Overview
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced an exciting recruitment opportunity for talented individuals seeking to contribute to India’s defence research sector. DRDO Versatile Register for Defence Electronics (VRDE) has released a notification for recruitment to the position of Junior Research Fellow in 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for research-oriented candidates to work with one of India’s premier research institutions. The recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 03 vacancies for the Junior Research Fellow position.
DRDO VRDE is a leading defence research establishment under the Department of Defence Research and Development, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The organization is committed to developing innovative solutions for India’s defence and security needs. Junior Research Fellows will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects, collaborate with senior scientists, and contribute meaningfully to national defence capabilities. This recruitment is conducted strictly as per the guidelines and norms established by the Ministry of Defence and DRDO.
Candidates interested in pursuing a career in defence research are encouraged to apply online during the specified application window. The recruitment process is transparent, merit-based, and follows all government recruitment protocols. Eligible candidates must meet the specified qualifications, age limits, and other eligibility criteria before submitting their applications through the official portal.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 18 April 2026 |
| Online Application End Date | 30 April 2026 |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Number of Vacancies | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow | 03 | General |
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
Candidates applying for the position of Junior Research Fellow must ensure they meet the prescribed age limit as per DRDO guidelines. The age of the candidate will be calculated as on the date of application submission. Relaxation in age limit may be provided to candidates belonging to Reserved Categories as per Government of India norms and DRDO recruitment policy.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in relevant Science or Engineering disciplines from a recognized university or institute. Preference will be given to candidates with strong academic credentials and relevant coursework in electronics, physics, engineering, or related fields. The educational qualification must be duly certified through original degree certificates or official transcripts.
Experience Requirements
While this is primarily an entry-level position for research aspirants, candidates with relevant research experience, internship background, or project work in defence-related research will be given preference during the selection process. Any relevant industrial or academic experience in the field of electronics or defence research may strengthen the candidate’s application.
Selection Process
The selection of candidates for the position of Junior Research Fellow will be conducted through a comprehensive multi-stage process as outlined below:
- Document Verification: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their qualification and merit. Original documents will be verified during the document verification stage.
- Written Examination: A written test will be conducted to assess the candidate’s technical knowledge, aptitude, and subject understanding in relevant areas.
- Personal Interview: Selected candidates from the written examination will be called for a face-to-face interview with the selection committee.
- Final Selection: Final selection will be made based on the combined performance of the written examination and interview round. Merit list will be prepared accordingly.
- Medical Examination: Selected candidates will be required to undergo medical examination as per DRDO health standards.
Application Fee
The application fee for the DRDO VRDE Junior Research Fellow recruitment is as follows:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Rs. 100/- |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Nil (Exempted) |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | Nil (Exempted) |
| Women Candidates | Nil (Exempted) |
The application fee must be paid online through the official portal using the prescribed payment gateway. Once the fee is submitted, it cannot be refunded under any circumstances. Candidates belonging to exempted categories need not pay any fee.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates can apply online for the DRDO VRDE Junior Research Fellow position by following the step-by-step procedure outlined below:
- Visit the official DRDO website at https://www.drdo.gov.in using any web browser.
- Navigate to the recruitment or career section and look for the VRDE Junior Research Fellow recruitment notification for 2026.
- Click on the online application link provided in the notification.
- Read the recruitment notification carefully and ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before proceeding.
- Fill in all the required personal and educational details in the application form accurately.
- Upload the scanned copies of essential documents including photograph, signature, and educational certificates in the prescribed format and size.
- Review your application thoroughly for any errors or omissions before final submission.
- Pay the applicable application fee (if required) through the online payment gateway.
- Submit the application form within the deadline of 30 April 2026.
- Download and save the application confirmation for future reference and verification purposes.