DRDO DRDE Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Recruitment 2026: Walk-in Interview Details
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) — Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
Executive Summary & Key Facts
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has issued an official recruitment notification for Junior Research Fellow (JRF), announcing a total of multiple vacancies located in All India. To be eligible, applicants must hold First Class M.Sc. in Chemistry or Life Sciences with valid CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR Fellowship. and be within the prescribed age limit of Max 28 years (relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC)., with category relaxation applicable as per government guidelines. Selected candidates will receive an approved pay scale of As per CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR guidelines.. The selection procedure comprises 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
| Interview Date / Walk-in | 17 Jun 2026 |
|---|
📋 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) - Eligibility Criteria & Vacancy Overview
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
|---|---|
| Qualification | First Class M.Sc. in Chemistry or Life Sciences with valid CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR Fellowship. |
| Age Limit | Max 28 years (relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC). |
| Salary | As per CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR guidelines. |
| Application Fee | No application fee. |
| Selection Process | Walk-in interview. |
Age Eligibility & DOB Range for Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Cut-off Date: 09 Oct 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 | — | 10 Oct 1998 to 09 Oct 2008 |
| EWS | 18 yrs | 28 yrs | — | 10 Oct 1998 to 09 Oct 2008 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 18 yrs | 31 yrs | +3 yrs | 10 Oct 1995 to 09 Oct 2008 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 18 yrs | 33 yrs | +5 yrs | 10 Oct 1993 to 09 Oct 2008 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 18 yrs | 33 yrs | +5 yrs | 10 Oct 1993 to 09 Oct 2008 |
| PwD (General) | 18 yrs | 38 yrs | +10 yrs | 10 Oct 1988 to 09 Oct 2008 |
Check Your Age Eligibility — Interactive Calculator
Prescribed Age: 18–28 Years (As on 09 Oct 2026)
📝 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) - Detailed Notification Guide
Overview of DRDO DRDE JRF Recruitment 2026
The Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), a premier laboratory under the DRDO, has announced a recruitment drive for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions. This is a significant opportunity for young, talented researchers to contribute to national defense projects in specialized scientific fields. The recruitment is strictly project-based and follows a walk-in interview selection process.
Key Highlights
- Organization: Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE)
- Post Name: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
- Mode of Selection: Walk-in Interview
- Job Location: Gwalior (or as per DRDE guidelines)
- Salary: As per standard CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR guidelines.
Important Dates
| Post/Subject | Interview Date |
|---|---|
| Chemistry JRF | 17 June 2026 |
| Life Sciences JRF | 18 June 2026 |
Note: Candidates must report at the venue by 09:30 hrs on the scheduled date for registration.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must ensure they meet the following educational and fellowship requirements:
- Chemistry JRF: First Class M.Sc. in Chemistry (Physical/Analytical/Organic/Inorganic) + Valid CSIR/UGC-NET JRF qualification.
- Life Sciences JRF: First Class M.Sc. in Zoology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Immunology, or related fields + Valid Fellowship from CSIR/UGC/ICMR/DBT.
Age Limit
The maximum age limit for applicants is 28 years. Relaxations are provided as per government norms:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
How to Prepare for the Walk-in Interview
Since this is a walk-in selection, your preparation for the interview day is critical:
- Documentation: Carry your original degree certificates, mark sheets, age proof, and valid fellowship proof (NET/GATE/CSIR etc.).
- Photocopies: Keep at least two sets of self-attested copies of all testimonials.
- Application Form: Ensure you bring a neatly filled application form as prescribed in the official advertisement.
- Punctuality: Reach the venue at least an hour before the reporting time to complete administrative formalities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Is there an application fee for the DRDO DRDE JRF recruitment?
A: No, the official notification does not specify any application fee. - Q: Can I apply online?
A: No, this recruitment is conducted via a walk-in interview process. You must attend the interview at the designated venue. - Q: What is the age limit for OBC candidates?
A: The upper age limit for OBC candidates is 31 years (28 years + 3 years relaxation). - Q: Are there a limited number of vacancies?
A: The notification mentions 'No Limit' for the positions, indicating a merit-based selection process. - Q: What documents are mandatory for the interview?
A: You must carry your M.Sc. degree, valid fellowship scorecards (CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR), photo ID, and category certificate.