DRDO RA and JRF Recruitment 2026

DRDO INMAS Delhi is hiring 4 Research Associates and 11 Junior Research Fellows in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Dental Sciences. If you have a PhD, first-class M.Sc, B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Pharm, or BDS with the required NET, GATE, GPAT, or registration where applicable, you can apply by email. The last date to send the application is 30 June 2026. Salary ranges from Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 67,000 per month plus HRA as per DRDO rules.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) RA and JRF Recruitment 2026 - 15 Posts

The Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a specialised DRDO laboratory at Timarpur, Delhi, has released a notice for Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions. The work is connected with defence-related research in radiation countermeasures, life sciences, chemistry, pharmacy, and allied areas. Interviews are scheduled in July 2026, with different dates for each post code.

Vacancy Details

Who Can Apply?

Research Associate Posts

• RA Life Sciences: PhD in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology.
• RA Chemistry: PhD in Material Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Science.
• RA Pharmaceutical Sciences: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacy, or allied disciplines.

Junior Research Fellow Posts

• JRF Life Sciences: First-class M.Sc with NET, first-class B.Tech with valid GATE, or first-class M.E./M.Tech in the notified biotechnology/biomedical fields.
• JRF Chemistry: First-class M.Sc with NET, first-class B.Tech with valid GATE in Chemical Engineering, or first-class M.E./M.Tech in Chemical Engineering.
• JRF Pharmaceutical Sciences: First-class M.Pharm, M.S. (Pharm.), or M.Tech (Pharm.) with NET or GPAT in the notified pharmacy fields.
• JRF Dental Sciences: First-class BDS with valid registration from the Dental Council of India or State Dental Council.

Age Limit

• Research Associate: Maximum age is 35 years as on the closing date.
• Junior Research Fellow: Maximum age is 28 years as on the closing date.
• Age cut-off: The closing date is 30 June 2026.
• Relaxation: SC/ST applicants get 5 years, OBC applicants get 3 years, and other entitled categories get relaxation as per government rules.

Salary

• Research Associate: Rs. 67,000 per month plus HRA as per DRDO rules.
• Junior Research Fellow: Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA for the first and second year.
• SRF stage if extended: JRF may be elevated to SRF with Rs. 42,000 per month for the remaining tenure, subject to performance and DRDO guidelines.
• Contingency grant: RA gets up to Rs. 20,000 per annum; JRF gets up to Rs. 15,000 per annum for two years and higher grant at SRF stage.

Tenure and Interview Notes

• RA tenure: Research Associate tenure is limited to a maximum of 2 years and is non-extendable as per the notice.
• JRF tenure: JRF tenure can be up to 5 years. The first two years are as JRF, and further elevation to SRF depends on annual performance review.
• Interview venue: Reporting is at Main Gate Reception, INMAS, Timarpur, Delhi between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM.
• Original documents: You must bring the application form, complete bio-data, original certificates, and self-attested photocopies on the interview date.

Choose the correct post code before sending the email application. Your file name must include the post code, and the interview date changes by post code. Late reporting is not allowed, so plan travel to INMAS Delhi in advance if you are shortlisted.

Selection Process

DRDO INMAS will shortlist applicants and call them for written test if required and interview on the post-wise date.

1. Email Application Scrutiny: INMAS will check the prescribed form and supporting documents sent by email.
2. Shortlisting: Shortlisted applicants will be informed by email for the interview.
3. Written Test if Required: A written test may be conducted depending on the number of applicants appearing on the interview date.
4. Interview: Those who qualify the written test, if held, will be interviewed on the same day.
5. Document Verification: Original certificates and self-attested photocopies must be produced on the interview date.

How to Apply

1. Download the prescribed application form from the DRDO website at drdo.gov.in.
2. Type and sign the application form; handwritten forms are not accepted.
3. Attach education certificates, matriculation certificate for date of birth, valid NET/GATE/GPAT score card where required, and caste certificate if applicable.
4. Combine the application and documents into one PDF file.
5. Name the file in the format POST CODE_YOUR NAME.
6. Email it to research-academic@gov.in on or before 30 June 2026.
7. Bring the application, original certificates, and self-attested photocopies to INMAS, Timarpur, Delhi on the interview date.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 1 June 2026
• Application Start: 3 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply by Email: 30 June 2026
• RA Interview Dates: 15, 17, and 20 July 2026
• JRF Interview Dates: 20, 22, 23, and 24 July 2026
• Reporting Time: 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at INMAS Main Gate Reception

• Conduct defence-related research in the assigned Life Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmacy, or Dental Sciences area
• Prepare experiments, collect data, and keep accurate laboratory records
• Assist INMAS scientists with radiation countermeasure, biomedical, or allied research work
• Follow laboratory safety, research ethics, and DRDO confidentiality requirements
• Prepare progress notes, presentations, and research reports for review
• Support publication, validation, formulation, imaging, analytical, or field-related tasks as assigned to the project