IIA Research Trainee Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online

One Research Trainee (Observations) post at Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO), Kavalur, carries a consolidated remuneration of Rs. 30,000 per month for a one-year contract traineeship that may be extended annually up to five years. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous body under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, invites online applications at https://www.iiap.res.in/iia_jobs/. The last date for receipt of online applications is 9 December 2026 at 17:30 hours.

IIA Research Trainee (Observations) Quick Facts

The official notification does not specify the application fee.

About the Institute

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics is an autonomous academic national institution under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, dedicated to research in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Allied Sciences & Technology. Its main campus is in Koramangala, Bengaluru, and it also has the CREST Campus at Hosakote, Bengaluru. It operates field stations at Kavalur and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, Gauribidanur in Karnataka, and Leh/Hanle in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Seats by Trade

The notice does not print a category-wise break-up. It also states that the Institute reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of posts advertised.

Who Can Apply

Qualification

M.Sc in Physics / Astrophysics with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks from a recognized University/Institution. The notice does not print a passing-year window.

Candidates with work experience in astronomical observations, telescopes or data analyses will be given preference. Proof of the work experience should be enclosed while applying. The prescribed qualifications are the minimum required, and mere possession of them does not entitle a candidate to be called for interview.

Age

The age limit is 26 years. The date for determining the upper age limit, qualifications and experience is the closing date prescribed for receipt of completed applications, which is 9 December 2026.

Age Relaxation

Age relaxation is permissible to SC, ST and OBC candidates and also to Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates, as notified by the Government of India from time to time. The notice does not print the number of years.

Nationality

Only candidates of Indian Nationality can apply for this position.

Physical Fitness

The candidate should be fit enough and willing to work full night (up to 12 hours).

Candidates should check the official notification for any further eligibility details.

Stipend and Training Period

The appointment does not entitle the candidate to any privileges or benefits of regular employment, and no claim for regular employment in the Institute will be entertained.

IIA Research Trainee (Observations) Job Description

The selected candidate should discharge responsibilities which include but are not limited to the following:

• The positions are for carrying out astronomical observations with telescopes at night.
• The candidates should be fit enough and willing to work full night (up to 12 hours).

How to Apply for IIA Research Trainee (Observations)

1. Submit the application through the online mode only. The notice directs candidates to https://www.iiap.res.in/iia_jobs/ for registration.
2. Upload a scanned Curriculum Vitae (CV) in the online application.
3. Upload a Date of Birth Proof and the Educational Qualification documents.
4. Upload the Experience documents (proof of work experience) and the Community Certificates.
5. Make sure the completed online application is received by 9 December 2026 at 17:30 hours.

Documents Named in the Notice

• Scanned Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Date of Birth Proof
• Educational Qualification
• Experience (proof of work experience)
• Community Certificates

Selection Process

The notice mentions a written test and an interview. It is open to the Institute to conduct a written test to shortlist candidates for interview in case the attendance of candidates is more.

Where the number of applications is large and it is not convenient or possible to interview all of them, the Institute reserves the right to limit the number of candidates called for interview on the basis of qualifications and experience higher than the minimum prescribed, and also by conducting a written test. The notice does not give the test pattern, marks or the interview date.

Important Dates

Important Instructions

• The selected candidate will be posted to work in VBO, Kavalur, and is liable to be posted anywhere in India as per the requirement of the Institute.
• The Institute reserves the right to cancel the entire recruitment process at any time without assigning any reasons.
• No correspondence will be entertained with candidates not selected for interview or appointment.
• Canvassing in any form will be a disqualification.
• Misrepresentation or falsification of facts, or misconduct or misbehaviour at any stage of the selection process, will result in cancellation of candidature without any notice.

Official Links