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DRDO has released a Recruitment Notification for JRF and Research Associate for the year 2026. The interviews will be held in July- August 2026. Vacancies are for Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and Research Associates (RA). This article will tell you all about these positions and about dates, eligibility, and how to apply.
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026
DRDO Recruitment 2026 includes many positions. Different DRDO labs are hiring candidates. These are temporary fellowship positions. They are good for people who want research experience. The positions are in many subjects like Science, Engineering, and Pharmacy. DRDO is hiring Junior Research Fellows in 2026. Candidates need good academic qualifications. They also need to clear the NET or GATE exam.
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026: Overview
Here a quick snapshot of the DRDO JRF and RA Recruitment 2026. It covers the important details like the organizing body, post names, total vacancies, eligibility, and application method. Candidates who are planning to apply must go through this table carefully before filling the application form. Here is the overview of DRDO JRF and RA Recruitment 2026:
| DRDO JRF and RA Recruitment 2026: Overview | |
|---|---|
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Recruitment | DRDO JRF & RA Recruitment 2026 |
| Posts | Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Research Associate (RA) |
| Mode of Selection | Walk-in Interview / Written Test + Interview |
| Fellowship | ₹37,000 (JRF), ₹67,000 (RA) + HRA |
| Fellowship Duration | Initially 2 Years (Extendable as per rules) |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
DRDO JRF Vacancy 2026
The DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026 brings fellowship opportunities across five premier DRDO laboratories. Based on the six official notifications released by DRDO, a total of 52 fellowship vacancies have been announced, including 48 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) posts and 4 Research Associate (RA) posts. These vacancies are available in disciplines such as Mechanical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, and Quantum Technologies. The recruitment is being conducted through walk-in interviews, written tests, or application-based shortlisting depending on the respective laboratory.
| DRDO Laboratory | JRF Vacancies | RA Vacancies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defence Laboratory (DL), Jodhpur | 7 | 3 | 10 |
| Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), Delhi | 11 | – | 11 |
| CFEES, Delhi | 9 | – | 9 |
| CVRDE, Chennai | 16 | – | 16 |
| DYSL-QT, Pune | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Grand Total | 45 | 4 | 49 |
DRDO Interview Date 2026
The interview schedule varies from one DRDO laboratory to another. While several laboratories have announced fixed walk-in interview dates, others will notify shortlisted candidates separately.
| Laboratory | Interview Date |
|---|---|
| Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur | 22 & 23 July 2026 |
| Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), Delhi | 05 August 2026 |
| CFEES, Delhi | 04 & 05 August 2026 |
| CVRDE, Chennai | To be communicated to shortlisted candidates |
| DYSL-QT, Pune | Interview details will be shared via Email |
DRDO Research Fellowship
The DRDO Research Fellowship programme is designed to attract talented researchers and engineers to work on advanced defence technologies. Through this recruitment drive, different DRDO laboratories are offering fellowships across multiple technical disciplines.
| DRDO Laboratory | Post | Vacancies | Major Disciplines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defence Laboratory (DL), Jodhpur | JRF & RA | 10 JRF + 3 RA | Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical, Electronics, Materials |
| Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), Delhi | JRF | 11 | Mathematics, Physics, CSE, IT, Electronics |
| CFEES, Delhi | JRF | 9 | Chemical, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics, Computer Engineering |
| CVRDE, Chennai | JRF | 16 | Mechanical, ECE, EEE, CSE |
| DYSL-QT, Pune | JRF | 2 | Electronics |
| DYSL-QT, Pune | RA | 1 | Physics & Quantum Technologies |
DRDO JRF Notification PDF 2026
DRDO has released an official notification for JRF and RA recruitment. The notification has all details about the jobs. You should read the notification carefully. It has information about eligibility, documents, and interview process. You can download the PDF from DRDO official website or directly from the link below:
| Lab | Notification |
| Defence Laboratory (DL), Jodhpur | Download PDF |
| Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), Delhi | Download PDF |
| CFEES, Delhi | Download PDF |
| CVRDE, Chennai | Download PDF |
| DYSL-QT, Pune |
How to Apply for the DRDO JRF Application Form 2026?
Applying for DRDO JRF is simple. It is a walk-in interview process. You need to fill the application form and go to the venue. Some labs ask you to send CV by email before interview. Make sure you follow all instructions. Here are the details of the application process.
