Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior has invited applications for 2 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) vacancies in Chemistry and Biological Science vide official notification No. advt DRDE15052026 dated 15th of May 2026. The monthly stipend starts from ₹37,000 plus allowances as per DRDO HQ policy. Candidates looking for Jobs in Madhya Pradesh with a First Class M.Sc. and a valid CSIR-UGC NET/GATE score are eligible to attend DRDO JRF Walk-in-Interview 2026.Please read this article carefully and go through the official notification at drdo.gov.in before appearing for the walk-in-interview for a complete understanding of all the terms and conditions.
Information verified from official Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior notification No. advtDRDE15052026 dated 15th of May 2026.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary of DRDO Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Recruitment 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation / Employer | Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior — under DRDO |
| Name of the Post | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancy | 02 (subject to change as per organisational requirement) |
| Salary / Pay Scale | Starting from ₹37,000/- per month |
| Additional Salary Benefits | Other allowances as per DRDO HQ policy; possibility of upgrade to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) after 2 years |
| Application Mode | Offline (Email submission of application form + hard copy at interview) |
| What is the qualification required for DRDO JRF 2026 | First Class M.Sc. in relevant discipline + CSIR-UGC NET JRF/LS or GATE (MHRD) |
| Selection Process | Walk-in-Interview at DRDE, Gwalior |
| Place of Posting | DRDE, Jhansi Road, Gwalior – 474 002, Madhya Pradesh |
| Government / Private / Contract Based | Government Sector (Fellowship / Contract Based) |
| Last Date of Application | 18th of June 2026 (End Date for the recruitment cycle) |
| Who Can Apply | Freshers and candidates with experience both are welcome |
| Interview Date | 17th of June 2026 (Chemistry) & 18th of June 2026 (Biological Science) |
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About Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE)
DRDE, Gwalior is a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), functioning under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The establishment focuses on research in chemical and biological defence, working to protect the nation’s armed forces. Candidates selected as JRF will work under the scientific leadership at DRDE and may even register for a Ph.D. during the fellowship period. Learn more at www.drdo.gov.in.
Important Dates — DRDO JRF Walk-in-Interview 2026
DRDO JRF recruitment 2026 at DRDE Gwalior has very specific interview dates, and missing them means missing this opportunity entirely. If you are a science M.Sc. graduate from cities like Gwalior, Bhopal, Indore, or even from Lucknow and Delhi — plan your travel now. The walk-in dates are close, so don’t wait for the last moment. Reporting time is 0930 hrs sharp — late arrivals will not be entertained.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Published Date | 15th of May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 15th of May 2026 |
| Walk-in-Interview — Chemistry (Post Code 01) | 17th of June 2026 |
| Walk-in-Interview — Biological Science (Post Code 02) | 18th of June 2026 |
| Reporting Time | 0930 hrs at Main Gate Reception, DRDE |
| Last Date of Recruitment Cycle | 18th of June 2026 |
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Vacancy Details & Salary — DRDE Gwalior Junior Research Fellow 2026
There are 2 JRF vacancies across two scientific disciplines at DRDE Gwalior. Please note that the number of fellowships may change based on organisational requirements. Here’s the breakdown of posts, total vacancy, and salary for your reference.
| Post Name | Total Vacancy | Subject / Discipline | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRDO Junior Research Fellow (JRF) — Post Code 01 | 01* | Chemistry | Starting from ₹37,000/- + allowances |
| DRDO Junior Research Fellow (JRF) — Post Code 02 | 01* | Biological Science | Starting from ₹37,000/- + allowances |
*Numbers of fellowships may change as per organisational requirement.
Eligibility Criteria for DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026
The eligibility criteria for the Junior Research Fellow post include education and age requirements. Candidates should make sure they meet all the conditions desired by the employer before applying.
Educational Qualification:
- Post Code 01 — Chemistry: First Class M.Sc. in Chemistry (Physical / Analytical / Organic / Inorganic) or related fields, along with a valid National Eligibility Test (NET) qualification from CSIR-UGC NET JRF/LS or GATE (MHRD).
- Post Code 02 — Biological Science: First Class M.Sc. in Life Science / Zoology / Biotechnology / Molecular Biology / Microbiology / Pharmacology / Toxicology / Immunology or related fields, along with a valid National Eligibility Test (NET) qualification from CSIR-UGC NET JRF/LS or GATE (MHRD).
- Only those candidates who have been awarded a degree or provisional certificate are eligible to apply.
Age Limit (as on the date of interview):
- Maximum age: 28 Years
- SC/ST candidates: Age relaxation of 5 years
- OBC candidates: Age relaxation of 3 years
- For other categories: Age relaxation as per DRDO policy.
