DRDO DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026: 18 Junior Research Fellow Posts – Apply via Email @ drdo.gov.in

Post-Wise Vacancy & Stipend Details

Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), DRDO has announced 18 vacancies for Junior Research Fellowships across 4 fellowship codes. The distribution is as follows:

Note: The Director, DMRL reserves the right not to fill all advertised positions if suitable candidates are not available. Vacancy confirmation depends on performance and suitability of candidates in the interview / assessment.

Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualification

JRF01 – Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science (7 Vacancies)

• B.E./B.Tech. with First Class in Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science / Materials Engineering / Materials Technology from a UGC-recognised university, OR
• M.E./M.Tech. with First Class in Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science / Materials Engineering / Materials Technology from a UGC-recognised university, and B.E./B.Tech. with First Class in the same discipline from a UGC-recognised university.

JRF02 – Mechanical Engineering (7 Vacancies)

• B.E./B.Tech. with First Class in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university with valid GATE score, OR
• M.E./M.Tech. with First Class in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university, and B.E./B.Tech. with First Class in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university.

JRF03 – Chemical Engineering (2 Vacancies)

• B.E./B.Tech. with First Class in Chemical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university with valid GATE score, OR
• M.E./M.Tech. with First Class in Chemical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university, and B.E./B.Tech. with First Class in Chemical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university.

JRF04 – Physics (2 Vacancies)

• M.Sc. in Physics with First Division from a UGC-recognised university with valid NET qualification.

Age Limit

• Upper Age Limit: 28 years as on the closing date of the interview.
• Age Relaxation: SC/ST – 5 years; OBC – 3 years; or as per Government of India guidelines. Self-attested caste certificate must be attached.

GATE / NET Validity Note

• A valid GATE score is mandatory for candidates applying with only B.E./B.Tech. degree.
• The GATE paper and subject of the qualifying degree must be related to the discipline against which the candidate is applying.
• The NET / GATE score must be valid as on the date of the interview.

Selection Process & Screening Clause

1. Shortlisting of Eligible Candidates: Candidates will be shortlisted based on valid NET/GATE score (for those holding only B.E./B.Tech. or M.Sc. degree) and percentage of marks in M.E./M.Tech. (for those holding a Master's degree).
2. Interview of Shortlisted Candidates: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview at DMRL, Hyderabad on a date to be intimated later. At the time of interview, candidates must produce original certificates for verification along with a set of self-attested copies.

Important Screening Note: The Director, DMRL reserves the right to select candidates based on performance and suitability. No TA/DA or travel reimbursement will be paid to candidates for attending the interview. The selection is final at the discretion of the competent authority.

Stipend, Tenure & Benefits

Stipend

The stipend for the Junior Research Fellow post is Rs. 37,000/- per month plus HRA as per DRDO Rules.

Tenure

The JRF position is temporary and contractual with a maximum tenure of 04 (four) years. The initial offer is for a period of 2 years, which may be extendable for a further 2 years, subject to Internal Screening Committee recommendations. After 2 years, based on satisfactory performance assessment as per DRDO guidelines, the JRF may be elevated to the position of Senior Research Fellow (SRF).

Medical Benefits

Medical facilities, for self only, available in DRDO will be extended through the MI (Medical Inspection) Room.

Disclaimer: The JRF fellowship does not confer on the candidate any right for absorption in DRDO under any circumstances. It is not a permanent government job with pension benefits.

How to Apply for DRDO DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026

1. Download the application form (Excel sheet) from the official DRDO website at https://www.drdo.gov.in.
2. Fill all the entries in the Excel sheet. Marks obtained in qualifying exams must be mentioned as percentage. For CGPA/CPI candidates, submit the supporting document for equivalent percentage conversion issued by the concerned university.
3. Scan all supporting documents (see checklist below) into a single PDF document — except the application form itself (the Excel sheet).
4. Name the Excel sheet and the PDF file as follows: Serial Number of the post + Candidate's Name (e.g., "2Srinivas" = applying for JRF02, Mechanical Engineering).
5. Send the filled Excel sheet and the combined PDF to the designated email address specified in the official notification.
6. Deadline: Applications must reach the designated email within 21 days from the date of publication of the advertisement on the DRDO website.

Download DRDO DMRL JRF Official Notification PDF for Application Email and Complete Instructions

Required Documents & Instructions for Candidates

Documents to be Attached (in the Given Order)

1. B.E./B.Tech. Final Certificate and Consolidated Marksheet
2. M.E./M.Tech. Certificate and Consolidated Marksheet (if applicable)
3. Valid GATE Score Card (for B.E./B.Tech. applicants) / Valid NET Qualification Certificate (for JRF04 Physics)
4. Aadhaar Card / Any Other Government-Issued Photo ID Card
5. Self-Attested Passport-Size Photograph
6. Experience Certificate (if applicable)
7. Valid Category / Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC) in Central Government prescribed format, self-attested (if applicable)
8. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Present Employer (if applicable)
9. Copies of Published Papers in Journals / Conference Proceedings (if applicable)
10. Any Other Relevant Documents

Critical Instructions

• All documents except the Excel application form must be scanned into a single PDF and sent together.
• File naming must follow: Sl. No. of the post + Candidate Name (e.g., "1Anil" = JRF01 Metallurgical Engineering).
• Applications without required supporting documents will not be considered during shortlisting.
• Incomplete or partially filled Excel sheets are liable for rejection. No intimation will be made regarding rejected applications.
• No TA/DA will be paid to candidates for attending the interview at Hyderabad.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the last date to apply for DRDO DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026?

The last date for receipt of application is 21 days from the date of publication of the advertisement on the DRDO website. Based on the notification, the expected deadline is 27 October 2026. Candidates should verify the exact publication date on https://www.drdo.gov.in.

2. How many vacancies are announced and for which disciplines?

A total of 18 Junior Research Fellow vacancies are announced: Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science – 07 (JRF01), Mechanical Engineering – 07 (JRF02), Chemical Engineering – 02 (JRF03), and Physics – 02 (JRF04).

3. What is the stipend for JRF posts at DMRL?

The Junior Research Fellow at DMRL receives a stipend of Rs. 37,000/- per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per DRDO Rules.

4. What is the upper age limit for DRDO DMRL JRF positions?

The upper age limit is 28 years as on the closing date of the interview. Age relaxation: SC/ST – 5 years; OBC – 3 years; or as per Government of India guidelines.

5. What is the selection process for DRDO DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026?

The selection process consists of shortlisting based on valid NET/GATE score or M.E./M.Tech. percentage, followed by a personal interview at DMRL, Hyderabad. The interview date will be intimated later to shortlisted candidates. Original certificates must be produced at the time of interview for verification.

6. Is this a permanent government job?

No. The JRF fellowship is temporary and contractual with a maximum tenure of 4 years (initially 2 years, extendable by 2 years). The offer does not confer any right for absorption into DRDO under any circumstances. Medical facilities for self are available through the MI Room.

7. Is any application fee charged?

No application fee is mentioned or prescribed in the official DRDO DMRL JRF notification.