DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 for 24 Junior Research Fellow and Research Associate Posts
DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026: 24 Junior Research Fellow and Research Associate Posts in Pune
DRDO ARDE Bharti 2026 — B.E./B.Tech + NET/GATE Required — Apply Offline to Director ARDE Pune
Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory in Pune, has released Advertisement No. ARDE/JRF-RA/2026 for 24 vacancies comprising 23 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and 1 Research Associate (RA) posts. Applications are accepted offline through speed post to the Director, ARDE, Pune by .
Candidates holding B.E./B.Tech or M.Sc in Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering with NET/GATE qualification can apply for JRF posts. For RA post, Ph.D. or M.E./M.Tech with 3 years R&D experience is required. The fellowship duration is initially 2 years for JRF with monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 for JRF and Rs. 67,000 for RA. Selection is through shortlisting followed by interview or written test.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune — A DRDO Laboratory |
| Advertisement Number | ARDE/JRF-RA/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 24 (23 JRF + 1 RA) |
| Post Names | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) — Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical, Aerospace; Research Associate (RA) |
| Application Last Date | |
| Application Mode | Offline — Speed Post to Director, ARDE, Pune |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting → Interview/Written Test → Document Verification |
| Fellowship Duration | Initially 2 years (extendable for JRF) |
| Job Location | ARDE, Pashan, Pune — 411 021, Maharashtra |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 — Important Dates and Application Fee
Apply Offline by 31 August 2026 — No Application Fee
The application process for DRDO ARDE JRF and Research Associate Recruitment 2026 is offline. Candidates must send their completed application form along with self-attested documents through speed post to the Director, ARDE, Pune. The last date for receipt of application is . No application fee is charged for any category.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | |
| Application Submission Starts | |
| Last Date to Apply Offline | |
| Shortlisting Notification | To be communicated via email |
| Interview/Written Test Date | To be communicated via email to shortlisted candidates |
Tip: Candidates are advised to send their application well before the last date to ensure timely delivery. Keep the speed post tracking number safe for reference.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / UR | Nil |
| OBC / BC | Nil |
| SC / ST | Nil |
| EWS | Nil |
| PwBD / PH | Nil |
Note: No application fee is charged for any category. Candidates need to bear only the postal charges for sending the application through speed post.
DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 — Vacancy Details and Eligibility
24 Posts — 23 JRF (Electronics/CS/Mechanical/Aerospace) + 1 Research Associate
DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 covers 24 vacancies across JRF and RA categories. The JRF positions are available in Electronics (8 posts), Computer Science (4 posts), Mechanical (10 posts), and Aerospace (1 post) disciplines. Research Associate has 1 post in Electronics/Electrical Engineering with Ph.D. or M.E./M.Tech and 3 years experience.
Vacancy Distribution
| Post Name | Discipline | Total |
|---|---|---|
| JRF | Electronics | 8 |
| JRF | Computer Science | 4 |
| JRF | Mechanical | 10 |
| JRF | Aerospace | 1 |
| Research Associate | Electronics/Electrical | 1 |
| Total | 24 |
Age Limit
| Post Name | Max Age |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 28 years as on date of interview |
| Research Associate (RA) | 35 years as on date of interview |
Educational Qualification
| Post Name | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| JRF Electronics | B.E./B.Tech in Electronics/ECE/Applied Electronics/Signal Processing/Microwave/Microelectronics/Power Electronics/Instrumentation/Applied Physics/Applied Optics with 1st div + NET/GATE OR M.Sc equivalent 1st div + NET/GATE OR M.Tech/M.E. equivalent 1st div at both levels |
| JRF Computer Science | B.E./B.Tech in CS/IT/Data Science/AI-ML/Cyber Security/Big Data with 1st div + NET/GATE OR M.Sc CS 1st div + NET/GATE |
| JRF Mechanical | B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical/Metallurgy/Material Science/Manufacturing/Production with 1st div + NET/GATE OR M.E./M.Tech equivalent 1st div at both levels |
| JRF Aerospace | B.E./B.Tech in Aeronautical/Aerospace with 1st div + NET/GATE OR M.Tech/M.E. Aeronautical/Aerospace 1st div at both levels |
| Research Associate | Ph.D. in Electronics Engg OR M.E./M.Tech with 3 years R&D experience + at least 1 JCR/SCI journal paper. RF/Microwave/Antenna background desirable |
Age relaxation is applicable for SC (5 years), OBC (3 years), PwBD (10 years), and Ex-Servicemen as per Government of India rules. The fellowship is a temporary position and does not guarantee absorption into DRDO.
DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 — Selection Process and Age Relaxation
Shortlisting Based on Qualification and Experience — Followed by Interview/Written Test
DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 does not include a preliminary written examination. Applications are shortlisted based on educational qualification, NET/GATE score, and relevant experience. Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview or written test. Final selection is based on combined performance and document verification.
Selection Stages
| Stage | Description | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Screening of Applications — Shortlisting based on qualification, NET/GATE score, and experience | Merit-based |
| Stage II | Personal Interview or Written Test (as decided by ARDE) | Marks-based |
| Stage III | Document Verification | Qualifying |
| Final | Appointment as JRF/RA | Subject to all stages clear |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation | Upper Age (JRF / RA) |
|---|---|---|
| SC | 5 Years | 33 years / 40 years |
| OBC (NCL) | 3 Years | 31 years / 38 years |
| PwBD (UR) | 10 Years | 38 years / 45 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years | 41 years / 48 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 Years | 43 years / 50 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per rules | As per rules |
DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 — Job Profile and Salary Details
JRF: Rs. 37,000/month — Research Associate: Rs. 67,000/month + HRA
Selected candidates will be engaged as Junior Research Fellow or Research Associate at ARDE, Pune. The fellowship is a temporary position for initial 2 years (extendable for JRF). JRF fellows work on R&D projects under DRDO guidance. The selected candidates will receive monthly fellowship along with HRA and medical facilities.
Salary Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| JRF Monthly Stipend | Rs. 37,000 per month |
| Research Associate Monthly Stipend | Rs. 67,000 per month |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per DRDO norms (if applicable) |
| Contingency Grant | As per DRDO norms |
| Medical Facilities | As per DRDO/Institute rules |
| Travel Reimbursement | Sleeper class rail fare for interview |
Job Profile
- Work on DRDO-sponsored R&D projects at ARDE Pune
- Conduct research in armament, electronics, mechanical, or aerospace domains
- Assist in experimental work, data analysis, and report preparation
- Collaborate with DRDO scientists and researchers
- Publish research papers in JCR/SCI journals (for RA)
- Fellowship initially for 2 years, extendable based on performance
- No guarantee of absorption into DRDO after fellowship
- Travel reimbursement provided for interview (sleeper class rail fare)
DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 — How to Apply
Apply Offline — Speed Post to Director, ARDE, Pune by 31 August 2026
The application process for DRDO ARDE JRF and Research Associate Recruitment 2026 is entirely offline. Candidates must download the application form from the DRDO website, fill it completely, and send it through speed post along with self-attested copies of all required documents to the Director, ARDE, Pune. The last date for receipt of application is .
How to Apply
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit the official DRDO website drdo.gov.in and navigate to the Careers/Recruitment section |
| Step 2 | Download the application form for Advertisement No. ARDE/JRF-RA/2026 |
| Step 3 | Fill in all required details including personal information, educational qualification, NET/GATE score, and experience details |
| Step 4 | Attach self-attested copies of all required documents including educational certificates, NET/GATE scorecard, experience certificates, and category certificate |
| Step 5 | Enclose 2 recent passport-size photographs with the application |
| Step 6 | Send the complete application through Speed Post to: The Director, ARDE, Armament Post, Pashan, Pune — 411 021, Maharashtra |
| Step 7 | Ensure the application reaches ARDE before |
Important Instructions
- Keep the speed post tracking number safe for reference
- Ensure all documents are self-attested and properly enclosed
- Do not send multiple applications for the same post
- Carry all original documents at the time of interview
- Check email regularly for shortlisting notification and interview schedule
- The fellowship is temporary and does not guarantee absorption into DRDO
- Travel reimbursement (sleeper class rail fare) will be provided for attending interview
DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 — Selection Mode and Documents Required
Shortlisting + Interview/Written Test + Document Verification
DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 follows a multi-stage selection process. Applications are shortlisted based on educational qualification, NET/GATE score, and experience. Shortlisted candidates are called for interview or written test. Final selection is subject to document verification.
