DRDO VRDE Junior Research Fellowship Walk-In – 2026 Vacancies Now Open
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at its Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra is recruiting 3 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions. This is an excellent opportunity for engineering graduates looking for research-focused roles in defence technology. The walk-in interviews will be conducted in May 2026, with a competitive monthly stipend of ₹37,000 plus HRA. If you are a fresh graduate with strong academics and valid GATE scores, this could be your entry into India’s premier defence research institution.
The recruitment process is straightforward and merit-based. VRDE invites candidates for defence research fellowships across two engineering disciplines. Unlike typical government recruitment, this walk-in format means no online application portal — just a simple expression of interest email and you’re set for the interview. Applications are invited from candidates who meet the age, qualification, and category requirements. Read this complete guide to understand the eligibility criteria, interview process, salary structure, and how to apply. Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for all updates.
Key Highlights – DRDO VRDE JRF 2026
VRDE operates under DRDO and is engaged in research and development for light-tracked wheeled platforms and defence systems. The establishment designs advanced solutions for tracked combat systems, wheeled launched systems, and autonomous vehicles. VRDE is committed to continuous improvement and deployment of efficient resources.
- Organisation: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), VRDE, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra
- Post Names: Junior Research Fellow (JRF) – Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
- Total Vacancies: 3 posts
- Salary / Pay Level: ₹37,000/month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Job Location: VRDE, Vahannagar PO, Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), Maharashtra 414006
- Last Date to Apply: 30 April 2026
Vacancy Breakdown – DRDO VRDE JRF 2026
| Post Name | Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| JRF Mechanical Engineering | General | 2 |
| JRF Electrical Engineering | General | 1 |
Eligibility Criteria – DRDO VRDE JRF 2026
Educational Qualification
Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:
- For Mechanical Engineering JRF: BE/B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Automation Engineering, or Mechanical & Production Engineering in first division with a valid GATE score (2024, 2025, or 2026), OR ME/M.Tech in above disciplines in first division at both graduate and post-graduate levels.
- For Electrical Engineering JRF: BE/B.Tech degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Power Systems Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Power Electronics Engineering in first division with a valid GATE score (2024, 2025, or 2026), OR ME/M.Tech in above disciplines in first division at both graduate and post-graduate levels.
All qualifications must be from a recognised university. Self-attested copies of mark sheets and certificates must be carried to the interview.
Age Limit
Maximum age: 28 years as on the date of interview
Relaxation:
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years additional
- OBC (non-creamy layer) candidates: 3 years additional
- Caste certificate copy must be enclosed with application if applicable
What is the Salary for DRDO VRDE JRF 2026?
The monthly emoluments are structured to provide competitive compensation for early-career researchers. The fellowship includes a fixed monthly stipend plus housing support. This is a research-focused position that offers valuable experience in defence technology development alongside financial security.
Salary Breakdown:
- Monthly Stipend: ₹37,000
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): As per admissible standards
- Total In-Hand Monthly: Approximately ₹37,000 plus HRA
- Tenure-Based Growth: Performance-based extension after initial 2-year tenure
The fellowship is a merit-based position offering competitive remuneration comparable to early-career government research roles. No additional perks like travel allowance (TA/DA) are provided for interviews or travel.
The position focuses on research contribution rather than extensive benefits. However, the stipend is designed to support a comfortable lifestyle in Ahilyanagar, and the experience working with DRDO’s elite team is invaluable for your career.
What is the Selection Process for DRDO VRDE JRF 2026?
The selection methodology is straightforward, focusing on merit and interview performance. VRDE conducts a three-stage assessment: document verification, written test, and interviews.
Stage 1: Document Verification
- Timing: On the scheduled interview date (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Location: VRDE campus, Ahilyanagar
- Documents Required: Original filled application form, mark sheets, GATE score card, caste certificate (if applicable), government-issued photo ID (Aadhar/PAN/Passport), and NOC if currently employed
Important: Only candidates with complete and valid documentation will be allowed to proceed to the written test.
Stage 2: Written Test
- Discipline-Specific: Separate tests for Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
- Date: 4 May 2026 (Mechanical) and 6 May 2026 (Electrical)
- Time: 12:00 Noon onwards (2 hours duration)
- Marking: Based on GATE-level curriculum in respective disciplines
- Passing Criteria: Merit-based selection; top performers move to interview round
Stage 3: Interview
- Date: 4-5 May 2026 (Mechanical Engineering) and 6-7 May 2026 (Electrical Engineering)
- Duration: 30-45 minutes per candidate
- Assessment: Technical knowledge, research aptitude, communication, and fit for DRDO’s research environment
- Panel: Constituted by DRDO Director; final decision is binding
Interviews will begin at 11:30 AM onwards on interview days. If a large number of candidates appear, interviews may extend to the next day.
How to Apply Online for DRDO VRDE JRF 2026?
This is a walk-in recruitment, so there is no traditional online application portal. Instead, follow these simple steps:
- Download the Application Form: Visit www.drdo.gov.in and download the official application form for Junior Research Fellowship. The form is available in PDF format.
- Fill the Form Carefully: Complete the form in your own handwriting using black or blue pen. Include all required information: full name, father’s name, date of birth, category, correspondence address, permanent address, contact details, and educational qualifications.
- Attach Supporting Documents: Self-attest and attach original or certified copies of mark sheets and certificates, GATE score card (for GATE 2024, 2025, or 2026), caste certificate (if applicable), recent passport-size photographs, and government-issued photo ID copy.
- Send Expression of Interest: Email your willingness to attend the walk-in interview to kapilpuraswani.vrde@gov.in by 30 April 2026. Subject line: “Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship-Subject” (replace “Subject” with “Mechanical Engineering” or “Electrical Engineering” as applicable).
- Bring Originals to Interview: Carry all original documents on the interview date. No TA/DA (travel allowance/dearness allowance) will be provided. Electronics (mobile phones, smartwatches, etc.) are strictly prohibited inside the VRDE campus.
- Report on Time: For Mechanical Engineering: 4 May 2026. For Electrical Engineering: 6 May 2026. Applications accepted from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Late arrivals will not be permitted.
Important Dates – DRDO VRDE JRF 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Send Expression of Interest | 30 April 2026 |
| Document Verification (Mechanical) | 4 May 2026, 09:30 AM – 11:30 AM |
| Document Verification (Electrical) | 6 May 2026, 09:30 AM – 11:30 AM |
| Written Test (Mechanical) | 4 May 2026, 12:00 Noon onwards (2 hours) |
| Written Test (Electrical) | 6 May 2026, 12:00 Noon onwards (2 hours) |
| Interview (Mechanical) | 4-5 May 2026 |
| Interview (Electrical) | 6-7 May 2026 |
Application Fees – DRDO VRDE JRF 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | No Fee |
Payment Details: There is no application fee for this walk-in recruitment. No registration charge, no processing fee — completely free to apply. Additionally, no travel allowance or dearness allowance will be reimbursed for attending the interview.
Essential Links – DRDO VRDE JRF 2026
- Download Official Notification & Application Form
- Visit DRDO Official Website
- DRDO VRDE Vacancies Page
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram for Maharashtra Govt Jobs
This is a golden opportunity to launch your career in defence research. DRDO VRDE offers world-class research facilities and mentorship from experienced scientists. The walk-in format makes application stress-free — just send an email and attend the interview with your documents. Eligible engineering graduates in Mechanical or Electrical disciplines should not miss this chance. Apply by 30 April 2026. Check GovtJobsAlert.in for latest updates on admit cards and results. Best of luck!