- Read the official notification carefully
- Check if you are eligible for the post
- Fill the application form given in notification
- Attach passport size photo on the form
- Make copies of all your certificates
- For DRL Tezpur: Send your CV to hrd.drl@gov.in before 31st March 2026
- Go to the interview venue on the given date
- Reach on time with all original documents
- Submit your application form at the venue
- Attend the interview
DRDO JRF Age Limit 2026
Candidates must be within the age limit to apply for DRDO JRF and RA. The government gives age relaxation to some categories. SC, ST, and OBC candidates get extra years. Below is the age limit details.
| DRDO JRF and RA Age Limit 2026 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post | Upper Age Limit | SC/ST Relaxation | OBC Relaxation | OBC Creamy Layer |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 28 Years | +5 Years | +3 Years | Not eligible for relaxation |
| Research Associate (RA) | 35 Years | +5 Years | +3 Years | Not eligible for relaxation |
DRDO JRF Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates planning to apply for DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026 must carefully check the eligibility criteria prescribed by the respective DRDO laboratory. Although the educational qualifications vary depending on the discipline, the overall eligibility requirements remain similar across all six notifications. Applicants must be Indian Nationals and should have completed their qualifying degree before the application or interview date. For most engineering disciplines, a valid GATE or NET qualification is mandatory, while science graduates must possess the prescribed NET, GATE, or JEST qualification wherever applicable. Research Associate (RA) positions require higher academic qualifications and relevant research experience.
| Criteria | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Research Associate (RA) |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Nationals only | Indian Nationals only |
| Educational Qualification | B.E./B.Tech in First Division with valid GATE/NET OR M.E./M.Tech in First Division at both Graduate & Postgraduate levels. For Science disciplines, M.Sc. in First Division with CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, or JEST (as applicable). | Ph.D. in the relevant discipline OR Master’s Degree with 3 years of Research, Teaching, or Design & Development experience and at least one SCI-indexed research paper. |
| Eligible Disciplines | Mechanical, Electronics, ECE, EEE, Computer Science, IT, Civil, Chemical, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and allied disciplines | Physics, Materials Science, Electronics, Quantum Technologies and allied disciplines |
| Minimum Academic Requirement | First Division in the qualifying degree | First Division wherever applicable |
| Age Limit | Maximum 28 years (Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD as per Government norms) | Maximum 35 years (Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD as per Government norms) |
| Essential Qualification | Valid NET/GATE/JEST qualification wherever prescribed by the respective laboratory | Ph.D. or equivalent research qualification with relevant experience |
| Experience Required | Not mandatory | Required for candidates applying through the Master’s degree route |
| Selection Process | Walk-in Interview / Written Test & Interview / Shortlisting (Lab-specific) | Interview after application-based shortlisting |
| Fellowship Tenure | Initially 2 years, extendable as per DRDO rules | 2 years as per DRDO fellowship guidelines |
DRDO JRF Selection Process 2026
DRDO selects candidates through walk-in interview. There is no written exam for most positions. But exam may be held if many candidates come. The selection process is simple. You need to go to the venue and give interview. Below is the selection process for DRDO JRF and RA Recruitment 2026:
- Step 1 – Document Verification: Original certificates, mark sheets, and ID proof are checked at the venue on the interview day.
- Step 2 – Written Test : A written exam may be held depending on the number of applicants who turn up.
- Step 3 – Walk-in Interview: Shortlisted candidates appear before the Selection Committee for a detailed interview.
- Step 4 – Final Selection: Based on interview performance, academic record, and research experience.
DRDO JRF Salary 2026
DRDO offers a good monthly stipend to both JRF and RA fellows as per DRDO norms. The stipend is paid along with House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per government rules applicable at the time of joining. Below are the complete salary and benefit details for DRDO JRF and RA Recruitment 2026:
| DRDO JRF and RA Salary 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Post | Monthly Stipend | Other Benefits |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Rs. 37,000/- | HRA as per rules + Medical facility |
| Research Associate (RA) | Rs. 67,000/- | HRA as per rules + Medical facility + Contingency grant up to Rs. 20,000/- per year |
DRDO JRF Tenure 2026
The fellowship tenure for DRDO JRF and RA is fixed at the time of joining and is clearly mentioned in the offer letter. JRF fellows may have their fellowship upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) after two years if their work and performance are found to be satisfactory. Below are the tenure and extension details for DRDO JRF and RA Recruitment 2026:
| Post | Tenure Duration | Extension Policy | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRDO JRF | Initially 2 years | Can be upgraded to SRF based on performance and project requirements | Up to 5 years (JRF + SRF combined) |
| DRDO Research Associate (RA) | Initially 2 years | Extendable based on performance and organizational requirement | Maximum 3 years |










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