Vacancies: 22 · Posts: 9 · Type: Project & Trainee · Mode: Online/Offline · Fee: Nil · Apply: By 31 Aug 2026 · Remuneration: ₹18,500–₹1,03,400 · Selection: Screening + Test/Interview · Location: Pune, Khodad, Ooty
With the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) India project ramping up and ongoing telescope operations at GMRT Khodad and Ooty, the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA-TIFR) has released Advertisement No. 2026/09 for 22 project and trainee posts. The drive covers Project Administrative Officer, Project Administrative Assistant, Project Technical Assistant (Low Hardware/OMC/SRC), Engineer Trainee (Servo), Library Trainee, Administrative Trainee and Tradesman Trainee (Electrical).
NCRA is a centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research under the Department of Atomic Energy. All posts are based at Pune, Khodad or Ooty and remain transferable within NCRA campuses. Project posts under SKA carry a three-year tenure; trainee posts run for a maximum of two years with no absorption into regular service.
Applications close on 31 August 2026. Age, qualification and experience are reckoned as on the same date. Online application is preferred; offline hard-copy submission is also accepted.
Also Read: MAHATRANSCO Yavatmal Electrician Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 26 Posts
Who Should Apply?
- Graduate + management diploma/certificate + 5 years Level-6 experience → Project Administrative Officer – 2 posts
- Graduate (55%) + 3 years accounts/purchase/admin experience → Project Administrative Assistant – 1 post
- Science Graduate / Diploma (Electronics or allied, 60%) + 1 year hardware experience → Project Technical Assistant (Low Hardware / OMC / SRC) – 8 posts
- B.E./B.Tech (Electronics & Communication / Electronics, 60%) → Engineer Trainee (Servo) – 2 posts
- Graduate + B.Lib.I.Sc / M.Lib.I.Sc → Library Trainee – 1 post
- Graduate + typing & PC knowledge → Administrative Trainee – 6 posts
- NTC/NAC (Electrical) with 60% + Electrical Wireman Licence → Tradesman Trainee (Electrical) – 2 posts
Special reservations apply as per category split shown in the vacancy table. Candidates must be willing to work shifts, weekends and holidays.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification / Advertisement No. | 2026/09 |
| Last Date for Online & Offline Applications | 31 August 2026 |
| Age, Qualification & Experience Cut-off | 31 August 2026 |
| Screening / Written / Skill Test | To be notified |
| Interview / Document Verification | To be notified |
No extension has been announced. Submit at least 2–3 days early if applying offline.
Quick Overview – NCRA Pune Project & Trainee 2026
- Organisation: National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA-TIFR), under the Department of Atomic Energy
- Advertisement No.: 2026/09
- Total Vacancies: 22
- Job Location: Pune, Khodad (GMRT), Ooty (RAC) – transferable within NCRA
- Sector: Research & Scientific (Radio Astrophysics / SKA)
- Official Website: ncra.tifr.res.in
- Apply Online: Apply for NCRA Project & Trainee Posts 2026
- Notification PDF: Available via the same application link (full advertisement + format)
- Last Date: 31 August 2026
- Mode: Online (preferred) or offline hard copy
- Application Fee: Nil
What Posts Are Available? – NCRA Vacancy & Eligibility 2026
Interpretation note: The largest share (8 posts) goes to Project Technical Assistants under the SKA India project. Administrative Trainee offers the highest single-designation count (6). Trainee posts are pure fixed-tenure with no absorption guarantee. Project posts offer higher consolidated pay but remain time-bound.
