What's in this article?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) - Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) has announced the DRDO NSTL JRF Recruitment 2026 for the engagement of Junior Research Fellows. A total of 07 vacancies are available in disciplines like Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science, and Instrumentation. Eligible candidates are invited to attend the walk-in interview at Visakhapatnam. This is a prestigious opportunity for engineering graduates and postgraduates to work on advanced Defence R&D projects under the Ministry of Defence.
DRDO NSTL Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Recruitment 2026 Overview
ProJobAlert.com |
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|---|---|
| Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) JRF Selection 2026 Advertisement No.:- NSTL/JRF/01/2026 | |
| Recruitment Authority | Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), DRDO |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 07 Posts |
| Job Location | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
| Start Date to Apply | 29 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 26 February 2026 (Walk-in) |
| Qualification | B.E/B.Tech with GATE/NET or M.E/M.Tech |
| Age Limit | Maximum 28 Years |
| Selection Process | Written Test (if req.) & Interview |
| Salary | Rs. 37,000/- + HRA |
| Application Fees |
General/OBC/EWS: Rs. 10/- SC/ST/PH/Women: Nil |
| Application Mode | Walk-in-Interview |
| Syllabus & PYQs PDF | Download PDF |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
| 👉 How To Apply ! | |
Important Date
- Notification Released: 29 January 2026
- Application Start: 29 January 2026
- Walk-in Interview Date: 26 February 2026
- Reporting Time: 09:00 AM
- Result Date: To be notified
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 28 Years
- Age Relaxation:
- SC / ST Candidates: 05 Years
- OBC (NCL) Candidates: 03 Years
- Note: Age will be calculated as on the date of walk-in interview. Kindly Read Full Official Notification Before Apply.
Application Fees
- General / EWS / OBC: Rs. 10/-
- SC / ST / PH / Women: Exempted (Nil)
- Payment Mode: Indian Postal Order (IPO) or Demand Draft in favor of "The Director, NSTL", payable at Visakhapatnam.
Qualification
- Junior Research Fellow: B.E./B.Tech degree in professional course in first division with a valid NET/GATE score.
- OR M.E./M.Tech degree in professional course with first division both at Graduate and Post Graduate level.
- The Degree and Post Graduate Degree must be in the same Discipline/Branch.
Full Eligibility
Candidates must possess the essential educational qualification as on the date of the walk-in interview. Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply for these fellowships. The number of vacancies may increase or decrease based on administrative requirements. Candidates must have a strong academic background with First Division throughout.
| Subject / Discipline | Educational Qualification Details |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engg. | B.E/B.Tech (First Div) + GATE/NET OR M.E/M.Tech (First Div) |
| Electronics / ECE | B.E/B.Tech (First Div) + GATE/NET OR M.E/M.Tech (First Div) |
| Computer Science Engg. | B.E/B.Tech (First Div) + GATE/NET OR M.E/M.Tech (First Div) |
| Instrumentation / EIE | B.E/B.Tech (First Div) + GATE/NET OR M.E/M.Tech (First Div) |
Salary
Selected candidates for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position will receive a monthly stipend as per DRDO norms. The fellowship is initially for two years and can be extended based on performance and rules. In addition to the stipend, House Rent Allowance (HRA) and medical facilities are provided as per government regulations.
| Post Name | Monthly Stipend | Allowances |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Rs. 37,000/- | HRA + Medical Benefits |
- Candidates are entitled to House Rent Allowance as per rules if hostel accommodation is not provided.
- Medical facilities are admissible as per the rules of the organisation.
- The tenure of JRF is initially for 2 years, extendable up to 4 or 5 years.
Selection Process
The selection for DRDO NSTL JRF will be conducted through a direct walk-in interview. Candidates must report on time at the venue for document verification. A screening process will be conducted before the personal interview rounds to shortlist candidates based on their academic merit and research aptitude.
- Written Test: An objective-type Screening Test may be conducted if the number of candidates is high.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will appear for a face-to-face Interview with the selection committee.
- Document Verification: Verification of original certificates (Age, Education, Caste, GATE/NET score).
- Medical Examination: Final selected candidates must meet the required medical standards.
Exam Pattern
If a Written Test is conducted for shortlisting, it will focus on the fundamental concepts of the relevant engineering discipline. The test is generally used as a screening tool and does not carry weightage in the final merit if the committee decides to select based solely on the Interview performance.
| Section | Topic | Question Type |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | Technical (Discipline Specific) | Objective MCQs |
| Part B | General Awareness & Reasoning | Objective MCQs |
- The written exam is qualifying in nature for the interview stage.
- Candidates must bring their own writing materials for the test.
- The final merit list is strictly based on Interview marks.
Post / Category Wise Vacancy
The total number of Junior Research Fellowships is 07. These vacancies are distributed across various Engineering disciplines. The laboratory reserves the right to change the number of fellowships based on administrative needs or project requirements.
| Sl No. | Subject / Discipline | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Mechanical Engineering | 03 |
| 2. | Electronics / ECE | 02 |
| 3. | Computer Science Engineering | 01 |
| 4. | Instrumentation / EIE | 01 |
| Total Vacancies | 07 | |
Job Profile & Responsibility
The Junior Research Fellow at NSTL will be involved in high-end Naval Technology research. Candidates will work under the guidance of senior scientists on projects related to underwater systems, naval weapons, and materials. This role offers excellent exposure to Defence R&D and modern laboratory equipment.
- Assisting in the design and development of naval hardware and software systems.
- Conducting experimental research and data analysis in specialized labs.
- Documentation of research findings and preparation of technical reports.
- Working on simulation tools and real-world testing of defence equipment.
How To Apply
The application process for DRDO NSTL JRF is offline/walk-in. Candidates do not need to send an application in advance. You must carry the duly filled application form (available in the notification) along with all original documents to the venue at Visakhapatnam on the scheduled date.
- Step 1: Download the official notification and print the application form (Annexure).
- Step 2: Fill the application form with your personal and academic details.
- Step 3: Prepare the Indian Postal Order (IPO) or Demand Draft for the fee (if applicable).
- Step 4: Collect self-attested copies of 10th cert, Degree, GATE/NET score, and Caste certificate.
- Step 5: Reach the NSTL Visakhapatnam venue by 09:00 AM on 26 February 2026.
- Note: Candidates working in Govt/PSU must bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Important Links
| Download Notification & Form | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Andhra Pradesh Jobs | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
FAQs
What is the date of the DRDO NSTL JRF Walk-in Interview?
The walk-in interview for all disciplines is scheduled for 26 February 2026 at Visakhapatnam.
What is the salary for JRF at NSTL?
The monthly stipend is Rs. 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per government rules.
Is GATE/NET mandatory for B.E./B.Tech candidates?
Yes, candidates with B.E./B.Tech degree must have a valid GATE or NET score to be eligible.
What is the age limit for this recruitment?
The maximum age limit is 28 years, with relaxation for SC, ST, and OBC candidates as per GoI norms.
Where is the venue for the interview?
The venue is Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Vigyan Nagar, Near NAD Junction, Visakhapatnam – 530027.