DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026: Eligibility,Stipend, Walk-In
DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026: Eligibility, Stipend, Walk-In Date
Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), Ahilyanagar, under DRDO has announced 5 Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) vacancies for 2026.
The recruitment is for Mechanical Engineering candidates. The walk-in process is scheduled at VRDE, Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra. The official DRDO vacancy page lists 7 October 2026 as the closing date.
DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation |
| Laboratory | VRDE, Ahilyanagar |
| Post | Junior Research Fellow |
| Vacancies | 5 |
| Discipline | Mechanical Engineering |
| Advertisement No. | VRDE/H&HC/HRD/811/Fellowship |
| Notification date | 31 August 2026 |
| Last date | 7 October 2026 |
| Selection mode | Walk-in interview |
| Fellowship | ₹37,000 per month + applicable HRA |
| Maximum age | 28 years |
| Location | Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra |
The current DRDO vacancies page confirms the advertisement number, publication date and 7 October 2026 closing date.
Vacancy details
VRDE has listed 5 JRF positions for Mechanical Engineering.
The number of fellowships may increase or decrease depending on the laboratory’s requirements.
| Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 5 |
Equivalent branches accepted in the notification include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical & Automation Engineering
- Mechanical & Production Engineering
Educational qualification
Candidates must have either of these qualifications:
B.E./B.Tech route
- B.E. or B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering or an accepted equivalent branch
- First Division
- Valid cut-off GATE score
M.E./M.Tech route
- M.E. or M.Tech in the relevant discipline
- First Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels
The notification accepts valid GATE scores from the specified recent examination years. Candidates should check the official advertisement before attending because the GATE validity conditions are part of the eligibility requirements.
Age limit
The maximum age for the JRF position is 28 years as on the interview date.
Age relaxation is available according to Government of India rules:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
Candidates claiming relaxation should carry the required category certificate.
DRDO VRDE JRF stipend
The selected JRF will receive ₹37,000 per month plus applicable House Rent Allowance (HRA).
The initial fellowship is for 2 years. It may be extended for another 2 years, one year at a time, subject to satisfactory performance and review.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification published | 31 August 2026 |
| Application period | 31 August to 7 October 2026 |
| Willingness email deadline | 27 September 2026 |
| Walk-in interview | 6 October 2026 |
| Recruitment closing date | 7 October 2026 |
The current DRDO vacancy listing gives 7 October 2026 as the end date. Current recruitment information also lists 27 September 2026 as the deadline for sending willingness by email.
Walk-in interview details
Date: 6 October 2026
Application acceptance: 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Document verification: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Venue:
Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE)
Vahannagar PO
Ahilyanagar – 414006
Maharashtra
Candidates arriving after the specified reporting period may not be allowed to participate in the walk-in process.
Written test and interview
The recruitment process can include a written test followed by an interview.
Candidates should be prepared for both stages after document verification. If there is a large number of candidates, the interview process may continue on the following day.
How to apply
Candidates interested in the VRDE JRF recruitment should complete these steps:
- Download the prescribed application form.
- Check the Mechanical Engineering eligibility requirements.
- Fill in the application form carefully.
- Attach the required photograph and certificates.
- Send your willingness by email before 27 September 2026.
- Use the email address kapilpuraswani.vrde@gov.in.
- Attend the walk-in process at VRDE, Ahilyanagar on 6 October 2026.
- Carry original certificates and self-attested copies.
The email subject should mention the application for the Junior Research Fellowship and the relevant subject.
Documents required
Candidates should carry:
- Filled application form
- Recent passport-size photograph
- B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech certificates
- All relevant mark sheets
- GATE score card, where applicable
- Experience certificate, if applicable
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- Government-issued photo ID
- Original certificates for verification
- Self-attested copies of required documents
- NOC from the employer, where applicable
Candidates currently working in a government department, PSU or autonomous body may need to produce an NOC from their employer.
Selection process
The VRDE selection process involves:
- Application screening
- Document verification
- Written test, where applicable
- Interview
- Preparation of the final merit panel
VRDE can also prepare a panel for current and anticipated vacancies. The panel can remain valid for 1 year. Being included in the panel does not automatically guarantee a fellowship offer.
Important instructions
Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply.
Candidates must bring original certificates for verification.
Government-issued photo ID is required during the recruitment process.
Electronic items such as mobile phones, laptops, pen drives and smart watches are prohibited inside the VRDE campus.
No TA/DA is payable for attending the interview or joining after selection.
The JRF fellowship does not provide a right to permanent absorption in DRDO.
Frequently asked questions
How many vacancies are available in DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026?
There are 5 JRF vacancies for Mechanical Engineering in the current recruitment information.
What is the DRDO VRDE JRF stipend?
The fellowship is ₹37,000 per month plus applicable HRA.
What qualification is required?
Candidates need a First Division B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering or an accepted equivalent branch with a valid GATE score, or the specified M.E./M.Tech qualification with First Division at both levels.
What is the age limit?
The upper age limit is 28 years as on the interview date, with applicable relaxation for eligible reserved-category candidates.
What is the last date to apply?
The current DRDO vacancy listing shows 7 October 2026 as the recruitment closing date.
When is the walk-in interview?
The walk-in process is scheduled for 6 October 2026 at VRDE, Ahilyanagar.
Where is the VRDE JRF interview?
The venue is VRDE, Vahannagar PO, Ahilyanagar – 414006, Maharashtra.
What is the email for willingness?
Candidates can send their willingness to kapilpuraswani.vrde@gov.in before the stated deadline.
Is this a permanent DRDO job?
No. This is a Junior Research Fellowship. The fellowship has an initial 2-year period and may be extended according to the applicable rules.
Official notification and application
The official DRDO vacancies page currently lists the VRDE JRF recruitment with Advertisement No. VRDE/H&HC/HRD/811/Fellowship and an end date of 7 October 2026.
