If you’re an engineering graduate aiming to work in defence research, this opportunity from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) is worth serious attention.
This recruitment is for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions through a Walk-in Interview, offering hands-on experience in advanced defence technologies.
About VRDE (What You’ll Work On)
VRDE is a premier DRDO lab focused on:
- Military vehicle design & development
- Wheeled and tracked combat systems
- Autonomous and unmanned vehicle systems
- High mobility gun systems
- UAV engine technologies
- Testing & certification of defence and commercial vehicles
Key Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | DRDO – VRDE |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 03 |
| Job Type | Temporary Research Fellowship |
| Location | Ahilyanagar (Maharashtra) |
| Salary | ₹37,000/month + HRA |
| Selection Mode | Written Test + Interview |
| Application Mode | Email + Walk-in |
Vacancy Breakdown
| Discipline | Vacancies | Eligible Branches |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 02 | Mechanical, Production, Automation |
| Electrical Engineering | 01 | Electrical, Power Systems, Electronics |
✔ Equivalent disciplines are also accepted
Educational Qualification (Explained Clearly)
You qualify if you meet any ONE of the following:
Option 1:
- BE / B.Tech (First Division)
- Valid GATE Score (2024 / 2025 / 2026)
Option 2:
- ME / M.Tech (First Division in both UG & PG)
👉 No GATE required if you have M.Tech
Age Limit
| Category | Age |
|---|---|
| General | Max 28 years |
| SC/ST | +5 years relaxation |
| OBC (NCL) | +3 years relaxation |
Complete Interview Schedule
| Branch | Date | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | 04 May 2026 | Document Verification + Written Test |
| Mechanical | 04–05 May 2026 | Interview |
| Electrical | 06 May 2026 | Document Verification + Written Test |
| Electrical | 06–07 May 2026 | Interview |
⏰ Reporting Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
⏰ Verification: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Selection Process (Step-by-Step)
- Initial Screening (Documents Check)
- Written Test (2 Hours)
- Shortlisting Based on Test Performance
- Final Interview
👉 Only shortlisted candidates from the written test will be interviewed.
Salary & Benefits
- Monthly Stipend: ₹37,000
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) extra
- Opportunity to work in DRDO projects
- Exposure to real defence systems
👉 No other allowances like TA/DA for interview
Fellowship Duration
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial | 2 Years |
| Extension | 2 Years (1 year at a time) |
| Maximum | 4 Years |
✔ Extension depends on performance review.
How to Apply (Important)
Step-by-step:
- Download application form from DRDO website
- Fill it properly
- Send willingness via email before 30 April 2026
- Email Subject:
👉 Application for Junior Research Fellowship – [Your Subject] - Attend walk-in interview with documents
Documents Required
Bring original + self-attested copies:
- 10th, 12th, Degree certificates
- GATE scorecard
- PG certificates (if applicable)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Passport size photo
- Govt ID proof (Aadhar/PAN/Passport)
- Experience certificates (if any)
Important Instructions
- Late entry is NOT allowed
- Carry original documents for verification
- Electronic devices (mobile, laptop, smartwatch) are banned inside campus
- Govt employees must bring NOC
- Incomplete applications will be rejected
- No travel allowance provided
Nature of Work (What You’ll Actually Do)
Selected candidates may work on:
- Design & simulation of military vehicles
- Testing mobility systems
- Working on autonomous vehicle tech
- Power systems & electronics integration
- Defence prototype development
Important Limitations (Don’t Ignore)
- ❌ This is NOT a permanent job
- ❌ No guarantee of absorption into DRDO
- ❌ Fellowship ends after max 4 years
✔ However, it adds strong value to your career.
❓ FAQs
1. Is this a permanent DRDO job?
No, it’s a temporary research fellowship.
2. Can final-year students apply?
Only if they meet eligibility at the time of interview.
3. Is GATE mandatory?
Yes for B.Tech candidates; not required for M.Tech.
4. Is prior experience required?
No, freshers can apply.
5. Will there be multiple interview rounds?
No, just one interview after written test.
This is a solid opportunity if you’re serious about entering the defence research field. Even though it’s not permanent, the exposure, projects, and DRDO tag can open strong career paths in both government and private sectors.
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