DRDO DRDL Junior Research Fellow 2026 Notification: Stipend, Eligibility & Walk-in Guide
Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad — a premier missile systems lab under DRDO — has invited bright engineering graduates for a walk-in interview to fill 16 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) vacancies across three fellowships. If you have a B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Aerospace or Electronics & Communication Engineering with a valid GATE score, this is your direct gateway into India’s strategic missile programmes. The selected fellows will earn a monthly stipend of Rs 37,000 plus HRA, work on cutting-edge research, and stand a strong chance of absorption into DRDO scientist roles later.
The walk-in interviews will be held on 01 – 05 June 2026 at DLOMI, DRDO Township, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad. Freshers and experienced candidates from the listed engineering disciplines should read this guide carefully and arrive on the right date with all original documents. Explore more defence sector government jobs on GovtJobsAlert.in and bookmark this page — we keep it updated until the last candidate is interviewed.
Key Highlights — DRDO DRDL JRF Recruitment 2026
Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) is one of the most prestigious missile-research labs of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence. Located at Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, DRDL leads the design and development of tactical and strategic missile systems for the Indian Armed Forces. The JRF programme offers selected engineers a structured pathway into defence research.
- Post Name: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
- Total Vacancies: 16 posts
- Stipend: Rs 37,000 per month + HRA (as per DRDO rules)
- Fellowship Duration: 2 years initially, extendable up to 4 years total
- Job Location: DRDL, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad (Telangana)
- Mode of Selection: Walk-in Interview
- Walk-in Dates: 01 – 05 June 2026 (discipline-wise)
- Reporting Time: 09:00 to 09:30 Hrs (late arrivals not entertained)
DRDO DRDL JRF Vacancy Breakdown — Fellowship-wise Posts 2026
The 16 vacancies are spread across three engineering fellowships. Each fellowship requires a discipline-matched GATE paper code. Check the table below to find your eligible track:
| Fellowship | Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| JRF-01 | Mechanical Engineering | 9 |
| JRF-02 | Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering | 4 |
| JRF-03 | Electronics & Communication Engineering | 3 |
Mechanical Engineering has the largest share with 9 posts, followed by Aeronautical/Aerospace with 4 and ECE with 3. There is no inter-disciplinary substitution — your GATE paper code must match your applied fellowship.
DRDO DRDL JRF Eligibility Criteria — Qualification, GATE & Age Limit 2026
Educational Qualification
You must satisfy ONE of the two qualification routes below (route applies to all three fellowships, with the discipline matching the post you apply for):
- Route 1: B.E./B.Tech with First Class in the relevant discipline (Mechanical for JRF-01, Aeronautical or Aerospace for JRF-02, Electronics & Communication for JRF-03) along with a valid GATE score in the matching paper code (ME / AE / ECE).
- Route 2: M.E./M.Tech with First Class in the relevant discipline PLUS a B.E./B.Tech with First Class in the same or matching discipline. GATE may not be required under this route as per the notification — verify in the official PDF.
Recognised engineering streams for this recruitment include Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Electronics & Communication Engineering. If your qualification is from a closely related branch, please check the official notification to confirm acceptance. This is a strong opening for engineering graduates seeking government jobs, and an even better one for post graduate engineering candidates holding M.Tech credentials.
Experience
- Freshers are eligible. No prior work experience is mandatory.
- Working experience in the subject area (missile systems, aerodynamics, embedded systems, structural design, etc.) is preferred but not mandatory.
Age Limit
- Maximum Age: 28 years as on the closing date of interview (June 2026)
- Age relaxation as per Government of India rules:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | As per Govt rules |
What is the Salary and Stipend for DRDO DRDL JRF 2026?
Junior Research Fellows at DRDL receive a structured stipend in line with DRDO Fellowship Rules. The pay package is designed to support full-time research engagement during the fellowship tenure.
- Monthly Stipend: Rs 37,000
- HRA: As admissible at Hyderabad (X-class city rates) per DRDO Rules
- Medical: As per DRDO Fellowship guidelines
- Leave: Earned leave + casual leave as per fellowship rules
With HRA combined, the approximate monthly in-hand value can reach Rs 43,000 – Rs 47,000, depending on the applicable HRA slab and other admissible allowances.
Beyond the stipend, JRFs at DRDL get hands-on exposure to live missile and aerospace projects, mentorship from senior scientists, access to advanced labs, and a strong shot at conversion to Scientist ‘B’ roles in DRDO subject to performance, vacancies, and rules in force.
What is the Selection Process for DRDO DRDL JRF 2026?
The selection happens entirely at the walk-in venue across the three scheduled days. The process is straightforward but strict on punctuality and documentation. Refer to exam calendar and preparation pages on GovtJobsAlert.in to plan your visit and revision.
Stage 1: Document Verification & Shortlisting
On reporting at the venue between 09:00 and 09:30 Hrs, candidates undergo document verification. The Selection Committee shortlists based on GATE score + qualifying degree marks. Candidates reporting after 09:30 Hrs will NOT be entertained under any circumstance.
Stage 2: Personal Interview
Shortlisted candidates appear for a personal interview before the DRDL Selection Committee. The interview tests subject knowledge (fluid mechanics, propulsion, missile aerodynamics, electronics, control systems — depending on discipline), research aptitude, and motivation for defence research.
Stage 3: Final Selection
Final merit is prepared based on the combined performance in the interview and academic record. Selected candidates receive the offer letter on-the-spot or shortly after. Candidates currently serving in any Government / PSU organisation must produce a No Objection Certificate (NoNoC) from their employer at the time of interview.
How to Apply for DRDO DRDL JRF Walk-in 2026?
This is a walk-in interview — there is no online application. Keep your application form, mark sheets, GATE scorecard, ID proof, and recent passport-size photographs ready before you reach the venue.
- Download the prescribed application form from the official DRDO website (link in Essential Links below).
- Fill the application form completely in your own handwriting with no overwriting.
- Attach self-attested photocopies of 10th, 12th, B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech (if applicable), GATE scorecard, category certificate, and ID proof.
- Paste a recent passport-size photograph on the form and carry two extra photographs.
- Write ‘APPLICATION FOR JRF RECRUITMENT’ in bold on the top of the envelope holding your documents.
- Reach DLOMI, DRDO Township, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad on your discipline’s scheduled walk-in date.
- Report between 09:00 and 09:30 Hrs — gates close after 09:30 Hrs.
- Submit the form, undergo document verification, and attend the personal interview before the Selection Committee.
DRDO DRDL JRF 2026 Important Dates: Walk-in Schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Walk-in for JRF-01 Mechanical Engineering | 01 – 03 June 2026 |
| Walk-in for JRF-02 Aeronautical / Aerospace | 04 June 2026 |
| Walk-in for JRF-03 Electronics & Communication | 05 June 2026 |
| Reporting Time (all days) | 09:00 to 09:30 Hrs |
| Venue | DLOMI, DRDO Township, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad |
DRDO DRDL JRF Application Fee 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories (UR / OBC / SC / ST / EWS / PwBD / Female) | Nil |
Since this is a walk-in interview, there is no application fee for any category. Just carry your documents and reach the venue on time.
Essential Links — DRDO DRDL JRF Recruitment 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply via Walk-in — DRDO DRDL JRF 2026 Notification Page
- Visit DRDO Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram for Telangana Govt Jobs
If you have the right degree and a valid GATE score, do not wait — print your form today, gather your documents, and plan your travel to Hyderabad. Remember, late arrivals after 09:30 Hrs will not be entertained, so reach the venue a day in advance if possible. For more such defence and DRDO job notifications, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in — we are your trusted friend for every sarkari naukri update.