Project Posts (SKA India – 3-year tenure)
| Post Name | HQ | Vacancies | Category | Max Age | Qualification (short) | Remuneration (TME) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Administrative Officer | Pune | 2 | UR-1, EWS-1 | 40 | Graduate 60% + Mgmt Diploma/Certificate + 5 yrs Level-6 exp | ₹1,03,400 |
| Project Administrative Assistant | Pune | 1 | EWS-1 | 33 | Graduate 55% + 3 yrs accounts/purchase/admin exp | ₹63,900 |
| Project Technical Assistant (Low Hardware) | Pune | 3 | UR-1, SC-1, ST-1 | 28 (UR) / 33 (SC/ST) | Science Grad / Diploma (Electronics, 60%) + 1 yr hardware exp | ₹63,900 |
| Project Technical Assistant (OMC) | Pune | 2 | UR-2 | 28 | Science Grad / Diploma (Electronics, 60%) + 1 yr hardware exp | ₹63,900 |
| Project Technical Assistant (SRC) | Pune | 3 | UR-2, OBC-1 | 28 (UR) / 31 (OBC) | Science Grad / Diploma (Electrical/Electronics/Computers/Network, 60%) + 1 yr large computer system exp | ₹63,900 |
Trainee Posts (Max 2 years, no absorption)
| Post Name | HQ | Vacancies | Category | Max Age | Qualification (short) | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer Trainee (Servo) | Khodad | 2 | UR-2 | 28 | B.E./B.Tech (ECE / Electronics, 60%) | ₹35,000 |
| Library Trainee | Pune | 1 | UR-1 | 28 | Graduate + B.Lib.I.Sc / M.Lib.I.Sc | ₹22,000 |
| Administrative Trainee | Pune / Khodad | 6 | UR-6 | 28 | Graduate + typing & PC knowledge | ₹22,000 |
| Tradesman Trainee (Electrical) | Pune | 2 | UR-2 | 28 | NTC/NAC (Electrical) 60% + Wireman Licence | ₹18,500 |
Age relaxation: As per Government of India rules (OBC +3, SC/ST +5, PwBD +10, etc.). Exact relaxed upper limits appear in the table above for reserved categories where specified.
Examples: ✅ A 27-year-old UR candidate born on 01 September 1998 — eligible for most Trainee posts (within 28-year limit as on 31 August 2026). ❌ A 29-year-old UR candidate born on 01 August 1997 — not eligible for Trainee posts (exceeds maximum age by 1 year).
Use our Age Eligibility Calculator to check instantly.
What Is the Remuneration? – NCRA Project & Trainee Posts 2026
Project posts carry fixed Total Monthly Emoluments (TME). Trainee posts carry a fixed stipend. No DA, HRA or other allowances are indicated beyond the stated TME/stipend.
| Post Category | Monthly Amount | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Project Administrative Officer | ₹1,03,400 | Fixed TME (3-year project) |
| Project Administrative / Technical Assistant | ₹63,900 | Fixed TME (3-year project) |
| Engineer Trainee (Servo) | ₹35,000 | Fixed stipend (max 2 years) |
| Library / Administrative Trainee | ₹22,000 | Fixed stipend (max 2 years) |
| Tradesman Trainee (Electrical) | ₹18,500 | Fixed stipend (max 2 years) |
These are consolidated figures. Actual take-home equals the stated amount (no further deductions mentioned in the notification). For tax planning on higher TME posts, use the Income Tax Calculator.
What Is the Application Fee?
No application fee is charged for any category or post.
How to Apply?
Preferred mode – Online
- Visit the official application portal: Apply for NCRA Project & Trainee Posts 2026 (open until 31 August 2026).
- Register/log in and select the exact post.
- Fill in personal, educational and experience details carefully.
- Upload photograph, signature and required documents (use our Photo & Signature Resizer if needed).
- Submit and note the application reference number.
Offline mode (only if unable to apply online): Print the prescribed format from the same link, fill it, attach self-attested copies of certificates, and send in a sealed envelope superscribed with the post name to:
Administrative Officer-D (Establishment), NCRA-TIFR, Post Bag 3, Ganeshkhind, Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Pune – 411007.
The hard copy must reach by 31 August 2026. Late applications are not considered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for the wrong post code or mixing Project vs Trainee categories.
- Submitting offline applications without the exact superscription on the envelope.
- Uploading unclear or oversized photographs/signatures (portal may reject).
- Claiming experience that does not match the exact Level-6 / hardware / computer-system wording.
- Waiting until the last day — both online portal and postal delivery can face delays.
एनसीआरए पुणे भर्ती 2026 – २२ प्रकल्प व प्रशिक्षु पदांसाठी अर्ज करा
राष्ट्रीय रेडिओ खगोलभौतिकी केंद्र (एनसीआरए-टीआयएफआर) ने जाहिरात क्रमांक २०२६/०९ अंतर्गत २२ प्रकल्प व प्रशिक्षु पदांसाठी भरती जाहीर केली आहे. अर्ज करण्याची अंतिम तारीख ३१ ऑगस्ट २०२६ आहे. सर्व पदे पुणे, खोडद (जीएमआरटी) आणि ऊटी येथे आहेत आणि एनसीआरए कॅम्पसमध्ये हस्तांतरणीय आहेत.
