DRDO IRDE JRF Recruitment 2026

About This Job

DRDO IRDE Dehradun is hiring 8 Junior Research Fellows (JRF) in Electronics, Physics, Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering. If you have a First Class B.E/B.Tech with NET/GATE or a First Class M.E/M.Tech from a UGC-recognised university, you can apply by post. The last date to apply is 21 May 2026. Stipend is Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA and the engagement is for 2 years (extendable).

DRDO IRDE Junior Research Fellowship Recruitment 2026 - 8 Posts

Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), Dehradun is a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) working on optics, opto-electronics and photonics. IRDE has invited applications from highly motivated Indian citizens with strong academic backgrounds to work as Junior Research Fellows under Advt. No. G/101/JRF/SRF. The fellowship runs for 2 years and is extendable as per rules. There is no written exam — selection is based on screening of GATE/NET scores and academic merit followed by an interview.

Vacancy Breakdown by Discipline

• Electronics Engineering: 4 posts
• Computer Science: 2 posts
• Physics: 1 post
• Mechanical Engineering: 1 post

Total: 8 tentative vacancies. The number may change as per requirement.

Who Can Apply?

Electronics Engineering (4 posts)

• B.E/B.Tech in First Class in Electronics Engineering from a UGC-recognised university with valid NET/GATE score, OR
• M.E/M.Tech in Electronics Engineering with First Class at both graduate and post-graduate level from a UGC-recognised university

Computer Science (2 posts)

• B.E/B.Tech in First Class in Computer Science from a UGC-recognised university with valid NET/GATE score, OR
• M.E/M.Tech with First Class at both graduate and post-graduate level from a UGC-recognised university

Physics (1 post)

• Post Graduate degree in First Class in Physics from a UGC-recognised university with valid NET/GATE score, OR
• M.E/M.Tech in Physics with First Class at both graduate and post-graduate level from a UGC-recognised university

Mechanical Engineering (1 post)

• B.E/B.Tech in First Class in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university with valid NET/GATE score, OR
• M.E/M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with First Class at both graduate and post-graduate level from a UGC-recognised university

Only Indian citizens are eligible. Candidates already engaged earlier as JRF are not eligible to apply afresh.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 28 years (as on the closing date of receipt of applications)
• Age Relaxation: SC, ST and OBC candidates get age relaxation as per Government of India norms

Salary

• Monthly stipend: Rs. 37,000 per month
• Plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible under DRDO rules
• Fellowship duration: 2 years, extendable as per rules

The offer of fellowship does not give any right to absorption in any DRDO laboratory.

Application Fee

• General candidates: Rs. 10/- (crossed Indian Postal Order in favour of "The Director, IRDE, Dehradun")
• SC / ST / OBC candidates: No fee (exempted)

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

There is no written exam. Selection happens in these steps:

1. Screening of Applications: A duly constituted Screening Committee will shortlist candidates based on valid GATE/NET score and percentage of marks in qualifying degrees.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview. Communication will be sent through speed post or email.
3. Document Verification: You must bring original certificates for caste, age, educational qualification and No Objection Certificate (where applicable) along with two passport-size photographs.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form in the prescribed format from www.drdo.gov.in.
2. Fill the form completely and attach all required enclosures.
3. Attach a crossed Indian Postal Order of Rs. 10/- in favour of "The Director, IRDE, Dehradun" (SC/ST/OBC exempted).
4. Mail the duly filled application with attachments to: Director, IRDE, Raipur Road, Dehra Dun - 248008 (Uttarakhand).
5. Write 'APPLICATION FOR JRF ENGAGEMENT' in bold letters on the top of the envelope.
6. Also email a single scanned PDF of the signed application form along with all certificates to director.irde@gov.in before the closing date.

Incomplete or partially filled applications will be rejected. Candidates working in Government / Public Sector Undertakings / autonomous bodies must apply through proper channel.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 30 April 2026
• Application Start Date: 30 April 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 21 May 2026
• Interview Date: To be announced

• Carry out research and development work in the assigned area of optics, opto-electronics or photonics
• Assist senior scientists in design, fabrication and testing of optical and electronic systems
• Run experiments, collect data and analyse results using appropriate tools
• Prepare technical reports, project documents and research papers
• Present progress reports periodically to the project review committee
• Maintain laboratory equipment and follow safety protocols at IRDE Dehradun
• Participate in technical seminars and workshops conducted at the establishment