DRDO DRDE Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

About This Job

DRDE Gwalior, a premier laboratory of DRDO, is hiring 2 Junior Research Fellows (JRF) — one each in Chemistry and Biological Science. If you have a First Class M.Sc. in the relevant subject and CSIR-UGC NET (JRF/LS) or GATE (MHRD), you can attend the walk-in interview at DRDE, Jhansi Road, Gwalior. The monthly stipend is Rs. 37,000. Walk-in dates are 17 June 2026 (Chemistry) and 18 June 2026 (Biological Science). Maximum age is 28 years.

Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) JRF Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior — a CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) defence research laboratory under DRDO — invites applications from young and meritorious Indian nationals for the award of Junior Research Fellowship. Selection is on the basis of a walk-in interview only — no written exam. Selected JRFs may also be allowed to register for Ph.D. during their fellowship tenure.

Vacancy Breakdown by Discipline

• Junior Research Fellow (Chemistry) — Post Code 01: 01 post (Walk-in on 17.06.2026)
• Junior Research Fellow (Biological Science) — Post Code 02: 01 post (Walk-in on 18.06.2026)
• Total: 02 posts

Numbers of fellowships may change as per the organisational requirement.

Who Can Apply?

JRF (Chemistry) — Post Code 01

• Qualification: First Class M.Sc. in Chemistry (Physical / Analytical / Organic / Inorganic) or related fields
• NET/GATE: CSIR-UGC NET (JRF/LS) or GATE (MHRD) qualification is mandatory

JRF (Biological Science) — Post Code 02

• Qualification: First Class M.Sc. in Life Science / Zoology / Biotechnology / Molecular Biology / Microbiology / Pharmacology / Toxicology / Immunology or related fields
• NET/GATE: CSIR-UGC NET (JRF/LS) or GATE (MHRD) qualification is mandatory

Only candidates who have been awarded their degree or provisional certificate are eligible to apply.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 28 years as on the date of interview
• Age Relaxation:
• SC/ST candidates: 5 years
• OBC candidates: 3 years
• Other categories: as per DRDO policy

Stipend and Tenure

• Monthly Stipend: Rs. 37,000 plus other allowances as per DRDO HQ policy
• You will work as JRF for the first 2 years and be upgraded to SRF for the remaining 3 years, subject to satisfactory performance.
• No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining if selected.
• The fellowship does not confer any right of absorption in DRDO.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection is purely through a walk-in interview:

1. Walk-in Interview: Held at the Main Gate Reception, DRDE, Jhansi Road, Gwalior-474 002. Reporting time is 09:30 AM. Latecomers will not be allowed.
2. Document Verification: You must produce original certificates of qualification, age and caste at the time of interview.
3. Antecedent Verification: Verification will be done at the time of joining.

If a large number of candidates appear, the interview may be carried over to the next day. Plan accordingly.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from the DRDO website drdo.gov.in.
2. Fill in the form, attach a recent passport-size photograph on the top right corner and self-attest it.
3. Email the duly filled application in PDF format to director.drde@gov.in and admin-drde@gov.in.
4. Carry a hard copy of the application along with self-attested copies of all degree certificates, mark sheets, experience certificates and NET / GATE valid score card.
5. Report at the Main Gate Reception, DRDE, Jhansi Road, Gwalior on your interview date by 09:30 AM with all original certificates for verification.
6. If you are presently employed in a Government Department, PSU or Autonomous Body, carry an NOC from your employer.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 15 May 2026
• Walk-in Interview (Chemistry): 17 June 2026 (Reporting 09:30 AM)
• Walk-in Interview (Biological Science): 18 June 2026 (Reporting 09:30 AM)
• Last Date to Submit Application by Email: Before the respective interview date (recommended: 18 June 2026 or earlier)
• Interview Venue: Main Gate Reception, DRDE, Jhansi Road, Gwalior-474 002, Madhya Pradesh

• Conduct defence-related research in the assigned project at DRDE Gwalior under a designated mentor
• Carry out laboratory experiments in chemistry or life sciences as per the project work plan
• Maintain detailed laboratory records, observations and analytical data
• Operate analytical instruments and follow standard operating procedures of the laboratory
• Prepare progress reports, presentations and research papers for the project
• Assist in publishing research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Work towards a Ph.D. registration in the assigned area, if permitted by DRDO
• Follow all safety, security and confidentiality protocols of a defence laboratory