DRDO DIHAR JRF RA Recruitment 2026: Powerful Walk-in Opportunity for 25 Research Posts in High Altitude Defence Projects
The Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has released an official notification for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions. This is a prestigious walk-in interview opportunity for engineering and postgraduate candidates who aspire to work on cutting-edge defense research projects in high-altitude conditions.
Eligible candidates can appear for the DRDO DIHAR JRF RA Recruitment 2026 walk-in interview scheduled in February 2026 at Chandigarh. Interested applicants must carefully check eligibility, stipend, age limit, and required documents before attending.
Table of Contents
DRDO DIHAR JRF RA Recruitment 2026 Highlights
- Organization: Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR)
- Parent Organization: DRDO
- Post Name: Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA)
- Total Vacancies: 25 Posts
- Mode of Selection: Walk-in Interview
- Interview Location: Chandigarh
- Job Type: Research Fellowship (Temporary)
- Primary Keyword: DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026
- Secondary Keywords: DRDO JRF Walk-in 2026, DIHAR RA Vacancy 2026
Total Vacancies
A total of 25 vacancies have been announced:
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): 22 Posts
- Research Associate (RA): 03 Posts
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The recruitment has been announced through an official notification issued by DIHAR under DRDO for walk-in interviews for JRF & RA positions.
Short Description—DRDO DIHAR JRF & RA Walk-in 2026
The Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), a premier institute functioning under DRDO, invites applications from eligible engineering and postgraduate candidates for research roles in defense-related projects. DIHAR is engaged in high-altitude technology development, trials, and testing in strategic environments. Candidates with B.Tech (with a valid GATE score) or M.Tech qualifications can apply for JRF posts, while experienced M.Tech holders with research publications can apply for RA positions.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited applications for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA). Detailed eligibility, terms of reference, and application instructions are available in the DRDO DIHAR Notification (PDF) .
Important Dates and Application Fee – DRDO DIHAR JRF RA Recruitment 2026
Application Begins
No prior online application required. Candidates must appear directly for the walk-in interview.
Last Date to Apply
Walk-in Interview Date: 24 February 2026 (Tuesday)
Admit Card
Not Applicable (Direct Walk-in).
Examination Date
Not Applicable (Interview-Based Selection).
Application Fee
- General / EWS / OBC: Nil
- SC / ST / PH / Woman: Nil
- Mode of Payment: No Fee Required
There is no application fee for any category.
Posts, Vacancy, Age Limit, Pay Scale, and Qualification Details – DRDO DIHAR Vacancy 2026
| Post Name / Pay Scale | Total Vacancy | Educational Qualification |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) – ₹37,000 + HRA per month | 22 | B.Tech (First Division) with a valid GATE score OR M.Tech (First Division at UG & PG level) in relevant disciplines |
| Research Associate (RA) – ₹67,000 + HRA per month | 03 | M.Tech in relevant discipline + 3 years research/teaching/design experience + at least one SCI journal publication |
Engineering Disciplines for JRF
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering / IT
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering & Production
- Material Science Engineering
- Physics
RA Disciplines
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering / IT
(As per official notification advtDIHAR10022026)
Note:
Age Limit:
- JRF: Maximum 28 years
- RA: Maximum 35 years
Age Relaxation:
Applicable for SC/ST/OBC candidates as per the Government of India rules.
Cut-Off Date for Age Calculation:
As of the date of the walk-in interview (24 February 2026).
Stipend and Tenure—DRDO Research Fellowship 2026
JRF
- ₹37,000 per month + HRA
- Initial tenure: 2 years
- Extendable based on performance up to a maximum of 5 years
RA
- ₹67,000 per month + HRA
- Maximum tenure: 2 years
(As per DRDO guidelines advt DIHAR10022026)
How to Apply – DRDO DIHAR Walk-in Interview 2026
Eligible candidates must report for the DRDO DIHAR JRF RA Recruitment 2026 walk-in interview at:
DIHAR Base Station
Near 3 BRD, Industrial Area Phase-II
Chandigarh – 160002
Reporting Time: 08:45 AM
Date: 24 February 2026
There is no online application process. Candidates must physically attend the interview venue with the required documents.
Documents Required – DRDO DIHAR Interview 2026
Candidates must carry:
- Original certificates for Date of Birth
- Original educational qualification certificates
- Self-attested copies of all documents
- Neatly typed biodata
- Documents supporting research/experience (for RA post)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) if employed in the Govt/PSU
Selection Process – DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026
The DRDO DIHAR JRF RA Recruitment 2026 selection process includes:
- Initial Screening based on qualification and eligibility
- Shortlisted candidates will appear for a personal interview on the same day
Important Points:
- No TA/DA will be provided
- Fellowship does not guarantee permanent absorption in DRDO
- Candidates must be medically fit for high-altitude working conditions
- The number of vacancies may change without prior notice
(As per official advertisement advtDIHAR10022026)
Important Instructions: DRDO DIHAR JRF RA Recruitment 2026
- Fellowship is governed by DRDO rules and policies.
- Candidates must be willing to work in high-altitude environmental conditions.
- Government/PSU candidates must produce an NOC at the time of the interview.
- The institute reserves the right to accept/reject applications without assigning reasons.
- These are project-based research positions only.
Why This DRDO DIHAR Job is Perfect for Engineering & Research Aspirants
The DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for young engineers and researchers who aspire to contribute to national defense projects. Working under DRDO provides exposure to advanced research infrastructure, strategic technology development, and real-time defense applications.
Candidates selected as JRF or RA will gain hands-on experience in high-altitude research projects—an area critical for India’s defense preparedness. The attractive stipend, research exposure, and opportunity to work under one of India’s top defense research organizations make this fellowship highly prestigious.
For GATE-qualified engineers and M.Tech graduates aiming for a research-driven career, this recruitment offers both financial stability and academic growth.
FAQs: DRDO DIHAR JRF RA Recruitment 2026
Q1. What is the walk-in date for DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026?
The walk-in interview will be held on 24 February 2026 in Chandigarh.
Q2. What is the stipend for DRDO JRF and RA posts?
JRF will receive ₹37,000 + HRA per month, while RA will receive ₹67,000 + HRA per month.
Q3. Is GATE mandatory for DRDO DIHAR JRF?
Yes, B.Tech candidates must have a valid GATE score. Alternatively, an M.Tech with first division at both the UG and PG levels is acceptable.
Important Links
- Official Website
- Official Notification: Refer to advertisement advtDIHAR10022026
- Walk-in Interview Date: 24 February 2026
- Venue: DIHAR Base Station, Chandigarh
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