IIA Research Trainee Recruitment 2026: The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) has released a recruitment notification for the post of Research Trainee (Observations) under Advertisement No. IIA/14/2026-27, dated 10 November 2026. The institute is inviting online applications from eligible Indian nationals for one vacancy at the Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO), Kavalur.
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Candidates holding an M.Sc. degree in Physics or Astrophysics with at least 60% aggregate marks can apply for this position. The selected candidate will receive a consolidated remuneration of ₹30,000 per month. Interested and eligible candidates must submit their online applications by 9 December 2026, 5:30 PM.
IIA Research Trainee Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) |
| Post Name | Research Trainee (Observations) |
| Advertisement No. | IIA/14/2026-27 |
| Total Vacancies | 01 |
| Job Location | Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO), Kavalur |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Qualification | M.Sc. in Physics / Astrophysics |
| Minimum Marks | 60% aggregate |
| Age Limit | 26 Years |
| Monthly Remuneration | ₹30,000 (Consolidated) |
| Job Type | Temporary, Contract Basis |
| Notification Date | 10 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9 December 2026, 5:30 PM |
| Official Website | www.iiap.res.in |
IIA Research Trainee Recruitment 2026: Nptification PDF Download
Important Dates
Candidates should take note of the following important dates before submitting their applications.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 10 November 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 9 December 2026 |
| Application Closing Time | 5:30 PM |
Vacancy Details
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics has announced one vacancy for the Research Trainee (Observations) position.
| Name of the Post | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Research Trainee (Observations) | 01 |
| Total | 01 |
The selected candidate will initially be posted at the Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO), Kavalur. The institute reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of advertised posts.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must fulfil the educational qualification mentioned in the official notification.
- Applicants must possess an M.Sc. degree in Physics or Astrophysics.
- The degree must be obtained from a recognised University or Institution.
- Candidates must have secured at least 60% aggregate marks.
Candidates with previous work experience in astronomical observations, telescope operations or data analysis will be given preference. Applicants claiming such experience must upload supporting documents along with their applications.
Age Limit
The maximum age limit for the Research Trainee (Observations) post is 26 years.
The upper age limit, educational qualifications and experience will be determined as on the closing date of receipt of completed applications.
Age relaxation is permissible for SC, ST, OBC and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates according to the Government of India rules applicable from time to time.
Salary / Remuneration
Candidates selected for the Research Trainee (Observations) position will receive a consolidated remuneration of ₹30,000 per month.
As mentioned in the notification, the remuneration is inclusive of all allowances. An annual increase of ₹2,500 will be provided based on satisfactory performance.
Job Responsibilities
The selected candidate will be responsible for carrying out astronomical observations using telescopes at night.
Applicants should be physically fit and willing to work throughout the night, with observation duties extending up to 12 hours.
Candidates should carefully consider this work requirement before applying.
Traineeship Duration
The appointment will initially be for a period of one year. It may be extended annually for four additional years, making the maximum traineeship period five years.
The extension will depend on the candidate’s satisfactory performance and the project’s requirements, which will be assessed annually.
The appointment is purely temporary and contractual. It does not provide the benefits of regular employment, and candidates cannot claim regular employment in the institute on the basis of this traineeship.
Application Fee
The official recruitment notification does not mention any application fee. Candidates should check the official application portal for any instructions displayed during the online registration process.
Selection Process
The selection process will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
According to the notification:
- Shortlisting: The institute may shortlist candidates based on their qualifications and experience.
- Written Test: If the number of applicants is high, the institute may conduct a written test to shortlist candidates for the interview.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview.
The notification does not provide a fixed written examination pattern, syllabus, marks distribution or interview date. Candidates should follow the official website for further recruitment updates.
Documents Required
Candidates must upload scanned copies of the documents mentioned in the official notification while completing the online application.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Date of Birth Proof
- Educational Qualification Certificates
- Experience Certificates, if applicable
- Community Certificate, where applicable
Candidates claiming work experience in astronomical observations, telescope operations or data analysis should attach the relevant proof.
How to Apply Online for IIA Research Trainee Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates can follow the steps below to submit their applications.
- Visit the official IIA job application portal: https://www.iiap.res.in/iia_jobs/
- Read the recruitment notification for Advertisement No. IIA/14/2026-27 carefully.
- Complete the online registration process as instructed on the portal.
- Fill in the application form with the required personal, educational and other details.
- Upload the scanned CV, date of birth proof, educational certificates, experience documents and community certificate, as applicable.
- Review the entered information and uploaded documents carefully.
- Submit the completed online application.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
The last date for receipt of online applications is 9 December 2026 at 5:30 PM. Applications must be submitted through the online mode only.
Important Links
| Description | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online / IIA Job Portal | www.iiap.res.in/iia_jobs |
| Official Recruitment Notification PDF | Click to Download |
| IIA Official Website | www.iiap.res.in |
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FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are available in IIA Research Trainee Recruitment 2026?
There is one vacancy for the Research Trainee (Observations) post.
Q2. What is the required educational qualification?
Candidates must have an M.Sc. degree in Physics or Astrophysics with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks from a recognised University or Institution.
Q3. What is the maximum age limit?
The maximum age limit is 26 years. Applicable age relaxation will be provided according to Government of India rules.
Q4. What is the monthly remuneration?
The selected candidate will receive ₹30,000 per month as consolidated remuneration. An annual increase of ₹2,500 is applicable based on satisfactory performance.
Q5. Where will the selected candidate be posted?
The initial place of posting is Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO), Kavalur. The candidate may be posted anywhere in India according to the institute’s requirements.
Q6. What is the last date to apply?
The last date for submitting the online application is 9 December 2026 at 5:30 PM.
Q7. Is a written examination compulsory?
The institute may conduct a written test to shortlist candidates for an interview if the number of applicants is high. A fixed examination pattern has not been provided in the notification.
