Applications for Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs) at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) are invited from highly motivated and dynamic candidates to pursue research in any of the following science domains:

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Solar system's minor bodies like Comets and Asteroids in the optical wavelengths (imaging-polarimetry and low-resolution spectroscopy), exoplanets around stars, multiwavelength (from radio to optical wavelengths) research on stellar astrophysics, including M dwarfs, symbiotic stars, morphological studies of star formation regions of both high and low mass stars, optical and near-IR studies of transient events, like novae, supernovae and gamma-ray bursts, optical and near-IR studies of star clusters, extragalactic astronomy, studies of radio galaxies using GMRT, and other radio telescopes around the globe, optical and near-IR instrumentation for PRL's 2.5m telescope, instrumentation for space-based X-ray astronomy for future X-ray missions, space-based X-ray observations of black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs in binary systems, active galactic nuclei and X-ray polarizations, numerical simulation of the solar atmosphere and heliosphere.

Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics

Experiment: Quantum entanglement, quantum communication, quantum cryptography, quantum imaging, quantum sensing, nonlinear optics, quantum materials, quantum emitters, plasmonics, cavity quantum electrodynamics, integrated photonic quantum computing, structured beams, generation and detection of THz radiations, astrochemical studies, shock processing of materials, reactions induced in astrochemical ices by projectiles, radiations, and shockwaves, ultrafast reactions studies, femtosecond and attosecond processes, fragmentation dynamics of molecules, Photons and auger electron studies, XUV generations, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, crystal defect dynamics studies, luminescence dosimetry, luminescence dating, Earth surface processes studies. Theory: Atomic many-body methods to study atomic clocks, parity and CP symmetry violations, isotope shifts, polarizabilities, machine learning, and parallel programming.

Geosciences

Terrestrial and Marine Carbon and Nutrient Cycling, Isotope Hydrology, Paleoclimate and Paleoceanography, Geoarchealogy, Marine Geochemistry, Isotope Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, Chemical Weathering and Climate, Evolution of Glacial/Fluvial/Coastal Quaternary Environments, Earth Surface Processes, Evolution of Proterozoic Sedimentary Basins of India, Subduction Zone Volcanism, Catastrophic/extreme events, Ambient Aerosol Chemistry over Land and Oceans, Environmental Microplastics.

Planetary Sciences and Space Exploration

Studies of surfaces, atmospheres, and ionospheres of planets; theoretical modelling and observational studies of physical processes of Mars, Venus, Moon, and asteroids; origin and evolution of the solar system objects through laboratory analysis of extraterrestrial material (meteorites and sample returned missions); analysis of data from Indian missions Chandrayaan-1, -2, -3, Mars Orbiter Mission and Aditya-L1; scientific instrumentation for future planetary missions to Moon, Venus, and Mars; and studies of planetary geology through the data obtained from space missions.

Solar Physics

Physics of solar oscillations; structure and evolution of sunspots; magnetohydrodynamic processes in the solar atmosphere, coronal and chromospheric heating, solar eruptions; and space weather predictions, design, and development of sophisticated instruments for solar observations and participation in national projects like the Aditya-L1 space mission, and upcoming National Large Solar Telescope (NLST).

Space and Atmospheric Sciences

Physics of the Sun-earth interactions; space weather and its effects; ionospheric processes; atmospheric wave dynamics and coupling processes; aerosols and their impact on Earth's radiation budget; studies of trace gases, volatile organic compounds and their effects on the atmosphere; study of atmospheric clouds and boundary layer dynamics using Lidar; aspects of global warming and climate change. Opportunities exist for working in solar and heliospheric physics using data from the ongoing Aditya-L1 mission of India. Terrestrial and planetary space weather-related studies are also envisaged considering the upcoming Indian space missions like dual-aeronomy satellite mission (DISHA) and missions to Venus and Mars.

Theoretical Physics

Theoretical condensed matter Physics - including quantum condensed matter physics, low-dimensional quantum systems, topological materials, unconventional superconductivity, strongly correlated electronic systems, itinerant magnetism; Theoretical Particle Physics - including neutrino physics, collider physics, dark matter phenomenology, CP violation, baryogenesis, heavy flavor physics, effective field theories, strong interaction physics, precision calculations in strong and electro-weak interaction physics, studies of extended gauge, global and space-time symmetries; Cosmology, Astroparticle Physics; Artificial intelligence with deep machine learning for feature extraction and explainability in fundamental research.

Fellowships

For Junior Research Fellows (JRF): Rs. 37,000/- pm and for Senior Research Fellows (SRF): Rs. 42,000/- pm (as governed by Dept. of Space guidelines). On the completion of two years, the JRFs will be reviewed, and based on the recommendations of the competent authority, the JRF may be awarded the position of SRF with an enhanced fellowship as per the rules. The performance of the Research Fellows shall be reviewed yearly for the continuation of the fellowship.

