DRDO VRDE Recruitment 2026: Walk-in Notification for 10 Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Fellowships

DRDO VRDE Recruitment 2026: Research Fellowship Walk-in Notification

The Vehicle Research and Development Organization (VRDE), DRDO has released an official notification for the recruitment of 10 posts under the Research Fellowship scheme. This is a prime opportunity for Mechanical and Electrical Engineering graduates to work with India's premier defense research organization.

Recruitment Type: This recruitment involves a Walk-in Interview process which includes a Written Examination (Objective Type) followed by a Personal Interview. Candidates are required to physically report to the venue on the scheduled dates.

Key Highlights

1. Vacancy Details

The total number of vacancies is 10, distributed as follows:

2. Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria as of the interview date:

• Option 1: B.E./B.Tech degree in the relevant discipline with First Division (60% aggregate or equivalent CGPA) AND a valid GATE score from years 2023, 2024, or 2025.
• Option 2: M.E./M.Tech degree with First Division at both Graduate and Post-Graduate level (60% or equivalent CGPA).

Applicable Disciplines:

• Mechanical Engineering: B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Automation, Mechanical & Production Engineering.
• Electrical Engineering: B.E./B.Tech in Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Power System, Electrical & Electronics, Power Electronics Engineering.

Age Limit

Age as on Interview Date: Upper age limit is 28 years for General category.

• SC/ST: 5 years relaxation (Max age: 33 years)
• OBC (Non-creamy layer): 3 years relaxation (Max age: 31 years)

Mandatory Requirements

• GATE Score: Mandatory for candidates without M.Tech qualification. Scores from 2023, 2024, 2025 only.
• Nationality: Indian National only.

3. Selection Process & Exam Structure

The selection involves a screening process, a written test, and an interview. This is a competitive process.

Selection Stages

1. Document Verification: Initial screening of original documents.
2. Written Test: Objective type examination.
3. Personal Interview: Assessment of research aptitude.
4. Antecedent Verification: Background check for final selection.

Written Test Pattern

Note on Negative Marking: The notification text provided does not explicitly state the negative marking scheme. Candidates should be prepared for standard objective test patterns.

Syllabus Highlights

• Technical: Core concepts from B.E./B.Tech syllabus in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• General Awareness: Current affairs, basic science, and general knowledge.

4. Compensation and Benefits

• Monthly Stipend: Rs. 37,000/-
• HRA: House Rent Allowance as admissible as per DRDO norms.
• Tenure: 2 years initially (extendable for further 2 years, one year at a time).
• Important Note: Fellowship does NOT confer any right for absorption in DRDO.
• TA/DA: No TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview.

5. Application Procedure (How to Apply)

This is a Walk-in Recruitment but advance email registration is required.

1. Download Form: Download the application form from www.drdo.gov.in.
2. Fill Application: Fill the form in your own handwriting. Affix a recent passport size photograph on the right top corner.
3. Email Registration: Express willingness to attend via email to [email protected].
4. Subject Line: Replace "Subject" with the discipline name ("Mechanical Engineering" or "Electrical Engineering").
5. Deadline: Email submission must be completed by 22 February 2026.
6. Walk-in Reporting: Report to the venue on the scheduled date with the filled form and documents (See Section 7 for schedule).

6. Important Dates & Schedule

Candidates must adhere to the following strict timeline:

General Dates

• Last Date for Email Registration: 22 February 2026
• Reporting Time: 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM (Candidates arriving after 10:30 AM will NOT be allowed)

Discipline-wise Schedule

7. Documents Required

Candidates must bring Original + Self-Attested Copies:

• Duly filled application form with photograph affixed.
• 10th & 12th Standard Mark Sheets/Certificates.
• Bachelor's Degree Certificate & Mark Sheets (All Semesters).
• Master's Degree Certificate & Mark Sheets (If applicable).
• GATE Score Card (Original) - Mandatory if applying via B.E./B.Tech.
• Caste Certificate (Original for SC/ST/OBC).
• Government Issued Photo ID (Aadhar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID).
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) - If employed in Govt/PSU/Autonomous body.
• Self-attested English translation of documents (if in other language).

8. Important Instructions

• Electronic Prohibition: Mobile phones, laptops, smartwatches, and electronic items are STRICTLY PROHIBITED inside the campus.
• Entry: Latecomers (after 10:30 AM) will be disqualified.
• Employment Type: This is a fellowship for research work on a non-permanent basis.
• Extension: Subject to satisfactory performance by Review Committee.
• Document Deficiency: Any missing document leads to automatic rejection.

9. Important Links

• Notification PDF: Click here to Download
• Official Website: www.drdo.gov.in
• Venue Map: VRDE, PO Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar) – 414006, Maharashtra