DRDO DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026 Notification: Eligibility, Stipend and How to Apply by Email
The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad, a premier lab of DRDO, has invited applications for 18 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions under Advertisement No. DMRL/HRD/JRF/2026/01. If you hold a first-class B.E./B.Tech. in Metallurgy, Materials, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering with a valid GATE score, or an M.Sc. Physics with NET, this is a real chance to do defence research. The fellowship pays ₹37,000 per month plus HRA, and selected fellows may register for a part-time PhD with the Director’s approval.
There is no online portal here. You download an Excel form, fill it, and email it with one PDF of your documents. As per the notice on the DRDO website, the last date is 27 October 2026. Shortlisted candidates face an interview at Hyderabad. This guide from GovtJobsAlert.in covers every seat, condition and step, so read it fully before you send your email. You can also browse more engineering government jobs open right now.
Key Highlights of DRDO DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026
DMRL was set up in 1963 to build advanced materials and process technologies for India’s defence systems. This advertisement is for research fellowships, not permanent jobs, so read the tenure terms below with care.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), DRDO |
| Advertisement No. | DMRL/HRD/JRF/2026/01 |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 18 |
| Stipend | ₹37,000 per month + HRA as per DRDO Rules |
| Job Location | DMRL, Hyderabad (Telangana) |
| Mode of Application | Email with Excel application form |
| Last Date | 27 October 2026 (as per DRDO website notice) |
| Selection | Shortlisting + Interview at Hyderabad |
How Many Vacancies Are There in DRDO DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026?
The 18 seats are split across four disciplines. Apply only under the discipline that matches your own degree.
| Fellowship Code | Subject | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| JRF-01 | Metallurgical Engg. / Materials Science | 7 |
| JRF-02 | Mechanical Engg. | 7 |
| JRF-03 | Chemical Engg. | 2 |
| JRF-04 | Physics | 2 |
| Total | 18 |
The advertisement gives no category-wise split (UR, OBC, SC, ST or EWS) of these seats. DMRL also says the number actually filled depends on how candidates perform in the interview, and the Director may choose not to fill the positions if suitable candidates are not found.
Notice the gap between disciplines. Metallurgy and Mechanical have seven seats each, while Chemical Engineering and Physics have only two each. If you are from Chemical or Physics, a strong GATE or NET score matters even more. Do not apply under a discipline that is not your own just because it has more seats; a mismatch can get you rejected even after the interview.
What is the Eligibility for DRDO DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026?
Educational Qualification
| Code | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|
| JRF-01 | B.E./B.Tech. with first class in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering or Materials Technology with valid GATE score; OR M.E./M.Tech. with first class in one of these, plus a first-class B.E./B.Tech. in one of these |
| JRF-02 | B.E./B.Tech. with first class in Mechanical Engineering with valid GATE score; OR first-class M.E./M.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering plus first-class B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering |
| JRF-03 | B.E./B.Tech. with first class in Chemical Engineering with valid GATE score; OR first-class M.E./M.Tech. in Chemical Engineering plus first-class B.E./B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering |
| JRF-04 | M.Sc. in Physics with First Division with valid NET qualification |
All degrees must be from a UGC recognised University. A valid GATE score is essential for B.E./B.Tech. holders. Your GATE paper and qualifying degree must be related to the discipline you apply for, and your NET / GATE score must be valid on the date of interview. Only candidates who have already been awarded the Degree or Provisional Certificate can apply. M.Sc. Physics holders can explore more post graduate government jobs too.
If you are in your final semester and still waiting for your result, this one is not for you yet, because the degree or provisional certificate must already be in your hand. Also check your GATE score card’s validity date before you apply. A score that expires before the interview date can end your chance at the last step, even after you are shortlisted.
Age Limit
| Category | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General | 28 years |
| SC / ST | 28 years + 5 years relaxation |
| OBC | 28 years + 3 years relaxation |
🎂 Not sure if you meet the age criteria? Use our free Age Calculator for Government Exams to find your exact age on the cut-off date and instantly check your eligibility — including SC / ST / OBC age relaxation. →
The notification counts age “as on the closing date of interview”, and also allows relaxation “as per Government guidelines”. To claim it, a self-attested caste certificate is mandatory with your application.
The wording “closing date of interview” is unusual, and the advertisement does not explain it further. If you are close to the age limit, do not guess. Work out your age carefully, keep your birth proof ready, and watch the DRDO website for any clarification before you send your form.
What is the Salary (Stipend) and Tenure for DMRL JRF 2026?
