DRDO NSTL JRF Recruitment 2026: Prestigious Research Fellowship Opportunity in Defence

Introduction

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially released the NSTL JRF Recruitment 2026 notification for engagement of Junior Research Fellows (JRF) at the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam. This recruitment offers a rare opportunity for engineering and science graduates to work on cutting-edge defence research projects with a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 + HRA.

The DRDO NSTL JRF Walk-in-Interview 2026 is scheduled on 26 February 2026, and eligible candidates from Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science, and Instrumentation disciplines can appear directly for selection. This is one of the most sought-after DRDO research fellowships for young engineers and researchers aiming to build a strong career in defence R&D.

Highlights – DRDO NSTL JRF Recruitment 2026

• Organization: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Lab: Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL)
• Post Name: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
• Total Vacancies: 07
• Fellowship Amount: ₹37,000 per month + HRA
• Selection Mode: Walk-in Interview + Written Test (if required)
• Interview Date: 26 February 2026
• Reporting Time: 09:00 AM
• Job Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
• Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech / M.E./M.Tech with NET/GATE
• Application Mode: Walk-in

Total Vacancies

A total of 07 Junior Research Fellowships have been announced across multiple engineering disciplines.

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NSTL/JRF/01/2026

Short Description – DRDO NSTL JRF Recruitment 2026

DRDO’s Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) is conducting a walk-in interview to award Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) initially for two years (extendable as per rules). Selected fellows will work on advanced naval systems, underwater weapons, propulsion, electronics, and defense technologies under the guidance of DRDO scientists. This fellowship does not guarantee absorption, but it provides unmatched exposure to high-level research, making it ideal for candidates aspiring for a PhD, PSU research roles, or defense R&D careers.

Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited applications for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF). Detailed eligibility, terms of reference, and application instructions are available in the DRDO NSTL Notification (PDF) .

Important Dates and Application Fee – DRDO JRF Walk-in 2026

Important Dates

• Application Begins: Not Applicable (Walk-in)
• Last Date to Apply: 26 February 2026
• Admit Card: Not Applicable
• Examination Date: Written Test (if required) on interview day
• Interview Date: 26 February 2026
• Reporting Time: 09:00 AM

Application Fee

• General / EWS / OBC: ₹10/-
• SC / ST / PH / Women: Nil
• Mode of Payment:
  • Indian Postal Order (IPO)
  • Demand Draft
  • Online Bank Transfer (Receipt required)

Posts, Vacancy, Age Limit, Pay Scale, and Qualification Details – DRDO JRF Eligibility 2026

Post Name	Pay Scale	Total Vacancies	Educational Qualification
Junior Research Fellow (Mechanical)	₹37,000 + HRA	03	B.E./B.Tech with NET/GATE OR M.E./M.Tech (First Division)
Junior Research Fellow (Electronics/ECE)	₹37,000 + HRA	02	Same as above
Junior Research Fellow (Computer Science)	₹37,000 + HRA	01	Same as above
Junior Research Fellow (Instrumentation)	₹37,000 + HRA	01	Same as above

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Note

Age Limit:

• Maximum 28 years as on the interview date

Age Relaxation:

• SC/ST/OBC: As per the Government of India rules

Cut-off Date for Age Calculation:

• 26 February 2026

How to Apply – DRDO NSTL Walk-in Interview 2026

Eligible candidates must appear in person for the DRDO NSTL JRF Recruitment 2026 walk-In Interview at the venue below with all required documents:

Venue:
Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL)
Vigyan Nagar, Near N.A.D. Junction
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh – 530027

Date: 26 February 2026
Reporting Time: 09:00 AM

Candidates must carry the duly filled application form, original documents, and one set of self-attested photocopies.

Documents Required for DRDO JRF Walk-in

• Bio-data / Application form
• 10th certificate (DOB proof)
• All mark sheets & degree certificates
• NET/GATE score card (if applicable)
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID / Passport
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Fee payment receipt (if applicable)
• No Objection Certificate (for PSU candidates)

Selection Process – DRDO NSTL JRF Selection 2026

DRDO NSTL JRF Recruitment 2026 Selection will be done through:

1. Written Test (if required for shortlisting)
2. Personal Interview
3. Final merit-based panel preparation

A panel will remain valid for one year for future vacancies.

Important Instructions: DRDO NSTL JRF Recruitment 2026

• Fellowship is initially for 2 years (extendable)
• No TA/DA will be paid for the interview
• A fellowship does not guarantee a permanent job
• Candidates must possess the required qualifications on the interview date
• DRDO reserves the right to increase/decrease vacancies
• Only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed
• Legal jurisdiction: Visakhapatnam

Why This Job Is Perfect for Research-Oriented Candidates

The DRDO NSTL JRF Fellowship 2026 is ideal for candidates who aspire to build a career in high-end defence research, pursue a PhD, or enter advanced R&D roles in PSUs and government laboratories. Working at NSTL provides hands-on exposure to real defence projects, access to world-class labs, and mentorship from senior DRDO scientists. This opportunity significantly boosts a candidate’s academic and professional profile and is considered a gateway to elite research careers in India.

FAQs:

Important Links

• Official Website: https://www.drdo.gov.in
• Application Form
• Location: NSTL, Visakhapatnam
• Notification PDF: Official DRDO NSTL Advt. No. NSTL/JRF/01/2026 advtNSTL29012026

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