What's in this article?
The Vehicle Research and Development Organization (VRDE), a premier laboratory under DRDO, has announced a Walk-in-Interview for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF). Meritorious Indian nationals are invited to apply for 10 vacancies in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering disciplines. Candidates seeking defense-related research opportunities in Maharashtra must send their willingness by email and attend the interview at Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar).
DRDO VRDE JRF Walk-in-Interview 2026 Highlights
ProJobAlert.com |
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|---|---|
| DRDO Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Recruitment 2026 Advertisement No.: VRDE/JRF/2026 | |
| Recruitment Authority | Vehicle Research and Development Organization (VRDE), DRDO |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 10 Posts |
| Job Location | VRDE, Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), Maharashtra |
| Willingness Email Deadline | 22 February 2026 |
| Interview Dates | 24 to 27 February 2026 |
| Qualification | B.E/B.Tech (1st Div) with GATE OR M.E/M.Tech (1st Div) |
| Age Limit | Maximum 28 Years |
| Selection Process | Written Test & Personal Interview |
| Salary | Rs. 37,000/- per month + HRA |
| Application Fees |
General/OBC: NIL SC/ST: NIL |
| Application Mode | Email Willingness + Walk-in Interview |
| Official Notification & Form | Download PDF |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
| 👉 Email Your Willingness Now | |
Important Date
- Application Start (Email Willingness): Already Started
- Last Date for Email Willingness: 22 February 2026
- Interview Date (Mechanical): 24 & 25 February 2026
- Interview Date (Electrical): 26 & 27 February 2026
- Reporting Time: 09:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Age Limit
- Maximum Age: 28 Years (as on date of interview)
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 05 Years
- OBC (NCL): 03 Years
- Note: Kindly Read Full Official Notification Before Apply.
Application Fees
- All Categories: No Fee/-
Qualification
- B.E / B.Tech: First Division with a valid GATE score (Year 2023, 2024, or 2025).
- M.E / M.Tech: First Division both at Graduate and Post-Graduate levels.
Full Eligibility
Candidates must possess a degree in engineering in relevant branches. Equivalent branches like Mechanical & Automation, Production Engg, Electrical Power System, and Power Electronics are also acceptable for DRDO JRF Recruitment.
| Discipline | Acceptable Equivalent Branches | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical, Mechanical & Automation, Mechanical & Production Engg. | B.E/B.Tech (1st Div + GATE) OR M.E/M.Tech (1st Div) |
| Electrical Engineering | Electrical, Electrical Power System, Electrical & Electronics, Power Electronics Engg. | B.E/B.Tech (1st Div + GATE) OR M.E/M.Tech (1st Div) |
Salary
Selected candidates for the Junior Research Fellow position will receive a monthly stipend as per DRDO norms along with residential benefits.
| Salary Component | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Rs. 37,000/- per month |
| HRA | Admissible House Rent Allowance as per rules |
| Tenure | Initially 2 years (Extendable up to 4 years) |
Selection Process
The DRDO VRDE selection process is designed to test technical knowledge and research aptitude through a two-step screening on the day of the walk-in.
- Document Verification: Initial scrutiny of original certificates and testimonials.
- Written Test: A two-hour written exam will be conducted for screened candidates.
- Personal Interview: Candidates who clear the written test will be interviewed starting from 11:30 AM onwards.
- Panel Merit List: A merit panel will be drawn based on overall performance.
Exam Pattern
The written test for JRF selection will focus on core engineering subjects related to the discipline applied for.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Duration | 02 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Paper & Pen) |
| Content | Core Technical Engineering Discipline |
Post / Category Wise Vacancy
There are a total of 10 vacancies available for the JRF position at VRDE, Ahilyanagar. The numbers are tentative and may vary.
| Discipline | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 08 |
| Electrical Engineering | 02 |
| Total | 10 |
Job Profile & Responsibility
The Junior Research Fellow will work on advanced defense research projects involving Wheeled & Light Tracked Combat Systems and Mobility Systems at VRDE.
- Design and development of indigenous solutions for Mobility systems.
- Research on Autonomous Systems and UAV Engines.
- Evaluation and certification of Military Vehicles.
- Collaborating with senior scientists for Tactical Programmes.
How To Apply
Interested candidates must follow a specific two-step process to participate in the DRDO VRDE Walk-in-Interview 2026.
- Step 1: Download the Application Form from the official website drdo.gov.in.
- Step 2: Send an email of willingness to [email protected] by 22 February 2026.
- Step 3: Fill out the application form in your own handwriting.
- Step 4: Carry the filled form, recent passport photo, and original testimonials to the venue.
- Step 5: Report at VRDE, Vahannagar PO, Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar) at 09:00 AM on the scheduled date for your discipline.
Important Links
| Email Willingness To | [email protected] |
| Download Notification & Form | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Click Here |
| Maharashtra Jobs | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
FAQs
What is the interview date for VRDE Mechanical JRF?
The walk-in-interview for Mechanical Engineering is scheduled for 24 February 2026 and 25 February 2026.
Is GATE mandatory for B.E/B.Tech candidates?
Yes, B.E/B.Tech candidates must have a valid GATE score from the years 2023, 2024, or 2025.
Where is the VRDE JRF walk-in interview venue?
The interview will be held at Vehicle Research and Development Organization (VRDE), Vahannagar PO, Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar), Maharashtra - 414006.
What is the stipend for DRDO JRF in 2026?
Selected Junior Research Fellows will receive Rs. 37,000/- per month plus admissible House Rent Allowance (HRA).
What is the last date to send the willingness email?
Candidates must send their willingness to attend the interview by email latest by 22 February 2026.