Vehicle Research and Development Organization (VRDE), a premier R&D establishment under the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), is committed to design and develop advanced indigenous solutions in mobility systems, wheeled and light tracked combat systems, and strategic/tactical programmes. VRDE invites applications from young and meritorious Indian nationals to pursue defense-related research as Junior Research Fellows (JRF) in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering disciplines. This is an excellent opportunity for engineering graduates and post-graduates to contribute to India's defense capabilities while advancing their research careers.
DRDO VRDE Junior Research Fellow 2026 Overview
| Organization | Vehicle Research and Development Organization (VRDE), DRDO |
| Position | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 10 Posts (may increase/decrease as per organizational requirement) |
| Vacancy Breakup | Mechanical Engineering: 8 Posts | Electrical Engineering: 2 Posts |
| Job Category | Research Fellowship (Non-permanent) |
| Monthly Stipend | Rs. 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) |
| Tenure | 2 years initially (extendable for further 2 years, one year at a time) |
| Interview Mode | Walk-in Interview |
| Mechanical Engg Interview | 24-25 February 2026 |
| Electrical Engg Interview | 26-27 February 2026 |
| Location | VRDE, PO Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) - 414006, Maharashtra |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
About VRDE (Vehicle Research and Development Organization)
VRDE is a premier research establishment under DRDO engaged in cutting-edge R&D in the area of light tracked and wheeled platforms. The organization is committed to designing and developing advanced, reliable indigenous solutions in the following areas:
- Mobility systems for military applications
- Wheeled and light tracked combat systems
- Wheeled launched systems for strategic and tactical programmes
- High mobility gun systems
- Wheeled autonomous systems
- UAV engines
- Extensive evaluation and certification of military and commercial vehicles
By working at VRDE, JRFs contribute directly to India's defense capabilities while gaining invaluable research experience in advanced technologies.
Vacancy Details
| Discipline | No. of Posts | Equivalent Disciplines/Branches Acceptable | Interview Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 8 | Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Automation Engineering, Mechanical & Production Engineering | 24-25 Feb 2026 |
| Electrical Engineering | 2 | Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Power System Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Power Electronics Engineering | 26-27 Feb 2026 |
| TOTAL | 10 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification (As on Interview Date):
- Option 1: BE / B.Tech degree in relevant discipline with First Division aggregate (60% or equivalent CGPA) AND a valid GATE score from years 2023, 2024, or 2025
- Option 2: ME / M.Tech degree with First Division at both graduate and post-graduate level (60% or equivalent CGPA)
Applicable Disciplines:
- For Mechanical Engineering (8 posts):
- BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical & Automation Engineering
- Mechanical & Production Engineering
- For Electrical Engineering (2 posts):
- BE/B.Tech in Electrical Engineering
- Electrical & Power System Engineering
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering
- Power Electronics Engineering
Age Limit (As on Interview Date):
- Upper age limit: 28 years for General category
- Age relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST candidates
- Age relaxation: 3 years for OBC (Non-creamy layer) candidates
- Maximum age after relaxation: 33 years for SC/ST, 31 years for OBC
Nationality:
- Indian National only
GATE Score Requirements:
- Only GATE scores from Year 2023, 2024, and 2025 are acceptable
- GATE score must be valid as on the interview date
- GATE score is required only if candidate does not have M.Tech qualification
Compensation and Benefits
- Monthly Stipend: Rs. 37,000/-
- Additional Benefit: House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible as per DRDO norms
- Employment Type: Fellowship (Non-permanent position)
- Initial Tenure: 2 years
- Extension: Eligible for extension for further 2 years (one year at a time) subject to satisfactory performance as assessed by Review Committee
- TA/DA: No TA/DA will be provided for attending interview or joining
- Important Note: Offer of Fellowship does NOT confer any right for absorption in DRDO
Walk-in Interview Schedule
For Mechanical Engineering Discipline:
| Activity | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Applications & Document Verification | 24 Feb 2026 | 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
| Document Verification (Continued) | 24 Feb 2026 | 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM |
| Written Test | 24 Feb 2026 | 12:00 PM onwards (2 hours duration) |
| Personal Interview | 24-25 Feb 2026 | From 11:30 AM onwards (based on written test result) |
For Electrical Engineering Discipline:
| Activity | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Applications & Document Verification | 26 Feb 2026 | 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
| Document Verification (Continued) | 26 Feb 2026 | 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM |
| Written Test | 26 Feb 2026 | 12:00 PM onwards (2 hours duration) |
| Personal Interview | 26-27 Feb 2026 | From 11:30 AM onwards (based on written test result) |
Note: If the number of candidates is large, interviews may continue on the next day. Candidates are advised to prepare and make arrangements accordingly.
