DRDO VRDE JRF Vacancy 2026: Salary, Eligibility, Last Date & Walk‑In Interview

DRDO VRDE JRF Vacancy 2026 | 5 Vacancies | Written Test + Interview | Salary: 37000 | Last Date: 27 September 2026

By Sarkari Naukri Front | Published on 01 Sep 2026 | Updated on 01 Sep 2026

Intro Paragraph

Looking for a prestigious research opportunity in the defense sector? The Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), DRDO, has announced Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) vacancies in Mechanical Engineering. With a monthly stipend of ₹37,000 + HRA, this fellowship offers young engineers a chance to contribute to cutting‑edge defense R&D. Walk‑in interviews will be held in October 2026 at VRDE, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra.

Highlights

Organization: VRDE – DRDO, Ministry of Defence
Post: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Vacancies: 05 (Mechanical Engineering)
Salary: ₹37,000 + HRA per month
Qualification: BE/B.Tech with valid GATE (2024–2026) OR ME/M.Tech in First Division
Age Limit: 28 years (Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC)
Interview Date: 06–07 October 2026
Location: VRDE, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra

📑 Table of Contents ▼

Total Vacancies

Junior Research Fellow (Mechanical Engineering): 05 Posts (Vacancies may increase/decrease as per organizational requirement)

Advertisement No.

VRDE/DRDO/JRF/31082026

Short Description

The VRDE DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026 invites applications from meritorious Indian nationals in Mechanical Engineering disciplines. Selected candidates will work on advanced defense R&D projects including mobility systems, autonomous vehicles, UAV engines, and combat systems.

Important Dates and Application Fee: DRDO VRDE JRF Vacancy 2026

Application Begins: Already open
Last Date to Apply (via email): 27 September 2026
Document Verification: 06 October 2026 (09:30 am – 11:30 am)
Written Test: 06 October 2026
Interview: 06 October 2026 & 07 October 2026 (if required)

Application Fee

General/EWS/OBC: Nil
SC/ST/PH/Women: Nil
Mode of Payment: Not applicable (No fee required)

Posts, Vacancy, Age Limit, Pay Scale, and Qualification Details: DRDO VRDE JRF Vacancy 2026

Post Name / Pay Scale	Total Vacancy	Educational Qualification
Junior Research Fellow (₹37,000 + HRA)	05	BE/B. Tech in First Division with valid GATE (2024–2026) OR ME/M.Tech in First Division (Graduate & Postgraduate)

Age Limit:

Maximum: 28 years (as of interview date)
Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC (Non‑Creamy Layer)

Cut‑Off Date for Age Calculation: Interview date (06 October 2026)

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This fellowship is part of DRDO’s initiative to engage young researchers in defense technology development. Candidates will gain exposure to the 2026 exam pattern, salary structure, and subject‑wise vacancies in defense R&D projects.

Eligibility Details

BE/B. Tech: First Division + Valid GATE Score (2024, 2025, 2026)
ME/M.Tech: First Division at both Graduate & Postgraduate levels
Nationality: Indian citizens only

How to Apply: DRDO VRDE JRF Vacancy 2026

Download the application form from www.drdo.gov.in.
Send willingness by email to [email protected] by 27 September 2026.
1. Subject line: Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship
Attend walk‑in interview at VRDE, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, on 06 October 2026.

🛠 Useful Application Tools

Candidates can use these free online tools for resizing photos, signatures, compressing PDFs, converting images and preparing documents required during online application form submission.

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Documents Required: DRDO VRDE JRF Vacancy 2026

Duly filled application form with recent passport photo
Attested copies of educational certificates & testimonials
Caste certificate (if applicable)
Govt. issued photo ID (Aadhar/PAN/Passport)
No‑Objection Certificate (for Govt./PSU employees)

Selection Process: DRDO VRDE JRF Vacancy 2026

Document Verification (06 October 2026)
Written Test (06 October 2026)
Interview (06 October 2026 & 07 October 2026, if required)
Final selection based on the merit panel (valid for one year)

Important Instructions: DRDO VRDE JRF Vacancy 2026

Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Carry original certificates for verification.
Electronic items (mobile, laptop, smartwatch, etc.) are prohibited inside the VRDE campus.
No TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview.
Fellowship does not guarantee absorption in DRDO.

Why This Job is Perfect for You

This fellowship is ideal for young engineers passionate about defense technology. With exposure to combat systems, autonomous vehicles, and UAV engines, candidates will gain hands‑on experience in cutting‑edge R&D projects. The stipend and HRA ensure financial support while working on prestigious national defense programs.