VRDE JRF Mechanical Recruitment 2026

VRDE JRF Mechanical Recruitment 2026: Overview

Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation under the Ministry of Defence, is offering Junior Research Fellow opportunities in Mechanical Engineering at its Ahilyanagar campus. The laboratory works on mobility systems, wheeled and light-tracked combat platforms, high-mobility gun systems, autonomous vehicles, UAV engines, and the testing and certification of military and commercial vehicles. This fellowship is meant for defence-related research, so it suits engineers who want hands-on exposure to indigenous vehicle technology rather than a routine production role.

The accepted branches are closely tied to the laboratory's work: Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical and Automation Engineering, and Mechanical and Production Engineering. Your academic route can be through an engineering bachelor's degree backed by an accepted GATE score or through a first-division master's route. The fellowship is a research engagement and does not create a right to permanent absorption in DRDO.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Research location: The fellowship is based at VRDE, Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra; you should plan to work from this laboratory rather than expect an all-India posting.
• Tenure: The first offer is for two years. VRDE may extend it for up to two more years, one year at a time, after a review committee assesses your performance.
• Vacancy flexibility: The laboratory may increase or reduce the number of fellowships according to its requirement.
• Merit panel: VRDE may keep a merit-based panel active for one year and use it for future anticipated openings.
• No permanent claim: A fellowship offer does not give you a claim to absorption in DRDO after the research term ends.
• Travel costs: VRDE will not pay TA or DA for attending the selection process or joining the fellowship.
• Campus security: Mobile phones, laptops, pen drives, smart watches, and similar electronic items are prohibited inside the VRDE campus during the selection visit.
• Background checks: The establishment will verify the antecedents of selected fellows at joining, and any material document deficiency can cancel the candidature.

Application Submission Notes

Before attending, email your willingness to kapilpuraswani.vrde@gov.in with the subject "Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship". The walk-in venue is VRDE, PO Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra 414006, and reporting begins in the morning; late arrivals are not admitted to the process.

Bring the completed official application form with the required copies and originals. If any certificate is not in English, attach a self-attested English transcript. Government, PSU, or autonomous-body employees also need a No Objection Certificate from their employer at the interview.

• Support research on wheeled and light-tracked military vehicle systems
• Design and analyse mechanical components for mobility and combat platforms
• Assist with laboratory tests, vehicle trials, and performance evaluation
• Record test data and prepare clear technical reports for review
• Work with engineers on indigenous mobility, autonomous, and propulsion solutions
• Follow VRDE safety, security, and research documentation procedures