कोण अर्ज करू शकतो? प्रकल्प प्रशासकीय अधिकारी पदासाठी पदवीधर + व्यवस्थापन डिप्लोमा/प्रमाणपत्र + ५ वर्षे अनुभव आवश्यक आहे. प्रकल्प तांत्रिक सहाय्यक पदांसाठी सायन्स पदवी किंवा इलेक्ट्रॉनिक्स डिप्लोमा (६०%) + १ वर्ष हार्डवेअर अनुभव हवा. लायब्ररी प्रशिक्षुसाठी पदवी + बी.लिब./एम.लिब. आणि प्रशासकीय प्रशिक्षुसाठी पदवी + टायपिंग व संगणक ज्ञान पुरेसे आहे. विद्युत व्यापारी प्रशिक्षुसाठी एनटीसी/एनएसी (विद्युत) + वायरमन लायसन्स आवश्यक आहे.
वेतन व कालावधी प्रकल्प पदांना ₹६३,९०० ते ₹१,०३,४०० निश्चित मासिक वेतन (३ वर्षे) मिळते. प्रशिक्षु पदांना ₹१८,५०० ते ₹३५,००० निश्चित स्टायपेंड (कमाल २ वर्षे, नियमित सेवेत सामावून न घेणे) दिले जाते. कोणतेही अर्ज शुल्क नाही.
अर्ज कसा करावा? प्राधान्याने ऑनलाइन अर्ज https://www.ncra.tifr.res.in/advertisements/18 वर करा. ऑफलाइन अर्ज पोस्ट बॅग ३, गणेशखिंड, सावित्रीबाई फुले पुणे विद्यापीठ परिसर, पुणे – ४११००७ येथे पाठवा. अधिक माहितीसाठी ncra.tifr.res.in पहा.
How Are Candidates Selected?
Selection involves screening of applications followed by a written test/skill test/trade test (as applicable) and interview or document verification. Exact stages and weightage are published on the NCRA website under the detailed advertisement. Candidates may be required to work in shifts and on holidays; willingness is assessed during selection.
No physical standards or PET are prescribed for these posts.
Why Does NCRA Pune Matter?
The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) is a premier centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research under the Department of Atomic Energy. It operates the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at Khodad and the Ooty Radio Telescope, and is a key Indian partner in the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.
NCRA’s work sits at the intersection of radio astronomy, advanced instrumentation and high-performance computing. Project posts under SKA give direct exposure to one of the world’s largest scientific infrastructure programmes. Trainee posts offer structured on-the-job learning in a research environment that few pure academic institutes can match.
One realistic downside: trainee positions carry no absorption guarantee, and even project posts are time-bound. Long-term career continuity depends on future vacancies or performance in subsequent open recruitments.
The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst’s Take
Candidates evaluating this drive are usually also looking at trainee or project openings at IUCAA Pune, other TIFR centres, IISER institutes, or DAE research labs. NCRA’s advantage is the combination of radio-astronomy instrumentation exposure and the SKA project tag — something pure academic or pure administrative roles elsewhere rarely offer.
Best fit: Fresh or early-career graduates (especially Electronics, Computer Science, Library Science and general graduates with strong PC skills) who want 1–3 years of high-quality research-institute experience and are comfortable with fixed tenure. Candidates with prior hardware or large-system maintenance experience stand out for the Technical Assistant posts.
Who should skip: Those seeking immediate permanent government employment or pensionable service. The trainee posts explicitly state “no absorption after training.” Candidates unwilling to work shifts or relocate within Pune–Khodad–Ooty should also look elsewhere.
Practical tip: Apply early and prepare a crisp experience write-up that mirrors the exact wording in the notification (Level-6, hardware maintenance, large computer system, etc.). Screening is the first filter and generic CVs get rejected.
What Documents Are Required?
- Online application printout / filled offline form
- Proof of age (SSC / birth certificate)
- Educational certificates & marksheets (all semesters)
- Experience certificates (exact duration and nature matching the post)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) if claiming reservation
- Electrical Wireman Licence (for Tradesman Trainee)
- Passport-size photographs
- Any other document listed in the detailed advertisement
Keep originals ready for verification.
