📋 Complete Advertisement & Guidelines
Quick Summary – DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026
| Organization | Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune – DRDO Lab |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA) |
| Total Vacancies | 24 (23 JRF + 1 RA) |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 August 2026 |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
This is a golden opportunity for science and engineering graduates looking for a prestigious Sarkari Naukri in a DRDO lab. The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune has released the latest notification 2026 for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions. Candidates with B.E./B.Tech, M.Sc, M.E./M.Tech or Ph.D. in relevant disciplines can apply offline. Don't miss this chance to work on cutting-edge defence research projects under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Read the complete official notification PDF and check your eligibility before applying. This page covers all details including vacancy distribution, stipend, age limit, application process, and frequently asked questions.
Detailed Vacancy Breakdown for DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026
| Sl. No. | Post | Discipline / Field | Vacancy | Stipend (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Junior Research Fellow | Electronics / ECE / Applied Physics / Applied Optics (Laser & Fiber Optics/Photonics) | 08 | Rs. 37,000 |
| 2 | Junior Research Fellow | Computer Science / IT / Data Science / AI & ML / Cyber Security / Big Data Analysis | 04 | Rs. 37,000 |
| 3 | Junior Research Fellow | Mechanical / Metallurgy / Material Science / Manufacturing / Production Engineering | 10 | Rs. 37,000 |
| 4 | Junior Research Fellow | Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering | 01 | Rs. 37,000 |
| 5 | Research Associate | Electronics Engineering (RF/Microwave/Antenna desirable) | 01 | Rs. 67,000 |
In addition to stipend, HRA, medical facilities, and contingency grant are admissible as per rules. The fellowship is initially for 2 years (extendable for JRF).
✅ Eligibility Criteria – DRDO ARDE JRF & RA 2026
Educational Qualification
| Post (Discipline) | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| JRF – Electronics group | B.E./B.Tech in relevant branch with first division + NET/GATE; OR M.Sc. in equivalent with first division + NET/GATE; OR M.E./M.Tech with first division at both levels. |
| JRF – Computer Science group | B.E./B.Tech in CS/IT/Data Science etc. with first division + NET/GATE; OR M.Sc. (CS) with first division + NET/GATE. |
| JRF – Mechanical group | B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical/Metallurgy etc. with first division + NET/GATE; OR M.E./M.Tech with first division at both levels. |
| JRF – Aerospace group | B.E./B.Tech in Aeronautical/Aerospace with first division + NET/GATE; OR M.Tech/M.E. with first division at both levels. |
| Research Associate (RA) | Ph.D. in Electronics Engg. OR M.E./M.Tech with 3 years R&D experience + at least one research paper in JCR/SCI journal. RF/Microwave/Antenna experience desirable. |
Age Limit (as on date of interview)
| Post | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow | 28 years |
| Research Associate | 35 years |
Age relaxation: SC/ST – 5 years, OBC – 3 years.
Stipend / Salary – ARDE Pune Recruitment 2026
Selected candidates will receive the following monthly stipend as per DRDO norms:
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Rs. 37,000 per month
- Research Associate (RA): Rs. 67,000 per month
Additionally, HRA, medical facilities, and contingency grant are provided. This is a government job with benefits under 7th CPC, offering excellent job security and career growth in defence research.
Selection Process for DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026
Only shortlisted candidates based on their applications will be called for an interview and/or written test. The date and mode will be communicated via email. Candidates must bring original certificates and a copy of the bio-data for verification. No TA/DA is mentioned except reimbursement of actual train/bus fare (sleeper class) for shortlisted candidates.
How to Apply for DRDO ARDE JRF & RA 2026 (Offline)
- Download the official notification PDF from the link below.
- Take a printout of the Bio-data proforma given in the advertisement.
- Fill the Bio-data in your own handwriting.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph on the right top corner.
- Attach self-attested copies of all required documents (educational certificates, NET/GATE scorecard, caste certificate, etc.).
- Sign the declaration.
- Superscribe the envelope with the name of the post applied for.
- Send by post to: The Director, Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Armament Post, Pashan, Pune – 411 021.
- Ensure it reaches on or before 31 August 2026.
Important: Candidates in government service must attach a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026
1. What is the last date to apply for DRDO ARDE JRF/RA 2026?
The last date to receive the application by post is 31 August 2026 (Monday).
2. Can I apply online for ARDE Pune recruitment?
No. The application mode is offline only. You must send the filled Biodata and documents by post to the given address.
3. What is the stipend for Junior Research Fellow?
The stipend for JRF is Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA and other benefits.
4. What is the age limit for JRF and RA?
For JRF, the maximum age is 28 years. For RA, it is 35 years. Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST (5 years) and OBC (3 years).
5. Is NET/GATE mandatory for all JRF posts?
Yes, candidates with B.E./B.Tech or M.Sc. must have a valid NET/GATE score. However, M.E./M.Tech holders need first division at both levels but no NET/GATE is mentioned separately.
6. What documents are required to apply?
You need: filled Biodata (handwritten), passport-size photo, self-attested copies of educational certificates, NET/GATE scorecard, caste certificate (if applicable), and NOC (if employed in government).
7. Will there be a written exam or interview?
Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview and/or written test. Details will be communicated via email.
8. Is this a permanent government job?
No, this is a fellowship position (JRF/RA) for a fixed term (initial 2 years). It does not confer any right to absorption in DRDO.
Important Links
Last Updated: 25 July 2026 | For more Sarkari Naukri updates, visit MySarkariNaukri.com. Always refer to the official notification for the most accurate details.