What's in this article?
The Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced a Walk-in Interview for 25 positions of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA). This recruitment drive aims to engage talented researchers for defence related research projects in the Leh-Ladakh region. Candidates with a background in Engineering, Material Science, and Life Sciences are encouraged to participate in this opportunity to work at high altitudes.
DRDO DIHAR JRF & RA Recruitment 2026 Overview
ProJobAlert.com |
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|---|---|
| DIHAR DRDO Walk-in Interview 2026 Advertisement No.: DIHAR/HR/2026/01 | |
| Recruitment Authority | Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), DRDO |
| Post Name | JRF & Research Associate (RA) |
| Total Vacancies | 25 Posts |
| Job Location | Leh (Ladakh) / Chandigarh |
| Start Date to Apply | Walk-in Basis |
| Last Date to Apply | 12 March 2026 (Interview Date) |
| Qualification | B.E/B.Tech, M.E/M.Tech, Ph.D, M.Sc |
| Age Limit | 28 - 35 Years (Relaxation Applicable) |
| Selection Process | Walk-in Interview |
| Salary | Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 67,000 + HRA |
| Application Fees |
General/OBC: Nil SC/ST/PH: Nil All Female: Nil |
| Application Mode | Walk-in Interview |
| Syllabus & PYQs PDF | Download PDF |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | DRDO Official Site |
| 👉 View Official Website | |
Important Date
- Notification Released: 10 February 2026
- Interview Date (JRF Engineering): 11 March 2026
- Interview Date (RA & Life Sciences): 12 March 2026
- Reporting Time: 09:30 AM
- Venue: DIHAR Base Lab, Chandigarh
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age (JRF): 28 Years
- Maximum Age (RA): 35 Years
- Age Relaxation:
- 5 Years for SC/ST and 3 Years for OBC candidates as per Govt rules.
- Note: Kindly Read Full Official Notification Before Apply.
Application Fees
- General/OBC/EWS: Exempted/-
- SC/ST/PH/Women: Exempted/-
Qualification
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): B.E/B.Tech in 1st division with NET/GATE or M.E/M.Tech in 1st division in relevant engineering branch.
- Research Associate (RA): Ph.D. in relevant subject or equivalent degree or having 3 years of research/teaching/design & development experience after ME/M.Tech.
Full Eligibility
Candidates must possess a First Class Degree in the respective discipline. For JRF Engineering, a valid NET/GATE score is mandatory if applying with a Bachelor's degree. Research Associate candidates must have published research papers in Science Citation Index (SCI) journals to demonstrate their expertise in high-altitude technology and material science.
| Post Name | Discipline | Education Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| JRF | Civil / CS / IT / ECE | B.E/B.Tech with NET/GATE OR M.E/M.Tech |
| JRF | Mechanical / Material Science | B.E/B.Tech with NET/GATE OR M.E/M.Tech |
| RA | Life Sciences / Physics | Ph.D in relevant subject or M.Tech with 3 years experience |
Salary Structure
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend along with House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per DRDO regulations. The fellowship is initially for two years and may be extended based on performance and project requirements.
| Post Name | Monthly Stipend | Other Allowances |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Rs. 37,000/- | HRA + Medical Facilities |
| Research Associate (RA) | Rs. 67,000/- | HRA + Medical Facilities |
- Contingency Grant: JRFs are eligible for an annual contingency grant.
- Tenure: Maximum 5 years for JRF and 2 years for RA.
Selection Process
The selection is based purely on performance in the walk-in interview. Candidates will be screened based on their academic qualifications and research experience before being called for the personal interview on the same day.
- Document Verification: Screening of original certificates and bio-data.
- Personal Interview: Technical and personality assessment by a selection committee.
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must be medically fit to work in high-altitude environmental conditions.
Exam Pattern
There is no written examination for these fellowship positions. The selection is conducted through a Face-to-Face Interview. Candidates are evaluated on their fundamental knowledge of their respective engineering or science subjects and their aptitude for research and development.
| Component | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Technical Knowledge | Core Engineering/Science Subjects |
| Research Aptitude | Previous Projects and Publications |
| Suitability | Adaptability to High Altitude Projects |
Post / Category Wise Vacancy
A total of 25 vacancies are distributed across various engineering and science disciplines. The DRDO DIHAR reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of seats without prior notice.
| Post Name | Discipline/Subject | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| JRF | Civil Engineering | 02 |
| JRF | Computer Science / IT | 04 |
| JRF | Electronics & Communication | 05 |
| JRF | Mechanical Engineering | 06 |
| JRF | Material Science / Physics | 05 |
| RA | Life Sciences / Allied Science | 03 |
| Total Vacancies | 25 | |
Job Profile & Responsibility
Researchers at DIHAR work on cutting-edge High Altitude Technologies to support the Indian Armed Forces. The job involves field trials, laboratory experiments, and developing technologies related to cold desert agriculture, renewable energy, and life support systems in extreme climates.
- Design and development of equipment for high-altitude use.
- Conducting environmental studies and testing in Leh-Ladakh region.
- Data collection and analysis for ongoing DRDO research projects.
- Collaborating with senior scientists on strategic defence technologies.
How To Apply
Interested candidates should attend the Walk-in Interview with a complete bio-data and original documents. No prior online registration is required, but candidates must arrive at the venue on time for registration and screening.
- Step 1: Prepare a neatly typed Bio-data in the prescribed format.
- Step 2: Carry self-attested copies and original Educational Certificates (SSC onwards).
- Step 3: Include NET/GATE scorecards and proof of research experience.
- Step 4: Report at DIHAR Base Lab, Near 3 BRD, Industrial Area Phase-II, Chandigarh.
- Step 5: Ensure reporting by 09:30 AM on the scheduled date for your discipline.
Important Links
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2025 | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Chandigarh Jobs | Click Here |
| Engineering Jobs | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
FAQs
What is the interview date for DIHAR DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026?
The walk-in interviews are scheduled for 11 March 2026 for Engineering JRF posts and 12 March 2026 for Research Associate and Life Science JRF posts.
Where is the venue for the DRDO DIHAR walk-in interview?
The interview will be held at DIHAR Base Lab, Near 3 BRD, Industrial Area Phase-II, Chandigarh.
Is there any application fee for this DRDO recruitment?
No, there is no application fee for any category for the JRF and RA positions at DIHAR DRDO.
What is the maximum age limit for Junior Research Fellow (JRF)?
The maximum age limit for JRF is 28 years as of the date of the interview, with relaxation for reserved categories.
Do I need a GATE score to apply for the JRF Engineering post?
Yes, if you have a B.E/B.Tech degree, a valid NET or GATE score is mandatory. However, candidates with M.E/M.Tech do not necessarily require it if they have first-division marks.