VRDE DRDO Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

VRDE DRDO Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026: A Prime Opportunity in Defence Research

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence, has released an official recruitment notification (Advt. VRDE/31/08/2026) for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) at its Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring Mechanical Engineering graduates and post-graduates to contribute to cutting-edge defence research.

A total of 5 vacancies are announced for this contractual position, with selection based on a walk-in process involving document verification, a written test, and an interview. Interested candidates must submit their willingness by 27 September 2026 and attend the walk-in selection on 06 October 2026. Candidates interested in similar roles within DRDO can also check DRDO DYSL SM Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Walk-in Interview Details recruitment details for other opportunities.

Important Dates to Remember

Candidates are advised to adhere strictly to the following schedule for the VRDE DRDO JRF recruitment:

• Notification Release Date: 31 August 2026
• Last Date to Submit Willingness: 27 September 2026
• Walk-In Date (Document Verification, Written Test & Interview): 06 October 2026

Eligibility Criteria & Age Limit

Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the specific eligibility criteria detailed below:

Educational Qualification:

• For BE/B.Tech Holders: Candidates must possess a BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with First Division and a valid GATE score (2024/2025/2026).
• For ME/M.Tech Holders: Candidates must have an ME/M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with First Division at both the graduate and post-graduate levels.

Age Limit:

The maximum age limit for candidates is 28 years as on 27 September 2026.

Age Relaxation:

Relaxations in the upper age limit are applicable for reserved categories:

• SC/ST candidates: 5 years relaxation
• OBC (Non-creamy layer) candidates: 3 years relaxation

Remuneration for Junior Research Fellow

Selected candidates for the Junior Research Fellow position will receive a competitive monthly stipend along with allowances:

• Stipend: Rs. 37,000 per month
• Additional Benefits: House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per rules.

Application Fee

Applicants will be pleased to know that there is no application fee for this recruitment drive across all categories.

Selection Methodology

The selection process for the Junior Research Fellow posts at VRDE DRDO is straightforward and designed to evaluate both academic knowledge and research aptitude. The stages include:

1. Stage 1: Document Verification: Candidates' original documents will be scrutinized for authenticity and eligibility.
2. Stage 2: Written Test: A written examination will be conducted to assess technical knowledge in Mechanical Engineering.
3. Stage 3: Interview: Qualified candidates from the written test will undergo an interview to evaluate their research potential and suitability for the role.

How to Apply: Walk-In Interview Process

This recruitment follows a walk-in interview format, which requires an initial submission of willingness. Please follow these steps carefully:

1. Download Official Documents: Begin by downloading the Official Notification PDF and the Application Form from the official DRDO website.
2. Review Eligibility: Thoroughly read the notification to understand all eligibility criteria, age limits, and required documents.
3. Fill Application/Willingness Form: Complete the application/willingness form accurately as per the instructions in the official notice.
4. Submit Willingness: Ensure your willingness is submitted by the deadline of 27 September 2026. The method of submission (email/post) will be specified in the official notification.
5. Attend Walk-In Selection: Report to the designated venue on 06 October 2026 for document verification, written test, and interview. Make sure to carry all original documents along with one set of self-attested photocopies.

Essential Documents Checklist for Walk-In

Candidates appearing for the walk-in selection on 06 October 2026 must bring the following documents:

• Duly Filled Application Form: The completed application form downloaded from the official DRDO website.
• Valid Photo Identity Proof: Such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, etc.
• Educational Certificates & Marksheets: From Class 10th onwards, including BE/B.Tech/ME/M.Tech degrees and marksheets.
• GATE Scorecard: Valid GATE scorecard (2024/2025/2026) if applying based on GATE qualification.
• Category Certificate: Latest Caste/Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL) if applying under reserved categories.
• Passport-size Photographs: Recent passport-size photographs as specified in the notification.

Candidate Advisory & Important Precautions