DRDO ADE JRF & RA Recruitment 2026

About This Job

DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru has released notification for 8 Research Fellowship positions — 6 Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and 2 Research Associates (RA). Candidates with B.E./B.Tech with GATE or M.E./M.Tech/PhD in engineering disciplines can apply by email. The application deadline was 24 March 2026, and walk-in interviews will be held from 7 to 9 April 2026 at ADE Bengaluru. JRF stipend is Rs 37,000 per month and RA stipend is Rs 67,000 per month plus HRA.

DRDO ADE JRF & RA Recruitment 2026 - 8 Posts

Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is offering research fellowships in Bengaluru. ADE works on cutting-edge aerospace technologies including unmanned aerial vehicles, flight control systems, and aircraft structures. This recruitment covers 4 engineering disciplines across JRF and RA positions. Walk-in interview with no written exam for RA candidates — JRF candidates may face a screening test if applicants are large in number. Engineering graduates and postgraduates working in or interested in defence aerospace research should consider this opportunity.

Vacancy Breakdown by Discipline

Research Associate (RA) — 2 Posts

• Aero / Mechanical Engineering: 1 post (composite structures, aero elasticity)
• Aero / Electronics / Material Engineering: 1 post (radar absorbing structures, low observable design)

Junior Research Fellow (JRF) — 6 Posts

• Aeronautical Engineering: 3 posts
• Mechanical Engineering: 1 post
• Computer Science Engineering: 1 post
• Electronics & Communication Engineering: 1 post

Who Can Apply?

For Research Associate (RA):

• Option 1: PhD in the relevant engineering discipline (Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electronics, or Material Engineering) with expertise in the specified domain
• Option 2: M.E./M.Tech in First Division in the relevant discipline with minimum 2-3 years of post-M.E./M.Tech research experience in the specified area
• RA Post 1 (Aero/Mech): Expertise in composite structures, advanced composite materials for aerospace, optimization, and aero elasticity
• RA Post 2 (Aero/Electronics/Material): Expertise in radar absorbing structures, electromagnetic design, high-frequency solvers, low observable structure and radome design

For Junior Research Fellow (JRF):

• Option 1: B.E./B.Tech in First Division with a valid GATE score in the relevant discipline
• Option 2: M.E./M.Tech with First Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels
• Disciplines: Aeronautical, Mechanical, Computer Science, or Electronics & Communication Engineering

Note: Valid GATE score is mandatory for B.E./B.Tech candidates applying for JRF.

Age Limit

• JRF: Maximum 28 years as on the closing date of application (24 March 2026)
• RA: Maximum 35 years as on the closing date of application (24 March 2026)
• Age Relaxation: SC/ST and OBC candidates get relaxation as per Government of India rules

Salary

• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Rs 37,000 per month plus applicable HRA
• Research Associate (RA): Rs 67,000 per month plus applicable HRA
• HRA is provided as per DRDO rules applicable at the place of posting (Bengaluru)

Application Fee

• No application fee — this is a fellowship position and there is no fee to apply

Selection Process

Selection will be through walk-in interview at ADE, Bengaluru:

1. For RA: Candidates will be shortlisted from email applications and informed by 31 March 2026 to attend the interview on 9 April 2026
2. For JRF: All eligible candidates who applied by email can appear directly. If the number of candidates is large, a Screening Test will be conducted on 7 April 2026 to shortlist candidates for interview
3. Interview: Personal interview at ADE campus. The JRF interview may extend to 8 April 2026 if shortlisted candidates are more
4. Document Verification: Original certificates and documents will be verified during the interview

No TA/DA will be paid to candidates attending the interview.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from the official notification at drdo.gov.in
2. Fill the application form in CAPITAL letters by hand
3. Scan the filled and signed application form along with all required documents as a single PDF file (application on the first page)
4. Name the PDF starting with the vacancy serial number followed by your name (e.g., 3Suresh for JRF in Aeronautical Engineering)
5. Email the single PDF to anjanaur.ade@gov.in on or before 24 March 2026
6. Attend the walk-in interview at ADE, DRDO, Raman Gate, Suranjandas Road, New Thippasandra Post, Bengaluru - 560075
7. Carry all original certificates and a set of self-attested copies on the interview day
8. Carry a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, or Driving License) for campus entry

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 27 February 2026
• Application Start Date: 4 March 2026
• Last Date for Email Application: 24 March 2026
• RA Shortlist Announcement: By 31 March 2026
• JRF Walk-in Interview: 7 April 2026 (screening test, if needed) and 8 April 2026 (interview)
• RA Walk-in Interview: 9 April 2026
• Reporting Time: 0800-0830 hours on the respective interview day

• Conduct research in aerospace engineering domains assigned by the supervising scientist
• Assist in design and analysis of aircraft structures, composite materials, or electronic systems
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and documentation of experimental results
• Work on simulation, modelling, and computational analysis using engineering software tools
• Participate in lab testing, prototype development, and field trials for defence projects
• Follow DRDO security protocols and maintain confidentiality of classified research data
• Present research findings at internal reviews and academic conferences