The Indian Institute of Geomagnetism has released its 2026 Research Scholar notification for admission to the Junior Research Fellowship programme. The advertisement is for 26 positions, and the selected candidates will pursue doctoral research in geomagnetism and allied areas linked to solid Earth, space weather, upper atmospheric and ionospheric physics, and space plasma physics. Although many users search for this as a recruitment notification, the official notice presents it as admission to the JRF programme for research scholars.
The notification is important because it clearly sets out the eligibility, age limit, selection route, application fee, and place of research work. Candidates with a valid GATE, NET, or INSPIRE (JRF) qualification in the relevant subjects may be shortlisted directly for interview. Candidates who do not hold one of these valid qualifications will have to appear in an entrance examination conducted by IIG and then attend the interview.
For 2026, the main points candidates need first are straightforward: the application process is online only, the last date to apply is 30 April 2026, the application fee is Rs. 100, the maximum age is 27 years as on 01 July 2026, and the minimum educational requirement is a relevant M.Sc. or M.Sc. (Tech.) degree with at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA. Final exam and interview dates have not been announced in the notification and are expected to be communicated later by the institute.
Recruitment overview and important dates
The 2026 IIG Research Scholar notification has been issued for admission to the Junior Research Fellowship programme. Applications are being accepted through online mode only.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application start date | 01 April 2026 |
| Last date to submit online application | 30 April 2026 |
| Entrance exam date | Not yet announced |
| Interview date | Not yet announced |
| Result / shortlist | Not yet announced |
Candidates should keep checking the official IIG website because the notification does not specify the entrance test or interview schedule.
Total posts and nature of the programme
IIG has notified 26 Research Scholar positions. The advertisement also states that the number of vacancies may increase or decrease.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Total posts | 26 |
| Nature | Admission to JRF programme leading to doctoral research |
| Institute status | Autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India |
The programme is aligned to research in geomagnetism and allied fields relevant to solid Earth studies, space weather, upper atmospheric and ionospheric physics, and space plasma physics.
Eligibility criteria and academic qualifications
Candidates must hold an M.Sc. or M.Sc. (Tech.) degree in the relevant subjects with the required marks. The notice also permits final-year postgraduate candidates to apply if they expect their results before August 2026.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible postgraduate disciplines | Physics, Geophysics, Space Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied Geology, Applied Mathematics, Applied Geophysics, Marine Geophysics, and allied subjects |
| Minimum marks | 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in M.Sc. or M.Sc. (Tech.) |
| Bachelor's level condition | Physics or Mathematics must have been a subject in B.Sc. |
| Final-year PG candidates | Eligible to apply if result is expected before August 2026 |
A relaxation of 5% marks or equivalent grade is available to SC, ST, OBC non-creamy layer, PwBD, and EWS candidates on production of a valid certificate, in line with the applicable UGC notification.
Age limit and relaxation
The maximum age prescribed in the notification is 27 years as on 01 July 2026.
| Category | Age condition |
|---|---|
| All applicants | Maximum 27 years as on 01 July 2026 |
| Reserved category relaxation | No separate age-relaxation clause is stated in the short advertisement |
Candidates should rely on the official advertisement and any later instructions issued by IIG. The revised notification specifically mentions the age ceiling but does not separately list category-wise age relaxation in the extracted text of the advertisement.
Selection process
The selection route depends on whether the applicant holds a valid national-level research qualification.
- Candidates with a valid GATE, NET, or INSPIRE (JRF) certificate in the relevant subjects may be called directly for interview.
- Candidates who do not hold one of these valid qualifications will have to appear for an entrance examination conducted by IIG.
- Those who take the IIG entrance examination will then appear for interview at IIG, Navi Mumbai.
The notification further states that the reservation policy of the Government of India will be followed during the process.
