ISRO VSSC Recruitment 2026 for Junior Research Fellow is meant for candidates who want to work in research areas related to atmospheric science, space science, planetary science, meteorology, applied physics, and allied fields. The recruitment is being conducted by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre for the Space Physics Laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram, and the official advertisement clearly states that 8 JRF positions are available under Advertisement No. VSSC-339.
For most applicants, the first things to check are the last date, qualification, age limit, and selection method. In this recruitment, applications are accepted online from 20 April 2026 to 05 May 2026. Eligible candidates must hold a relevant M.Sc, M.S, M.E, or M.Tech degree with the required marks and must also have qualified NET, GATE, or JEST. Selection will be based on screening followed by interview, and the fellowship starts at Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA as per rules.
What this recruitment is for
This recruitment is for the post of Junior Research Fellow at the Space Physics Laboratory of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. The programme is aimed at candidates who want to work in atmospheric, space, and planetary science research under ISRO.
The advertisement states that selected candidates will work on specific research themes and may register for a Ph.D. They should also be willing to work anywhere in India, including remote locations, and participate in field experiments, aircraft missions, ship cruises, and related scientific activities as required.
Vacancy details
| Position Code | Post | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| 01/2026 | Junior Research Fellow | 08 |
The official advertisement mentions that the number of positions is provisional. VSSC also reserves the right not to fill all positions if required.
Important dates
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Advertisement date | 20 April 2026 |
| Opening date of online application | 20 April 2026, 10:00 Hrs |
| Closing date of online application | 05 May 2026, 17:00 Hrs |
| Crucial date of eligibility | 05 May 2026 |
The interview date has not been announced in the advertisement. Shortlisted candidates will receive the interview call letter by email, and further updates are expected on the VSSC website.
Educational qualification
Applicants must have either of the following with at least 60% marks as average of all semesters in aggregate, or CGPA/CPI of 6.5 on a 10-point scale, or equivalent:
- M.Sc in Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Space Physics, Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, or Planetary Sciences.
- M.S, M.E, or M.Tech in Atmospheric Science, Space Science, Planetary Science, Applied Physics, or Engineering Physics.
In addition to the degree requirement, candidates must also have qualified at least one of the following:
- CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test, including NET-Lectureship
- GATE
- JEST
This means the postgraduate degree alone is not sufficient. A valid qualifying test mentioned in the advertisement is also necessary.
Age limit and relaxation
The maximum age is 28 years as on 05 May 2026.
- OBC candidates: 31 years
- SC/ST candidates: 33 years
- Persons with Disability: age relaxation as per rules
Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply.
Fellowship amount and tenure
The Junior Research Fellowship carries a fellowship of Rs. 37,000 per month. The advertisement also states that there is a possibility of enhancement to Rs. 42,000 per month as Senior Research Fellowship after two years, subject to successful review of research work.
HRA is admissible as per VSSC rules. Dearness Allowance is not payable. The fellowship is initially for one year and may be renewed annually up to a total period of five years, subject to performance review.
Selection process
Selection will be based on interview performance. Before interview, VSSC will screen applications and shortlist meritorious candidates.
The qualification prescribed in the notification is only the minimum requirement. Meeting the basic eligibility does not automatically guarantee an interview call. The interview will be scheduled at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram, and shortlisted candidates will be informed through email.
The result of the interview will be published later on the VSSC website.
Documents required while applying
The advertisement instructs candidates to upload scanned copies of documents as a single PDF file while submitting the online form.
- M.Sc or M.Tech degree certificate and consolidated mark sheet
- GATE, NET, or JEST score sheet and award letter
- Proof of age
- SC/ST/OBC proof, if applicable
At the interview stage, shortlisted candidates will have to produce original certificates related to qualification, mark sheets, age, and other supporting records. Candidates employed in government, PSU, or autonomous bodies must also produce No Objection Certificate when required.
How to apply online
- Visit the official VSSC website or the VSSC recruitment portal.
- Open Advertisement No. VSSC-339 for Junior Research Fellow.
- Read the full instructions carefully before entering details.
- Fill in personal, academic, and qualifying examination details correctly.
- Upload the required documents as a single PDF file.
- Verify all details before final submission.
- Submit the form before 05 May 2026, 17:00 Hrs.
- Save or print the final submitted application PDF for future reference.
No other mode of application is accepted. The advertisement also makes it clear that no correction request will be entertained after final submission.
Research areas and important instructions
The Space Physics Laboratory works in areas such as boundary layer physics, atmospheric chemistry and dynamics, ionospheric physics, land-atmosphere-ocean interactions, aerosols, trace gases, clouds, meteorology, space weather, and lunar and planetary exploration and modelling.
Candidates with foreign degrees must produce an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities. Applicants do not need to send hard copies of the application or certificates by post or email. The official website should be checked regularly because any corrigendum, addendum, or recruitment update will be published there only.
Outstation candidates called for interview are eligible for reimbursement of to and fro second class sleeper railway fare by the shortest route, subject to submission of valid journey proof and the conditions mentioned in the advertisement.
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 8 Junior Research Fellow positions in Advertisement No. VSSC-339.
The last date to submit the online application is 05 May 2026 up to 17:00 Hrs.
Candidates need a relevant M.Sc, M.S, M.E, or M.Tech degree with at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA/CPI, along with qualification in CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, or JEST.
Yes. The advertisement specifically requires applicants to have qualified CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, or JEST.
The upper age limit is 28 years as on 05 May 2026, with relaxation for reserved categories as mentioned in the advertisement.
Candidates will be shortlisted after screening of applications, and final selection will be based on interview performance.
Selected candidates will receive Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA as per rules, with the possibility of upgradation to SRF after review.