DRDO CAIR JRF (NLP) Recruitment 2026

DRDO's Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) in Bengaluru is hiring 1 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in Natural Language Processing. If you have a B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Computer Science, AI, or a related field, you can apply by email before appearing for a walk-in interview. The last date to send your application by email is 13 September 2026, and the walk-in interview is on 19 September 2026. You will get a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 plus HRA.

Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), a premier lab of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) located at the DRDO Complex, C.V. Raman Nagar, Bengaluru, has released Advertisement No. CAIR/HRT/JRF/2026/02 for a Junior Research Fellowship in Natural Language Processing. CAIR works on cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence and robotics for defence applications, and this fellowship gives you a chance to work on real NLP research problems. This is a walk-in interview based selection — there is no separate online application form to fill. Fresh B.Tech and M.Tech graduates with strong Python, Deep Learning, and NLP skills are encouraged to apply for this 2-year research fellowship, which can later be extended and upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF). Please note that the actual number of vacancies may vary as per organisational requirements at the time of selection.

Who Can Apply?

Option 1 - Graduate Route:

• You need a B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Information Science, with First Division, from an AICTE-accredited Institute/University
• You also need a valid GATE / CSIR-NET / UGC-NET qualification

Option 2 - Postgraduate Route:

• You need a M.E./M.Tech in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Information Science, with First Division at both graduate and postgraduate level, from an AICTE-accredited Institute/University

Desirable Skills:

• Good knowledge of Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• Strong understanding of Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing
• Expert-level Python programming with hands-on experience in open-source frameworks like PyTorch and Docker

Candidates awaiting final results of their qualifying degree are not eligible to apply. Age, educational qualification, and validity of GATE/CSIR-NET/UGC-NET will be considered as on the date of the walk-in interview.

Age Limit

• You should be under 28 years old as on the date of the walk-in interview (19 September 2026).
• Age Relaxation: 3 years for OBC candidates and 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.

Salary

• You will get a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 plus HRA, as per the funding agency's rules.
• The fellowship is initially for 2 years and may be extended further and upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) as per rules.
• No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or at the time of joining, if selected.
• You may also register for a PhD (External mode) with any recognized University/Institution during the tenure of your fellowship.

Selection Process

Selection happens in 2 stages, both on the day of the walk-in interview:

1. Written Test: Held from 10:00 AM onwards on 19 September 2026.
2. Interview: Only candidates who clear the written test will be interviewed the same day.

The final merit list is based purely on your performance in the interview. If you refuse the offer or resign within one year of the result, the post goes to the next candidate on the merit list. The offer of this fellowship does not give you any right to absorption in DRDO, and selection is entirely at the discretion of the organization.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form (Bio-Data format) from drdo.gov.in.
2. Fill it in BLOCK letters only and affix a recent passport-size photo on the top right corner.
3. Email the filled form to j.r.f.recruitment.blore@gmail.com before 13 September 2026, with the subject line "Application for JRF as per the Advertisement No: CAIR/HRT/JRF/2026/02".
4. Bring a copy of the filled application along with your complete bio-data to the interview, even if you have pre-registered by email.
5. Report for the walk-in interview at CAIR, DRDO Complex, C.V. Raman Nagar, Bengaluru, between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM on 19 September 2026, carrying original certificates, self-attested photocopies, two passport-size photographs, and a government photo ID.

Note: Electronic items like mobile phones, laptops, pen drives, and smart watches are not allowed inside the CAIR campus. There is no parking facility near the venue, so use public transport. If you are currently employed in a Government Department, PSU, or Autonomous Body, bring an NOC from your employer. For clarifications, email CAIR at j.r.f.recruitment.blore@gmail.com with the subject "Clarification in regard to JRF Advertisement No: CAIR/HRT/JRF/2026/02".

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 6 August 2026
• Last Date for Email Application: 13 September 2026
• Walk-In Interview Date: 19 September 2026

• Conduct research on Natural Language Processing techniques and deep learning models
• Design and analyze algorithms for language processing tasks
• Develop and test NLP models using Python, PyTorch, and related open-source frameworks
• Document research findings and prepare technical reports
• Collaborate with senior scientists on ongoing CAIR research projects
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI and NLP research
• Present research progress during periodic project reviews