DRDO JRF (Artificial Intelligence) Recruitment 2026

DRDO is hiring 4 Junior Research Fellows for its Young Scientist Laboratory - Artificial Intelligence (DYSL-AI) in Bengaluru. If you have a B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, or a Post Graduate degree in Basic Science with NET/GATE, you can apply by post or email. The last date to apply is 14 August 2026. You get a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000, which goes up to about Rs. 48,100 with HRA.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Junior Research Fellow (Artificial Intelligence) Recruitment 2026 - 4 Posts

DRDO's Young Scientist Laboratory - Artificial Intelligence (DYSL-AI), under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has released a notification for 4 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) posts to work on deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision and reinforcement learning research for defence applications. You will join a multidisciplinary AI team that collaborates with IITs, IISc Bangalore, and IIITs on cutting-edge national security research. DYSL-AI is at the forefront of artificial intelligence research in DRDO, working to accelerate the adoption of AI for varied defence applications, and this fellowship gives you the chance to shape that strategy from the ground up. You get to work on early-stage AI solutions for national security, using the latest tools and techniques rather than legacy systems, alongside scientists who are actively driving DRDO's AI strategy forward. This opportunity suits fresh postgraduates and NET/GATE-qualified engineers who want to build a genuine research career in artificial intelligence rather than a routine desk job.

Who Can Apply?

You need one of the following qualifications to apply. DRDO has kept the eligibility flexible across engineering and basic science backgrounds so that strong candidates from either stream are not left out:

• Qualification: Graduate degree in a professional course (B.E./B.Tech) in first division with NET/GATE qualification
• OR Qualification: Post Graduate degree in a professional course (M.E./M.Tech) in first division, with first division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level
• OR Qualification: Post Graduate degree in Basic Science in first division with NET qualification

Desirable Skills (any one area):

• Comprehensive knowledge of speech and language technology, including speech recognition and natural language understanding, NLP, or Machine Translation
• Comprehensive knowledge of 3D Vision and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), ROS
• Comprehensive knowledge of Computer Vision, including Generative Models
• Comprehensive knowledge of Reinforcement Learning

You should also have strong problem-solving, algorithm design, and complexity analysis skills, expertise in at least one major programming language (Python, Java, or C++ or similar), and hands-on experience with software libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, TensorRT, and PyTorchMobile.

Age Limit

• Your upper age limit should be 28 years as on the date of interview. Age and educational qualification are calculated as on the last date for submission of application.
• Age Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC candidates.

Salary

• You get a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 plus HRA (currently 30%), taking your total emoluments to about Rs. 48,100 per month.
• If DRDO provides you accommodation, the HRA amount is deducted from your stipend instead of being paid in cash.
• You work as JRF for the first two years, then get considered for elevation to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) for the remaining two to three years, based on your performance being assessed annually as per DRDO rules.
• This fellowship is purely temporary in nature for a limited period and does not confer any right to absorption in DRDO.

Selection Process

The selection has two stages:

1. Shortlisting: Based on your GATE score or percentage of marks in your qualifying degree.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates appear for a personal or online interview at DYSL-AI, Bengaluru, or through video conferencing, as decided by the Director. The date and time will be communicated separately by speed post or email.

If you are currently working in a Government/PSU/Autonomous Body, you must apply through proper channel and submit a signed declaration informing your Cadre Controlling Authority, along with a No Objection Certificate at the time of interview. The decision of the selection committee constituted by the Director, DYSL-AI, is final and binding on all candidates, and whether your interview is held in person or through video conferencing is also decided by the Director.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form (Annexure-I) from www.drdo.gov.in (What's New > Application for the post of JRF at DYSL-AI, Bangalore).
2. Fill in the application completely along with your CV.
3. Attach self-attested copies of your educational certificates, date of birth proof, and caste certificate (if applicable).
4. If you are a serving Government/PSU employee, attach the NOC and declaration (Annexure-II and III).
5. Send the completed application by post to The Director, DRDO Young Scientist Lab-Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Raja Ramanna Complex, Raj Bhavan Circle, High Grounds, Bengaluru-560001, or email the scanned copies to accounts.dysl-ai@gov.in.
6. Write "Application for JRF recruitment" in bold letters on top of the envelope if sending by post.

Applications received after the due date, for any reason, will not be entertained, and incomplete applications are liable to be rejected.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 23 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 14 August 2026 (or 21 days from Employment News publication, whichever is earlier)

• Conduct research in deep learning, NLP, computer vision, or reinforcement learning for defence applications
• Build and test AI/ML models using PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar frameworks
• Collaborate with IITs, IISc, and IIITs on joint research initiatives
• Document research findings and prepare technical reports
• Support the design of AI-based solutions for defence use cases
• Present research progress and results to senior scientists at DYSL-AI
• Stay updated with the latest developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning