Introduction
The prestigious Defense Research and Development Organization has officially released the DRDO DRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 notification for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) posts at the Defense Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior. This recruitment drive is a golden opportunity for young researchers and science postgraduates who wish to work on advanced defense-related research projects under DRDO.
Candidates possessing a valid CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR Fellowship along with a First Class M.Sc qualification in Chemistry or Biological Sciences related disciplines can attend the walk-in interview scheduled on 17 June and 18 June 2026. Selected candidates will receive a monthly fellowship and research benefits as per CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR guidelines.
The DRDO DRDE JRF Vacancy 2026 offers an excellent career pathway for candidates preparing for scientific research careers, PhD opportunities, and the defense R&D sectors. Interested applicants should carefully check eligibility criteria, interview dates, required documents, and reporting instructions before appearing for the walk-in selection process.
Official Notification: DRDO DRDE JRF Notification 2026
DRDO DRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 Highlights
- Organization: Defence Research and Development Organisation
- Laboratory Name: Defence Research and Development Establishment
- Post Name: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
- Advertisement Type: Walk-In Interview
- Fellowship Type: CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR Fellowship Holder
- Job Location: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
- Interview Dates: 17 & 18 June 2026
- Age Limit: 28 Years
- Application Mode: Email + Walk-In Interview
- Selection Process: Interview-Based
- Official Website: DRDO

Table of Contents
Total Vacancies
The official notification mentions “No Limit” for fellowship positions under both disciplines.
Advertisement Details
- Recruitment Name: DRDO DRDE JRF Recruitment 2026
- Recruiting Organization: DRDE, DRDO
- Recruitment Type: Junior Research Fellowship
- Advertisement Annexure: Annexure ‘A’
DRDO DRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 Notification Details
The Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, is one of the premier research laboratories functioning under the DRDO. The laboratory is involved in advanced defense research and scientific innovation. Through this recruitment process, DRDO aims to select highly talented and research-oriented candidates for Junior Research Fellowship positions.
Candidates selected as JRFs will get opportunities to work on cutting-edge scientific projects related to defense technologies, biological sciences, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, molecular biology, and related areas. The fellowship also provides opportunities for future PhD registration during the tenure of the research fellowship.
This recruitment is highly suitable for postgraduate science candidates who wish to build careers in defence research, scientific innovation, and advanced laboratory research.
Important Dates for DRDO DRDE JRF Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | Released |
| Walk-In Interview for Chemistry | 17 June 2026 |
| Walk-In Interview for Biological Sciences | 18 June 2026 |
| Reporting Time | 09:30 AM |
Application Fee for DRDO DRDE JRF Recruitment 2026
| Category | Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹0 |
| SC / ST / PH / Women | ₹0 |
Mode of Payment
No application fee is required for this recruitment process.
DRDO DRDE JRF Vacancy 2026: Post, Fellowship, Qualification & Age Limit
| Post Name / Fellowship | Total Vacancy | Educational Qualification |
| Junior Research Fellow (Chemistry) | No Limit | First Class M.Sc in Chemistry (Physical/Analytical/Organic/Inorganic) or related field with valid CSIR/UGC NET JRF Fellowship |
| Junior Research Fellow (Biological Sciences) | No Limit | First Class M.Sc in Life Sciences/Zoology/Biotechnology/Molecular Biology/Microbiology/Pharmacology/Toxicology/Immunology or related fields with valid CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR Fellowship |
DRDO DRDE JRF Fellowship Salary 2026
Selected candidates will receive:
- Monthly fellowship as per CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR guidelines
- Additional allowances as applicable
The official notification states that stipends and allowances will follow existing fellowship norms.
Age Limit Details: DRDO DRDE JRF Vacancy 2026
| Category | Age Limit |
| General | 28 Years |
| SC/ST | 5 Years Relaxation |
| OBC | 3 Years Relaxation |
Other category relaxations will be applicable as per CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR rules.
Cut-Off Date for Age Calculation
Age and educational qualifications will be calculated as of the date of the interview.
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Candidates preparing for:
- DRDO Scientist Careers
- CSIR Research Jobs
- PhD Admissions
- Research Fellowships
- Biotechnology Careers
- Government Research Labs
- Scientific Officer Jobs
should not miss this excellent defense research opportunity.
