DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for 24 Junior Research Fellow & Research Associate Posts
Published: 21 Jul 2026 · Updated: 21 Jul 2026
24 Total Vacancies
Important Dates
| Application Begin | 21 Jul 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 Aug 2026 |
Application Fee
| General | No application fee mentioned in the official notification |
| Payment Mode | Not applicable |
Age Limit & Eligibility
| Maximum Age | 28 years for JRF; 35 years for Research Associate years |
| Age As On | date of interview |
| Age Relaxation | 5 years for SC/ST candidates; 3 years for OBC candidates |
| Educational 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 equivalent M.Sc. 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/IT/Computer Applications/Data Science/AI & ML/Cyber Security/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/Material Science/Manufacturing/Production Engineering in first division with NET/GATE, OR M.E./M.Tech in equivalent disciplines in first division at both levels. 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 levels. Research Associate (RA): Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering 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. Candidates with M.Sc./B.E./B.Tech qualifications must hold a valid UGC/CSIR/NET/GATE score. |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total | Gen | OBC | EWS | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) - Electronics/Electronics & Communication/Applied Physics/Applied Optics (Laser & Fiber Optics/Photonics) | 8 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) - Computer Science/IT/Data Science/AI & ML/Cyber Security/Big Data Analysis | 4 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) - Mechanical/Metallurgy/Material Science/Manufacturing/Production Engineering | 10 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) - Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering | 1 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Research Associate (RA) - Electronics Engineering (RF/Microwave/Antenna desirable) | 1 | — | — | — | — | — |
How to Apply
- Obtain the Bio-data/CV proforma as given in the official advertisement.
- Fill the Bio-data in your own handwriting, covering personal details, educational qualifications from Matric/10th onwards, experience (if any), and NET/GATE/CSIR/UGC qualification details.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph on the right top corner of the Bio-data.
- Attach self-attested copies of educational certificates, NET/GATE scorecard, caste certificate (if applicable), and other supporting documents.
- Sign the declaration section of the form.
- Write the name of the post applied for on top of the envelope.
- Send the completed application by post to: The Director, Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Armament Post, Pashan, Pune - 411 021.
- Ensure the application reaches the ARDE office on or before 31 August 2026 (Monday).
Selection Process
- Screening/shortlisting of applications based on the Bio-data and qualifications submitted.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview and/or written test; interview/written test dates are communicated solely by email.
- Selected candidates must bring a copy of their Bio-data and original certificates for verification at the time of interview.
Discipline-wise Vacancy and Stipend
| Sl. No. | Post | Discipline/Field | Vacancies | Stipend (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Junior Research Fellow | Electronics / Electronics & Communication / Applied Physics / Applied Optics (Laser & Fiber Optics/Photonics) | 08 | Rs. 37,000/- |
| 2 | Junior Research Fellow | Computer Science / IT / Data Science / AI & ML / Cyber Security / Big Data Analysis | 04 | Rs. 37,000/- |
| 3 | Junior Research Fellow | Mechanical / Metallurgy / Material Science / Manufacturing / Production Engineering | 10 | Rs. 37,000/- |
| 4 | Junior Research Fellow | Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering | 01 | Rs. 37,000/- |
| 5 | Research Associate (RA) | Electronics Engineering (RF/Microwave/Antenna desirable) | 01 | Rs. 67,000/- |
Total 24 posts: 23 JRF + 1 RA
Pay & Benefits
| JRF Stipend | Rs. 37,000/- per month |
| RA Stipend | Rs. 67,000/- per month |
| Other Benefits | HRA, medical facilities and contingency grant admissible as per rules |
| Fellowship Duration | Initially 2 years, extendable as per rules for JRF |
| Absorption | Offer of fellowship does not confer any right for absorption in DRDO |
Required Documents
- CV/Bio-data as per the enclosed proforma, filled in the candidate's own handwriting
- Self-attested copies of educational qualification certificates
- NET/GATE scorecard
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- Other relevant documents supporting claims made in the application
- A recent passport-size photograph affixed on the right top corner of the Bio-data
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer, for candidates already employed in Government/PSU/Autonomous Bodies
Important Instructions
- Shortlisted candidates called for interview/written test are eligible for reimbursement of actual train/bus fare by the shortest route, limited to sleeper class railway fare, as per rules.
- Candidates must be ready to take up duties assigned anywhere in India.
- Furnishing false or concealed information can lead to summary termination of the fellowship without prior notice.
- Queries can be directed to ARDE on 020-25865680 / 020-25865295.
Application Address
| Send Application To | The Director, Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Armament Post, Pashan, Pune - 411 021 |
| Mode of Application | Offline (by post) only |
| Contact Numbers | 020-25865680 / 020-25865295 |
Important Links
| Download Official Notification (PDF) | Click Here ↗ |
| Official Website (DRDO Vacancy Notice) | Click Here ↗ |
Important Questions
Q. When does the online application for DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for 24 Junior Research Fellow & Research Associate Posts start?
Ans. Online applications start on 21 Jul 2026.
Q. What is the last date to apply for DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for 24 Junior Research Fellow & Research Associate Posts?
Ans. The last date to apply online is 31 Aug 2026.
Q. What is the age limit for DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for 24 Junior Research Fellow & Research Associate Posts?
Ans. maximum age 28 years for JRF; 35 years for Research Associate years (as on date of interview). See the official notification for age relaxation.
Q. What is the educational qualification for DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for 24 Junior Research Fellow & Research Associate Posts?
Ans. 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 equivalent M.Sc. 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/IT/Computer Applications/Data Science/AI & ML/Cyber Security/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/Material Science/Manufacturing/Production Engineering in first division with NET/GATE, OR M.E./M.Tech in equivalent disciplines in first division at both levels. 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 levels. Research Associate (RA): Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering 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. Candidates with M.Sc./B.E./B.Tech qualifications must hold a valid UGC/CSIR/NET/GATE score.
Q. How to apply for DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for 24 Junior Research Fellow & Research Associate Posts?
Ans. Use the official link in the Important Links section on this page, or apply through the official website of Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune - a DRDO Lab before the last date.
Q. What is the official website of Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune - a DRDO Lab?
Ans. The official website link is provided in the Important Links section above.
Disclaimer: SarkariPitara is not an official government website. The information above is aggregated from the official notification for quick reference. Candidates must read the official notification carefully and verify all details from the official website before applying.