DRDO DRL Recruitment 2026 – Junior Research Fellow & Research Associate Posts
The Defence Research Laboratory (DRDO DRL) has announced a recruitment notification for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions for the year 2026. This opportunity is open to candidates with postgraduate and doctoral qualifications in relevant scientific disciplines. The recruitment aims to engage researchers for various scientific and technical projects. Interested candidates who meet the eligibility requirements must submit their applications via email before the specified deadline.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | 31 March 2026 |
| Interview Date for JRF | 07 April 2026 |
| Interview Date for RA | 08 April 2026 |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 9 |
| Research Associate (RA) | 6 |
| Total | 15 |
Eligibility Criteria
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): M.Pharm / M.S (Pharm) / M.Tech (Pharm) / M.Tech in Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmacology, or Pharmaceutical Chemistry with GATE/GPAT/NET.
- M.Sc / M.Tech / MVSc in Zoology, Veterinary Parasitology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or Life Sciences with NET qualification.
- M.Sc / M.Tech in Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, or related disciplines with NET/GATE.
- M.Sc / M.Tech in Environmental Sciences, Soil Science, Chemistry, Life Sciences, or similar fields with NET.
- Research Associate (RA): Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, Textile Chemistry, Textile Engineering, Polymer Sciences, or Horticulture.
Age Limit
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Maximum 28 years.
- Research Associate (RA): Maximum 35 years.
- Age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates is applicable as per government rules.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | Nil |
| SC / ST | Nil |
Selection Process
- Walk-in Interview
Salary / Fellowship
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): ₹37,000 per month plus HRA.
- Research Associate (RA): ₹67,000 per month plus HRA.
How to Apply
- Download the official notification and check the eligibility criteria carefully.
- Prepare your CV with personal details, educational qualifications, and research experience.
- Attach necessary documents including certificates, identity proof, and a recent passport-size photograph.
- Mention the post name clearly in the email subject line.
- Send the completed application to the official email address mentioned in the notification before 31 March 2026.