DIAT Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

DIAT JRF Recruitment 2026: An Overview of Research Opportunities at a Premier Defence Institute

The Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune, operating under the Department of Defence Research & Development, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has announced a significant recruitment drive for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF). This opportunity (Advertisement No. 31-2026/JRF/DIAT) is ideal for highly motivated and qualified individuals seeking to contribute to cutting-edge research in a prestigious defence environment.

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

This JRF position offers a unique chance to engage in advanced scientific projects, providing valuable research experience and a stepping stone for a career in defence research. Located in Pune, Maharashtra, DIAT is renowned for its academic excellence and contributions to national defence. Candidates looking to explore all latest Maharashtra Government Jobs will find this a highly competitive and rewarding option.

Eligibility Criteria & Age Limit for Junior Research Fellow

Prospective candidates must carefully review the eligibility requirements to ensure their application is considered. The qualifications and age limits are strictly defined by the official notification.

Educational Qualifications:

• For NET/GATE Qualified Candidates: Possess a B.E./B.Tech/M.Sc. in Computer Science Engineering (CSE), Information Technology (IT), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), or a related domain, with a First Division and a valid NET/GATE qualification.
• For M.E./M.Tech. Candidates: Hold an M.E./M.Tech. in CSE/IT/ECE or a related domain, with a First Division at both Graduate (B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc.) and Post Graduate (M.E./M.Tech./M.Sc.) levels.
• All qualifications must be obtained from recognized Universities/Institutions/Industries.

Age Limit:

• The upper age limit for applicants is 28 years as on 06 November 2026.

Age Relaxation:

The following age relaxations are applicable as per government norms:

• SC/ST Candidates: 5 Years relaxation
• Women Candidates: 5 Years relaxation
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 5 Years relaxation
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Candidates: 3 Years relaxation

Remuneration & Contractual Details

The selected Junior Research Fellow will receive an attractive monthly stipend and other applicable benefits, along with specific contractual terms.

• Salary: A fixed stipend of ₹37,000/- per month plus HRA (House Rent Allowance) as applicable will be provided.
• Medical Facilities: JRFs will have access to medical facilities limited to MI Room services.
• Employment Nature: This is a contractual position.
• Contract Duration: The engagement will be for a period of 10 months or co-terminus with the project, whichever occurs earlier.

Selection Process

The selection for the DIAT JRF position will be a structured process designed to identify the most suitable candidates for the research project. There will be no written examination for this recruitment.

• Stage 1: Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their academic qualifications, GATE/NET scores, and overall suitability for the project. Merely meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee an interview call.
• Stage 2: Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The interview may be conducted either in-person at DIAT, Pune, or through video conferencing, depending on the circumstances.
• Stage 3: Document Verification: Successful candidates from the interview stage will undergo a thorough document verification process.

Important Dates for Application

Candidates must take note of the crucial dates for the application process to avoid missing the deadline.

• Application Commencement Date: 01 October 2026
• Last Date to Submit Application via Email: 06 November 2026

Application Fee Details

Applicants for the DIAT Junior Research Fellow post will be pleased to know that there is no application fee required for this recruitment.

• General/OBC/EWS Candidates: No Application Fee
• SC/ST/PwBD Candidates: No Application Fee
• The official notification explicitly states that no application fee is specified.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply

The application process for the DIAT JRF position is entirely email-based. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful submission:

1. Download Application Form: Visit the official DIAT website (diat.ac.in) and download the prescribed application form. The direct link to the official notification PDF, which contains the application form, is also provided under Important Links.
2. Fill the Form & Prepare Bio-Data: Duly fill out the application form with all required details. Ensure it is signed. Additionally, prepare a brief, signed bio-data that highlights your academic and research accomplishments.
3. Gather Supporting Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including proof of date of birth, B.E./B.Tech and M.E./M.Tech mark sheets and degree certificates, and any supporting documents for qualifications, experience, project reports, and publications.
4. Self-Attest & Scan: Make one set of self-attested copies of all your documents. Scan these documents clearly to create digital copies.
5. Merge into Single PDF: Combine the filled application form, signed bio-data, and all self-attested supporting documents into a single PDF file. This is a critical instruction; ensure your application is submitted as one consolidated PDF.
6. Email Submission: Send the single PDF file to the official email ID specified in the notification.
7. Subject Line: Crucially, the email subject line must be exactly "Application for JRF". Deviations might lead to your application not being processed.
8. Submission Deadline: Ensure your email, with the attached PDF, is sent on or before 06 November 2026.

Essential Documents Checklist

Candidates must prepare the following documents for the application and keep the originals ready for the interview and verification process:

• Duly filled and signed application form (as per official format).
• Brief bio-data (signed).
• Proof of Date of Birth (e.g., Class 10th certificate).
• B.E./B.Tech Mark Sheets and Degree Certificates.
• M.E./M.Tech Mark Sheets and Degree Certificates (if applicable).
• M.Sc. Mark Sheets and Degree Certificates (if applicable).
• NET/GATE Score Card (if applicable).
• Supporting documents for any relevant qualifications, research experience, project reports, and publications.
• One set of self-attested copies of all the above documents.

Candidate Advisory & Crucial Precautions

To ensure a smooth application process, candidates are advised to heed the following warnings and precautions:

• Single PDF Submission: Ensure that your complete application, including the form, bio-data, and all supporting documents, is compiled into a single PDF file before emailing.
• Exact Subject Line: Use the precise subject line 'Application for JRF' when sending your email. Any deviation might cause your application to be overlooked.
• Shortlisting is Not Automatic: Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee an interview call. Shortlisting will be based on overall suitability for the project.
• Original Documents: Keep all original documents ready for verification at the time of the interview.
• No TA/DA: DIAT will not provide any Travel Allowance or Dearness Allowance for attending the interview.
• Deadline Adherence: Submit your application well before the deadline of 06 November 2026 to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

This recruitment presents a significant opportunity for eligible candidates to join a premier defence research institution. We encourage all interested and qualified individuals to apply. For those exploring further, you can check more Graduate jobs in Maharashtra for diverse career paths.