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | ₹37,000 |
| HRA | As per DRDO Rules |
| Medical | DRDO medical facilities for self only, through the MI Room |
| Initial Tenure | 2 years |
| Extension | Further 2 years, subject to Internal Screening Committee recommendation |
| Maximum Tenure | 4 years |
| Upgrade | Elevation to SRF after 2 years, subject to satisfactory assessment as per DRDO guidelines |
The post is temporary. The offer gives no right of absorption in DRDO under any circumstances. Treat it as a strong research step, not a permanent job.
Still, for a young engineer or physicist, this is valuable. You get hands-on work on defence materials in a national lab, a steady monthly stipend, and the option of a part-time PhD during the fellowship with the Director’s approval.
What is the Selection Process for DRDO DMRL JRF 2026?
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shortlisting | By valid NET / GATE score for candidates with only B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc.; by M.E./M.Tech. percentage for M.E./M.Tech. holders |
| Interview | At Hyderabad, on a date to be intimated later, with original certificates and one set of self-attested copies |
The notification names only these two stages. The award of fellowship is entirely at the discretion of the lab’s Selection Committee, and DMRL management may amend, cancel or suspend the selection process at any time without giving a reason.
Since shortlisting rests on your GATE or NET score (or M.E./M.Tech. marks), the interview is where you can make a difference. Revise your core subjects and your final-year project.
How to Apply for DRDO DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026 by Email?
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download the application form (Excel sheet) from the DRDO website (link in Essential Links below) |
| 2 | Fill every entry of the Excel sheet. Enter marks as a percentage |
| 3 | Scan all supporting documents, in the order below, into one single PDF |
| 4 | Name both files with the Sl. No. of your post followed by your name, e.g. 2Srinivas for Mechanical Engineering |
| 5 | Email the filled Excel sheet and the PDF to dmrlhrd@gmail.com by the last date |
| 6 | Keep a copy of your sent email for your records |
| Order | Document to Attach |
|---|---|
| 1 | B.E./B.Tech. final certificate and consolidated marksheet |
| 2 | M.E./M.Tech. certificate and marksheet (if applicable) |
| 3 | Valid GATE score card |
| 4 | Aadhar Card / any other Govt. photo ID card |
| 5 | Self-attested passport size photograph |
| 6 | Experience certificate (if applicable) |
| 7 | Caste certificate (if applicable) |
| 8 | NOC from present employer (if applicable) |
| 9 | Papers published in journals / conferences |
| 10 | Any other relevant documents |
If your university gives CGPA or CPI, attach its own document for converting it to percentage. The Excel sheet is not part of the PDF; send it as a separate file.
Before you press send, open both files once more on your phone or computer. Make sure the PDF is readable, the documents are in the order listed above, and the file names start with your post’s serial number. A careless mistake here can quietly remove you from shortlisting, and DMRL says it will not inform you about rejected sheets.
What are the Important Dates for DRDO DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Published on DRDO website | 06 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply by email | 27 October 2026 (as per DRDO website notice) |
| Interview | To be intimated later to shortlisted candidates |
The PDF itself prints no date; it says the last date is 21 days after publication on the DRDO website. The dates above are from the DRDO vacancy page.
What is the Application Fee for DRDO DMRL JRF 2026?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All categories | No application fee is mentioned in the advertisement |
The advertisement does not mention any fee, payment mode or fee receipt. Be careful of anyone who asks you for money in the name of this fellowship.
Which Mistakes Can Get Your DRDO DMRL JRF 2026 Application Rejected?
| Condition | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Missing documents | Applications without the required supporting documents will not be considered during shortlisting |
| Incomplete Excel sheet | Incomplete, unfilled or partially filled sheets are liable for rejection, with no intimation |
| Degree not awarded | Only those already awarded the Degree / Provisional Certificate are eligible |
| Earlier DRDO JRF | Those who already held a JRF position in any DRDO lab / centre are not eligible to apply again |
| Employees of Govt. or Govt.-owned organisations | Must produce an NOC at the interview, failing which you will not be allowed to appear, or apply through proper channel |
| Canvassing or mismatch | Canvassing, or any mismatch in age, qualification, discipline or marks, makes candidature liable to be rejected, before or after interview |
| No claim as of right | The award of fellowship shall not be claimed by any candidate as a matter of right; the Selection Committee may refuse any candidate without giving a reason |
| Travel | No TA/DA for attending the interview or for joining |
DRDO DMRL JRF 2026 Essential Links
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Official Notification Page for DRDO DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026 – 18 Junior Research Fellow Posts
- Visit DRDO DMRL JRF Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
If you have the right first-class degree and a valid GATE or NET score, do not wait for the last week. Fill the Excel sheet slowly, check every entry, arrange your documents in order, and send your email well before 27 October 2026. Keep an eye on the DRDO website for any change. For more openings in Hyderabad, see Telangana government jobs, and keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for daily updates.