VRDE DRDO Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 – Walk-in Interview for 05 JRF Posts
Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), Ahilyanagar, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has released a notification for the engagement of Junior Research Fellows (JRF).
According to the current DRDO vacancy notice, eligible candidates are invited for a walk-in interview for 05 Junior Research Fellow posts in Mechanical Engineering. The advertisement was published on 31 August 2026.
Interested candidates must send their willingness by email within the prescribed deadline and then appear at VRDE, Ahilyanagar, with the required application form and original documents.
Total Vacancies: 05 Posts
Post: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Discipline: Mechanical Engineering
Mode: Walk-in Interview
Willingness by Email: 27 September 2026
Walk-in Date: 06 October 2026
Stipend: ₹37,000 per month + admissible HRA
DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
|---|---|
| Laboratory | Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Advertisement No. | VRDE/H&HC/HRD/811/Fellowship |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Discipline | Mechanical Engineering |
| Total Vacancy | 05 |
| Application Mode | Walk-in Interview + Email Willingness |
| Qualification | BE/B.Tech or ME/M.Tech in prescribed discipline |
| Maximum Age | 28 Years |
| Stipend | ₹37,000/month + HRA |
| Job Location | VRDE, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra |
DRDO VRDE JRF Vacancy 2026
| Post | Discipline | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Mechanical Engineering | 05 |
| Total | 05* | |
*The number of fellowships may increase or decrease depending upon organisational/laboratory requirements.
DRDO VRDE JRF Educational Qualification 2026
Candidates must fulfil one of the following qualification routes:
- BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with First Division and a valid cut-off GATE score.
- ME/M.Tech with First Division at both Graduate and Post-Graduate level.
For the BE/B.Tech route, the notification accepts valid cut-off GATE scores of 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Candidates applying through the ME/M.Tech route must have First Division in both the qualifying graduation and post-graduation degrees as prescribed.
Acceptable Mechanical Engineering Branches
| Required Discipline | Equivalent Branches Accepted |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Automation Engineering, Mechanical & Production Engineering |
DRDO VRDE JRF Age Limit 2026
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General / UR | 28 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 31 Years |
| SC / ST | 33 Years |
The upper age limit is relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates, subject to the prescribed conditions.
Candidates claiming reservation-based age relaxation should carry/enclose the applicable valid caste certificate.
DRDO VRDE JRF Stipend 2026
Selected Junior Research Fellows will receive ₹37,000 per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible.
This is a research fellowship/stipend and should not be confused with a regular permanent DRDO employee salary.
DRDO VRDE JRF Fellowship Tenure
The fellowship is initially offered for a period of two years.
It may be extended for further periods subject to the applicable rules and satisfactory performance/review.
The fellowship itself does not confer any right to permanent absorption in DRDO.
DRDO VRDE JRF Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Published | 31 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Send Willingness by Email | 27 September 2026 |
| Walk-in / Application Acceptance |
06 October 2026 09:30 AM to 11:00 AM |
| Document Verification |
06 October 2026 09:30 AM to 11:30 AM |
| Written Test | 06 October 2026, after document scrutiny |
| Interview | 06 October 2026; may continue on 07 October 2026 if required |
DRDO VRDE JRF Selection Process 2026
- Document Verification
- Written Test
- Personal Interview
Candidates first undergo document scrutiny. Eligible candidates then appear for the written test. The interview is conducted as part of the selection process.
DRDO VRDE JRF Written Test 2026
The official short advertisement does not specify a fixed number of questions, marks or duration for the written test.
Candidates should therefore prepare the core Mechanical Engineering subjects at BE/B.Tech/ME/M.Tech level and carefully follow any instructions given by VRDE at the time of the walk-in process.
DRDO VRDE JRF Syllabus – What to Prepare?
Since the recruitment is for Mechanical Engineering, candidates should revise their core engineering subjects, particularly:
- Engineering Mechanics
- Strength of Materials
- Theory of Machines
- Machine Design
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Heat Transfer
- Manufacturing Processes
- Engineering Materials
- Automobile / Vehicle Engineering
- IC Engines
- CAD/CAM and Production Engineering basics
The above is a preparation-oriented subject list, not a separately published official question-wise syllabus.
DRDO VRDE JRF Job Profile – What Will You Do?
VRDE is a DRDO laboratory working in areas related to vehicle and mobility technologies for defence applications.
A JRF is engaged in defence-related research and technical project work under the concerned laboratory/research team.
- Mechanical engineering research work
- Vehicle and mobility technology related projects
- Technical analysis and experimentation
- Design/development related research activities
- Testing and evaluation support
- Preparation of technical reports and documentation
DRDO VRDE JRF Job Location
Research Fellowship Location:
Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), PO Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar – 414006, Maharashtra.
