NCRA Recruitment 2026: Apply Offline for 22 Library Trainee, Administrative Trainee & More

National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) Recruitment 2026: Overview & Key Opportunities

The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), a premier research institute under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), has announced a major recruitment drive for 2026. With Advertisement No. 2026/09, NCRA is inviting applications from eligible candidates for 22 vacancies across administrative, technical, and trainee roles. This is a golden opportunity for graduates, engineers, and ITI holders to work with one of India's leading astrophysics research centers, which operates the world-renowned Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) and the Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT).

The recruitment covers diverse positions, including Project Administrative Officer, Project Technical Assistant, Engineer Trainee, Library Trainee, and more. These roles are spread across NCRA's campuses in Pune, Khodad, and Ooty. Notably, five of the nine posts are dedicated to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) India project, a global initiative to build the world's largest radio telescope. This offers selected candidates a unique chance to contribute to cutting-edge astronomical research.

Whether you are a fresh graduate seeking a trainee position or an experienced professional looking for a project-based role, NCRA Recruitment 2026 has something for you. The application process is straightforward, with both online and offline options available. The last date to apply is 31 August 2026. Read on for a detailed breakdown of vacancies, eligibility, salary, and application steps.

National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) Notification Highlights 2026

Here are the key highlights of the NCRA Recruitment 2026 notification:

• Organization: National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
• Advertisement Number: 2026/09
• Total Vacancies: 22 posts across 9 categories
• Job Locations: Pune, Khodad, and Ooty (transferable within NCRA campuses)
• Age Limit: 28 to 40 years, depending on the post and category
• Educational Qualification: Varies from Graduate to BE/B.Tech, B.Lib.I.Sc, or ITI (NTC/NAC)
• Salary/Stipend: Rs.18,500/- to Rs.1,03,400/- per month (fixed TME)
• Mode of Application: Online (preferred) or Offline (hard copy)
• Last Date to Apply: 31 August 2026
• Application Link: https://tinyurl.com/ncrajob-2026

All eligibility criteria are calculated as of 31 August 2026, which is also the closing date for applications. Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before applying.

About National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) & NCRA 2026

The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) is a distinguished research institution located within the Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus. As a centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), it operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. NCRA is globally recognized for its pioneering work in radio astronomy, particularly through its flagship facilities: the Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT) and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT), the world's largest radio telescope at metre wavelengths, situated about 80 km north of Pune.

NCRA is also an active member of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) consortium, an international effort to build the most sensitive radio telescope ever conceived. The institute offers a vibrant research environment, with state-of-the-art laboratories and a team of dedicated scientists and engineers. Working at NCRA means being at the forefront of astronomical discovery, with opportunities to collaborate on global projects. For the 2026 recruitment, NCRA seeks to fill both project-based and trainee positions, offering a unique blend of administrative, technical, and research support roles.

NCRA Vacancy Details & Post Breakdown 2026

NCRA Recruitment 2026 offers a total of 22 vacancies distributed across nine distinct posts. These positions are categorized into two main groups: SKA India project posts (Sr. No. 1-5) with a 3-year tenure, and trainee posts (Sr. No. 6-9) with a 2-year tenure. Below is the detailed breakdown:

All posts are transferable within NCRA campuses at Pune, Khodad, and Ooty. The headquarters mentioned for each post is the current location, but candidates may be posted to any of the three campuses based on organizational requirements.

Category-Wise Vacancy Reservation for NCRA 2026

The reservation breakdown for NCRA Recruitment 2026 is as follows:

Note: No PwBD or Ex-Servicemen reservations have been specified in the notification. Candidates belonging to reserved categories must produce valid certificates at the time of document verification.

Educational Qualification & Eligibility Criteria for NCRA 2026

The educational qualifications vary significantly across posts. Below is a detailed breakdown:

Project Administrative Officer

Candidates must hold a Graduate degree from a recognized university with at least 60% aggregate marks. Additionally, they need a Diploma/Degree/Certificate course in Management or Administration, along with proficiency in personal computers and applications. A minimum of 5 years of service in Level 6 or equivalent TME is required.

Project Administrative Assistant

Applicants must be Graduates with 55% aggregate marks and proficiency in word processing, database, and accounting procedures. They should have 3 years of experience in Accounts, Purchase, Stores, General Admin, or Establishment in a large, reputed organization.

Project Technical Assistant (Low Hardware & OMC)

For both these posts, candidates need a Full-Time Science Graduate (60% aggregate) in Electronics or an allied field, OR a Full-Time Diploma in Engineering (60% aggregate) in Electronics or allied field. Knowledge of personal computers and applications is essential, along with 1 year of experience in hardware maintenance.

Project Technical Assistant (SRC)

This post requires a Science Graduate or Diploma in Engineering in Electrical/Electronics/Computers/Network or allied fields with 60% marks. Candidates must have 1 year of experience maintaining large computer systems. Essential skills include Computer Organization & Architecture, Networking fundamentals, UNIX/Linux knowledge, programming in Python or other languages, and hardware installation. Desirable skills include virtualization/containerization (Docker), Git, TCP/IP fundamentals, and storage technologies.

Engineer Trainee (Servo)

Applicants must possess a BE/B.Tech in Electronics & Communication or Electronics Engineering from a recognized institute with minimum 60% marks. Desirable experience includes 1 year in embedded systems, digital electronics, control systems, microcontroller/microprocessor-based systems, Assembly/C/VHDL programming, or RTOS/Linux.

