The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre has started the online application process for 105 Junior Research Fellowships under the JRF-2026 programme. This is a valuable opportunity for candidates interested in research careers in science and pursuing a PhD at a premier institute.

The application process began on March 10, 2026, and candidates can apply online until March 31, 2026 through the official BARC website.

BARC JRF 2026 Programme Overview

Selected candidates will carry out research at BARC and will be enrolled in a PhD programme at Homi Bhabha National Institute. HBNI is a deemed university under the Department of Atomic Energy and is known for advanced research in science and technology.

Applications for the fellowship are accepted only in online mode.

Important Dates for BARC JRF 2026

Candidates should keep track of the complete schedule to avoid missing any important event:

  • Application Start Date: March 10, 2026
  • Last Date to Apply: March 31, 2026
  • Fee Payment Window: March 10 to March 31, 2026
  • List of Shortlisted Candidates: May 19, 2026
  • Interview Slot Booking: May 21 to May 28, 2026
  • Interview Dates: June 22 to July 3, 2026
  • Final Result Announcement: July 15, 2026
  • Medical Examination: August 12 to August 14, 2026
  • Programme Start Date: August 17, 2026

Fellowship Details and Eligibility Criteria

BARC has announced 105 fellowships in disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences.

Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree like M.Sc., Integrated M.Sc., B.S.-M.S., or a B.S. degree with a research component in the relevant field.

Candidates will be shortlisted based on valid scores in national-level exams such as UGC-CSIR-NET, GATE, JEST, ICMR-JRF, ICAR-JRF, DBT-JRB, or JGEEBILS. These scores must be valid as of July 1, 2026.

Applicants must be Indian citizens and should be below 28 years of age as on August 1, 2026. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.

Fellowship Amount and Benefits

Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 37,000 for the first two years as Junior Research Fellows. Based on performance, the fellowship may be upgraded to Senior Research Fellow with a monthly stipend of Rs 42,000.

In addition to the stipend, fellows will receive an annual contingency grant of Rs 60,000. Medical facilities will be provided under the CHSS scheme.

The total duration of the fellowship is five years.

Accommodation will be provided in the institute hostel, and staying in the hostel is mandatory during the PhD programme.

Selection Process and Interview

The final selection will be based on performance in the interview conducted by BARC.

Candidates shortlisted for interviews will be informed through the official portal. It is important to regularly check updates and follow the schedule for interview slot booking.

How to Apply for BARC JRF 2026

Interested candidates need to apply online through the official BARC website. The application process includes registration, filling out the form, uploading required documents, and paying the application fee.

Applicants should carefully read the official notification before submitting the form. It is also recommended to complete the process using a desktop or laptop for a smoother experience.

Conclusion

The BARC JRF 2026 programme offers a strong pathway for students aiming to build a career in scientific research. With financial support, PhD enrolment at a reputed institute, and access to advanced research facilities, this opportunity is highly competitive and rewarding.