DRDO DRDE JRF Vacancy 2026 Eligibility Details
Candidates must satisfy the following eligibility conditions:
- Must be an Indian National
- Must possess a First Class M.Sc. degree
- Must hold a valid CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR Fellowship
- Must possess a qualifying fellowship award letter
- A degree or provisional certificate must be available
- Candidates employed in the Government/PSU must produce an NOC
DRDO DRDE JRF Syllabus 2026
No written examination syllabus has been prescribed because selection will be conducted through a walk-in interview.
Candidates may prepare topics from:
- Subject specialization
- Research methodology
- Scientific aptitude
- Laboratory techniques
- Fellowship-related research knowledge
- Postgraduate syllabus
DRDO DRDE JRF Exam Pattern 2026
There is no written examination.
The selection process consists of:
- Walk-In Interview
- Document Verification
- Fellowship Verification
- Academic Assessment
Subject-Wise Vacancy Details: DRDO DRDE JRF Vacancy 2026
| Subject / Discipline | Vacancy |
| Chemistry | No Limit |
| Biological Sciences | No Limit |
How to Apply for DRDO DRDE JRF Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates should follow these steps carefully:
- Download the application form from the DRDO official website.
- Fill the application form carefully.
- Convert the completed application into PDF format.
- Email the application form to:
- Attend the walk-in interview on the scheduled date.
- Carry original documents and self-attested photocopies.
Candidates must report at the following:
Main Gate Reception, DRDE
Jhansi Road, Gwalior – 474002
at 09:30 AM.
Late candidates will not be allowed.
Documents Required for DRDO DRDE JRF Interview 2026
Candidates should carry:
- Duly filled application form
- Passport-sized photograph
- Educational certificates
- Mark sheets
- Fellowship award letter
- Experience certificates (if any)
- Identity proof
- Caste certificate
- NOC from employer (if employed)
- Original documents for verification
DRDO DRDE JRF Vacancy 2026 Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Screening of Applications
- Walk-In Interview
- Verification of Fellowship
- Document Verification
- Final Merit Selection
Selection will be based entirely on interview performance and eligibility verification.
Important Instructions for Candidates: DRDO DRDE JRF Vacancy 2026
- Reporting time is strictly 09:30 AM.
- Late entry will not be permitted.
- Electronic gadgets are prohibited inside the DRDE campus.
- No TA/DA will be provided.
- Incomplete applications will be rejected.
- Fellowship does not guarantee permanent employment in DRDO.
- Original certificates are mandatory for verification.
- The interview may continue to the next day if the candidate count is high.
Why DRDO DRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 is Perfect for Research Aspirants
The DRDO DRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for postgraduate science students and research aspirants who dream of contributing to India’s defense research ecosystem. Working under DRDO offers exposure to highly advanced scientific projects, defense laboratories, and national-level research programs that significantly strengthen research careers.
Candidates selected as Junior Research Fellows will not only gain practical scientific research experience but may also receive opportunities to pursue PhD programs during the fellowship tenure. This makes the recruitment highly beneficial for candidates planning long-term careers in research, biotechnology, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, and defense innovation sectors.
The combination of government fellowship benefits, prestigious DRDO experience, and advanced laboratory exposure makes this recruitment one of the best research opportunities available for science postgraduates in 2026.
FAQs: DRDO DRDE JRF Vacancy 2026
What is the interview date for DRDO DRDE JRF Recruitment 2026?
The walk-in interview will be held on 17 June and 18 June 2026.
What is the age limit for DRDO JRF posts?
The maximum age limit is 28 years with category-wise relaxation.
Is there any written examination?
No, selection will be based on a walk-in interview only.
Which fellowships are accepted?
CSIR, UGC, DBT, and ICMR valid fellowships are accepted.
What is the reporting time for the interview?
Candidates must report at 09:30 AM.
Is TA/DA provided for attending an interview?
No, TA/DA will not be paid.
Important Links
Interview Venue: DRDE, Jhansi Road, Gwalior
Application Email IDs: [email protected], [email protected]
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