What's in this article?
The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, a premier DRDO laboratory, has released a recruitment notification for 24 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions. This is an excellent opportunity for eligible Indian Nationals to contribute to defence research. Interested candidates must apply offline by 31 August 2026.
DRDO ARDE JRF & RA Recruitment 2026 Overview
ProJobAlert.com | |
|---|---|
| DRDO ARDE JRF & RA Vacancy 2026 Advertisement No.:- ARDE/JRF-RA/2026 | |
| Recruitment Authority | Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune (DRDO Lab) |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Research Associate (RA) |
| Total Vacancies | 24 |
| Job Location | Pune, Maharashtra (Duties anywhere in India) |
| Start Date to Apply | To be Notified |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 August 2026 |
| Qualification | B.E./B.Tech, M.Sc., M.E./M.Tech, Ph.D. |
| Age Limit | JRF: 28 Years, RA: 35 Years |
| Selection Process | Interview / Written Test |
| Salary | JRF: Rs. 37,000/-, RA: Rs. 67,000/- per month |
| Application Mode | Offline (by post) |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in/arde |
| 👉 Download Application Form | |
Important Date
- Notification Released: To be Notified
- Application Start: To be Notified
- Last Date : 31 August 2026
- Interview/Written Test Date: To be Notified (for shortlisted candidates)
Age Limit
- Maximum Age for JRF: 28 years
- Maximum Age for RA: 35 years
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years
- OBC candidates: 3 years
- Note: Kindly Read Full Official Notification Before Apply.
Qualification
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): B.E./B.Tech or M.Sc. in relevant engineering/science disciplines with NET/GATE qualification, OR M.E./M.Tech in relevant disciplines.
- Research Associate (RA): Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering OR M.E./M.Tech with minimum 3 years R&D experience in a reputed institution, along with at least one research paper publication in a JCR/SCI-listed journal.
Full Eligibility
Candidates must be Indian Nationals and fulfill the specific educational qualifications and age limits for their chosen post. A valid NET/GATE score is mandatory for JRF positions with B.E./B.Tech or M.Sc. qualifications.
| Post (Discipline) | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|
| JRF - Electronics Group |
B.E./B.Tech in Electronics/Electronics & Communication/Applied Electronics/Signal Processing/Microwave/Microelectronics/Power Electronics/Instrumentation & Control/Applied Physics/Applied Optics (Laser & Fiber Optics/Photonics) in first division with NET/GATE; OR M.Sc. in equivalent disciplines in first division with NET/GATE; OR M.Tech/M.E. in equivalent disciplines in first division at both graduate and postgraduate level. |
| JRF - Computer Science Group |
B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science/Computer Engg./IT/Computer Applications/Information Science/Data Science/Software Engg./Cyber Security/AI & ML/Big Data Analysis with NET/GATE; OR M.Sc. (Computer Science) in first division with NET/GATE. |
| JRF - Mechanical Group |
B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical/Metallurgy/Metallurgical Engg./Material Engg./Material Science/Manufacturing Engg./Production Engg. in first division with NET/GATE; OR M.E./M.Tech in equivalent disciplines in first division at both graduate and postgraduate level. |
| JRF - Aerospace Group |
B.E./B.Tech in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering in first division with NET/GATE; OR M.Tech/M.E. in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering in first division at both graduate and postgraduate level. |
| Research Associate (RA) |
Ph.D. in Electronics Engg. from a reputed institution, OR M.E./M.Tech with a minimum of 3 years' R&D experience in a reputed institution. Candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis may also apply (award required before offer expiry). Mandatory: At least one research paper publication in a JCR/SCI-listed refereed journal. Desirable: Experience in RF/Microwaves/Antenna. |
Salary
The selected candidates for JRF and RA positions will receive attractive monthly stipends along with additional benefits. These fellowships are initially for two years, extendable as per rules for JRF.
| Post Name | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Rs. 37,000/- |
| Research Associate (RA) | Rs. 67,000/- |
- HRA (House Rent Allowance) is admissible as per applicable rules.
- Medical facilities are provided as per applicable rules.
- A contingency grant is also admissible as per applicable rules.
Selection Process
The selection for DRDO ARDE JRF and RA positions will be based on a rigorous process involving shortlisting of applications, followed by an interview or written test for eligible candidates.
