DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 — 3 Vacancies

About This Job

The Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), a DRDO laboratory in Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), Maharashtra, is hiring 3 Junior Research Fellows (JRF) through walk-in interview. You can earn a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 plus HRA. The fellowship is initially for 2 years, extendable up to 4 years based on performance. The last date to send your willingness email is 30 April 2026, and walk-in interviews start from 4 May 2026.

DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 — 3 Posts

VRDE works under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The lab specialises in research and development of light tracked and wheeled platforms for India's armed forces. This includes mobility systems, combat vehicles, high mobility gun systems, wheeled autonomous systems, UAV engines, and testing and certification of military and commercial vehicles. These JRF positions give you a chance to work on cutting-edge defence vehicle technology at one of India's premier research establishments.

Vacancy Breakdown

• Mechanical Engineering — 2 posts (includes Mechanical & Automation Engg, Mechanical & Production Engg)
• Electrical Engineering — 1 post (includes Electrical Power System Engg, Electrical & Electronics Engg, Power Electronics Engg)

Note: The number of fellowships may increase or decrease depending on organisational requirements.

Who Can Apply?

Qualification (Route 1 — GATE)

• BE/BTech in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering (as applicable) in First Division
• Must have a valid GATE score at or above the cut-off — only GATE scores from 2024, 2025, and 2026 are accepted

Qualification (Route 2 — ME/MTech)

• ME/MTech in the relevant discipline with First Division at both Graduate and Post-Graduate level
• No GATE score needed if you have ME/MTech with the required division

Nationality: Only Indian nationals can apply.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 28 years as on the date of interview
• SC/ST candidates: 5 years relaxation (up to 33 years)
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates: 3 years relaxation (up to 31 years)

If you belong to SC/ST/OBC, attach a copy of your caste certificate with the application.

Stipend & Benefits

• Monthly stipend: Rs. 37,000/- per month
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): As admissible based on location rules
• Tenure: Initially 2 years, extendable by 2 more years (one year at a time) subject to satisfactory performance review
• Career growth: After successful completion of 2 years as JRF, you may be upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) with a stipend of Rs. 42,000/- per month + HRA

Important: This fellowship does not give you any right to permanent absorption in DRDO.

Selection Process

1. Document Verification: Report at VRDE campus between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM on the scheduled date. Documents will be verified between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM.
2. Written Test (2 hours): Conducted after document screening — starts at 12:00 PM on the same day. The test is discipline-specific.
3. Interview: Based on written test results, shortlisted candidates will be called for interview from 11:30 AM onwards (same day or next day).

Walk-In Schedule

• Mechanical Engineering: Document verification on 4 May 2026 (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM) | Written test & interview on 4 & 5 May 2026
• Electrical Engineering: Document verification on 6 May 2026 (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM) | Written test & interview on 6 & 7 May 2026

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from www.drdo.gov.in (attached with the notification PDF).
2. Fill in the application form in your own handwriting. Affix a recent passport-size photograph on the top-right corner.
3. Send a willingness email to kapilpuraswani.vrde[at]gov.in before 30 April 2026. In the subject line, write: "Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship — [Your Subject]".
4. Walk in at VRDE, Vahannagar PO, Ahilyanagar — 414006, Maharashtra on the scheduled date with your completed application and all original documents.

Note: Candidates arriving after 10:30 AM will not be allowed to participate. No TA/DA is provided for attending the interview.

Required Documents

• Filled application form with passport-size photo
• All educational certificates and mark sheets (10th onwards) — originals + self-attested copies
• Valid GATE scorecard (2024/2025/2026) — if applying through GATE route
• Caste/category certificate (if applicable)
• Government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Passport)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) — if currently employed in Government/PSU/Autonomous body
• Experience certificates (if any)

Note: If any document is in a language other than English, attach a self-attested English translation. Electronic devices (mobile phones, pen drives, laptops, smart watches) are strictly prohibited inside VRDE campus.

Important Dates

• Notification published: 1 April 2026
• Last date to email willingness: 30 April 2026
• Walk-in (Mechanical Engg): 4–5 May 2026
• Walk-in (Electrical Engg): 6–7 May 2026

• Work on research and development projects related to light tracked and wheeled military vehicle platforms
• Assist senior scientists in designing and developing mobility systems, combat vehicle systems, and autonomous vehicle technologies
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and documentation for ongoing DRDO projects
• Handle testing and evaluation of automotive systems, engine components, and vehicle sub-systems
• Follow DRDO laboratory protocols and safety procedures during experimentation and prototype testing
• Assist in the design and simulation of UAV engines, electric/electronic vehicle controllers, and high-mobility systems
• Monitor and analyse test data, support certification processes for military and commercial vehicles