DRDO Defence Lab Jodhpur RA & JRF Recruitment 2026

DRDO's Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur is hiring 10 Research Associates (RA) and Junior Research Fellows (JRF) across Physics, Materials, Electronics, Chemistry and Mechanical disciplines. There is no online application — you just need to walk in for the interview on 22 or 23 July 2026 depending on the post. RA candidates get Rs. 67,000 per month and JRF candidates get Rs. 37,000 per month, plus HRA and medical facilities. The fellowship runs for 2 years.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur - RA and JRF Recruitment 2026 - 10 Posts

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited Indian nationals to a walk-in interview at its Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur — a Material Cluster Laboratory of DRDO — for the award of Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions. The drive covers 5 disciplines: Physics/Materials, Electronics, Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, spread across 10 fellowship positions. There is no written exam — selection happens entirely through a walk-in interview. This is a solid opportunity for PhD holders, NET/GATE qualified postgraduates, and engineering graduates who want to build a research career with DRDO.

DRDO runs one of the largest defence research networks in the country, with more than 50 laboratories spread across India working on materials science, electronics, weapons systems and strategic technologies. Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur focuses specifically on materials research for defence applications, including work on materials for extreme desert conditions. As an RA or JRF here, you get hands-on exposure to applied defence research right from the start of your career.

Vacancy Breakdown by Discipline

Who Can Apply?

Each discipline has its own qualification path — check which one matches your background:

Research Associate - Physics/Materials (2 posts):

• You need a PhD in Physics/Materials or an equivalent degree.
• OR a Master's degree (M.Sc) in Physics/Materials with 3 years of research, teaching or design & development experience and at least 1 research paper in an SCI journal.

Research Associate - Electronics (1 post):

• You need a PhD in Electronics or an equivalent degree.
• OR a postgraduate degree (ME/MTech) in Electronics with 3 years of research, teaching or design & development experience and at least 1 research paper in an SCI journal.

JRF - Chemistry (4 posts):

• M.Sc. in Chemistry with first division and a valid NET qualification (CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, or JEST).

JRF - Physics (1 post):

• M.Sc. in Physics with first division and a valid NET qualification (CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, or JEST).

JRF - Mechanical (2 posts):

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with first division and NET/GATE qualification.
• OR M.E./M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with first division at both graduate and postgraduate level.

Candidates who have already submitted their PhD thesis can also apply for the RA posts, but the fellowship will be awarded only after you receive your degree or provisional certificate.

Age Limit

• For Research Associate posts, your age should not exceed 35 years as on the date of interview.
• For JRF posts, your age should not exceed 28 years as on the date of interview.
• Age Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST/PH candidates, 3 years for OBC candidates.

Salary

• Research Associate (RA): Rs. 67,000 per month, plus HRA and medical facilities as per rules. Fellowship duration: 2 years.
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Rs. 37,000 per month, plus HRA and medical facilities as per rules. Fellowship duration: 2 years, extendable and upgradable to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) as per rules.
• No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.

Selection Process (Walk-in Interview)

There is no written exam for this recruitment. Selection happens in a single stage:

1. Walk-in Interview: Held at Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur at 10:00 AM on your discipline's interview date. Bring your original certificates and photocopies for age, education and experience proof, along with copies of published papers/thesis if applicable.

How to Apply

1. There is no online application for this recruitment.
2. Just walk in for the interview at Defence Laboratory, Dr DS Kothari Marg, Ratanada Palace, Ratanada, Jodhpur - 342011 (Rajasthan).
3. Reach the venue by 10:00 AM on your discipline's interview date.
4. Carry your original certificates, testimonials and photocopies related to age, education and experience.
5. Bring copies of your published research papers and thesis, if applicable.
6. SC/ST/OBC candidates should carry their original caste certificate; PH candidates should carry a medical certificate from a Government Hospital or Medical Board.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Published: 7 July 2026
• Interview Date (RA - Physics/Materials, Electronics): 22 July 2026
• Interview Date (JRF - Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical): 23 July 2026

• Carry out independent and guided research in the assigned area — Physics, Materials, Electronics, Chemistry or Mechanical Engineering
• Design and conduct laboratory experiments as part of ongoing DRDO projects
• Analyse research data and prepare technical reports
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed SCI journals and conferences
• Assist senior scientists in project planning, execution and documentation
• Maintain lab equipment and follow safety protocols
• Collaborate with the project team to meet research milestones
• Present research progress in periodic project review meetings