DRDO DRDL JRF Recruitment 2026: 16 Vacancies for Mechanical, Aeronautical, and ECE Engineers
Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), DRDO — Department of Defence Research and Development
Age Eligibility & DOB Range for Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Cut-off Date: 05 Jun 2026 — Candidates must be between 18 to 28 years (General category). Category-wise relaxation and exact DOB boundaries are shown below.
| Category | Min Age | Max Age | Relaxation | DOB Must Be Between |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 18 yrs | 28 yrs | — | 06 Jun 1998 to 05 Jun 2008 |
| EWS | 18 yrs | 28 yrs | — | 06 Jun 1998 to 05 Jun 2008 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 18 yrs | 31 yrs | +3 yrs | 06 Jun 1995 to 05 Jun 2008 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 18 yrs | 33 yrs | +5 yrs | 06 Jun 1993 to 05 Jun 2008 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 18 yrs | 33 yrs | +5 yrs | 06 Jun 1993 to 05 Jun 2008 |
| PwD (General) | 18 yrs | 38 yrs | +10 yrs | 06 Jun 1988 to 05 Jun 2008 |
Check Your Age Eligibility — Interactive Calculator
Prescribed Age: 18–28 Years (As on 05 Jun 2026)
Executive Summary & Key Facts
The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), DRDO has issued an official recruitment notification for Junior Research Fellow (JRF), announcing a total of 16 vacancies located in All India. The online application window opens on 01 June 2026 and closes on 05 June 2026. To be eligible, applicants must hold B.E/B.Tech with GATE or M.E/M.Tech (First Class) and be within the prescribed age limit of Maximum 28 years, with category relaxation applicable as per government guidelines. Selected candidates will receive an approved pay scale of Rs. 37,000/- Per Month + HRA. The selection procedure comprises Shortlisting and Walk-in Interview. For complete guidelines, syllabus breakdown, and official notification PDF, refer to the verified information below on ApplySarkariJob.
📅 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) - Important Dates & Schedule
| Application Start | 01 Jun 2026 |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply |
05 Jun 2026
|
| Interview Date / Walk-in | 05 Jun 2026 |
📋 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) - Eligibility Criteria & Vacancy Overview
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 16 |
| Qualification | B.E/B.Tech with GATE or M.E/M.Tech (First Class) |
| Age Limit | Maximum 28 years |
| Salary | Rs. 37,000/- Per Month + HRA |
| Application Fee | Nil |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting and Walk-in Interview |
📝 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) - Detailed Notification Guide
DRDO DRDL Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Recruitment 2026
The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced a recruitment drive for 16 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions. This is a prestigious opportunity for engineering graduates and postgraduates to contribute to cutting-edge research in the defence sector.
Vacancy Details
The recruitment is categorized based on engineering disciplines. Below is the distribution of the 16 available posts:
- Mechanical Engineering (JRF-01): 09 Posts
- Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering (JRF-02): 04 Posts
- Electronics & Communication Engineering (JRF-03): 03 Posts
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following educational and age requirements to be eligible for the walk-in interview:
Educational Qualification
- B.E./B.Tech: First Class degree in the relevant engineering discipline from a UGC recognized university with a valid GATE score.
- OR M.E./M.Tech: First Class degree in the relevant engineering discipline at both Graduate and Postgraduate levels.
Age Limit
- Maximum Age: 28 years (as on the date of interview).
- Age Relaxation: Up to 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC candidates as per Government of India rules.
Stipend and Benefits
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible under the rules. The fellowship is initially for a period of two years, extendable as per DRDO regulations.
Selection Process
The selection will be conducted through a two-stage process:
- Shortlisting: Based on the valid GATE score and the percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying degree.
- Walk-in Interview: Shortlisted candidates must appear for a face-to-face interview on the scheduled dates.
Walk-in Interview Schedule
Candidates must report for the interview based on their discipline as follows:
| Discipline | Interview Dates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering (JRF-01) | 01 June 2026 to 03 June 2026 |
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering (JRF-02) | 04 June 2026 |
| Electronics Communication Engineering (JRF-03) | 05 June 2026 |
How to Apply
This is a Walk-in Interview recruitment. Interested and eligible candidates should follow these steps:
- Download the official notification and application form from the DRDO website.
- Carefully verify your eligibility for the specific post.
- Report to the designated venue on the date specified for your discipline.
- Carry all original certificates (SSC, Intermediate, B.E/B.Tech/M.E/M.Tech marks sheets and Degree, GATE Score card, Caste Certificate) along with one set of self-attested photocopies.
- Bring a valid Photo ID proof and recent passport-size photographs.