DRDO RCI RA and JRF Recruitment 2026

Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO is filling 21 Research Associate and Junior Research Fellow posts in Hyderabad. Depending on the post, you need a relevant PhD, first-class M.Tech, B.E./B.Tech, or M.Sc qualification with the specified research record or test score. Apply offline by Speed Post or courier so the form reaches RCI by 13 September 2026. The notice provides a monthly stipend under Government of India norms, but it does not quote the rupee amount.

DRDO RCI RA and JRF Recruitment 2026 - 21 Posts

Research Centre Imarat, part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has issued a combined notice for Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex. These are temporary research opportunities for work connected with advanced technology for defence applications. The workplace is Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad, Telangana 500069.

The RA award is for 2 years. The JRF fellowship starts for 2 years and may be upgraded to Senior Research Fellowship for the 3rd year and extended for a 4th year after performance review. A fellowship does not create a right to permanent absorption in DRDO, and the period will not count as service in a regular DRDO or government post.

Vacancy Breakdown

• Research Associate: 2 posts across engineering and physics research areas.
• Junior Research Fellow: 19 posts across Electronics and Communication, Electrical and Electronics, Computer Science or IT, Mechanical, Aeronautical or Aerospace, Chemistry, Metallurgy, and related notified disciplines.
• Total: 21 posts. The official notice says the number may change.

Who Can Apply?

Research Associate Eligibility

• PhD route: You may hold a PhD in a relevant area such as Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mechanical, Structural, Aerospace, Electrical and Electronics, Electronics and Communication, or Physics, with research matching the notified specialization.
• M.Tech route: A first-class M.Tech in a relevant engineering discipline may qualify when you also have the required research experience and publication record.
• Physics route: A first-class M.Sc in Physics may qualify for the physics fellowship with 4 years of relevant research experience.
• Research record: The M.Tech routes generally require 3 years of relevant research experience and at least 1 paper in a Science Citation Indexed journal. The physics M.Sc route requires 4 years of experience and at least 1 SCI paper.
• Degree timing: Your required degree must have been awarded on or before the advertisement date.

Junior Research Fellow Eligibility

• Engineering with GATE: First-class B.E./B.Tech or AICTE-equivalent degree in a notified discipline with a valid GATE score.
• Engineering postgraduate route: First-class B.E./B.Tech in a notified discipline followed by M.E./M.Tech in the relevant field.
• Science route: First-class M.Sc in Chemistry or Physics with a valid NET, GATE, or SLET qualification.
• Relevant branches: The notice covers Electrical and Electronics, Electrical, Electronics and Communication, Computer Science, Information Technology, Chemical, Mechanical, Metallurgy, Aeronautical, and Aerospace Engineering.
• Degree timing: The essential qualification must be completed and awarded before the advertisement date.

Age Limit

• Research Associate: Maximum 35 years as on 1 August 2026.
• Junior Research Fellow: Maximum 28 years as on 1 August 2026.
• SC and ST relaxation: Up to 5 years under Government of India rules.
• OBC relaxation: Up to 3 years under Government of India rules.

Salary

• RA and JRF appointees will receive a monthly stipend under Government of India norms and the Ministry of Defence order cited in the notice.
• The notification does not state a rupee figure for either fellowship, so check the applicable government order before accepting the offer.
• No TA or DA will be paid for attending the test, document checks, interview, or joining after selection.

Selection Process

RCI will shortlist applicants after checking their qualification, marks, research experience, thesis relevance, and supporting documents. The route is different for RA and JRF, and being allowed into the selection process is at the laboratory selection committee's discretion.

1. Application scrutiny: RCI checks the prescribed form, degree, marks, experience, research work, test score, publications, age, and category records.
2. RA shortlisting: Research Associate applicants are shortlisted mainly on the relevance of their research experience or PhD thesis.
3. JRF test or interview: Shortlisted JRF applicants may be called for a written test, an interview, or both.
4. RA interview: Shortlisted Research Associate applicants are called for an interview.
5. Original document verification: You must show original certificates and provide the required copies before selection or joining is finalized.

How to Apply

1. Read the complete RCI fellowship advertisement and choose the RA or JRF category that matches your qualification.
2. Type the application in the prescribed format and fill every required field accurately.
3. Attach self-attested copies of your educational certificates, marks records, experience certificates, research or publication proof, and category certificate where applicable.
4. If you work in a government office, PSU, or autonomous body, arrange a No Objection Certificate for the interview stage.
5. Write APPLICATION FOR THE VACANCY OF RESEARCH ASSOCIATE or APPLICATION FOR THE VACANCY OF JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOW on the envelope, as applicable.
6. Send the form only by Speed Post or courier to Head HRD, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Research Centre Imarat, PO Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad, Telangana 500069.
7. Do not send the form by email. Make sure it reaches RCI by 13 September 2026.

Important Dates

• Employment News Publication: 14 August 2026
• Age Reference Date: 1 August 2026
• Last Date for Receipt of Application: 13 September 2026
• Test or Interview Date: To be shared with shortlisted applicants by email or telephone

• Conduct research in the assigned defence-technology discipline and specialization
• Plan experiments, simulations, design studies, or analytical work for the approved research topic
• Record methods, observations, results, and technical findings in a clear research format
• Use relevant engineering, scientific, software, laboratory, or modelling tools safely
• Review technical literature and connect current findings with the project's research goals
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, research papers, and progress updates
• Work with RCI scientists and research teams while following laboratory and security procedures