DRDO VRDE Recruitment 2026 – 03 Junior Research Fellow Posts
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced the VRDE Ahilyanagar Recruitment 2026 for 03 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions. Candidates with an engineering background in Mechanical or Electrical disciplines are eligible to apply for these research roles. The monthly stipend offered is Rs. 37,000 plus HRA, with the final date for application submission set for 30th April 2026.
| Organisation | DRDO Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 03 |
| Last Date | |
| Qualification | BE/BTech in First Division with valid GATE score or ME/MTech with First Division at both graduate and post-graduate levels. |
| Salary / Pay Scale | Rs. 37,000/- + HRA per Month |
| Category | Defence Jobs·Engineering Jobs·Research & University Jobs·Central Government Jobs |
| District | Ahmednagar |
Junior Research Fellow Vacancy Details
DRDO VRDE has announced a total of 03 vacancies for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position. The distribution of posts is as follows:
- Mechanical Engineering: 02 Posts
- Electrical Engineering: 01 Post
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following educational requirements to be considered for the JRF position:
- BE/BTech: Must hold a degree in the relevant engineering discipline in the First Division with a valid GATE score.
- ME/MTech: Must hold a degree in the relevant engineering discipline with First Division at both graduate and post-graduate levels.
Age Limit & Relaxation
The maximum age limit for applicants is 28 years. Age relaxation for reserved categories will be applicable as per the prevailing Government of India rules.
Application Fee
There is no application fee mentioned for this recruitment process.
Salary & Pay Scale
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000/- plus applicable House Rent Allowance (HRA).
Selection Process
The selection process for the JRF position at DRDO VRDE consists of:
- Document Verification
- Written Test
- Personal Interview
About DRDO Vehicle Research and Development Establishment
The Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), located in Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar), Maharashtra, is a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which operates under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Established to serve as a hub for automotive research, VRDE is primarily responsible for the design, development, and testing of military vehicles and specialized automotive systems for the Indian Armed Forces. The laboratory plays a critical role in enhancing the mobility and operational efficiency of the Indian military by developing advanced combat vehicles, tracked platforms, and specialized transport solutions.
VRDE’s mission is to achieve self-reliance in automotive technology through rigorous research, innovation, and indigenous development. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art testing tracks, laboratories, and simulation centers that allow for the evaluation of vehicles under extreme environmental and combat conditions. By fostering a culture of scientific inquiry, VRDE provides a unique platform for young engineers and researchers to contribute to national security. Career prospects at VRDE are highly prestigious, offering professionals the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies that directly impact the nation’s defense capabilities. As a central government entity, it adheres to strict standards of excellence and provides a structured environment for professional growth. The establishment serves as a vital link in the DRDO network, ensuring that the Indian military remains equipped with world-class, indigenously developed automotive hardware. Through its recruitment of Junior Research Fellows, VRDE continues to nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent dedicated to the advancement of defense technology in India.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates must submit their applications via e-mail. The application should be sent to the official e-mail address provided by the recruitment board before the deadline of 30th April 2026. Ensure all relevant documents are attached in the prescribed format.
Important Dates
- Last Date for Application: 30th April 2026
- Walk-in Interview Dates: 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th May 2026
Important Links
| Link Description | URL |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | https://www.drdo.gov.in/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for DRDO Vehicle Research and Development Establishment Junior Research Fellow 2026?
Candidates holding a BE/BTech degree in First Division with a valid GATE score or an ME/MTech degree with First Division at both graduate and post-graduate levels are eligible to apply. Applicants must also be within the maximum age limit of 28 years.
What is the salary for Junior Research Fellow at DRDO VRDE?
The selected Junior Research Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000/-. In addition to the stipend, candidates are entitled to House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per government norms.
What is the selection process for DRDO VRDE JRF 2026?
The selection process involves a multi-stage evaluation including document verification, a written test, and a personal interview. Candidates are required to appear for the walk-in interview on the scheduled dates in May 2026.
Is DRDO VRDE a Central or State Government organisation?
DRDO VRDE is a Central Government organisation. It operates under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which is a wing of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.