Indian Centre for Space Physics (ICSP) Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for Latest Vacancies

About Indian Centre for Space Physics (ICSP) Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

The Indian Centre for Space Physics (ICSP) is an autonomous research body recognized by the University of Calcutta and funded significantly by projects from the Department of Space (ISRO) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Since its inception in 1999, ICSP has pioneered low-cost space exploration using balloon-borne detectors and is a leader in studying black hole astrophysics, astrochemistry, and ionospheric sciences.

Headquartered in Kolkata, ICSP operates an integrated campus featuring a Museum of Astronomy and Space Science. Its reach extends through specialized facilities like the Optical Observatory (IERCOO) in Sitapur, West Medinipur, where it houses the largest reflecting telescope in Eastern India. The institute's mission is to unravel the mysteries of the universe while developing high-quality manpower for India's growing space sector.

💼 Key Job Profiles

• Scientist (Grade C/D): Responsible for leading research projects in High Energy Astrophysics or Ionospheric Science and mentoring Ph.D. scholars.
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Conducts primary research leading to a Ph.D. degree, focusing on data analysis from space-borne or ground-based detectors.
• Electronics/Software Engineer: Focuses on developing instrumentation for space exploration, including robotics and balloon-borne payload systems.
• Assistant Professor: Academic-cum-research role involving teaching specialized courses and conducting independent research in Astrochemistry.
• Multi-Skilled Technician: Provides technical support for observatory maintenance, laboratory experiments, and ground-station operations.

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

ICSP follows the 7th CPC Pay Matrix for regular faculty and scientist positions, while research fellowships are governed by CSIR/DST norms.

• Scientist/Faculty: Pay Level-10 to Level-14 (₹67,700 - ₹2,18,200).
• JRF/SRF: ₹31,000 - ₹35,000 per month + HRA.
• Perks: National/International travel for conferences, access to high-end computing facilities, and research contingency grants.
• Allowances: House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA), and Medical Reimbursement as per institute norms.

🎯 Selection Process

The recruitment process at ICSP is highly merit-based, focusing on academic excellence and research potential.

1. Shortlisting: Based on GATE 2026, CSIR-NET, or JEST scores for research positions.
2. Technical Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited for a rigorous interview (online or walk-in) by a specialist committee.
3. Recommendation: For academic roles, submission of at least four recommendation letters is typically required.
4. Final Selection: Based on performance in the interview and the quality of the candidate's research profile/publications.

How to Crack ICSP Exams

• Focus on Fundamentals: Strengthen your core concepts in Classical Mechanics, Quantum Physics, and Electrodynamics, as interviews often test deep fundamental knowledge.
• Align Research Interests: Study ICSP's current departments (e.g., Ionospheric Sciences, Black Hole Astrophysics) and tailor your proposal to match their active projects.
• Prepare for Instrumentation: For engineering roles, practical knowledge of VLF receivers, telescopes, and Linux-based data analysis tools (like XSPEC) is a major advantage.