RRI Director Recruitment 2026: 1 Post, Apply by 28 March

The Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, has released an official notification (Advt. No.05/2026) inviting applications and nominations for the prestigious position of Director. This is a significant opportunity for eminent academicians and researchers in Physical Sciences to lead a premier research institute. Interested candidates must possess a Doctorate in Physical Sciences, substantial post-doctoral research, and extensive R&D and managerial experience. The application process involves submitting documents via email and hard copy by 28 March 2026 (general deadline) or 11 April 2026 (for remote areas).

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

Raman Research Institute is recruiting for the following position:

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements as on the crucial date of 01.01.2026:

Educational Qualification

• Essential:
  • Doctorate in Physical Sciences.
  • Post-Doctoral Research.
  • Original published work of high standard and/or National and International Patents.
• Desirable:
  • Evidence of high professional eminence through recognitions like fellowship of academies and national/international awards in science and technology.

Age Limit

The applicant’s/nominee’s age should not exceed 56 years as on 01.01.2026. The maximum age for superannuation is 60 years.

Experience

For Direct Recruitment:

• At least 25 years of experience in R&D in academic institutions/research institutions and/or science and technology organisations or as faculty/scientist of recognised national/international universities/research institutes/corporate R&D Labs etc.
• Out of the 25 years, at least 6 years should be in a managerial/administrative capacity for science and technology programmes, planning and development, budget and finance, coordination and such organisational matters.
• R&D experience must be in any of the domain area/s of research/activities in Physical Sciences.

For Deputation/Contract:

Scientists or Technologists possessing the essential educational qualification and experience mentioned above, working in Central/State Governments/Universities/Recognised Research Institutions/Semi-Government Statutory or Autonomous Organisations in India, are eligible if they meet one of the following criteria:

• Holding an analogous post; OR
• 1 year regular service in the post carrying pay in Pay Level 16 as per 7th CPC [Pay band of ₹75500-80000/-grade (HAG+) or equivalent (6th CPC)]; OR
• 3 years regular service in the post carrying pay in Pay Level 15 as per 7th CPC [Pay band of ₹67000-79000/- (HAG) or equivalent (6th CPC)]; OR
• 7 years of regular service in the post carrying in the pay band of ₹37400-67000 + Grade Pay of ₹10,000/- Level 14 of Pay Matrix of 7th Central Pay Commission or equivalent.
• Possessing the essential educational qualifications mentioned in Para ‘A’ and essential experience in Para ‘C’ (Direct Recruitment) above.

Application Fee

Application fee details are not mentioned in the official notification. Candidates are advised to check the official website or application proforma for any updates regarding application fees.

Important Dates

*Remote areas include Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti District and Pangi Sub Division of Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Director position at RRI will involve:

1. Application/Nomination Scrutiny: The Search-cum-Selection Committee will review all applications and nominations received.
2. Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their qualifications, experience, and achievements as per the criteria.
3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview with the Search-cum-Selection Committee.
4. Final Selection: The committee may also consider inviting persons of high repute for consideration for appointment, even if they have not applied, to ensure the best candidate is selected.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit their applications through both email and speed post/equivalent. Please follow these steps:

1. Download Proforma: Obtain the prescribed application proforma (Application Format I and II) given at the end of the advertisement PDF.
2. Fill Application: Neatly type out the application in the prescribed proforma.
3. Prepare Documents: Gather scanned files of duly self-attested photocopies of certificates in support of your educational qualifications and experience.
4. Email Submission: Send the neatly typed application (as a PDF file) along with the scanned self-attested photocopies of certificates via email to kiran@isro.gov.in and cao@rri.res.in.
5. Subject Line: Ensure the subject line of your email clearly states: “Application for the position of Director”.
6. Hard Copy Submission: Take a printout of the emailed PDF application, duly sign it, and attach duly self-attested photocopies of all enclosures. Send this hard copy by Speed Post or equivalent to the following address:
   Chief Administrative Officer,
   Raman Research Institute,
   C. V. Raman Avenue,
   Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru – 560080, India.
7. Envelope Superscription: The cover containing the hard copy application must be superscribed as “Application for the post of Director, Raman Research Institute”.
8. Proper Channel (for Govt/PSU employees): Persons employed in Government Departments, Autonomous Organizations, and Public Sector Undertakings must send their applications through the proper channel. Such applications must also include a Vigilance Clearance Certificate.

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

The Director of Raman Research Institute is the Chief Executive and Academic Officer, holding overall administrative control. This role involves high-level leadership in identifying and executing research programs of national and international relevance in Physical Sciences. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and nurturing research in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Light & Matter Physics, Soft Condensed Matter, and Theoretical Physics.
• Motivating scientists to foster creativity and excellence.
• Promoting inter-disciplinary and multi-institutional cooperation.
• Managing budget, finance, and overall administrative functions.
• Establishing rapport with national and international academic and professional institutions.

The career scope for a Director in a prestigious institute like RRI is at the pinnacle of scientific leadership. It offers immense opportunities to shape national scientific policy, mentor future generations of researchers, and contribute significantly to fundamental science. This position often leads to further high-level advisory roles in government or international scientific bodies.

Preparation Tips

Securing a Director-level position in a premier research institute like RRI requires meticulous preparation and a strong track record. Here are some tips:

• Comprehensive CV/Bio-data: Prepare a detailed CV highlighting all academic achievements, research publications (with impact factors/citations), patents, awards, fellowships, and leadership roles. Quantify your achievements wherever possible (e.g., budget managed, number of projects led).
• Statement of Purpose/Vision: While not explicitly asked, be prepared to articulate your vision for RRI, how you plan to enhance its research output, foster collaboration, and maintain its eminence.
• Highlight Leadership & Administrative Experience: Emphasize your experience in managing research teams, departments, budgets, and strategic planning, as this is a critical aspect of the Director’s role.
• Recommendation Letters: If applying via nomination, ensure your nominators are eminent in your field and can provide strong, detailed recommendations supporting your leadership and scientific prowess.
• Interview Preparation: Anticipate questions on your research philosophy, leadership style, vision for the institute, challenges in scientific research, and how you would foster innovation and collaboration.
• Document Verification: Keep all original certificates and their self-attested photocopies ready for verification, including educational qualifications, experience letters, publications, and awards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who is eligible to apply for the RRI Director position?

A: Indian Nationals with a Doctorate in Physical Sciences, substantial post-doctoral research, and at least 25 years of R&D experience (including 6 years in managerial/administrative capacity) are eligible for direct recruitment. Scientists/Technologists from government/autonomous bodies can also apply on deputation/contract basis if they meet specific service criteria.

Q2: What is the age limit for this position?

A: The applicant’s age should not exceed 56 years as on January 1, 2026.

Q3: How do I apply for the Director position at RRI?

A: You need to submit an advance copy of your application in the prescribed proforma, along with scanned self-attested certificates, via email to kiran@isro.gov.in and cao@rri.res.in by March 28, 2026. A signed hard copy of the same documents must also be sent by Speed Post to the Chief Administrative Officer, RRI, Bengaluru, by the same deadline (or April 11, 2026, for remote areas).

Q4: Is there an application fee for this recruitment?

A: The official notification does not mention any application fee. Candidates should refer to the application proforma or contact RRI for clarification if needed.

Q5: What is the selection process for the RRI Director?

A: The selection involves a Search-cum-Selection Committee that will scrutinize applications/nominations, shortlist candidates, and conduct interviews. The committee may also invite eminent persons for consideration.

Q6: What documents are required for the application?

A: You need to submit a neatly typed application in the prescribed proforma, along with self-attested photocopies of certificates supporting your educational qualifications and experience. Government/PSU employees must also include a Vigilance Clearance Certificate.

Q7: Can I apply if I am currently working in a Government Department?

A: Yes, if you are employed in Government Departments, Autonomous Organizations, or Public Sector Undertakings, you must send your application through the proper channel and include a Vigilance Clearance Certificate.

Q8: What is the salary for the Director position?

A: The position carries the apex scale of pay level 17, with a monthly pay of ₹2,25,000/- as per the CCS (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016.