DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 — 3 Vacancies

About This Job

The Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), a premier lab under DRDO, Ministry of Defence, is hiring 3 Junior Research Fellows (JRF) in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. You will get a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 plus HRA. The last date to send your application by email is 30 April 2026. Walk-in interviews will be held at VRDE campus in Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), Maharashtra during 4-7 May 2026.

DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 — 3 Posts

VRDE is one of DRDO's key laboratories focused on research and development of military vehicles, including light tracked and wheeled combat platforms, high mobility gun systems, wheeled autonomous systems, and UAV engines. The lab also handles extensive evaluation and certification of military and commercial vehicles. This is a great chance for GATE-qualified engineers to work on cutting-edge defence technology projects at one of India's leading defence R&D establishments.

Vacancy Breakdown

• Mechanical Engineering — 2 posts (includes Mechanical & Automation Engg, Mechanical & Production Engg)
• Electrical Engineering — 1 post (includes Electrical Power System Engg, Electrical & Electronics Engg, Power Electronics Engg)

Note: The number of fellowships may increase or decrease based on organizational requirements.

Who Can Apply?

Qualification (Path 1 — GATE Route)

• BE/BTech in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering (as applicable) with First Division
• A valid GATE score — only GATE scores from 2024, 2025, or 2026 are accepted

Qualification (Path 2 — ME/MTech Route)

• ME/MTech in the relevant discipline with First Division at both graduate and post-graduate level
• No GATE score required for this path

Other Requirements

• Nationality: Only Indian nationals can apply
• Candidates currently working in Government/PSU/Autonomous bodies need a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 28 years as on the date of interview
• SC/ST candidates: 5 years relaxation (up to 33 years)
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years relaxation (up to 31 years)

Stipend and Allowances

• Monthly stipend: Rs. 37,000/- per month
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): As admissible per DRDO rules
• Tenure: Initially 2 years, extendable by a further 2 years (one year at a time) based on satisfactory performance reviewed by a Review Committee

Note: This fellowship does not give you any right for permanent absorption in DRDO.

Application Fee

• No application fee is mentioned in the official notification

Selection Process

1. Document Verification — Your original certificates and testimonials will be checked between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM on the scheduled date. Incomplete applications will be rejected at this stage.
2. Written Test — A 2-hour written test will be conducted after document scrutiny, starting from 12:00 PM onwards on the same day.
3. Interview — Based on the written test result, shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview, which may continue to the next day if needed.

Mechanical Engineering: Written test and interview on 4-5 May 2026.
Electrical Engineering: Written test and interview on 6-7 May 2026.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from www.drdo.gov.in
2. Fill the form in your own handwriting and affix a recent passport-size photo
3. Send your willingness by email to kapilpuraswani.vrde[at]gov.in before 30 April 2026. The subject line must read: "Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship — [Your Subject]"
4. Report for walk-in at VRDE, Vahannagar PO, Ahilyanagar – 414006 (Maharashtra) on the scheduled date between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Late arrivals will not be allowed.
5. Carry all originals including degree certificates, GATE scorecard, mark sheets from 10th onwards, caste certificate (if applicable), government photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport), and NOC (if employed)

Important: Mobile phones, pen drives, laptops, and smart watches are strictly prohibited inside the VRDE campus.

Important Dates

• Notification published: 1 April 2026
• Last date to send email: 30 April 2026
• Document verification (Mechanical): 4 May 2026 (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM)
• Written test (Mechanical): 4 May 2026 (12:00 PM onwards)
• Interview (Mechanical): 4-5 May 2026
• Document verification (Electrical): 6 May 2026 (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM)
• Written test (Electrical): 6 May 2026 (12:00 PM onwards)
• Interview (Electrical): 6-7 May 2026

• Assist in research and development of light tracked and wheeled military vehicle platforms
• Work on design and testing of mobility systems, combat systems, and high mobility gun systems
• Prepare technical reports, research documentation, and experimental data analysis
• Handle laboratory equipment and test rigs related to vehicle engineering research
• Follow safety protocols during field testing and evaluation of military vehicles
• Monitor project timelines and contribute to deliverables under the guidance of senior scientists
• Keep up with latest developments in defence vehicle technology and related engineering domains