DRDO DRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 - Walk-in Interview

DRDO DRDE Gwalior is hiring Junior Research Fellows (JRF) with valid CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR fellowships in Chemistry and Biological Sciences. If you have a First Class M.Sc in a relevant discipline and a valid JRF fellowship, you can attend the walk-in interview. The interview is on 17 June 2026 (Chemistry) and 18 June 2026 (Biological Sciences). Age limit is 28 years. Stipend will be paid as per CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR guidelines.

DRDO DRDE Gwalior JRF Recruitment 2026 - Walk-in Interview

Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) Gwalior, a premier laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), invites applications from young and meritorious Indian Nationals to work as Junior Research Fellows in defence-related research. There is no fixed number of fellowships — selection is based entirely on the walk-in interview. Selected JRFs may also register for a Ph.D. during the tenure of the fellowship and will be upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) after two years.

Vacancy Breakdown

• JRF (Post Code 01) - Chemistry: CSIR/UGC fellowship — No limit on number of fellowships
• JRF (Post Code 02) - Biological Sciences: CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR fellowship — No limit on number of fellowships

Who Can Apply?

For JRF Chemistry (Post Code 01)

• First Class M.Sc in Chemistry (Physical / Analytical / Organic / Inorganic) or related fields
• Must have qualified and hold a valid CSIR/UGC fellowship (Joint CSIR-UGC-NET JRF Exam)

For JRF Biological Sciences (Post Code 02)

• First Class M.Sc in Life Sciences, Zoology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Immunology, or related fields
• Must have qualified for JRF and currently hold a valid fellowship from CSIR / UGC / ICMR / DBT

Other Requirements

• Only candidates who have been awarded a degree or provisional certificate are eligible
• Government employees must produce NOC from the employer at the time of interview

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 28 years as on the date of interview
• Age Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC candidates
• For other categories, relaxation is as per CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR policy

Salary (Monthly Stipend)

• Monthly stipend and other allowances as per CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR Guidelines
• You will work first as JRF for two years and then be upgraded to SRF for the next three years, subject to satisfactory performance
• No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining

Application Fee

• No application fee is required

Selection Process

Selection is through a single-stage Walk-in Interview:

1. Walk-in Interview at DRDE Gwalior: Reporting time is 0930 hours at the Main Gate Reception, DRDE, Jhansi Road, Gwalior-474 002. Late comers will not be allowed.
2. Document Verification: Original certificates of qualifications, experience, age, and caste are checked at the interview

If many candidates appear, the interview may extend to the next day. Plan accordingly. Electronic items (mobile, pen drives, laptop) are not allowed inside DRDE campus.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form (Annexure 'B') from drdo.gov.in
2. Fill the form in the prescribed format with passport size photograph affixed on top right corner of the first page
3. Save the filled form as a PDF file
4. Email the application to director.drde@gov.in and hrd.drde@gov.in
5. Carry a hard copy of the application along with self-attested copies of all certificates, mark sheets, experience certificates, and valid CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR award letter to the walk-in interview
6. Report at the Main Gate Reception, DRDE Gwalior, by 0930 hours on your interview date

Important Dates

• Walk-in Interview - Chemistry (Post Code 01): 17 June 2026
• Walk-in Interview - Biological Sciences (Post Code 02): 18 June 2026
• Reporting Time: 0930 hours at Main Gate Reception, DRDE Gwalior

• Conduct defence-related research in Chemistry or Biological Sciences under guidance of DRDE scientists
• Prepare experimental designs, run lab experiments, and document findings
• Analyse data and publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals
• Assist senior scientists in ongoing research projects of DRDE
• Maintain laboratory records, equipment, and follow safety guidelines
• Present research progress in periodic review meetings
• Register for and pursue Ph.D. during the fellowship tenure (optional)