Selection Process for DRDE Gwalior JRF Vacancy 2026
There is no written exam here — DRDE Gwalior follows a walk-in-interview model for selecting JRF candidates. It is a good chance for well-prepared science graduates to present themselves directly. However, since large numbers of candidates may show up, the interview could even be carried over to the next day — plan your stay in Gwalior accordingly.
- Walk-in-Interview at DRDE, Jhansi Road, Gwalior (reporting at 0930 hrs)
- Document Verification — original certificates, mark sheets, NET/GATE score card, caste certificate, and ID proof will be verified on the spot
- NOC required for candidates currently employed in any Government Department / PSU / Autonomous Body
- Final selection and award of fellowship based on interview performance and document verification
- Application fee details are not mentioned in the official notification
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How to Apply – DRDO JRF Walk-in-Interview 2026
The application process is offline and involves emailing your filled form before the interview date. Candidates from Gwalior, Bhopal, Jhansi, Agra, and nearby cities should note that DRDE is located just 1 km from Gwalior Railway Station, near FCI Godown — easy to reach by train.
- Download the application form from the PDF Notification link Provided belwo in the importa link section (bottom of this article)
- Print page No 3 and fill the application form completely in block letters. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
- Attach a recent passport-size photograph on the top right corner of the form.
- Submit the duly filled application form in PDF format to director.drde@gov.in and admin-drde@gov.in before the interview date.
- Carry a hard copy of the filled application form along with self-attested copies of all degrees, mark sheets, experience certificates, and NET/GATE valid score card on the day of the interview.
- Report at the Main Gate Reception, DRDE, Jhansi Road, Gwalior – 474 002 at 0930 hrs sharp on the scheduled interview date.
- Note: Electronic items like smartphones, pen drives, laptops, and CD-ROMs are not allowed inside the DRDE campus.
How to Email a Job Application via Gmail: A Step-by-Step Guide
📩 Important Guide: Before applying for this vacancy, check out our step-by-step tutorial on How to Send a Job Application Email in Gmail (Step-by-Step with Screenshots) to make sure your resume stands out and reaches the recruiter properly.
Important Links at DRDO Official Website
Candidates applying for the Junior Research Fellow post are advised to visit these important links for downloading the official PDF and application link provided below:
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF & Application Form [Print Page No 3 for Application Form] | Download Official Notification PDF — DRDE JRF 2026 |
Is DRDO JRF 2026 Worth Applying For?
DRDO JRF 2026 at DRDE Gwalior is a solid opportunity for candidates looking at Jobs in Madhya Pradesh having M.Sc. graduates in Chemistry or Life Sciences who hold a valid NET/GATE qualification. With a monthly stipend starting from ₹37,000 plus allowances and the added benefit of Ph.D. registration during the fellowship, this is one of the better research entry points in the government sector right now. Competition will be stiff — DRDO fellowships attract candidates from across India, not just from Madhya Pradesh. The walk-in format means you need to be well-prepared on day one. If you have your NET/GATE score and a First Class M.Sc., don’t hesitate — this fellowship can genuinely shape a strong defence research career.
FAQs — DRDO JRF Walk-in-Interview 2026 (DRDE Gwalior)
1. Can I apply for both Post Code 01 (Chemistry) and Post Code 02 (Biological Science)?
Only if you meet the essential qualification for both disciplines. Each post requires a different M.Sc. specialisation and both have separate interview dates — 17th June for Chemistry and 18th June for Biological Science.
2. Will TA/DA be paid for attending the walk-in-interview?
No. The official notification clearly states that no TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining if selected.
3. Can I register for a Ph.D. while working as a JRF at DRDE?
Yes. Candidates selected as JRF may be allowed to register for Ph.D. during the tenure of their fellowship, which is a significant added benefit.
4. What happens after the initial 2-year JRF period?
After working for two years as JRF, candidates can be upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) for the remaining three years, subject to satisfactory performance as assessed per DRDO instructions.
5. Does selection as JRF guarantee permanent absorption into DRDO?
No. The offer of the fellowship does not confer any right for permanent absorption into DRDO. The antecedents of selected candidates will be verified at the time of joining.
About the Author
Sandeep Khati is the founder of India Job Alerts and a B.Tech in Computer Science from JGEC (2010). He started his career as a Systems Engineer at TCS and has been active in digital publishing since 2011, beginning with SearchDarjeeling.com(2011) and working as a web developer and designer at Darjeeling Informatics. Launched in April 2025, India Job Alerts is his most focused project — dedicated to publishing verified government and PSU job notifications for West Bengal, Sikkim, and All-India candidates. Every post is cross-checked against official notifications before publishing.. Know more