NCRA–TIFR Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for Administrative, Clerical, Technical & Security Posts

NCRA–TIFR Recruitment 2026 – Detailed Notification for Administrative, Clerical, Technical & Support Staff

The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Pune, has announced Recruitment Advertisement No. 2026/08. This notification is a golden opportunity for candidates across India, especially bona fide Himachali aspirants, to join one of the most prestigious research institutes under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. The recruitment drive covers multiple posts including Administrative Assistant, Clerk, Driver, Laboratory Assistant, and Security Guard, with postings at Pune HQ and the Khodad GMRT site.

About NCRA–TIFR

The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics is internationally recognized for its pioneering contributions to radio astronomy. Situated inside the Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, NCRA–TIFR operates two world-class facilities:

• Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT): Located in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, this telescope has been a cornerstone of Indian radio astronomy for decades.
• Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT): Located about 80 km north of Pune at Khodad, GMRT is the world’s largest radio telescope at metre wavelengths. It attracts astronomers from across the globe for cutting-edge research.

Working at NCRA–TIFR means contributing to global science while enjoying the stability of government employment. The institute is known for its rigorous standards, transparent recruitment process, and emphasis on both academic excellence and technical expertise.

Vacancy Overview

The recruitment notification lists a total of 8 posts across different categories. Below is a detailed breakdown:

Each post comes with specific eligibility criteria, experience requirements, and physical fitness standards. The honorarium and pay levels are aligned with government norms, ensuring fair compensation and career stability.

Why This Recruitment Matters

This recruitment drive is not just about filling vacancies—it is about strengthening India’s scientific infrastructure. By hiring skilled administrative staff, clerks, drivers, laboratory assistants, and security personnel, NCRA–TIFR ensures smooth functioning of its world-class facilities. Every role, whether technical or support, contributes to the larger mission of advancing radio astronomy research.

Eligibility Criteria and Job Descriptions

The NCRA–TIFR recruitment notification specifies clear eligibility requirements for each post. Candidates must carefully review the qualifications, experience, and age limits before applying. Below is a detailed explanation of each role, its responsibilities, and the skills required.

1. Administrative Assistant-B (Pune)

Essential Qualification: Graduate from a recognized University/Institute with at least 55% marks. Proficiency in word processing, database management, and accounting procedures is mandatory.

Experience: Minimum 5 years in Establishment/HR section of a large and reputed organization.

Desirable: Knowledge of Central Government rules, CCS rules, FR-SR, and service regulations.

Job Description: Responsibilities include manpower planning, maintaining rosters, managing leaves, LTC, pay fixation, conduct rules, and other service-related tasks. This role is crucial for ensuring smooth HR operations within NCRA–TIFR.

Age Limit: Maximum 33 years (relaxation as per rules).

2. Clerk-A (Pune)

Essential Qualification: Graduate with 50% marks, typing skills, and computer proficiency (MS Office). Certificates from government-recognized institutions are required.

Experience: At least 1 year in clerical duties and correspondence in a reputed organization.

Desirable: Strong typing speed, advanced computer knowledge, and familiarity with Central Government procedures.

Job Description: Handling clerical work, correspondence, file management, and assisting administrative sections. Clerks are the backbone of office operations.

Age Limit: Maximum 33 years.

3. Driver-B (Pune)

Essential Qualification: SSC or equivalent, valid driving license for heavy passenger vehicles.

Experience: Minimum 3 years of accident-free driving in large cities.

Physical Fitness: Male candidates must have height ≥165 cm, chest 80–85 cm, and vision 6/6. Female candidates must have height ≥157 cm and similar vision standards. Relaxations apply as per GOI rules.

Desirable: First-aid certificate, knowledge of vehicle inspection, troubleshooting, minor repairs, and bus driving experience.

Job Description: Safe transportation of staff, visitors, and materials. Drivers must also ensure vehicle maintenance and compliance with safety standards.

Age Limit: Maximum 30 years.

4. Laboratory Assistant-B (Electronics, Khodad)

Essential Qualification: National Trade Certificate (NTC) or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) in Electronics or allied trade with ≥60% marks.

Experience: 1–2 years in electronics labs of reputed organizations.

Desirable: Experience in soldering/de-soldering PTH and SMD components, knowledge of computers, networking, CRO/DSO.