Interview Venue
Vehicle Research and Development Organization (VRDE)
PO: Vahannagar
Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar) – 414006
Maharashtra, India
Application Procedure
How to Apply:
- Download the application form from website www.drdo.gov.in
- Fill the application form in your own handwriting with all required details
- Affix a recent passport size photograph on the right top corner of the first page
- Express your willingness to attend the walk-in-interview via email
- Send the email to: [email protected]
- Email Subject Line: "Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship-Subject"
- Replace "Subject" with the discipline name (Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering)
- Latest email submission deadline: 22 February 2026
Alternative Application (Walk-in Only):
- You can directly appear for walk-in interview at the venue on the scheduled date
- Bring duly filled application form and all required documents
- Report between 09:00 AM - 10:30 AM on the interview date
- Candidates arriving late will NOT be allowed to participate
Required Documents
Candidates must bring the following documents at the time of interview (original and attested copies):
- Duly filled application form (as per format provided)
- Recent passport size photograph (affixed on application form)
- 10th Standard Mark Sheet / Certificate (Self-attested photocopy)
- 12th Standard Mark Sheet / Certificate (Self-attested photocopy)
- Bachelor's Degree Certificate and Mark Sheets (all semesters - Original for verification)
- Master's Degree Certificate and Mark Sheets (if applicable - Original for verification)
- GATE Score Card / Scoresheet (Original for verification)
- Caste Certificate in original (if applicable for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
- Experience Certificate / Employment Letters (if any - Original)
- Government issued Photo ID Proof (Aadhar Card / PAN Card / Passport / Voter ID in original)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer (if currently employed in Govt/PSU/Autonomous body)
- Self-attested English translation of documents (if any document is in language other than English)
Selection Process
- Document Verification: Verification of qualification documents and eligibility criteria (09:30 AM - 11:30 AM)
- Written Test: Objective type examination (2 hours duration) based on technical subject matter and general knowledge
- Merit List Preparation: Based on written test performance
- Personal Interview: Interaction with selection committee to assess research aptitude, communication skills, and suitability for research work
- Final Selection: Combination of written test and interview performance
- Panel Formation: A panel for available and future anticipated vacancies will be drawn based on merit order
- Antecedent Verification: Background verification of selected candidates at time of joining
Written Test Details
- Duration: 2 hours
- Format: Objective type (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Content: Technical subject matter of discipline + General Knowledge/Awareness
- Conduction: Conducted at VRDE campus
- Schedule: Immediately after document verification (12:00 PM onwards)
Important Guidelines for Interview
Reporting and Participation:
- Candidates must report at VRDE campus on scheduled date and time
- Applications accepted from 09:00 AM to 10:30 AM only on interview date
- Candidates arriving after 10:30 AM will NOT be allowed to participate
- Document verification occurs between 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Interviews conducted from 11:30 AM onwards
Document Submission:
- All original certificates must be produced for verification at interview
- Self-attested photocopies of all qualifications and experience documents required
- Incomplete applications will be rejected during screening
- Documents in languages other than English require self-attested English translation
Identification Requirements:
- Government issued photo ID in original (Aadhar / PAN / Passport / Voter ID)
- Photograph on application form must be recent and clearly identifiable
- Name on all documents must match exactly
Prohibitions:
- Electronic items STRICTLY PROHIBITED inside VRDE campus
- Mobile phones, pen drives, laptops, smartwatches NOT allowed
- Bags and electronic devices must be left outside campus
Travel and Accommodation:
- No TA/DA provided for attending interview or joining
- Candidates responsible for own travel arrangements and accommodation
- Location: Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar), Maharashtra
General Terms and Conditions
- Merit-based Selection: Selection is purely merit-based with no guarantees
- Rights Reserved: Director, VRDE reserves right to amend/modify/cancel advertisement without notice
- Panel Validity: Selected panel valid for 1 year from date of finalization
- Discretionary Selection: Director may choose not to select any candidate if suitable candidates unavailable
- Background Verification: Antecedents of selected candidates verified at time of joining
- Document Deficiency: Any deficiency in documents will lead to automatic cancellation of candidature
- No Absorption Guarantee: Fellowship offer does NOT confer any right for absorption in DRDO
- Misconduct: Misrepresentation, falsification of facts, or misconduct detected at any stage will lead to cancellation of candidature without notice
- Performance Review: Extension after 2 years based on satisfactory performance assessment by Review Committee
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position at VRDE?