Selection Process
| Stage | Description | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Application Screening and Shortlisting | Merit-based |
| Stage II | Personal Interview or Written Test | Marks-based |
| Stage III | Document Verification | Qualifying |
| Final | Appointment as JRF/RA | Subject to all stages clear |
Documents Required
| Personal Identity Documents | |
| Aadhaar Card | Identity proof |
| PAN Card | Identity proof |
| Passport-size Photographs | 2 recent photographs |
| Educational Documents | |
| 10th Marksheet and Certificate | Age proof |
| 12th Marksheet and Certificate | Educational proof |
| Graduation Certificate | B.E./B.Tech degree |
| Post-graduation Certificate | M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc/Ph.D. (if applicable) |
| NET/GATE Scorecard | Valid NET/GATE certificate |
| Category Documents | |
| Caste Certificate (SC/ST) | Issued by competent authority |
| OBC Certificate (NCL) | Must mention Non-Creamy Layer status |
| EWS Certificate | Current financial year |
| PwBD Certificate | Medical Board, 40%+ disability |
| Experience Documents | |
| Experience Certificate | From previous employer with designation and duration |
| Research Publications | Published papers in JCR/SCI journals (for RA) |
| Relieving Letter | From previous employer (if applicable) |
DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 — Important Links and Follow Us
Official Recruitment Links
| Link | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Available | Download PDF |
| Application Form | Available on DRDO website | drdo.gov.in |
| Official Website | Active | drdo.gov.in |
| Apply Offline | Speed Post to Director ARDE Pune | The Director, ARDE, Armament Post, Pashan, Pune — 411 021 |
Join Our Job Community
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|---|---|
| Telegram Channel | Join Channel |
| Facebook Page | Follow Page |
| Twitter / X | Follow Updates |
| Blogs | Visit Blog |
DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many vacancies are there in DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026?
DRDO ARDE has announced 24 vacancies comprising 23 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) posts across Electronics (8), Computer Science (4), Mechanical (10), and Aerospace (1) disciplines, plus 1 Research Associate post in Electronics/Electrical Engineering.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026?
The last date for receipt of application is . Applications must be sent through speed post to The Director, ARDE, Armament Post, Pashan, Pune — 411 021.
Q3. What is the qualification for DRDO ARDE JRF posts?
Candidates must hold B.E./B.Tech with 1st division and NET/GATE qualification in the relevant discipline (Electronics, CS, Mechanical, or Aerospace). Alternatively, M.Sc with 1st division and NET/GATE or M.E./M.Tech with 1st div at both levels is also eligible.
Q4. Is there any application fee for DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026?
No, there is no application fee for any category (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwBD) in DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026. The application process is completely free of cost. Candidates need to bear only postal charges.
Q5. What is the selection process for DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026?
Selection is through shortlisting based on qualification, NET/GATE score, and experience, followed by personal interview or written test, and document verification. Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email.
Q6. What is the salary for DRDO ARDE JRF and Research Associate?
Junior Research Fellow (JRF) receives Rs. 37,000 per month and Research Associate receives Rs. 67,000 per month along with HRA and medical facilities as per DRDO norms.
Q7. What is the age limit for DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026?
The maximum age is 28 years for JRF and 35 years for Research Associate as on the date of interview. Age relaxation is available for SC (5 years), OBC (3 years), PwBD (10 years) as per Government of India rules.
Q8. Is NET/GATE mandatory for DRDO ARDE JRF posts?
Yes, NET/GATE qualification is mandatory for JRF posts. Candidates with B.E./B.Tech must have valid NET/GATE scorecard. However, candidates with M.E./M.Tech with 1st division at both levels may be considered without NET/GATE as per DRDO norms.
Q9. Where will the selected candidates be posted?
Selected candidates will be posted at ARDE, Armament Post, Pashan, Pune — 411 021, Maharashtra. ARDE is a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory working on armament research and development.
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