DRDO DRDE Junior Research Fellowship 2026 Out for Prestigious Defence Research Fellowship Opportunity
This article provides official government job recruitment details including vacancies, eligibility, application process, important dates, and selection process.
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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