Job Description: Testing, maintenance, fault finding, and repair of digital and analog systems. Laboratory Assistants play a vital role in supporting scientific experiments and maintaining equipment.

Age Limit: Maximum 28 years (UR), 31 years (OBC).

5. Clerk-A (Khodad)

Essential Qualification: Graduate with 50% marks, typing skills, and computer proficiency (MS Office).

Experience: Minimum 1 year in clerical duties.

Desirable: Strong typing speed, advanced computer knowledge, and familiarity with government procedures.

Job Description: Similar to Clerk-A at Pune, this role involves clerical support at the GMRT site in Khodad.

Age Limit: Maximum 28 years.

6. Driver-B (Khodad)

Essential Qualification: SSC or equivalent, valid heavy vehicle license.

Experience: Minimum 3 years of accident-free driving.

Physical Fitness: Same standards as Driver-B at Pune.

Desirable: First-aid certificate, troubleshooting skills, bus driving experience.

Job Description: Driving duties at GMRT site, ensuring safe transport of staff and equipment.

Age Limit: Maximum 35 years.

7. Security Guard (Khodad)

Essential Qualification: SSC or equivalent, firefighting/NCC/civil defence/home guard training. Computer knowledge is desirable.

Experience: Minimum 3 years in Defence/CAPF/security work.

Physical Fitness: Male candidates must meet height, chest, and vision standards. Female candidates must meet height and vision standards. Relaxations apply as per rules.

Physical Efficiency Test: Includes running (100m, 1.6 km), shot put, chin-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups depending on age and gender.

Job Description: Security at antenna sites, working in 3 shifts, ensuring safety of staff and infrastructure.

Age Limit: Maximum 28 years.

Key Takeaways

• Each post has strict educational and experience requirements.
• Physical fitness is mandatory for Drivers and Security Guards.
• Clerical and administrative posts demand computer proficiency and knowledge of government rules.
• Laboratory Assistants must demonstrate hands-on electronics skills.

Selection Process, Skill Tests, and Preparation Tips

The NCRA–TIFR recruitment process is designed to ensure that only the most suitable candidates are selected. Each post has a clear evaluation system based on academic performance, experience, skill tests, and physical fitness. Understanding this process is crucial for applicants to maximize their chances of success.

Selection Criteria

The total selection process is out of 10 marks. Candidates must perform well across all categories to secure a position.

Skill Test Details

Para Pump Operator

• Minor repair of pumps and replacement of defective parts.
• Knowledge of test pressures, leakages, and adjustments for optimal water yield.
• Installation of pumps and alignment with motors using tools like spanners and keys.
• Ability to locate faults in electrical systems and motors.
• Knowledge of lubrication, cooling systems, and valve operation.

Para Fitter

• Repairing water supply pipelines and arresting leakages.
• Adding new connections or abandoning defunct ones.
• Cutting threads on pipes using ratchet and die sets.
• Knowledge of pipe distribution layouts and flow regulation in hilly terrain.
• Handling grievances and conflict resolution in water supply management.

Multipurpose Worker

Though primarily evaluated on Middle class marks and physical test, multipurpose workers must demonstrate basic knowledge of water supply systems and willingness to perform varied tasks under supervision.

Physical Test Details

Drivers

• Height: Male ≥165 cm, Female ≥157 cm.
• Chest: Male 80–85 cm.
• Vision: 6/6 with color recognition.
• Ability to carry tools and pipes in hilly areas.

Security Guards

• Running: 100 meters in 16 seconds (male), 18 seconds (female/ex-servicemen).
• 1.6 km run in 6.30 minutes (male), 8.30 minutes (female/ex-servicemen).
• Shot put (7.26 kg) – 4.5 meters.
• Chin-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups based on age group.

These physical standards ensure that candidates are fit to handle demanding tasks in rural and hilly terrains where NCRA–TIFR facilities are located.

Preparation Tips

For Administrative and Clerical Posts

• Revise typing speed and accuracy; practice daily with MS Word.
• Brush up on MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Study Central Government rules (CCS, FR-SR) for HR and clerical roles.
• Prepare for basic correspondence and file management tasks.

For Laboratory Assistants

• Practice soldering and de-soldering techniques on PTH and SMD components.
• Review basics of digital and analog electronics.
• Gain familiarity with CRO/DSO instruments.
• Strengthen computer networking knowledge.

