DRDO ARDE Pune Recruitment 2026: Apply for 24 Junior Research Fellow and Research Associate Posts
Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) — Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Age Eligibility & DOB Range for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA)
Cut-off Date: 31 Aug 2026 — Candidates must be between 18 to 27 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 | 27 yrs | — | 01 Sep 1999 to 31 Aug 2008 |
| EWS | 18 yrs | 27 yrs | — | 01 Sep 1999 to 31 Aug 2008 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 18 yrs | 30 yrs | +3 yrs | 01 Sep 1996 to 31 Aug 2008 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 18 yrs | 32 yrs | +5 yrs | 01 Sep 1994 to 31 Aug 2008 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 18 yrs | 32 yrs | +5 yrs | 01 Sep 1994 to 31 Aug 2008 |
| PwD (General) | 18 yrs | 37 yrs | +10 yrs | 01 Sep 1989 to 31 Aug 2008 |
Check Your Age Eligibility — Interactive Calculator
Prescribed Age: 18–27 Years (As on 31 Aug 2026)
Executive Summary & Key Facts
The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) has issued an official recruitment notification for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA), announcing a total of 24 vacancies located in Maharashtra. The closing date for submission of online application forms is 31 August 2026. To be eligible, applicants must hold B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc. with NET/GATE or Ph.D. in relevant engineering/science fields. and be within the prescribed age limit of 28 years for JRF, 35 years for RA (Relaxation: 5 yrs SC/ST, 3 yrs OBC), with category relaxation applicable as per government guidelines. Selected candidates will receive an approved pay scale of Rs. 37,000 (JRF) to Rs. 67,000 (RA) per month + HRA/Allowances. The selection procedure comprises Shortlisting followed by a written test and/or interview.. For complete guidelines, syllabus breakdown, and official notification PDF, refer to the verified information below on ApplySarkariJob.
📅 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA) - Important Dates & Schedule
| Last Date to Apply |
31 Aug 2026
|
|---|
📋 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA) - Eligibility Criteria & Vacancy Overview
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA) |
|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 24 |
| Qualification | B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc. with NET/GATE or Ph.D. in relevant engineering/science fields. |
| Age Limit | 28 years for JRF, 35 years for RA (Relaxation: 5 yrs SC/ST, 3 yrs OBC) |
| Salary | Rs. 37,000 (JRF) to Rs. 67,000 (RA) per month + HRA/Allowances |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting followed by a written test and/or interview. |
📝 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA) - Detailed Notification Guide
Overview of DRDO ARDE Pune Recruitment 2026
The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, a key laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released an official notification for the engagement of 24 Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and Research Associates (RA). Interested and eligible Indian nationals are required to submit their applications offline by post.
Vacancy Details and Monthly Stipend
| Post | Discipline | Vacancies | Stipend (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow | Electronics / Applied Physics / Optics | 08 | Rs. 37,000 |
| Junior Research Fellow | Computer Science / IT / AI / Cyber Security | 04 | Rs. 37,000 |
| Junior Research Fellow | Mechanical / Metallurgy / Manufacturing | 10 | Rs. 37,000 |
| Junior Research Fellow | Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering | 01 | Rs. 37,000 |
| Research Associate | Electronics Engineering | 01 | Rs. 67,000 |
In addition to the monthly stipend, candidates are entitled to House Rent Allowance (HRA), medical facilities, and a contingency grant as per prevailing DRDO rules.
Eligibility for ARDE Pune JRF and RA Posts
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): B.E./B.Tech in relevant disciplines with a first-division score and a valid NET/GATE qualification. M.Sc. or M.E./M.Tech candidates in equivalent disciplines are also eligible.
- Research Associate (RA): Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering or M.E./M.Tech with at least 3 years of research and development experience. A mandatory publication in a JCR/SCI-indexed journal is required.
- Age Limit: The maximum age limit is 28 years for JRF and 35 years for RA. Age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC candidates is provided as per government norms.
Steps to Apply for ARDE Pune Recruitment 2026
- Download the official Bio-data proforma from the DRDO website.
- Fill out the form in your own handwriting, ensuring all personal and academic details are accurate.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph on the top right corner.
- Attach self-attested copies of your degree certificates, GATE/NET scorecards, and category proof.
- Superscribe the envelope with the name of the post applied for and send it to: The Director, Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Armament Post, Pashan, Pune - 411 021.
Important Considerations
Applications must be received by the office on or before 31 August 2026. Incomplete applications or those received after the deadline will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be notified of the interview or written test schedule solely through email.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a right to permanent absorption in DRDO? No, these fellowships are temporary and do not confer any right to future absorption in DRDO.
- Can I apply if I have only submitted my Ph.D. thesis? Yes, however, the associateship will only be granted upon the formal conferment of the degree within the offer's validity period.