A: JRF is a 2-year research fellowship position at VRDE, a premier DRDO establishment engaged in vehicle and defense research. Fellows work on research projects related to mobility systems, combat systems, and related technologies. The position offers hands-on research experience and can be extended based on performance.
Q: What is the eligibility qualification for JRF position?
A: Candidates must have either: (1) BE/B.Tech with First Division (60%+) and valid GATE score from 2023, 2024, or 2025, OR (2) M.Tech with First Division at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Q: What disciplines are eligible for these JRF positions?
A: For Mechanical Engineering (8 posts): Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Automation Engineering, Mechanical & Production Engineering. For Electrical Engineering (2 posts): Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Power System Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Power Electronics Engineering.
Q: What is the monthly stipend and tenure?
A: Monthly stipend is Rs. 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA). Initial tenure is 2 years, extendable for another 2 years (one year at a time) based on satisfactory performance.
Q: What is the age limit for applying?
A: Upper age limit is 28 years for General category. SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation (33 years), OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation (31 years) as on interview date.
Q: When are the walk-in interviews scheduled?
A: Mechanical Engineering interviews are on 24-25 February 2026, and Electrical Engineering interviews are on 26-27 February 2026. Candidates must report between 09:00-10:30 AM.
Q: Do I need to apply in advance or can I attend the walk-in interview directly?
A: While you can directly attend the walk-in interview on the scheduled date and time, it's recommended to express your willingness by emailing [email protected] by 22 February 2026 with subject "Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship-Subject".
Q: What documents should I bring to the interview?
A: Bring duly filled application form, all original certificates (10th, 12th, Bachelor's, Master's if applicable), GATE scorecard, caste certificate (if applicable), NOC from employer (if employed), government photo ID, and self-attested photocopies of all documents.
Q: Is TA/DA provided for the interview?
A: No, TA/DA is not provided for attending the interview or for joining. Candidates must arrange their own travel and accommodation.
Q: Will I be absorbed in DRDO after the fellowship ends?
A: No, the offer of fellowship does NOT confer any right for absorption in DRDO. After fellowship ends, selected candidates may apply for regular positions if advertised, but absorption is not guaranteed.
Q: Can I carry mobile phone inside VRDE campus?
A: No, electronic items including mobile phones, laptops, smartwatches are strictly prohibited inside VRDE campus. You must leave such items outside.
Q: What happens if I arrive late for the interview?
A: Candidates arriving after 10:30 AM will NOT be allowed to participate in the walk-in interview process. Punctuality is strictly enforced.
Q: How many times can I extend my fellowship?
A: Initial fellowship is for 2 years. You can extend for a maximum of 2 more years (one year at a time), making the maximum total tenure 4 years, subject to satisfactory performance assessment by the Review Committee.
Contact Information
| Phone | 0241-2544004, Ext-4323 (Working days, Mon-Fri) |
| [email protected] | |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
| VRDE Location | PO: Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar - 414006, Maharashtra |
Important Links
| Official Advertisement | Click here |
| DRDO Official Website | Click here |
| Apply via Email | [email protected] |