Library Trainee

Candidates need a Graduate degree from a recognized university, along with B.Lib.I.Sc or M.Lib.I.Sc. A 0-2 years of experience in the relevant field is preferred.

Administrative Trainee

A Graduate degree from a recognized university is required, along with knowledge of typing and use of personal computers. Fluency in spoken and written English is desired.

Tradesman Trainee (Electrical)

Candidates must hold a National Trade Certificate (NTC) or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) awarded by NCVT in Electrical/Electrician trade with 60% aggregate marks. A valid Electrical Wireman License is mandatory.

Age Limit & Category Relaxations

The maximum age limit varies by post and category. The reference date for age calculation is 31 August 2026. Here is the detailed age structure:

Age relaxation for OBC, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen will be provided as per Government of India norms. Candidates must ensure they meet the age criteria as of the cutoff date.

Salary Details, Pay Scale & Perks

NCRA offers competitive remuneration for its project-based and trainee positions. The salary structure is as follows:

Project posts (Sr. No. 1-5) are tenure-based under the SKA India project and offer a fixed Total Monthly Emoluments (TME). Trainee posts (Sr. No. 6-9) provide a fixed stipend for the training period. While the notification does not explicitly mention additional perks, employees may be eligible for benefits as per NCRA/TIFR rules.

NCRA Selection Process & Examination Phases 2026

The official notification does not detail the selection process in the advertisement text. It directs candidates to a separate link on the NCRA website for selection procedures. However, based on standard practices for such positions, the selection may involve:

• Written Test/Online Test: For technical and administrative posts, a written examination may be conducted to assess subject knowledge and aptitude.
• Skill Test/Trade Test: For trainee positions, especially technical trades, a practical skill test may be held.
• Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be called for a personal interview to evaluate their suitability.
• Document Verification: Candidates must produce original documents for verification.

Candidates are strongly advised to check the official advertisement or application link for the detailed selection procedure before applying.

Application Fee Details

As per the official notification, no application fee is specified for any of the posts. This means that candidates from all categories can apply without paying any fee. However, candidates are advised to check the official website for any updates regarding the application fee.

Important Dates & Schedule

The notification does not mention a separate application opening date; only the closing date of 31 August 2026 is specified. Candidates should apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Required Documents for NCRA Application 2026

While applying for NCRA Recruitment 2026, candidates should keep the following documents ready:

• Educational qualification certificates and mark sheets (degree, diploma, ITI, etc.)
• Date of birth proof (birth certificate, SSLC/10th certificate)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) if applicable
• Experience certificates (for posts requiring experience)
• Valid Electrical Wireman License (for Tradesman Trainee)
• Recent passport-size photograph and signature (scanned)
• Government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
• Email ID and mobile number for registration

For offline applications, candidates must attach self-attested copies of all documents along with the application form.

How to Apply Online

Follow these steps to apply for NCRA Recruitment 2026:

1. Visit the official NCRA website or the direct application link: https://tinyurl.com/ncrajob-2026
2. Read the official notification carefully to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
3. Click on the 'Apply Online' link for the relevant post.
4. Fill in the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and experience details.
5. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required documents.
6. Review the application form to ensure all details are correct.
7. Submit the application form and note down the application reference number.
8. If applying offline, download the application form, fill it, and send it to the designated address along with self-attested documents.

Ensure you submit your application before 31 August 2026. For offline applications, the form must reach the address by the same date.

Important Instructions & Guidelines for NCRA Applicants

• All eligibility criteria (age, qualification, experience) are calculated as of 31 August 2026.
• Candidates must ensure they meet the post-specific qualification and experience requirements.
• For Tradesman Trainee (Electrical), a valid Electrical Wireman License is mandatory; applications without it will be rejected.
• Photograph and signature should be in the prescribed format (usually JPEG/PNG, size as specified in the application form).
• Incomplete applications or those with incorrect details may be rejected.
• Candidates may be required to work in shifts, beyond office hours, and on weekends/holidays as per organizational needs.
• All posts are transferable within NCRA campuses (Pune, Khodad, Ooty).
• Keep a copy of the submitted application and payment receipt (if any) for future reference.

Job Location & Posting Details

The job locations for NCRA Recruitment 2026 are primarily Pune, Khodad, and Ooty. The headquarters for each post is as follows:

• Pune: Project Administrative Officer, Project Administrative Assistant, Project Technical Assistant (all three), Library Trainee, Administrative Trainee, Tradesman Trainee (Electrical)
• Khodad: Engineer Trainee (Servo), Administrative Trainee
• Ooty: All posts are transferable to Ooty as per organizational requirements.

Candidates should be willing to relocate and work at any of the NCRA campuses. The mode of application is online (preferred) or offline for those who cannot apply online.

Final Summary & Advice for Candidates

NCRA Recruitment 2026 presents a unique opportunity to be part of a world-class research institution. With 22 vacancies across diverse roles, candidates from various educational backgrounds can find a suitable position. The application process is simple, and the last date is 31 August 2026. Ensure you read the official notification thoroughly, prepare the required documents, and apply well before the deadline.

For project-based roles under the SKA India project, the tenure is 3 years, offering a chance to contribute to global astronomical research. Trainee positions provide valuable hands-on experience, though there is no absorption into regular service after training. Candidates should carefully consider the tenure and career implications before applying.

We recommend all aspirants to regularly check the official NCRA website for updates and to prepare for the selection process diligently. Good luck with your application!

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Career Content Specialist, SEO Strategist, and Fact-Checking Writer for Sarkari Job Finders

This article has been manually researched, cross-referenced with the official notification, and structured to provide verified, candidate-centric information.

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