DRDO DRL JRF & RA Recruitment 2026 — 15 Vacancies

Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), a premier DRDO lab in Tezpur, Assam, is hiring 15 Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and Research Associates (RA) through walk-in interviews. You can earn a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 (JRF) or Rs. 67,000 (RA) plus HRA. The interviews are on 16 April 2026 (JRF) and 17 April 2026 (RA). You need a postgraduate degree with NET/GATE (for JRF) or a Ph.D. (for RA) in relevant science fields.

DRDO DRL JRF & RA Recruitment 2026 — 15 Posts

Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, is the only DRDO lab in Northeast India. Based in Tezpur, Assam, DRL focuses on research in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, environmental sciences, and horticulture for India's defence forces. This recruitment covers 9 JRF and 6 RA positions across multiple research disciplines to support ongoing and future projects at the laboratory.

Vacancy Breakdown

Junior Research Fellow (JRF) — 9 Posts

Research Associate (RA) — 6 Posts

Who Can Apply?

For JRF Posts

• You need a postgraduate degree (M.Sc. / M.Tech / M.Pharm / MVSc) in the relevant discipline listed above
• You must have qualified NET, GATE, or GPAT (as specified for each post)
• You must hold a degree or provisional degree certificate at the time of interview

For RA Posts

• You need a Ph.D. in the relevant discipline listed above
• Some RA posts have desirable qualifications like experience in sequencing, polymer instrumentation, or post-harvest technology

If you are currently employed in a Government Department, PSU, or Autonomous Body, you must apply through proper channel and bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer at the interview.

Age Limit

• JRF: Maximum 28 years as on the date of interview
• RA: Maximum 35 years as on the date of interview
• SC/ST: 5 years relaxation
• OBC: 3 years relaxation

Stipend and Benefits

• JRF Stipend: Rs. 37,000/- per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• RA Stipend: Rs. 67,000/- per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• JRF Tenure: Initially 2 years, can be upgraded to SRF and extended for 3rd and 4th year based on performance
• RA Tenure: 2 years

Note: This fellowship does not give you any right for permanent absorption in DRDO.

Application Fee

• No application fee is required for this recruitment

Selection Process

1. Walk-in Interview at DRL, DRDO, Solmara Military Station, Dekargaon, Tezpur-784001, Assam
2. JRF Interview: 16 April 2026 (reporting time: 10:00 AM)
3. RA Interview: 17 April 2026 (reporting time: 10:00 AM)

You need to bring original certificates, testimonials, Aadhaar card, copies of published research papers and thesis. Carry one photocopy set of all documents along with your application.

Note: No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form (Appendix A) from the official DRDO notification
2. Fill in all details including your educational qualifications and NET/GATE/GPAT details
3. Attach a passport-size photograph
4. Send your completed CV to hrd.drl@gov.in
5. Appear for the walk-in interview at DRL, DRDO, Solmara Military Station, Dekargaon, Tezpur-784001, Assam
6. Carry original documents and one set of photocopies to the interview

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 06 March 2026
• Walk-in Interview (JRF): 16 April 2026 (rescheduled from 7 April due to Assam Assembly Elections)
• Walk-in Interview (RA): 17 April 2026 (rescheduled from 8 April due to Assam Assembly Elections)
• Reporting Time: 10:00 AM

• Conduct research and experiments in your assigned discipline under the guidance of senior scientists at DRL
• Assist in ongoing and future defence research projects at the laboratory
• Prepare research reports, technical documents, and publish findings in scientific journals
• Handle laboratory equipment, instruments, and research materials as per standard protocols
• Work with multidisciplinary teams on projects related to life sciences, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, or horticulture
• Follow all safety guidelines, laboratory procedures, and DRDO protocols
• Monitor experimental results, analyze data, and maintain accurate records of research activities