DRDL DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026 | Junior Research Fellowship Hyderabad | Eligibility & Interview Dates

Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad — one of DRDO’s leading missile research labs — has announced 16 vacancies for the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) across Mechanical, Aeronautical/Aerospace, and Electronics Communication Engineering disciplines vide official notification No. advtDRDL13052026, dated 13th of May 2026. The monthly stipend starts from ₹37,000 plus HRA as per DRDO rules. Candidates looking for jobs in Hyderabad and have first-class B.Tech/B.E or M.Tech/M.E with a valid GATE score are eligible to apply for DRDL DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026. Read this article carefully and also go through the official notification before attending the Walk-In Interview for a complete understanding of the vacancy details.

Information verified from official Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), DRDO notification No. advtDRDL13052026 dated 13th of May 2026.

Quick Summary – DRDL DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026

Also Read | DRDO SAO Grade-II Vacancy 2026

About DRDL – Defence Research and Development Laboratory

DRDL, Hyderabad is one of the premier research laboratories under DRDO, primarily engaged in the research and development of missile systems for the Indian Armed Forces. It operates under the Department of Defence Research and Development, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. As a JRF, you will be contributing to cutting-edge defence technology projects at the Kanchanbagh campus. For more details, visit the official DRDO website: www.drdo.gov.in

Important Dates – DRDL JRF Walk-In Interview 2026

Here we have listed the important date, time and venue details for the DRDL JRF Walk-In Interview 2026 for your reference:

Important: Candidates who report after 9:30 AM will not be considered for the interview under any circumstances. Plan to arrive early.

Vacancy Details & Salary | DRDO DRDL JRF 2026

DRDL is offering fellowship positions in three engineering disciplines. Here’s the breakdown of posts, total vacancy and salary for your reference.

Fellowship Tenure: Initially 2 years, extendable by a further 2 years subject to Internal Screening Committee recommendations. Medical Benefits: Medical facilities for self only, available through the MI Room at DRDO.

Eligibility Criteria – DRDO junior research fellowship aerospace ECE 2026

The eligibility criteria for the DRDL Junior Research Fellow posts include education and age requirements. Candidates should make sure they meet all the conditions desired by the employer before applying.

Also Read | CAU Recruitment 2026

Educational Qualification

For JRF-01 – Mechanical Engineering:

• B.Tech / B.E with First Class in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC recognised University with a valid GATE score (Paper Code: ME)
• OR M.E / M.Tech with First Class in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC recognised University AND B.Tech / B.E (Mechanical Engineering) with First Class from a UGC recognised University

For JRF-02 – Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering:

• B.Tech / B.E with First Class in Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering from a UGC recognised University with a valid GATE score (Paper Code: AE)
• OR M.E / M.Tech with First Class in Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering from a UGC recognised University AND B.Tech / B.E (Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering) with First Class from a UGC recognised University

For JRF-03 – Electronics Communication Engineering:

• B.Tech / B.E with First Class in Electronics Communication Engineering from a UGC recognised University with a valid GATE score (Paper Code: ECE)
• OR M.E / M.Tech with First Class in Electronics Communication Engineering from a UGC recognised University AND B.Tech / B.E (Electronics Communication Engineering) with First Class from a UGC recognised University

Only candidates who have been awarded a Degree or Provisional Certificate are eligible. Candidates must also submit a supporting document for conversion of CGPA/CPI to equivalent percentage from their University.

Age Limit

The upper age limit is 28 years as on the closing date of the advertisement/interview.

Also Read | ERNET India Recruitment 2026

Selection Process for DRDL JRF Recruitment 2026

The selection process for the DRDL Junior Research Fellowship is designed to identify the most capable and committed engineering candidates. It rewards those with strong academics and a relevant GATE qualification. Here’s how it works:

1. Shortlisting – Candidates will be shortlisted based on their valid GATE score and percentage of marks obtained in the minimum qualifying degree.
2. Walk-In Interview – Shortlisted candidates will be called for a direct Walk-In Interview at DLOMI, DRDO Township, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad.
3. Document Verification – Original certificates (age, caste, education, GATE score card) and passport-size photographs must be produced at the time of the interview.

Working experience in the relevant subject area will be preferred. Candidates serving in Government or Government-owned organisations must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of the interview — without it, they will not be allowed to appear.

Application Fee

Application fee details are not mentioned in the official notification. Based on the application procedure, there is no indication of any fee requirement for this Walk-In Interview.

How to Apply for DRDL DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026

Applying for this DRDO fellowship requires offline preparation — there is no online application portal. Here’s how to go about it step by step:

1. Download the application form – the link for the same is given on important link section at the bottom
2. Print Page number 4 and fill the application form completely for serial no 1 to 10. [Serial 11 and 12 are declaration part]
3. Write in bold letters — “APPLICATION FOR JRF RECRUITMENT” — on the top of the envelope cover.
4. Attach self-attested copies of the following documents:
   • Date of Birth Certificate
   • Degree / Provisional Certificate along with Marks Memos
   • GATE Score Card (compulsory)
   • B.Tech / M.Tech Marks Memos (compulsory)
   • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
   • NOC from employer (if currently working in a Government/Government-owned organisation)
   • CGPA to Percentage conversion certificate from your University (if applicable)
   • Any other relevant testimonials
5. Bring the completed application along with all original certificates and two passport-size photographs to the venue on your respective interview date.
6. Report between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM at DLOMI, DRDO Township, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad on your designated date.

Incomplete applications will be rejected. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining if selected.

Also Read | CSC Aadhaar Supervisor and Operator Jobs 2026

How to reach DRDL, Kanchanbagh:

• From Secunderabad & Koti: Bus No. 102
• From LB Nagar: Bus No. 300
• Contact: 040-24583151 / 24583158 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

Important Links at Official DRDO Website

Candidates applying for the Junior Research Fellow post are advised to visit these important links for downloading the official PDF and application details provided below:

Is DRDL DRDO JRF Worth Applying For?

The DRDL JRF 2026 is a strong opportunity for B.Tech/M.Tech engineers in Mechanical, Aerospace, or ECE who hold a valid GATE score and are genuinely interested in defence research. With only 16 vacancies and competition expected from across India, the bar is high — your GATE score and academic percentage will decide if you even get to the interview stage. The ₹37,000 stipend plus HRA is modest for a researcher in Hyderabad but the exposure to missile systems R&D at DRDO is career-defining. This fellowship does not guarantee absorption into DRDO as a permanent employee, so set your expectations clearly. If you are keen on a future in government research or a PhD in defence technology, this is genuinely worth the effort.

FAQs – DRDL DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026

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

Join me on social media – Facebook | LinkedIn