DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 is a fantastic opportunity for young engineering graduates who want to work in defense research and development. The Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar (now Ahilyanagar) is conducting a walk-in interview to fill 10 vacancies for the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF). If you have a degree in Mechanical or Electrical engineering with a valid GATE score or a Master’s degree, you are eligible to apply. There is no application fee, but you must send a confirmation email by 22nd February 2026 to attend the interview scheduled for late February.
DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 Overview
Criteria
Details
Organization Name
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) – VRDE
Post Name
Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Total Vacancies
10 Posts
Job Location
Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar), Maharashtra
Type of Job
Central Government / Defence Research (Contractual)
B.E/B.Tech in First Division with a valid GATE Score (2023, 2024, or 2025) OR M.E/M.Tech in First Division (Graduate & Post-graduate level). Equivalent streams: Mechanical, Automation, Production.
Electrical Engineering
B.E/B.Tech in First Division with a valid GATE Score (2023, 2024, or 2025) OR M.E/M.Tech in First Division (Graduate & Post-graduate level). Equivalent streams: Electrical, Power, Electronics, Power Electronics.
Duly filled and signed with a passport-size photo.
ID Proof
Original Aadhar Card, PAN Card, or Passport.
Educational Certificates
10th, 12th, B.E/B.Tech/M.E/M.Tech Mark sheets and Degrees (Original + Attested Copies).
Qualifying Exam
Valid GATE Score Card (2023, 2024, or 2025) or NET proof.
Caste Certificate
If claiming age relaxation (SC/ST/OBC).
NOC
No Objection Certificate (if currently employed in Govt/PSU).
DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 Syllabus Overview
Subject
Topics
Written Test
The notification indicates a written test will be conducted to screen candidates. While a specific syllabus is not listed, questions are typically based on the core engineering subjects of the respective discipline (Mechanical or Electrical) and GATE level concepts.
Exam Pattern
Feature
Details
Written Test Duration
2 Hours
Test Date
Mechanical: 24 Feb 2026 | Electrical: 26 Feb 2026
Test Timing
12:00 PM Onwards
Interview
Conducted for screened candidates after the written test.
Selection Process
Stage
Description
1. Document Verification
Checked between 09:30 AM – 11:30 AM on the day of the walk-in.
2. Written Test
A screening test to shortlist candidates.
3. Personal Interview
Conducted for shortlisted candidates (May extend to the next day).
DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 Salary Details
Component
Amount
Monthly Stipend
Rs. 37,000/- Per Month
Allowances
House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible.
Tenure
Initially 2 Years (Extendable up to 4 years based on performance).
How to apply
Step
Action
Step 1: Download Form
Download the application form from the DRDO website.
Step 2: Email Registration
You must send an email to [email protected] by 22nd Feb 2026 to confirm your willingness to attend.
Step 3: Email Subject
The subject line of the email must be: “Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship-[Your Subject]”.
Step 4: Prepare Documents
Fill the form, paste a photo, and gather all original certificates and attested copies.
Step 5: Report to Venue
Reach VRDE, Vahannagar, Ahmednagar on the scheduled date (24th Feb for Mech, 26th Feb for Elec) between 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM.
Step 6: Verification
Undergo document verification at the venue.
Step 7: Attend Test
Appear for the written test and subsequent interview if shortlisted.
What is the last date to apply for DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must send a confirmation email expressing their willingness to attend the interview to [email protected] by 22nd February 2026. The walk-in interviews are scheduled for 24th–25th February for Mechanical and 26th–27th February for Electrical engineering.
What are the eligibility criteria for the VRDE Junior Research Fellow post?
Applicants must have a B.E/B.Tech degree in the first division with a valid GATE score (2023, 2024, or 2025). Alternatively, candidates with an M.E/M.Tech degree in the first division at both Graduate and Post-graduate levels are also eligible to apply.
What is the age limit for DRDO VRDE JRF vacancies?
The maximum age limit for General category candidates is 28 years as of the interview date. Relaxation is provided up to 3 years for OBC (NCL) candidates (31 years) and 5 years for SC/ST candidates (33 years).
Is there any application fee for DRDO VRDE JRF 2026?
No, there is no application fee for any category. The recruitment process is free for General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, and PH candidates.
What is the selection process for the DRDO VRDE JRF walk-in interview?
The selection process consists of three stages: Document Verification, a Written Screening Test based on core engineering subjects, and a Personal Interview for those who pass the written exam.
What is the monthly salary or stipend for a DRDO JRF?
Selected Junior Research Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 plus admissible House Rent Allowance (HRA). The fellowship is initially for two years and can be extended up to four years.
Where is the interview venue for DRDO VRDE recruitment?
The walk-in interview will be held at the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), Vahannagar, Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar), Maharashtra – 414006. Candidates must report between 09:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
