📋 Complete Advertisement & Guidelines
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
| Organization | Vehicle Research and Development Organization (VRDE), DRDO |
| Post Name | Research Fellow (Mechanical/Electrical Engineering) |
| Total Vacancies | 10 (Mech: 8, Elec: 2) |
| Job Category | Research Fellowship (Non-permanent) |
| Interview Mode | Walk-in (Offline at VRDE Campus) |
| Last Date for Application | 22 February 2026 |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
1. Vacancy Details
The total number of vacancies is 10, distributed as follows:
| Post Name | Discipline | Vacancies | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Fellow | Mechanical Engineering | 8 | Rs. 37,000/- + HRA |
| Research Fellow | Electrical Engineering | 2 | Rs. 37,000/- + HRA |
| Total | 10 | - | |
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
- Document Verification: Initial screening of original documents.
- Written Test: Objective type examination.
- Personal Interview: Assessment of research aptitude.
- Antecedent Verification: Background check for final selection.
Written Test Pattern
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Offline (Conducted at VRDE Campus) |
| Type | Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Content | Technical Subject Matter (Core Discipline) + General Knowledge/Awareness |
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.
- Download Form: Download the application form from www.drdo.gov.in.
- Fill Application: Fill the form in your own handwriting. Affix a recent passport size photograph on the right top corner.
- Email Registration: Express willingness to attend via email to [email protected].
- Subject Line: Replace "Subject" with the discipline name ("Mechanical Engineering" or "Electrical Engineering").
- Deadline: Email submission must be completed by 22 February 2026.
- 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
| Activity | Mechanical Engg (8 Posts) | Electrical Engg (2 Posts) |
|---|---|---|
| Document Verification | 24 Feb 2026 (09:30 AM - 11:30 AM) | 26 Feb 2026 (09:30 AM - 11:30 AM) |
| Written Test | 24 Feb 2026 (12:00 PM Onwards) | 26 Feb 2026 (12:00 PM Onwards) |
| Personal Interview | 24-25 Feb 2026 (From 11:30 AM) | 26-27 Feb 2026 (From 11:30 AM) |
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