- Application Scrutiny: All submitted applications will be reviewed for eligibility.
- Shortlisting: Only eligible and suitable candidates will be shortlisted for the next stage.
- Interview/Written Test: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview and/or written test.
- Communication: Dates for the interview/written test will be communicated via email only to shortlisted candidates.
- Document Verification: Selected candidates must bring their Bio-data and original certificates for verification during the interview.
Exam Pattern
The official notification does not provide specific details regarding the written test pattern or syllabus. This information, along with interview weightage, will be communicated directly to shortlisted candidates via email.
- The exact exam pattern and syllabus will be notified to shortlisted candidates.
- Candidates are advised to prepare based on their respective engineering/science disciplines.
Post / Category Wise Vacancy
A total of 24 vacancies are available across various disciplines for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions at DRDO ARDE, Pune.
| Sl. No. | Post Name | Discipline/Field | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Electronics / Electronics & Communication / Applied Physics / Applied Optics (Laser & Fiber Optics/Photonics) | 08 |
| 2 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Computer Science / IT / Data Science / AI & ML / Cyber Security / Big Data Analysis | 04 |
| 3 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Mechanical / Metallurgy / Material Science / Manufacturing / Production Engineering | 10 |
| 4 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering | 01 |
| 5 | Research Associate (RA) | Electronics Engineering (RF/Microwave/Antenna desirable) | 01 |
| Total Vacancies | 24 | ||
Job Profile & Responsibility
Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) and Research Associates (RAs) at DRDO ARDE are integral to cutting-edge defence research and development projects. Their roles involve conducting scientific investigations, contributing to technological advancements, and supporting various research initiatives under the guidance of senior scientists. These positions offer a dynamic environment for professional growth and significant contributions to national security.
- Conducting research and development activities in assigned disciplines.
- Assisting senior scientists in various defence-related projects.
- Analyzing data, preparing reports, and presenting research findings.
- Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and instruments.
- Contributing to the publication of research papers in reputed journals.
- Participating in technical discussions and workshops.
- Ensuring adherence to safety protocols and research guidelines.
How To Apply
Interested and eligible candidates must apply for the DRDO ARDE JRF and RA positions through the offline mode by sending their completed application form via post before the specified deadline.
- Download Proforma: Obtain the Bio-data proforma from the official advertisement.
- Fill Application: Fill the Bio-data form completely in your own handwriting with all required personal and educational details.
- Affix Photograph: Affix a recent passport-size photograph on the top right corner of the Bio-data.
- Attach Documents: Enclose self-attested copies of all necessary certificates, including educational qualifications, NET/GATE scorecard, caste certificate (if applicable), and other relevant documents.
- Sign Declaration: Sign the declaration section of the application form.
- Superscribe Envelope: Clearly superscribe the name of the post applied for on the envelope (e.g., "APPLICATION FOR JRF - ELECTRONICS").
- Send Application: Dispatch the completed application to the following address:
The Director, Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Armament Post, Pashan, Pune - 411 021 - Deadline: Ensure your application reaches the office on or before 31 August 2026 (Monday).
- NOC (if applicable): Candidates employed in Government/PSU/Autonomous Bodies must bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current employer during the interview.
Important Links
| Download Application Form | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | DRDO ARDE Official Website |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Maharashtra Jobs | Click Here |
| Defence Jobs | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
FAQs
What are the total vacancies in DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026?
There are a total of 24 vacancies for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions in DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026.
What is the last date to apply for DRDO ARDE JRF/RA posts?
The last date to submit applications for DRDO ARDE JRF/RA Recruitment 2026 is 31 August 2026.
What is the application mode for DRDO ARDE JRF & RA Recruitment?
The application mode for DRDO ARDE JRF & RA Recruitment 2026 is offline. Candidates need to send their filled Bio-data form by post.
What are the age limits for JRF and RA positions at DRDO ARDE?
For Junior Research Fellow (JRF), the maximum age is 28 years, and for Research Associate (RA), it is 35 years, with age relaxations for SC/ST/OBC candidates as per government rules.
What qualifications are required for DRDO ARDE JRF posts?
For JRF posts, candidates generally need a B.E./B.Tech or M.Sc. in relevant disciplines with a valid NET/GATE score, or an M.E./M.Tech degree.
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