Incentive for exceptionally meritorious PRL JRFs

With India's 75 years of independence, PRL also celebrated its platinum jubilee. To commemorate its 75 years of glorious legacy, PRL has instituted a Platinum Jubilee Research Fellowship (ATAL) for highly motivated PRL Research Fellows with proven academic credentials pursuing high-quality fundamental research at PRL. There is a provision of a maximum of two ATAL fellowships every year. The Fellowship amount will be Rs. 40,000 (Rs. Forty Thousand) per month, in addition to the regular monthly Research Fellowship, and would be in-kind. The fellowship will be for three years (from 3rd to 5th year of Research Fellowship tenure). Internal calls to PRL Junior Research Fellows, who will appear for their second-year reviews, will be considered.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates from disciplines of any branch of Physics, Engineering Physics, Photonics, Space Physics, Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Meteorology, Geology, Geophysics, Earth Science, Oceanography and Remote Sensing are eligible to apply. Candidates must have Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Science or Engineering with at least a first-class (60%) or equivalent grades at both Bachelor's and Master's levels. They must have qualified in any national exams conducted by CSIR-UGC-NET JRF/AP [December 2023-June 2024-December 2024] in Physical Sciences / Chemical Sciences / Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences, GATE [2023/2024/2025] in Physics / Geology and Geophysics / Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences / Chemistry, JEST 2025 in Physics, UGC-NET JRF/AP [December 2023-June 2024-December 2024] in Environmental Sciences (applicable for candidates applying in Geosciences, Space & Atmospheric Sciences, Planetary Sciences & space exploration. UG and PG level Physics is mandatory for candidates applying in Space & Atmospheric Sciences, Planetary Sciences & space exploration) with a valid score/All India Rank.

A Candidate must be an Indian citizen and should have studied at recognized Universities/Institutes in India. The upper age limit is 28 years as of 01 July 2025.

More details on research topics and the online application portal can be accessed at https://www.prl.res.in/prl-eng/phd. Apply online from 24.03.2025 to 21.04.2025. Interviews for the candidates screened will be held offline on 29-30 May and 02-04 June 2025.

The candidate is responsible for ensuring that the eligibility criteria, as notified, are fulfilled. The candidate should comply, in all respects, with the procedural requirements and time limits stipulated for submission of the online application. Any deviations from the above procedures would result in the cancellation of the candidature, and any representation on such matters will not be entertained.

Online Application Portal for JRF 2025

Click Here. (Online Application can be submitted from 24 March 2025 and last date will be 21 April 202512 May 2025 (Extended))

JRF 2025 Applications: Frequently Asked Questions

1. I have qualified for JEST 2023/2024. Am I eligible to apply?
Ans: No

2. I have done M.Tech. in Remote Sensing/Engineering Physics/Applied Physics/Space Sciences. Am I eligible to apply?
Ans: Yes

3. I have qualified JEST 2025 but completed B.Tech. Am I eligible to apply?
Ans: No

4. I am awarded the DST INSPIRE fellowship for PhD/CSIR JRF. Am I eligible to apply through this advertisement?
Ans: Yes

5. I have qualified in JEST 2025. Do I need to apply separately to be considered for the JRF 2025 program at PRL?
Ans: Yes, you need to apply.

6. My master’s degree is in Physics. Can I choose Space & Atmospheric Sciences/Planetary Sciences as my discipline of research preference?
Ans: Yes. The knowledge in Physics will prove to be extremely useful as it is applied to several space research topics.

7. I have qualified for UGC-NET in Environmental Science but have not studied Physics at UG and PG levels, can I apply for Space & Atmospheric Sciences?
Ans: No

8. Can M.Sc. final year students can apply for JRF position?
Ans: Yes, M.Sc. final year students are eligible to apply for JRF position, but they will have to clear the final year exam before joining PRL with mentioned eligibility criterion otherwise their selection will be cancelled.

9. How students appearing in M.Sc. final year exam should fill details in the application form for post-graduation educational qualification?
Ans: Select result awaited toggle button.

10. My University/Institute is not listed. What to do?
There is an option "OTHER" in list of university. You can select and write the name of your university/institute in the text box.

11. I have not completed PG and not having PG degree certificate. In the "postgraduate degree certificate" upload which document is to be provided?
Upload your last PG semester mark sheet.

12. JEST 2025 exam is delayed, so can one apply without JEST 2025 exam details?
No. An appropriate information/announcement may be made by PRL later related to this matter.

13. I have not yet qualified for NET/GATE/JEST but would like to pursue Research in PRL. Is there any opening/Test available for Post Graduates students interested in Research, but who haven't cleared any PhD Entrances?
No. One must have qualified in any national exams conducted by CSIR-UGC-NET JRF/AP [December 2023-June 2024-December 2024] in Physical Sciences / Chemical Sciences / Earth, Atmospheric, Ocean, and Planetary Sciences, GATE [2023/2024/2025] in Physics / Geology and Geophysics / Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences / Chemistry, JEST 2025 in Physics, UGC-NET JRF/AP [December 2023-June 2024-December 2024] in Environmental Sciences (applicable for candidates applying in Geosciences, Space & Atmospheric Sciences, Planetary Sciences & space exploration. UG and PG level Physics is mandatory for candidates applying in Space & Atmospheric Sciences, Planetary Sciences & space exploration) with a valid score/All India Rank.