IUCAA Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About IUCAA Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

Established in 1988, IUCAA was founded to nucleate and grow active research groups in Astronomy and Astrophysics across Indian universities.³ Located within the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) campus, the institute serves as a centralized hub for advanced computational facilities, a state-of-the-art instrumentation laboratory, and the IUCAA Girawali Observatory (IGO).

IUCAA’s influence extends far beyond its Pune headquarters, managing large-scale national data centers and contributing to space missions like AstroSat and Aditya-L1.⁴ Working here allows professionals to be at the center of India's "Big Science" initiatives, bridging the gap between academic theory and complex astronomical engineering.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Scientific & Technical Officer (Grade C to E): These roles are critical for managing the institute's high-performance computing clusters and instrumentation projects. Typically requires a B.E./B.Tech or M.Sc. with relevant experience in optics, electronics, or software engineering.⁵
• Faculty (Assistant/Associate Professor): Top-tier academic roles focusing on independent research and mentoring PhD scholars. Requires a PhD with an exceptional track record of publications in high-impact journals.
• Scientific Assistant / Technical Assistant: Support roles for laboratory maintenance and astronomical data processing. These usually require a B.Sc. or Diploma in Engineering.
• Administrative Assistant / Personal Assistant: Backbone of the institute’s statutory and visitor programs, handling HR, finance, and office management for national and international delegations.

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

IUCAA follows the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix, offering central government parity in salaries and allowances.⁶

• Scientific/Technical Officers: Entry-level (Officer-C) starts at Level-10 (Basic Pay approx. ₹56,100), while senior grades (Officer-E) reach Level-13.
• Administrative Staff: Roles range from Level-2 (Junior Assistant) to Level-10 (Senior Officer).
• Research Fellowships: Post-Doctoral Fellows receive a consolidated remuneration ranging from ₹67,000 to ₹95,000 per month, depending on the fellowship category.
• Perks: Employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) or on-campus housing, Transport Allowance, and comprehensive medical benefits under the institute’s health scheme.

🎯 Selection Process

The IUCAA recruitment process is known for its rigorous academic and technical standards:

1. IUCAA National Admission Test (INAT): The primary gateway for research scholars and PhD admissions.⁷ It consists of a multi-part written test covering Basic Physics, Mathematics, and Advanced Engineering.
2. Screening & Shortlisting: For technical and administrative roles, applications are filtered based on specialized experience (e.g., experience with LIGO projects or large-scale data handling).
3. Written & Skill Test: Non-teaching staff often undergo a two-tier test—General Aptitude followed by a Trade/Skill test (shorthand for PAs or coding for Software Engineers).
4. Personal Interview: Finalists for all "Group A" and faculty positions are interviewed by a high-level committee including external subject matter experts.

💡 Expert Tips: How to Crack IUCAA Exams

• Master Core Physics: For INAT or Scientific Officer exams, focus heavily on Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Quantum Physics. The questions are conceptual rather than purely mathematical.
• Project Relevance: If applying for a project-linked technical role (like LIGO-India), demonstrate specific knowledge of interferometry, vacuum systems, or real-time control systems.
• API for Faculty: Faculty aspirants should ensure their research aligns with IUCAA’s core areas: Gravitational Waves, Cosmology, or Solar Physics.