VRDE is a DRDO establishment focused on research and development in vehicle, mobility and related defence technologies.
Application Fee
There is no application fee for this DRDO VRDE JRF walk-in recruitment.
How to Apply for DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026
- Download the official VRDE JRF advertisement and prescribed application form.
- Check that you satisfy the Mechanical Engineering qualification and age requirements.
- Fill the application form carefully.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph at the prescribed place on the application form.
- Prepare self-attested copies of the required certificates and testimonials.
- Send your willingness to attend the walk-in interview to the prescribed VRDE email address by 27 September 2026.
- Report at VRDE, Ahilyanagar on 06 October 2026 between 09:30 AM and 11:00 AM.
- Carry the completed application form, originals and required self-attested copies for verification.
Candidates should not arrive late. Application acceptance is scheduled from 09:30 AM to 11:00 AM on 06 October 2026.
Electronic items such as mobile phones, laptops, pen drives and smart watches are prohibited inside the VRDE campus as per the recruitment instructions.
No TA/DA is admissible for attending the interview or joining.
Documents Required for DRDO VRDE JRF
- Duly filled prescribed application form
- Recent passport-size photograph
- 10th / Matriculation certificate for date of birth
- BE/B.Tech degree and all relevant marksheets
- ME/M.Tech degree and marksheets, if applicable
- Valid GATE score card, where applicable
- Caste certificate, if claiming reservation/relaxation
- Experience certificate, if applicable
- Government-issued photo ID
- Original certificates/testimonials for verification
- NOC, where applicable for candidates working in Government/PSU/Autonomous organisations
Who Should Apply for DRDO VRDE JRF?
- Mechanical Engineering graduates with a valid qualifying GATE score.
- ME/M.Tech Mechanical Engineering candidates with First Division at both levels.
- Candidates interested in defence research and vehicle technology.
- Candidates who want practical research exposure instead of a conventional private-sector job.
- Candidates planning a future career in engineering research and development.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Only Indian nationals are eligible.
- Verify your qualification before travelling to Ahilyanagar.
- Carry both originals and self-attested copies of required documents.
- Candidates using the OBC relaxation should ensure that their OBC certificate satisfies the Non-Creamy Layer requirement.
- BE/B.Tech candidates should carry their valid qualifying GATE score.
- Keep sufficient travel time because late reporting may result in non-acceptance.
- Do not carry prohibited electronic items inside the VRDE campus.
FAQs – DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026
How many vacancies are available in DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026?
There are 05 Junior Research Fellow vacancies in Mechanical Engineering.
What is the qualification for DRDO VRDE JRF 2026?
Candidates can apply with BE/B.Tech in the prescribed Mechanical Engineering discipline with First Division and a valid cut-off GATE score, or with ME/M.Tech with First Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
Is GATE mandatory for DRDO VRDE JRF?
GATE is required for the BE/B.Tech route. The notification also provides an ME/M.Tech route with First Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
Which GATE years are accepted?
GATE scores from 2024, 2025 and 2026 are specified as acceptable for the BE/B.Tech route.
What is the maximum age for DRDO VRDE JRF?
The maximum age is 28 years, with applicable relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC Non-Creamy Layer candidates.
What is the stipend for DRDO VRDE JRF?
The fellowship carries a stipend of ₹37,000 per month plus admissible HRA.
Is there any application fee?
No application fee is required for this JRF walk-in recruitment.
When is the DRDO VRDE JRF walk-in interview?
The walk-in process is scheduled for 06 October 2026. The interview may continue on 07 October 2026 if a large number of candidates are scheduled.
Where will the interview be held?
The walk-in process will be held at VRDE, PO Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar – 414006, Maharashtra.
What is the last date to send willingness by email?
Eligible candidates should send their willingness by 27 September 2026.
Is this a permanent DRDO government job?
No. This is a Junior Research Fellowship. Selection as a JRF does not give any right to permanent absorption in DRDO.
Is TA/DA provided for the interview?
No. TA/DA is not admissible for attending the interview or joining, irrespective of selection.
| DRDO Official Website Defence Research and Development Organisation | Click Here |
| DRDO Vacancy Page Official Recruitment Updates | Click Here |
| Official VRDE JRF Advertisement Advertisement No. VRDE/H&HC/HRD/811/Fellowship | View Notice |
Organisation: DRDO – VRDE
Post: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Discipline: Mechanical Engineering
Total Posts: 05
Qualification: BE/B.Tech First Division + valid cut-off GATE OR ME/M.Tech First Division at both levels
Maximum Age: 28 Years
Stipend: ₹37,000/month + admissible HRA
Last Date for Email Willingness: 27 September 2026
Walk-in: 06 October 2026
Selection: Document Verification → Written Test → Interview
Application Fee: Nil
Important: Candidates should read the official DRDO advertisement carefully before attending the walk-in interview.
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