For Drivers

• Ensure driving license is valid and covers heavy passenger vehicles.
• Practice safe driving in city conditions.
• Learn basic troubleshooting and minor repair techniques.
• Maintain physical fitness for endurance tasks.

For Security Guards

• Train for running, push-ups, sit-ups, and chin-ups regularly.
• Obtain firefighting/NCC/Home Guard certificates if possible.
• Develop computer literacy for modern security systems.
• Stay updated on conflict resolution and grievance handling techniques.

Key Advice

Candidates should prepare holistically—academic marks provide the foundation, but experience, skill tests, and physical fitness ultimately decide selection. Regular practice, document readiness, and confidence during tests are the keys to success.

Application Process

Candidates can apply either online or by submitting a hard copy of the application form. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail to avoid rejection.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Online Application: Visit https://tinyurl.com/ncrajob-2026. Fill in the application form, upload scanned copies of required documents, and submit before the deadline.
2. Offline Application: Download the prescribed format from the NCRA website. Fill it neatly in English/Hindi, attach self-attested copies of certificates, and send it 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.
3. Deadline: Applications must reach by 31 August 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
4. Documents Required: Educational certificates, experience certificates, Bonafide Himachali certificate, caste/EWS certificate, proof of age, character certificate, BPL certificate (if applicable).
5. Next Steps: Shortlisted candidates will receive call letters for skill and physical tests. Results will be published on the official NCRA website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the last date to apply?

The last date for receipt of applications is 31 August 2026.

2. Can I apply offline?

Yes, candidates unable to apply online can submit hard copies in the prescribed format to the NCRA office in Pune.

3. What is the age limit?

18–45 years depending on the post. Relaxations apply as per Government of India rules.

4. What is the pay scale?

Administrative Assistant: ₹73,020/-; Clerk: ₹39,770–₹46,990/-; Driver: ₹35,270–₹39,970/-; Laboratory Assistant: ₹39,770/-; Security Guard: ₹32,040/-.

5. Are these permanent jobs?

These posts are on honorarium basis (6 hours per day). However, they provide stable employment under NCRA–TIFR.

6. What is the selection process?

Merit-based evaluation of academic marks, experience, skill test, and physical test. Total marks = 10.

7. Can I apply for multiple posts?

Yes, but separate applications must be submitted for each post.

8. What documents are mandatory?

Educational certificates with detailed marks, Bonafide Himachali certificate, caste/EWS certificate, proof of age, character certificate, and experience certificate.

9. Where will postings be?

Posts are transferable across NCRA campuses – Pune, Khodad, and Ooty.

10. Is physical fitness mandatory?

Yes, for Drivers and Security Guards. Standards include height, chest, vision, and endurance tests.

11. What is the role of Laboratory Assistants?

Testing, maintenance, fault finding, and repair of digital/analog systems in electronics labs.

12. How can I prepare for the skill test?

Practice technical tasks relevant to your post (electronics repair, typing, driving, firefighting, etc.).

13. Will TA/DA be provided?

No, candidates must bear their own expenses for appearing in tests.

14. Can ex-servicemen apply?

Yes, with relaxations in physical fitness standards and higher pay levels depending on experience.

15. How will results be announced?

On the official NCRA–TIFR website. Candidates should check regularly for updates.

16. What if I don’t attach detailed marks?

Applications without detailed marks sheets will be rejected.

17. Is computer knowledge required?

Yes, for Clerks, Laboratory Assistants, and Security Guards. Certificates from recognized institutions are preferred.

18. Can women apply?

Yes, women are eligible for all posts provided they meet the qualifications and physical standards.

19. What is the honorarium basis?

Selected candidates will work 6 hours per day and receive fixed monthly emoluments.

20. Who to contact for queries?

Email: estt@ncra.tifr.res.in or call 020-2571-9200/9300/9241.

Conclusion

The NCRA–TIFR Recruitment 2026 is a rare opportunity to work at one of India’s most prestigious research institutes. Whether you are an administrator, clerk, driver, technician, or security professional, each role contributes to the functioning of world-class facilities like GMRT and ORT. Candidates should prepare thoroughly, ensure all documents are in order, and apply before the deadline.

Disclaimer: This article is a simplified guide based on the official NCRA–TIFR recruitment advertisement. Candidates must refer to the official notification and website for final instructions and updates.