Department of Space Recruitment 2026: The Department of Space, Government of India, has invited applications for the prestigious position of Director at the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), located at Gadanki near Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The post will be filled on an immediate absorption basis under Level-14 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
The last date to submit applications is 1 March 2026.
Here is a detailed explanation of eligibility, qualifications, experience requirements, and how to apply.
About NARL (National Atmospheric Research Laboratory)
The National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) is an autonomous institution supported by the Department of Space. It is one of India’s leading centres for atmospheric research and climate studies.
The laboratory specializes in:
- Basic atmospheric research
- Indigenous technology development for atmospheric probing
- Weather and climate modeling
- Advanced radar and lidar operations
NARL operates sophisticated scientific systems such as:
- MST Radar
- Rayleigh and Mie Lidar
- Boundary Layer Lidar
- Sodium Lidar
- Wind Profilers
- Dual-frequency GPS receivers
- Automatic Weather Stations
- GPS Balloon Sonde launches
Its facilities are used by national and international researchers for advanced atmospheric studies.
Director Post (Department of Space Recruitment 2026) – OVERVIEW
- Organization: Department of Space, Government of India
- Post: Director, NARL
- Location: Gadanki, Andhra Pradesh
- Pay Level: Level-14 (7th CPC)
- Mode of Appointment: Immediate absorption
- Last Date to Apply: 01 March 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
- Maximum age: 56 years as on the closing date of the application
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess:
- A Postgraduate degree or a doctorate
- Specialization in Space Science, Atmospheric Science, or allied disciplines
Experience Requirement
- Minimum 10 years of research experience in relevant scientific fields
Service Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Hold an analogous post in Level-14 on a regular basis
OR - Have completed at least 2 years of service in Level-13A in the Pay Matrix or equivalent
Eligible candidates may be serving under:
- Central Government
- State Government
- Union Territories
- Autonomous bodies
- Universities
- Academic institutions
- Recognized R&D organizations
Selection Process
The prescribed qualifications represent the minimum requirement.
- Meeting eligibility does not guarantee selection.
- Shortlisting will be done through bio-data screening.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
How to Apply to the Department of Space Recruitment
Applications must be submitted in the prescribed format and forwarded through the proper channel to:
Under Secretary (ABs)
Department of Space
Government of India
Anthariksh Bhavan
New BEL Road
Bengaluru – 560094
Phone: 2217 2290
Email: savitakotgar@isro.gov.in
Official Notification: Download
Applications must reach on or before 01 March 2026.
Read More: ISRO Invites Applications 2026 for Director Post at National Atmospheric Research Laboratory