Entrance exam pattern and qualifying marks
The short advertisement gives a broad outline of the entrance examination rather than a full syllabus. Candidates who need the full academic orientation should also review the institute's Ph.D. coursework and programme guidelines.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum qualifying marks in entrance exam | 50% |
| Relaxation in qualifying marks | 5% for SC, ST, OBC non-creamy layer, PwBD, and EWS candidates with valid certificate |
| Question mix | 50% subject-specific questions and 50% general questions |
| General section focus | Includes basic research methodology relevant to IIG research areas |
| Weightage in final selection | 70% exam and 30% interview |
This 70:30 weightage applies to the selection process where the entrance examination is conducted.
Fellowship tenure, support, and fee
The advertisement says that tenure and fellowship or stipend for the Research Scholar as JRF or SRF will be governed by IIG guidelines. The short revised notification does not state a monthly fellowship amount.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Rs. 100 non-refundable |
| Mode of fee payment | Online only |
| Fellowship tenure | Five years as per institute guidelines for research scholars |
| Additional academic support | Book grant of Rs. 10,000 per annum for a maximum of three years from second year onwards, as per programme guidelines |
| University-related fee support | Ph.D. registration and related academic charges are reimbursable during the approved tenure, as per institute guidelines |
Because the monthly fellowship amount is not specified in the revised advertisement, candidates should treat any non-official figures circulating elsewhere with caution.
Place of research work and programme structure
Selected candidates will not necessarily work only at the headquarters. The advertisement clearly states that research work may be assigned at different IIG locations.
| Location type | Place |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | IIG, Navi Mumbai |
| Regional centre | EGRL, Tirunelveli |
| Regional centre | KSKGRL, Prayagraj |
| Regional centre | NEGRL, Shillong |
| Other | Any magnetic observatory, as assigned |
Under the institute's research scholar guidelines, candidates admitted to the programme have to undergo coursework in two semesters, maintain the required attendance, and continue research within the approved academic framework for the Ph.D. programme.
How to apply online
The application has to be submitted online through the institute's Research Scholars page. Candidates should complete the form carefully and keep copies of the submitted application for future stages.
- Visit the official IIG careers page for Research Scholars.
- Open the JRF Programme 2026 notification and application link.
- Complete the online application form with personal, academic, and category details.
- Upload the required information and documents in the prescribed manner on the portal.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 100 through the online mode.
- Submit the form before 30 April 2026 and keep a copy for record.
The institute's programme guidelines also note that candidates should keep a printout of the application form for document verification at the interview stage.
Documents, reserved category benefits, and travel assistance
Candidates claiming relaxation in marks must produce a valid certificate issued by the competent authority. This is important for SC, ST, OBC non-creamy layer, PwBD, and EWS applicants.
- Keep postgraduate and bachelor's degree records ready.
- Keep category certificate ready if claiming any relaxation in qualifying marks.
- Candidates with valid GATE, NET, or INSPIRE (JRF) qualification should keep the certificate ready for verification.
- Final-year postgraduate applicants should ensure that their results are declared before August 2026 if selected.
The revised advertisement also provides travel assistance to outstation candidates. As per IIG policy, second class train fare by the shortest route is payable, subject to submission of photocopy of a valid confirmed or RAC travel ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many posts are announced in IIG Research Scholar Recruitment 2026?
The notification announces 26 Research Scholar positions, and the number may increase or decrease.
What is the last date to apply for IIG Research Scholar Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 30 April 2026.
What is the application fee for IIG Research Scholar Recruitment 2026?
The application fee is Rs. 100 and it has to be paid online.
What is the maximum age limit for IIG Research Scholar Recruitment 2026?
The maximum age is 27 years as on 01 July 2026.
What qualification is required for IIG Research Scholar Recruitment 2026?
Candidates need M.Sc. or M.Sc. (Tech.) in eligible subjects with at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA, with Physics or Mathematics as a subject in B.Sc.
Do GATE or NET qualified candidates have to appear for the IIG entrance exam?
Candidates with a valid GATE, NET, or INSPIRE (JRF) certificate in the relevant subjects may be called directly for interview.
What is the selection process for candidates without GATE, NET, or INSPIRE (JRF)?
Such candidates have to appear for an IIG entrance examination and then attend the interview at IIG, Navi Mumbai.