DRDO DRDE Junior Research Fellowship 2026 Out for Prestigious Defence Research Fellowship Opportunity
CSIR-UGC JRF Fellowship | No Application Fee | DRDO Research Role | Walk-In Interview on 8 Jan 2026 | PhD Opportunity
By Sarkari Naukri Front | Post Published on 1 January 2026 | Last Updated on 1 January 2026
Table of Contents
Total Vacancies
No fixed limit (Number of fellowships may vary as per organisational requirement)
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DRDE JRF Walk-in-Interview Notification – January 2026
Short Description: DRDO DRDE Junior Research Fellowship 2026
The Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released an official notification inviting walk-in applications for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions.
This recruitment is exclusively for CSIR-UGC-NET / JRF fellowship holders from the disciplines of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, who aspire to work on high-impact defense-related research projects. Selected candidates will receive a monthly fellowship and allowances as per CSIR-UGC norms and may also be permitted to register for a Ph.D. during the fellowship tenure.
The DRDO DRDE under the Ministry of Defence has invited applications for walk-in interviews for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions 2026. Detailed eligibility, terms and conditions, along with application instructions are available in the Official Notification PDF .
Important Dates and Application Fee: DRDO DRDE Junior Research Fellowship 2026
Important Dates
- Application Begins: Ongoing
- Last Date to Apply: Walk-in based (as per interview schedule)
- Admit Card: Not applicable
- Examination/Interview Date: 08 January 2026
- Reporting Time: 09:30 AM (Strictly)
Application Fee
- General / EWS / OBC: Nil
- SC / ST / PH / Women: Nil
Mode of Payment: Not applicable (No application fee)
Posts, Vacancy, Age Limit, Pay Scale, and Qualification Details
Post-wise Details
| Post Name / Fellowship | Total Vacancy | Educational Qualification |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Not Fixed | First Class M.Sc. in a relevant discipline with a valid JRF Fellowship from UGC / CSIR / ICMR / DBT |
Discipline-wise Eligibility
Chemistry
- First Class M.Sc. in:
- Physical Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Must hold JRF fellowship from UGC / CSIR / ICMR / DBT
Biological Sciences
- First Class M.Sc. in:
- Life Sciences
- Zoology
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Immunology
- Must hold JRF fellowship from UGC / CSIR / ICMR / DBT
Pay Scale / Fellowship
- Monthly Stipend: As per CSIR-UGC-NET JRF norms
- Allowances: As applicable under CSIR guidelines
- Tenure:
- Initial 2 years as JRF
- Upgradation to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) for the remaining tenure (subject to satisfactory performance)
Note
• Age Limit:
- Maximum 28 years on the date of the interview
• Age Relaxation:
- SC / ST: 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- Other relaxations: As per DRDO / Government of India rules
• Cut-Off Date for Age Calculation:
- Date of Interview (08 January 2026)
How to Apply: DRDO DRDE Junior Research Fellowship 2026
Candidates must apply offline with an email submission and appear for the walk-in interview.
Application Steps for DRDO DRDE Junior Research Fellowship 2026
- Download the prescribed application form from www.drdo.gov.in OR the link given below.
- Fill in all details carefully and sign the form
- Convert the application into PDF format
- Email the application to:
- Appear for the walk-in interview on the scheduled date with original documents
Latecomers will NOT be allowed under any circumstances.
Documents Required: DRDO DRDE Junior Research Fellowship 2026
Candidates must bring originals and one set of self-attested copies of:
- Duly filled application form with a recent passport-size photograph
- Proof of Date of Birth
- All educational qualification certificates and mark sheets
- JRF Fellowship / NET scorecard
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Government-issued ID proof
- NOC (for candidates employed in Govt/PSU/Autonomous bodies)
Selection Process
- Walk-in Interview only
- Selection based on:
- Academic performance
- Valid JRF fellowship
- Subject knowledge
- Research aptitude
If a large number of candidates appear, interviews may continue on the next day.
Important Instructions
- Only Indian Nationals are eligible
- Incomplete applications will be rejected
- No TA/DA will be paid for the interview or joining
- Fellowship does not guarantee absorption in DRDO
- Electronic items (mobile, laptop, pen drive, etc.) are strictly prohibited inside the DRDE campus
- Antecedents of selected candidates will be verified upon joining
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Is this a permanent DRDO job?
No. This is a research fellowship position and does not confer permanent employment.
Q2. Can I pursue a Ph.D. while working as a JRF?
Yes. Selected candidates may be permitted to register for a Ph.D. during the fellowship tenure.
Q3. Is a NET qualification without JRF eligible?
No. Only candidates with a valid JRF fellowship from UGC/CSIR/ICMR/DBT are eligible.
Important Links
- Official Website
- Application Form
- Interview Venue:
Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE),
Jhansi Road, Gwalior – 474002 (Near Gwalior Railway Station)
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