:
Deputy Establishment Officer, Recruitment-V, Central Complex, BARC, Trombay, Mumbai-400085
The envelope should be superscribed with the relevant Research Project Number. If you want to apply for more than one project, BARC requires a separate application and a separate set of documents for each project.
Documents to Send with the Application
The official notification says candidates should send the prescribed format with complete bio-data and one set of photocopies of academic and experience documents. The application form in the PDF also shows the type of personal and category information BARC expects.
- Filled application form in prescribed format
- Complete bio-data
- Photocopies of mark sheets
- Degree certificates from SSC onward up to the highest qualification mentioned for the project
- Other academic credentials
- Work experience documents, if applicable
- Category certificate, if applicable
- Recent passport-size photograph
At the interview stage, shortlisted candidates must bring a copy of the application, a valid photo identity card, and all original documents.
Selection Process
BARC has stated that selection will be on interview basis only. However, applications will first be screened. Only screened-in candidates will be called for interview.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Scrutiny and screening of applications |
| Stage 2 | Interview of screened-in candidates |
| Final placement | RA-I, RA-II, or RA-III decided by the interview committee |
The notice also says BARC will publish selection-related information on its website, and candidates are expected to check it periodically.
Important Conditions Before You Apply
There are several conditions in the official notice that applicants should read carefully before sending the form.
- Applications through email will not be accepted.
- Candidates should apply separately for each research project with a separate set of documents.
- Scholars awaiting evaluation of Ph.D. thesis are not eligible for the fellowship.
- Hostel accommodation will not be provided to Research Associates.
- Corrigendum or addendum, if any, will be uploaded only on the BARC website.
- Supplying false, incomplete, forged, or misleading information can lead to cancellation of candidature.
- Legal disputes related to this notification are subject to Mumbai jurisdiction only.
- Canvassing in any form will lead to disqualification.
If you are unsure about a project match, it is better to read the exact project entry in the official PDF before preparing the application packet.
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for BARC Research Associate Recruitment 2026?
The last date for receipt of application is 24 April 2026.
How many posts are covered under this BARC recruitment?
The advertisement covers 56 Research Associate posts across multiple research projects.
Is the application mode online or offline for BARC Research Associate 2026?
The application mode is offline. Candidates have to send the application by post in the prescribed format.
Can I apply by email for BARC Research Associate Recruitment 2026?
No. The official notice clearly states that applications received through email will not be accepted or considered.
What is the fellowship amount for BARC Research Associates?
RA-I is Rs. 58,000 per month, RA-II is Rs. 61,000 per month, and RA-III is Rs. 67,000 per month, along with HRA and a contingency grant of Rs. 60,000 per annum.
What qualification is required for BARC Research Associate posts?
Qualification is project-specific. Most projects require a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, while some entries accept specified B.E., B.Tech., M.E., or M.Tech. qualifications.
How will selection be done for BARC Recruitment 2026 Research Associate posts?
Selection will be on interview basis only, after screening of applications. Only screened-in candidates will be called for interview.