VRDE DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026: High-Pay Defence Research Opportunity

Introduction

The Vehicle Research and Development Organization (VRDE), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has released an official Walk-in-Interview notification for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) 2026. This recruitment drive offers an excellent opportunity for young and meritorious engineering graduates and postgraduates to engage in cutting-edge defense research related to military mobility systems, combat vehicles, and autonomous platforms.

The VRDE DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026 is especially attractive for candidates aspiring to build a research-oriented career in defense technology, with a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 plus HRA and potential tenure extension up to four years. Eligible candidates from the Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering disciplines can attend the scheduled walk-in interviews at VRDE, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra.

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Highlights of VRDE DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026

• Organization: Vehicle Research and Development Organization (VRDE), DRDO
• Post Name: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
• Total Vacancies: 10 Posts
• Walk-in-Interview Mode – No Online Application
• Monthly Stipend: Rs. 37,000 + HRA
• Eligible Disciplines: Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
• GATE 2023 / 2024 / 2025 Accepted
• Interview Dates: 24 February to 27 February 2026
• Job Location: Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), Maharashtra
• Tenure: Up to 4 Years

Total Vacancies

Total Posts: 10

(The number of fellowships may increase or decrease based on organizational requirements.)

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Advertisement No.

VRDE JRF Walk-in-Interview Notification 2026

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Short Description – VRDE DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026

The VRDE DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026 invites Indian nationals to participate in a walk-in interview for Junior Research Fellowship positions. Selected fellows will work on advanced research projects involving wheeled and light tracked combat systems, autonomous vehicles, UAV engines, and military mobility platforms. The engagement is purely on a fellowship basis and does not confer any right to permanent absorption in DRDO.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited applications for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) 2026. Detailed eligibility, terms of reference, and application instructions are available in the VRDE DRDO Notification (PDF) .

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Important Dates and Application Fee – VRDE JRF Walk-in-Interview 2026

Application Begins

Reporting on Interview Date (09:00 AM onwards)

Last Date to Apply

Email willingness submission: 22 February 2026

Admit Card

Not Applicable (Direct Walk-in)

Examination Date

Written Test & Interview as per schedule

Application Fee

No Application Fee

Category-wise Fee

• General / EWS / OBC: Nil
• SC / ST / PH / Women: Nil

Mode of Payment

Not Applicable

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

Post Name	Pay Scale	Total Vacancy	Educational Qualification
Junior Research Fellow (Mechanical Engineering)	Rs. 37,000 + HRA	08	BE/B.Tech in First Division with valid GATE score OR ME/M.Tech in First Division
Junior Research Fellow (Electrical Engineering)	Rs. 37,000 + HRA	02	BE/B.Tech in First Division with valid GATE score OR ME/M.Tech in First Division

Acceptable Equivalent Disciplines

• Mechanical & Automation Engineering
• Mechanical & Production Engineering
• Electrical Power Systems Engineering
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering
• Power Electronics Engineering

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Age Limit

• Maximum Age: 28 Years

Age Relaxation

• SC/ST: 5 Years
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years

Cut-Off Date for Age Calculation

• As of the date of the interview

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How to Apply—VRDE DRDO JRF Walk-in-Interview Process

Eligible candidates must follow the steps below:

1. Download the application form from www.drdo.gov.in
2. Fill in the application form in your own handwriting
3. Email your willingness to attend the walk-in-interview to:
   [email protected]

• The email subject line must be
  “Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship – Subject”
• Report physically at VRDE, Ahilyanagar, on the scheduled date with all documents

Late-reporting candidates will not be allowed to participate.

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Documents Required – VRDE DRDO JRF 2026

Candidates must carry the following documents:

• Duly filled application form with a photograph
• Self-attested copies of educational certificates
• GATE scorecard (2023/2024/2025)
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Government-issued Photo ID (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport)
• No Objection Certificate (for employed candidates)
• Original certificates for verification

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Selection Process – VRDE DRDO JRF Recruitment

The selection process consists of

1. Document Verification
2. Written Test (2 Hours Duration)
3. Personal Interview

Final selection will be based on combined performance in the written test and interview.

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Important Instructions

• No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview
• Electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the campus
• Incomplete applications will be rejected
• Fellowship does not guarantee permanent absorption in DRDO
• VRDE reserves the right to cancel or modify the recruitment process

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Why This Job Is Perfect For You

The VRDE DRDO JRF position is ideal for candidates who aspire to work in India’s strategic defense research ecosystem. It provides hands-on exposure to real-world military engineering challenges, a highly competitive stipend, and the prestige of working under DRDO. For GATE-qualified engineers aiming for a research-centric career or a future PhD, this fellowship offers unmatched learning, national contribution, and professional growth.

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Important Links

• Official Website
• Notification PDF: As per official advertisement advtVRDE06022026
• Application Form

Notification PDF