📋 Complete Advertisement & Guidelines
DRDO ADE Recruitment 2026: Overview
The DRDO Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a premier Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) lab based in Bengaluru, has released the official notification for recruitment to 8 posts of Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF). This is an excellent opportunity for engineering and science postgraduates to contribute to India's defence aerospace projects.
This recruitment is a Direct Recruitment process based on Screening and Personal Interviews. There is no written competitive examination. Eligible candidates are required to apply via email.
Key Highlights
| Organization | DRDO Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) |
| Post Names | Research Associate (RA), Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 8 |
| Application Mode | Email (Direct Application) |
| Last Date to Apply | 24 March 2026 |
| Walk-in/Interview Date | 07 April 2026 (JRF) & 09 April 2026 (RA) |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
Out of the total 8 vacancies, the posts are distributed across various engineering disciplines.
| Post Name | Discipline | Total Posts | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Associate (RA) | Aero/Mechanical Engineering | 1 | ₹67,000/- |
| Research Associate (RA) | Aero/Electronics/Material Engineering | 1 | ₹67,000/- |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Aeronautical Engineering | 3 | ₹37,000/- |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Mechanical Engineering | 1 | ₹37,000/- |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Computer Science Engineering | 1 | ₹37,000/- |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Electronics & Communication Engineering | 1 | ₹37,000/- |
| Total | 8 | ||
Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the following qualifications from recognized Universities/Institutions:
- Research Associate (Aero/Mech): Ph.D. in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering OR ME/M.Tech in first division with 3+ years of experience.
- Research Associate (Aero/Elec/Mat): Ph.D. in Aeronautical/Electronics/Material Engineering OR ME/M.Tech in first division with 2+ years of experience.
- JRF (Aeronautical/Mech/CS): BE/B.Tech in First Division (60% or equivalent CGPA) with a valid GATE score.
- JRF (Electronics & Comm): ME/M.Tech in First Division at both graduate and post-graduate levels.
2. Age Limit
- Research Associate: Maximum 35 years.
- Junior Research Fellow: Maximum 28 years.
*Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST/OBC candidates as per Government of India rules.
Selection Process
The selection for DRDO ADE RA and JRF recruitment is based on the following stages:
- Screening: Applications will be screened based on qualifications and experience.
- Screening Test (JRF only): A test may be conducted for JRF posts if the number of applicants is high (scheduled for 07 April 2026).
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview.
How to Apply (Email Mode)
Unlike typical online forms, this recruitment requires candidates to send applications via email. Follow these steps carefully:
- Prepare Application: Create a detailed Bio-data containing personal details, educational qualifications, and relevant experience.
- Scan Documents: Attach self-attested copies of educational certificates, experience letters, ID proof, GATE scorecard (for JRF), and passport-size photographs.
- Subject Line: In the email subject line, clearly mention the post applied for (e.g., "Application for JRF - Aeronautical").
- Send Email: Send the application to the official email address provided in the notification PDF.
- Deadline: Ensure the email is sent on or before 24 March 2026.
Application Fee
As per the notification details provided, there is no application fee mentioned for this recruitment. Candidates should verify this in the official PDF.
Important Dates
| Application Start Date | 04 March 2026 |
| Application Closing Date | 24 March 2026 |
| RA Shortlist Notification | 31 March 2026 |
| JRF Screening Test & Interview | 07 April 2026 |
| JRF Interview Continuation | 08 April 2026 |
| RA Interview | 09 April 2026 |
Important Links
FAQs
Q1. Is there any written exam for DRDO ADE Recruitment 2026?
A: No, this is a direct recruitment process based on screening and interview. However, a screening test may be conducted for JRF posts if required.
Q2. What is the last date to apply?
A: The last date to submit applications via email is 24th March 2026.
Q3. What is the salary for JRF and RA?
A: JRFs will receive Rs. 37,000/- per month, while Research Associates will receive Rs. 67,000/- per month plus applicable HRA.