Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology has announced four Project Associate-I positions under Advertisement No. IIST/Admin/31-11/2026. The official two-page notification itself is dated 3 November 2026, while the IIST job page labels the opening as 5 November 2026; the recruitment remains within the current fresh window and accepts online applications through 13 November 2026. The four posts support distinctly different research areas: remote-sensing and spectral analysis for geological/mining applications, near- and far-field diagnostics for Hall-effect thrusters, ionic-liquid plume characterisation for micro-propulsion, and a humanities project on women’s lives, labour and memory. Each project has one position. Monthly remuneration is ₹31,000; two of the four positions additionally carry HRA as stated in the notification. At a basic level, the technical posts seek engineering/computing backgrounds, while the humanities post requires a relevant MA with NET. The maximum age is 35 years as on 3 November 2026. Appointments are initially for one year and may be extended based on performance, need and fund availability. Only online applications are considered, and shortlisted candidates may be called for written test and/or interview, with the notification also stating that shortlisted candidates will be called for online interview.
Recruitment Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) |
| Department | Department of Space, Government of India |
| Advertisement No. | IIST/Admin/31-11/2026 |
| Advertisement date in PDF | 3 November 2026 |
| IIST job-page date | 5 November 2026 |
| Post | Project Associate-I |
| Total positions | 4 |
| Monthly remuneration | ₹31,000; HRA for two positions |
| Maximum age | 35 years as on 3 November 2026 |
| Application mode | Online only |
| Last date | 13 November 2026 |
| Initial tenure | 1 year, extendable subject to conditions |
| Location | IIST, Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
Vacancy and Project Details
| Category | Project | Basic qualification | Positions | Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA-I-16/2026 | Remotely sensed spectral framework for geological samples | B.Tech/M.Tech/Master’s in CSE, AI/ML or allied domains | 1 | ₹31,000 + HRA |
| PA-I-17/2026 | Near and Far Field Diagnostics for HET | B.Tech/B.E. in Electronics/Instrumentation/EE/ECE | 1 | ₹31,000 |
| PA-I-18/2026 | Plume Characterisation of Non-Aqueous ionic liquids for Dual Mode micro propulsion | B.Tech/B.E. in Electronics/Instrumentation/EE/ECE | 1 | ₹31,000 |
| PA-I-19/2026 | Muziris Re-membered: A Feminist Ethnography of Women’s Lives, Labour, and Memory | MA in Humanities and Social Sciences + NET | 1 | ₹31,000 + HRA |
| Total | 4 |
Basic Eligibility
All degrees mentioned in the notification should be First Class.
The technical projects broadly require relevant engineering/computing qualifications. The humanities project requires an MA in Humanities and Social Sciences together with NET.
Preferred Skills / Exposure
Depending on the project, IIST mentions preferred exposure such as:
- Machine Learning
- Remote Sensing
- Geology
- PCB design and testing
Candidates should match their background to the exact project category rather than applying generically.
Age Limit
The maximum age is 35 years as on 3 November 2026.
Pay and Tenure
All four positions carry ₹31,000 per month.
Two positions—PA-I-16/2026 and PA-I-19/2026—also carry HRA as stated in the official table.
The appointment is initially for one year and may be extended based on performance, institutional need and availability of funds.
Selection Process
Only shortlisted candidates will be considered for further selection.
The notification permits a written test and/or interview, and also states that shortlisted candidates will be called for online interview.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement date printed in PDF | 3 November 2026 |
| IIST job-page listing | 5 November 2026 |
| Online application period | 3–13 November 2026 |
| Last date for registration | 13 November 2026 |
How to Apply for IIST Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026
- Read the official IIST Project Associate-I notification and select the correct category code.
- Use the Regal Naukri Eligibility Pre-check to review your degree, age and project fit.
- Open the official IIST project application portal from the IIST project-position page.
- Prepare the relevant marksheets, degree/PG certificates and experience documents.
- Use the Government Job Document Checklist before uploading files.
- Review the How to Apply for Government Jobs guide for a final submission check.
- Submit the online profile carefully; the notification states that profile details cannot be changed after submission.
- Complete registration by 13 November 2026.
Documents to Keep Ready
- Relevant degree / postgraduate certificate
- Marksheets
- NET certificate for PA-I-19/2026
- Experience / exposure certificates, where applicable
- Identity proof
- NOC from employer for candidates working under Government/PSU/Autonomous Bodies, where applicable
- Other documents requested by IIST
Important Candidate Notes
- Only Indian nationals need apply.
- All listed degrees should be First Class.
- Only online applications are considered.
- Hostel facility is not provided for these project positions.
- Canvassing is a disqualification.
- The official application portal currently displays a “no applications are being accepted” message even though the project page and PDF show the 13 November deadline; candidates should recheck through the official IIST project-position page before submission.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official notification | IIST Project Associate-I Notification |
| Official project opening page | IIST Project Position Page |
| Application portal | IIST Project Application Portal |
| Official website | Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology |
FAQ
How many Project Associate-I positions are available?
There are four positions, one under each project category PA-I-16/2026 to PA-I-19/2026.
What is the salary?
All positions carry ₹31,000 per month. Two also include HRA.
What is the maximum age?
35 years as on 3 November 2026.
What is the last date to apply?
The official project page states 13 November 2026 as the last date for registration.
Is this a permanent IIST job?
No. The positions are project-based, initially for one year, with possible extension subject to conditions.
Are all four posts for engineers?
No. Three are technical/scientific projects, while PA-I-19/2026 is a humanities project requiring MA in Humanities and Social Sciences plus NET.
Is the application online only?
Yes. The notification says only online applications will be considered.
Why does the application portal show no applications currently?
That is the live portal message observed during verification. Candidates should use the official IIST project page to check whether the portal is re-enabled before the stated deadline.