DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026: Official Notification, Vacancies, Stipend, and Walk-in Interview Dates
The DRDO JRF and Research Associate recruitment notification for 2026 is officially out. Access comprehensive details regarding interview schedules, eligibility criteria, age limits, stipend structures, and application guidelines. Walk-in interviews are scheduled across Delhi, Kanpur, and Tezpur during March-April 2026 for 18 available vacancies.
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026
The DRDO Recruitment 2026 drive covers a range of prestigious temporary fellowship roles across various DRDO laboratories. These positions offer an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge defense technologies. Opportunities are available in diverse fields including Science, Engineering, and Pharmacy. To qualify as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF), candidates must possess strong academic credentials and typically require a valid GATE or NET score.
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026: Overview
Below is a quick overview of the DRDO JRF and RA Recruitment 2026. This summary provides essential details such as the recruiting organization, post titles, total openings, eligibility prerequisites, and the selection methodology. Prospective applicants are advised to review these details thoroughly before preparing their application packets. Here is the official snapshot for the 2026 recruitment drive:
| DRDO JRF and RA Recruitment 2026: Overview | |
|---|---|
| Details | Information |
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA) |
| Total Vacancies | 9 |
| Selection Process | Walk-in Interview |
| Job Location | Dehradun, Ahilyanagar, Assam |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
DRDO JRF Vacancy 2026
DRDO has officially announced a total of 18 vacancies spanning three key laboratories for JRF and RA positions in 2026. Please note that vacancy counts are subject to change based on the specific requirements of the labs at the time of the interview. The following section provides a detailed breakdown of these opportunities:
| DRDO JRF and RA Vacancy 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Lab | Vacancies |
| DRDE, Gwalior | 2 |
| LRDE,Bengaluru | 2 |
| DRL, Assam | 5 |
| Total | 9 |
DRDO Interview Date 2026
The selection for JRF and RA positions will be conducted primarily through walk-in interviews. There is no provision for online interviews; candidates must attend in person at the designated venue with all required original documentation and proof of qualifications. Each lab follows a unique interview schedule, which is outlined below for your reference.
| DRDO Interview Schedule | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lab | Interview Date | Reporting Time | Venue |
| DRDE, Gwalior | 17-18 June 2026 | 9:30 am | Main Gate Reception, DRDE, Jhansi Road, Gwalior-474 002 |
| LRDE,Bengaluru |
|
8:30 – 9:30 am | Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), DRDO Township, CV Raman Nagar, Bengaluru – 560093 |
| DMSRDE, Kanpur | 30 June 2026 | 9:30 am | DMSRDE Transit Facility (Near DRLM Puliya), DMSRDE, G. T. Road, Kanpur 208 004 |
DRDO JRF Notification PDF 2026
The official notification released by DRDO contains critical information regarding the recruitment process, including eligibility standards, required documentation, and interview protocols. Candidates are strongly encouraged to read the notification thoroughly. You may download the official PDF from the DRDO career portal or access it directly via the provided link below:
| Lab | Notification |
| DRDE, Gwalior | Download PDF |
| LRDE,Bengaluru | Download PDF |
| DRL, Assam | Download PDF |
How to Apply for the DRDO JRF Application Form 2026?
Applying for DRDO JRF roles is a straightforward walk-in process. While most labs require candidates to report to the venue with the completed application form, some may request an advance submission of your CV via email. Please adhere strictly to the specific instructions provided by each lab to ensure your candidacy is processed correctly.
- 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 [email protected] 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 comply with the specified age limits to be eligible for DRDO JRF and RA positions. The organization provides age relaxation benefits for reserved categories, including SC, ST, and OBC, in accordance with government regulations. Review the age limit details provided below.
| 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
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has established rigorous eligibility criteria for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) roles. Candidates seeking to contribute to advanced defense research must satisfy the educational qualifications, age limits, and technical prerequisites. While JRF roles target fresh postgraduates with national-level exam qualifications, RA positions require significant research experience, such as a Ph.D. Please review the combined eligibility requirements below carefully.
| Criteria | DRDO JRF Eligibility 2026 | DRDO Research Associate (RA) Eligibility 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Qualification |
|
OR
|
| Age Limit | Maximum 28 years | Maximum 35 years |
| Age Relaxation |
|
|
| Nationality | Indian Citizen | Indian Citizen |
| Selection Process | Interview based on academic merit and NET/GATE score | Interview based on research profile and experience |
DRDO JRF Selection Process 2026
Selection for these roles is primarily based on a walk-in interview. Although a written screening test may be conducted if the turnout is exceptionally high, the core selection process involves a personal interview at the designated location. Please find the detailed selection methodology for the DRDO JRF and RA Recruitment 2026 below:
- 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 competitive monthly stipend for both JRF and RA fellows, structured according to official DRDO guidelines. In addition to the base fellowship, employees are entitled to House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per current government norms. Detailed information regarding salary scales and associated benefits is outlined below:
| 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 is defined at the time of appointment and documented in the official offer letter. JRF fellows may be eligible for an upgrade to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) status after two years, contingent upon satisfactory performance and evaluation. Please refer to the guidelines below for comprehensive information regarding tenure and potential extensions.
| 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 |
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026
Yes, candidates who have completed their coursework may apply; however, the fellowship will only be awarded upon the official issuance of the degree or a valid provisional certificate.
No, DRDO does not provide TA/DA reimbursement for candidates attending interviews or for travel related to joining the fellowship.
No, these positions are purely time-bound research fellowships and do not guarantee or imply permanent employment within the DRDO organization.