What Happens After Selection?
- An offer letter is issued after final selection and document verification.
- Selected candidates join at the allotted HQ (Pune / Khodad / Ooty).
- Project staff serve a three-year fixed term under the SKA India project.
- Trainees undergo initial one-year training, extendable by one more year subject to performance.
- No automatic absorption into regular NCRA/TIFR service after the tenure ends.
- Further career progression depends on future open recruitments or external opportunities gained from the experience.
Contact & Helpline
Postal Address for Offline Applications & Correspondence: Administrative Officer-D (Establishment), NCRA-TIFR, Post Bag 3, Ganeshkhind, Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Pune – 411007.
Email for application difficulties: estt@ncra.tifr.res.in (as listed on the official site for similar drives).
⚠️ Contact details sourced from the official notification/website. Verify before contacting. NEVER pay any money over the phone or to any person claiming to offer job assistance. Report fraud to cybercrime.gov.in.
Important Links – NCRA Project & Trainee 2026
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online / Download Format | Apply for NCRA Project & Trainee Posts 2026 |
| Official Website | NCRA-TIFR Official Website |
| Notification & Details | Available on the application portal above |
FAQs – NCRA Pune Recruitment 2026
Q1: What is the last date to apply for NCRA Project & Trainee posts 2026?
A: 31 August 2026. Both online and offline applications must be received by this date. No extension has been announced as of 05 August 2026.
Q2: What is the age limit for NCRA Project & Trainee posts?
A: Most Trainee and Technical Assistant posts have a maximum age of 28 years (UR). Project Administrative Officer goes up to 40 years and Administrative Assistant up to 33 years. Age is calculated as on 31 August 2026. Standard GoI relaxations apply.
Q3: Is there an exam for NCRA recruitment, or is it interview-based?
A: Screening of applications is followed by written / skill/trade test and interview or document verification. Exact stages are published on the NCRA website with the detailed advertisement.
Q4: What is the salary of NCRA Project & Trainee posts?
A: Project posts offer fixed TME of ₹63,900–₹1,03,400 per month. Trainee stipends range from ₹18,500 to ₹35,000 per month. These are consolidated figures for the fixed tenure.
Q5: Can final-year students apply for NCRA 2026?
A: No. Qualification and experience must be completed and certificates available as of 31 August 2026. Result-awaited candidates are not eligible.
Q6: Is NCRA Project & Trainee a permanent government job?
A: No. Project posts are fixed-term (3 years under SKA). Trainee posts are for a maximum of 2 years with an explicit “no absorption” clause. Neither is a permanent pensionable post.
Q7: Can candidates from other states apply for NCRA recruitment?
A: Yes. This is an all-India recruitment under a central autonomous institute. Indian citizens from any state can apply.
Q8: Where will I be posted if selected in NCRA?
A: At Pune, Khodad (GMRT) or Ooty (RAC). All posts are transferable within NCRA campuses. Willingness to work shifts and holidays is required.
Q9: Will I get a permanent job after NCRA traineeship?
A: No. The notification clearly states there is no absorption into regular service after the training period ends. Experience gained can help in future open recruitments.
Q10: Is there any application fee for NCRA 2026?
A: No. The notification does not prescribe any application fee for any category.
Q11: What are the disadvantages of these NCRA posts?
A: Here’s the catch — both project and trainee positions are strictly time-bound with no absorption guarantee. After 2–3 years, you return to the open job market, though the NCRA/SKA experience carries strong weight for research and technical roles.
Q12: How much do research institute trainees earn in India?
A: Stipends typically range from ₹15,000–₹35,000 per month depending on the institute and trade. NCRA’s ₹18,500–₹35,000 band sits in the upper half of current research-trainee packages.
Q13: Is radio astronomy project experience useful for future jobs?
A: Yes. Hands-on work with large telescopes, high-performance computing and SKA instrumentation is valued in both academic and industry roles involving scientific computing, hardware and data systems.
Final Checklist – Is This the Right Job for You?
- You meet the age and educational criteria as of 31 August 2026.
- You are comfortable with fixed-term / trainee nature (no permanent claim).
- You can arrange all required documents and experience certificates.
- You are prepared for screening + test/interview stages.
- You are willing to serve at Pune, Khodad or Ooty and work shifts/holidays.
