BARC JRF 2026 Notification: Complete Eligibility, Stipend, Dates & Apply Online Guide
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, has released the official notification for the Selection of Junior Research Fellows (JRF) 2026 under Advertisement No. 4/2026(R-V). This is a fantastic opportunity for M.Sc. / Integrated M.Sc. / B.S-M.S. students in Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences who want to pursue cutting-edge research and a PhD at HBNI (Homi Bhabha National Institute). A total of 105 fellowships (indicative) are available with a monthly stipend of ₹37,000, which increases to ₹42,000 after two years. This is one of the most prestigious PSU jobs in the research domain.
The online application window is open from 10 March 2026 to 31 March 2026 on the official BARC OCES exam portal. Candidates who have cleared national-level exams like CSIR-NET, JEST, GATE, ICMR-JRF, ICAR-JRF, DBT-JRB, or JGEEBILS are eligible to apply. In this article on GovtJobsAlert.in, you’ll find everything — eligibility, stipend details, selection process, important dates, and how to apply. If you hold a post-graduate degree and dream of a research career, read on carefully.
What Are the Key Highlights of BARC JRF 2026?
BARC is a premier research institute under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India. It is dedicated to multi-disciplinary research supporting India’s nuclear energy programme. BARC offers Junior Research Fellowships to young, talented students for PhD-level research in frontier areas of Physical, Chemical, and Life Sciences.
- Post Name: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
- Total Fellowships: 105 (Indicative)
- Stipend: ₹37,000/month (JRF) → ₹42,000/month (SRF from 3rd year)
- Job Location: BARC Mumbai, Kalpakkam, Indore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam
- Last Date to Apply: 31 March 2026
What is the Fellowship Breakdown for BARC JRF 2026?
The 105 fellowships are distributed across three main subject areas. The exact number per subject will be decided based on the requirement at the time of final selection.
| Subject | Eligible Branches |
|---|---|
| Physics | M.Sc. Physics (Maths at B.Sc. level required) |
| Chemistry | General, Applied, Organic, Inorganic, Physical, Analytical |
| Life Sciences | Life Science, Botany, Zoology, Agriculture, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, and more |
Note: Candidates with specialisations in Electronics and Instrumentation, Industrial Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Textile Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Fisheries, Horticulture, Forestry, Medicine, or B.Tech/M.Tech in Life Sciences are NOT eligible.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for BARC JRF 2026?
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold one of the following qualifications:
- M.Sc. with minimum 60% in B.Sc. and 55% in M.Sc. from a recognised university
- 5-year Integrated M.Sc. / B.S-M.S. (Dual Degree) with minimum 55% aggregate
- 4-year / 8-semester B.S. (with 4th year Research) with minimum 75% aggregate
- Candidates awaiting final results may also apply (subject to conditions in notification)
Mandatory: Must have cleared at least one of these national-level exams (valid as on 01-07-2026):
- UGC-CSIR NET Fellowship (SLET / Lectureship not eligible)
- JEST Score
- ICMR-JRF Test or ICAR-JRF Test
- DBT-JRB Biotechnology Eligibility Test
- GATE Score in Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, or Biotechnology
- JGEEBILS
All academic requirements must be completed before 10 August 2026.
Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General / UR / EWS | Below 28 years |
| OBC-NCL | Below 31 years (3 years relaxation) |
| SC / ST | Below 33 years (5 years relaxation) |
| PwBD | Additional 10 years relaxation |
As-on date: 01 August 2026
What is the Fellowship Stipend for BARC JRF 2026?
The fellowship follows a structured progression over 5 years, with a PhD registration at HBNI (Homi Bhabha National Institute), a deemed university under the Department of Atomic Energy.
- Year 1-2 (JRF): ₹37,000 per month (consolidated)
- Year 3-5 (SRF): ₹42,000 per month (consolidated, on satisfactory performance)
- Contingency Grant: ₹60,000 per year (including book allowance)
- Total Fellowship Duration: 5 years
Selected candidates will register for a PhD at HBNI. On satisfactory performance, the JRF is upgraded to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) from the third year. Financial assistance to attend one international conference abroad may also be provided.
Apart from the stipend, fellows are eligible to join the Contributory Health Services Scheme of BARC. At stations with hostel accommodation, stay is mandatory. Where hostel is not available, House Rent Allowance (HRA) is provided as per Government of India guidelines. Interview travel expenses (Third AC railway fare) are reimbursed.
What is the Selection Process for BARC JRF 2026?
The selection process consists of two stages:
Stage 1: Screening
- Applications will be scrutinised based on eligibility criteria and national-level exam scores.
- Candidates will be shortlisted for interview based on their qualifying exam performance.
- The number of candidates called for interview will be decided by the Selection Committee.
Stage 2: Interview at BARC, Mumbai
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for an in-person interview at BARC, Mumbai.
- Final selection is based entirely on interview performance.
- Research project allotment is based on interview performance.
- In case of a tie, M.Sc. / B.Sc. marks will be considered.
The recommendation of the Selection Committee is final and binding. The interview is tentatively scheduled for June-July 2026. For preparation tips, check the Syllabus section on our website.
How to Apply Online for BARC JRF 2026?
Before applying, keep your M.Sc. / B.Sc. marksheets, degree certificates, qualifying exam score card, passport-size photograph (JPEG, max 50 KB), and caste certificate (if applicable) ready.
- Visit the BARC OCES exam portal (link in Essential Links section below).
- Click on the JRF 2026 application link and register with your personal details.
- Fill in your educational qualifications, discipline details, and qualifying exam information.
- Upload your passport-size photograph, signature, marksheets, degree certificate, and qualifying exam score card.
- Pay the application fee of ₹500 through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
- Submit the application and download the printout for your records.
Important: Only online applications are accepted. Do NOT submit multiple applications. The application is deemed complete only after uploading all required documents and paying the fee.
What are the Important Dates for BARC JRF 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 10 March 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 31 March 2026 |
| Qualifying Exam Valid As On | 01 July 2026 |
| Academic Completion Deadline | 10 August 2026 |
| Age Reckoning Date | 01 August 2026 |
| Interview (Tentative) | June-July 2026 |
What is the Application Fee for BARC JRF 2026?
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹500 |
| Women (All Categories) | Exempted |
| SC / ST | Exempted |
| PwBD | Exempted |
Payment Mode: Online only — Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI. The fee is non-refundable.
Essential Links — BARC JRF Recruitment 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for BARC JRF 2026
- Visit BARC Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
This is a golden chance for science post-graduates to work at one of India’s most prestigious research centres. With 105 fellowships, a generous stipend of ₹37,000 – ₹42,000 per month, and a direct path to a PhD from HBNI, this opportunity is hard to match. Apply before 31 March 2026 and take the first step towards an exciting research career. For more PSU job alerts and government job updates, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in.