DIAT Research Associate & SRF Recruitment 2026

DIAT Pune is hiring 3 candidates for Research Associate-1 (RA-1) and Senior Research Fellow (SRF) posts on a DRDO-sponsored research project. If you have a Ph.D. (for RA-1) or a B.E./B.Tech/M.Sc. with NET/GATE (for SRF), you can apply by email. The last date to apply is 27 August 2026. The monthly stipend ranges from Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 75,400 depending on the post, and there is no written exam — selection is by interview only.

Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) Research Associate & SRF Recruitment 2026 - 3 Posts

Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Girinagar, Pune, is a Deemed to be University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, functioning under the Department of Defence Research & Development, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Through Advertisement No. 15-2026/RA/SRF/DIAT, its Department of Mechanical Engineering is looking for young graduate engineers and researchers to work on a DRDO-sponsored project titled "FEM based Design and Analysis of Railgun Structure." The openings include 1 Research Associate-1 (RA-1) post and 2 Senior Research Fellow (SRF) posts. Candidates who are comfortable with finite element (FE) simulation tools like ANSYS and ABAQUS will have an advantage. Recruited fellows will also be encouraged to register for a Ph.D. at DIAT through the proper channel.

Vacancy Details

Who Can Apply?

For Research Associate-1 (RA-1) - Rs. 75,400/month:

• You need a Ph.D. from a recognized university.
• Desirable: Experience using FE software such as ANSYS or ABAQUS with the Electromagnetic Principle module is preferred.
• This post is purely temporary in nature.

For Senior Research Fellow (SRF) - Rs. 37,000/month:

• You need a B.E./B.Tech/M.Sc. in First Division with NET/GATE, OR an M.E./M.Tech in First Division at both graduate and postgraduate level.
• You must have at least 2 years of research, teaching, or industrial experience in the relevant field — this is mandatory for SRF.
• Desirable: Experience using FE software such as ANSYS or ABAQUS with the Electromagnetic Principle module is preferred.
• The tenure for SRF is 2 years or co-terminus with the project, whichever is earlier.

Note: Your qualification and experience must come from a recognized university, institution, or industry. If the Screening Committee does not find you suitable for RA-1/SRF, you may still be considered for a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position, subject to meeting the JRF eligibility criteria.

Age Limit

• For RA-1, your age should not exceed 35 years as on 27 August 2026.
• For SRF, your age should not exceed 32 years as on 27 August 2026.
• Age Relaxation: The upper age limit is relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST, Women and PwBD candidates, and by 3 years for OBC (NCL) candidates.

Salary

• Research Associate-1 (RA-1): Consolidated monthly stipend of Rs. 75,400.
• Senior Research Fellow (SRF): Consolidated monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000.
• You also get medical facilities limited to MI Room access.
• This offer does not confer any right to permanent absorption at DIAT.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection is based entirely on an interview, not a written test:

1. Screening: A Screening Committee reviews your application. Meeting the minimum qualification does not automatically guarantee an interview call — if the number of applications is large, the committee may restrict the interview list based on qualifications and experience above the minimum criteria.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview, held in-person or via video conferencing, whichever is suitable to DIAT. No TA/DA is paid for attending the interview.

Bring your original documents, project reports and publications (if any), along with one set of self-attested copies, to the interview. If selected, you are expected to join duty immediately after receiving the offer letter.

How to Apply

1. Prepare a signed bio-data and download the application form from the DIAT website.
2. Collect your proof of date of birth and your mark sheets and degree certificates (B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech, as applicable).
3. Combine all documents into a single PDF file.
4. Email the PDF to panigrahisk@diat.ac.in, using the subject line specified in the official notification.
5. Send your application on or before 27 August 2026. Mention all your qualifications and experience clearly with supporting documents, since this helps at the shortlisting stage.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Number: 15-2026/RA/SRF/DIAT
• Last Date to Apply (by Email): 27 August 2026

For clarification, you can contact Prof. S. K. Panigrahi, Principal Investigator, Department of Mechanical Engineering, DIAT, on telephone (020) 2460 4541.

• Carry out finite element (FE) analysis and simulation of railgun structures
• Use software tools such as ANSYS and ABAQUS to model electromagnetic and structural behavior
• Support the DRDO-sponsored research project under the Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Document research methodology, findings and results for project reports
• Assist in preparing research papers and publications from project work
• Coordinate with the Principal Investigator and project team on design iterations
• Maintain lab equipment and testing setups related to the project