PRL Telescope Operator Trainee Recruitment 2026 — 8 Posts, Apply by 30 Sep

Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) has released PRL Telescope Operator Trainee Recruitment 2026 under Advertisement No. 11/2026 for 8 Telescope Operator Trainee posts at its Mount Abu Observatory, Rajasthan. PRL Telescope Operator Trainee Recruitment 2026 supports the operation of astronomical telescopes at one of India's premier observational astronomy facilities. Candidates aged 18 to 28 years, holding an M.Tech in Physical Sciences/Astronomy/Applied Physics or allied streams, a B.Tech in Electronics/Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial Production/Computer Science/Instrumentation or allied branches, or an M.Sc in Physical Sciences/Applied Physics/Electronics/Astronomy/Instrumentation or allied streams, each with minimum 60% marks, can apply online at prl.res.in from 14 September 2026 to 30 September 2026. Selected Telescope Operator Trainees will operate and support astronomical telescopes and associated instrumentation at PRL's Mount Abu Observatory, drawing on their physics, astronomy or engineering background. The selection process is a Skill Test followed by Document Verification, tentatively scheduled for 15 October 2026 — there is no separate written examination. Salary for PRL Telescope Operator Trainee 2026 is a consolidated ₹28,000 per month, on a contractual basis with no application fee mentioned for any category. Candidates for PRL Telescope Operator Trainee Recruitment 2026 must visit the official PRL website, fill the online application form with correct personal, educational and contact details, upload the required photograph, signature and certificates, and submit before the deadline. Candidates must read the complete official notification PDF before applying, since eligibility spans three distinct qualification pathways (M.Tech, B.Tech, or M.Sc) across different scientific and engineering disciplines. PRL is India's premier institute for space and atmospheric sciences under the Department of Space, and its Mount Abu Observatory has been operational since the 1960s, hosting instruments used for planetary, stellar and infrared astronomy research that requires trained personnel to operate telescopes through overnight observation sessions.

M.Tech in Physical Sciences/Astronomy/Applied Physics (60%), OR B.Tech in Electronics/Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial Production/Computer Science/Instrumentation (60%), OR M.Sc in Physical Sciences/Applied Physics/Electronics/Astronomy/Instrumentation (60%), or allied streams.

Minimum 18 years, maximum 28 years; relaxation as per GoI rules

Telescope Operator Trainee (8 posts) — M.Tech in Physical Sciences/Astronomy/Applied Physics or allied streams with 60% or more marks Telescope Operator Trainee (8 posts) — B.Tech in Electronics/Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial Production/Computer Science/Instrumentation or allied branches with 60% or more marks Telescope Operator Trainee (8 posts) — M.Sc in Physical Sciences/Applied Physics/Electronics/Astronomy/Instrumentation or allied streams with 60% or more marks Age Limit — Minimum 18 years, maximum 28 years; age relaxation as per Government of India rules No application fee mentioned for any category Job Type — Contractual engagement at PRL's Mount Abu Observatory, Rajasthan Selection Process — Skill Test followed by Document Verification; no separate written examination PRL's Mount Abu Observatory is one of India's key sites for optical and infrared astronomical observation, and Telescope Operator Trainees play a hands-on role in the night-time operation of research telescopes, making this a distinctive entry point into observational astronomy support work for physics and engineering graduates. Candidates should confirm the exact tenure of the trainee engagement and any prospects for extension or absorption directly from the official notification PDF, since these details are not specified in the summary currently available.

₹28,000 per month (consolidated)

1. Visit the official PRL website, prl.res.in.
2. Read all instructions in the official notification PDF carefully before applying.
3. Complete the online application form with correct personal, educational and contact details.
4. Upload the required photograph, signature and certificates in the prescribed format.
5. Review all details carefully before submitting the form.
6. Submit the online application on or before 30 September 2026.
7. Take a printout or save a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
8. Prepare for the Skill Test, tentatively scheduled for 15 October 2026, and carry all original documents for Document Verification on the same day.
9. If you have qualifications spanning more than one of the three eligible degree pathways, confirm from the official notification which route best matches your background before applying.