Intro Paragraph
The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune—a premier laboratory of DRDO under the Ministry of Defense—has released Advertisement No. ARDE/JRF-RA/2026 inviting applications for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and Research Associateships (RA). With lucrative stipends up to ₹67,000 per month, this recruitment is a golden opportunity for young Indian nationals to pursue cutting-edge defense research.
Highlights
- Organization: ARDE—DRDO, Ministry of Defence
- Posts: JRF & RA
- Vacancies: 24 (JRF – 23, RA – 1)
- Salary: ₹37,000–₹67,000 per month + HRA & benefits
- Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc./Ph.D. with NET/GATE
- Age Limit: 28 years (JRF), 35 years (RA)
- Last Date to Apply: 31 August 2026

Table of Contents
Total Vacancies
24
Advertisement No.
ARDE/JRF-RA/2026
Short Description – ARDE DRDO Recruitment 2026
The ARDE DRDO Recruitment 2026 notification offers Junior Research Fellowships and Research Associateships in diverse engineering and science disciplines. Selected candidates will work on advanced defense technologies at ARDE Pune with attractive stipends and research exposure.
Important Dates and Application Fee: ARDE DRDO JRF RA Recruitment 2026
- Application Begins: Ongoing
- Last Date to Apply: 31 August 2026
- Admit Card: To be notified for shortlisted candidates
- Examination/Interview Date: Via email to shortlisted candidates
- Application Fee: Nil (No fee mentioned in notification)
- Mode of Payment: Not applicable
Posts, Vacancy, Age Limit, Pay Scale, and Qualification Details: ARDE DRDO JRF RA Recruitment 2026
| Post Name / Pay Scale | Total Vacancy | Educational Qualification |
| Junior Research Fellow (Electronics) – ₹37,000 | 08 | B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc. in Electronics/Applied Physics/Photonics/Optics with NET/GATE |
| Junior Research Fellow (Computer Science) – ₹37,000 | 04 | B.E./B.Tech/M.Sc. in Computer Science/IT/Data Science/AI/ML/Cybersecurity with NET/GATE |
| Junior Research Fellow (Mechanical/Metallurgy) – ₹37,000 | 10 | B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech in Mechanical/Metallurgy/Materials/Production Engineering with NET/GATE |
| Junior Research Fellow (Aerospace) – ₹37,000 | 01 | B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering with NET/GATE |
| Research Associate (Electronics) – ₹67,000 | 01 | Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering OR M.E./M.Tech with 3 years R&D experience + publication in SCI/JCR journals |
Age Limit:
- JRF – 28 years
- RA – 35 years of age; relaxation:
- SC/ST – 5 years
- OBC – 3 years. Cut-Off Date for Age Calculation: Date of Interview
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- Eligibility Details: NET/GATE qualification is mandatory for JRF. Ph.D./M.Tech with R&D experience for RA.
- Syllabus 2026: Based on subject specialization (Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical, and Aerospace).
- Exam Pattern: Shortlisted candidates will undergo an interview/written test.
- Salary: ₹37,000 (JRF), ₹67,000 (RA) + HRA, medical facilities, and contingency grant.
- Subject/Post-wise Vacancy: Electronics – 08, Computer Science – 04, Mechanical/Metallurgy – 10, Aerospace – 01; RA Electronics – 01.
How to Apply: ARDE DRDO JRF RA Recruitment 2026
- Prepare a CV/biodata in the prescribed format.
- Attach self-attested copies of educational certificates, NET/GATE scorecards, caste certificates, and other relevant documents.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph.
- Send the application addressed to The Director, ARDE, Armament Post, Pashan, Pune – 411021.
- Superscribe the envelope with the post name.
- Ensure the application is received by 31 August 2026.
Candidates can use these free online tools for resizing photos, signatures, compressing PDFs, converting images and preparing documents required during online application form submission.
Documents Required: ARDE DRDO JRF RA Recruitment 2026
- Bio-data (original + copies)
- Educational certificates (self-attested)
- NET/GATE scorecard
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- No Objection Certificate (for Govt./PSU employees)
- Passport-size photograph
Selection Process: ARDE DRDO JRF RA Recruitment 2026
- Shortlisting based on eligibility.
- Interview and/or written test.
- Verification of original documents.
- Reimbursement of sleeper-class train/bus fare for shortlisted candidates.
Important Instructions: ARDE DRDO JRF RA Recruitment 2026
- Fellowship does not guarantee absorption in DRDO.
- Candidates must declare the authenticity of information.
- Applications without NET/GATE qualification will be rejected.
- Communication will be via email only.
Why This Job is Perfect for You
If you are a young engineer or researcher passionate about defense technology, ARDE DRDO offers unmatched exposure to advanced R&D projects. With attractive stipends, research facilities, and the prestige of working under DRDO, this fellowship is ideal for those aiming to build a career in defense research and innovation.
FAQs: ARDE DRDO JRF RA Recruitment 2026
What is the last date to apply for ARDE DRDO Recruitment 2026?
The last date is 31 August 2026.
What is the salary for JRF and RA posts?
JRF – ₹37,000 per month; RA – ₹67,000 per month.
Is NET/GATE qualification mandatory for JRF?
Yes, NET/GATE is compulsory for JRF applicants.
What is the age limit for JRF and RA?
JRF – 28 years, RA – 35 years (with relaxation for SC/ST/OBC).
How will candidates be selected?
Through shortlisting, interview/written test, and document verification.
Does the fellowship guarantee a permanent DRDO job?
No, fellowship does not confer the right to absorption in DRDO.
Important Links
Contact Numbers: 020-25865680, 020-25865295
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