The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has released a recruitment notification for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions at its Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra. Eligible Indian nationals can appear for the walk-in interview for the Mechanical Engineering discipline.
According to the official notification, there are 5 JRF vacancies, with a monthly stipend of ₹37,000 plus HRA. Candidates must meet the prescribed educational qualification and age requirements before attending the interview.
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026: Overview
- Organisation: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Laboratory: Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE)
- Post: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
- Discipline: Mechanical Engineering
- Total Vacancies: 5
- Application Mode: Walk-in Interview
- Job Location: VRDE, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra
Important Dates
| Notification Published | 31 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Send Willingness by Email | 27 September 2026 |
| Document Verification | 6 October 2026 |
| Written Test & Interview | 6 & 7 October 2026 |
Candidates appearing for the walk-in interview are required to report at VRDE, PO Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra – 414006.
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026: Vacancy Details
| Discipline | Vacancies | Acceptable Branches |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 5 | Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Automation Engineering, Mechanical & Production Engineering |
The notification also states that the number of fellowships may increase or decrease depending on organisational or laboratory requirements.
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026: Eligibility Criteria
| Post | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Discipline | Mechanical Engineering |
| Educational Qualification – Option 1 | BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering or an acceptable equivalent discipline with First Division and a valid cut-off GATE score. |
| Educational Qualification – Option 2 | ME/M.Tech in the relevant discipline with First Division at both Graduate and Post-Graduate levels. |
| Acceptable Branches | Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Automation Engineering, Mechanical & Production Engineering |
| GATE Requirement | A valid cut-off GATE score is required for candidates applying through the BE/B.Tech route. |
| Age Limit | Maximum 28 years as on the date of the interview. |
| Age Relaxation | 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates. |
| Nationality | Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply. |
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026: Salary
| Post | Vacancy | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) – Mechanical Engineering | 5 | ₹37,000 + HRA |
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026: Selection Procedure
The selection process will consist of document verification, written test and interview. Candidates will first undergo eligibility and document verification. Eligible candidates will then participate in the written test and interview as scheduled by VRDE.
The final selection will be made by the committee constituted by VRDE based on the prescribed selection process. The notification also states that the offer of fellowship does not confer any right to absorption in DRDO.
Documents Required for DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026
Candidates should carry the required documents in original along with self-attested copies. The application form also requires details of educational qualifications, experience, and NET/GATE examination.
- Duly filled application form
- Educational qualification certificates and marksheets
- GATE score details/proof, wherever applicable
- Age/DOB proof
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- Experience certificate, if any
- Valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar Card/PAN Card/Passport
- Recent passport-size photograph
- NET/GATE examination proof, wherever applicable
Government employees must produce a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer at the time of interview.
How to Apply for DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates have to follow the walk-in interview process given below:
- Download the Junior Research Fellowship application form from the DRDO website.
- Fill in the application form in your own handwriting.
- Attach the required self-attested documents and photograph.
- Candidates willing to attend the interview must send their willingness by email to kapilpuraswani.vrde@gov.in by 27 September 2026.
- Use the prescribed subject line: “Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship.”
- Report to VRDE, Ahilyanagar, for document verification on 6 October 2026 within the prescribed time.
- Candidates should carry the original documents for verification.
Important Links
| DRDO Official Website | Check here |
| DRDO JRF Recruitment Notification PDF | Check here |
FAQs on DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026
How many vacancies are available in DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026?
There are 5 vacancies for Junior Research Fellow in Mechanical Engineering.
What is the DRDO JRF stipend?
Selected JRFs will receive ₹37,000 per month plus HRA as admissible.
What is the maximum age for DRDO JRF Recruitment?
The maximum age is 28 years. Relaxation is available for SC/ST and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates as specified in the notification.
What is the last date to send willingness for the interview?
Candidates must send their willingness by email by 27 September 2026.
When is the document verification?
Document verification is scheduled for 6 October 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
