DRDO DRL JRF & RA Recruitment 2026

Organization: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Laboratory: Defence Research Laboratory (DRL)
Ministry: Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Recruitment: Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) & Research Associate (RA) Recruitment 2026
Advertisement No.: DRL/JRF-RA/Interview/03/2026
Advertisement Date: 7 August 2026
Published on DRDO Website: 11 August 2026
Total Vacancies: 6
JRF Vacancies: 5
RA Vacancies: 1
Application/CV Mode: Email
Last Date to Send CV: 4 September 2026
Walk-in Interview Date: 11 September 2026
Selection Process: Walk-in Interview
Location: Tezpur, Assam

Vacancy Details

The number of fellowships may vary depending on laboratory requirements.

JRF – Pharmacy / Chemistry

Vacancies: 3

Qualification:

M.Pharm / M.S. (Pharm) / M.Tech (Pharm)

OR

M.Tech in Pharmaceutics / Pharmacology & Toxicology / Pharmacology / Pharmaceutical Chemistry

OR

M.Sc. in Chemistry with NET qualification.

JRF – Life Sciences

Vacancy: 1

Qualification: M.Sc. in any of the following disciplines with NET qualification:

Zoology
Microbiology
Biotechnology
Life Sciences
Environmental Sciences

JRF – Biochemistry

Vacancy: 1

Qualification: M.Sc. in Biochemistry with NET qualification.

Research Associate (RA) – Microbiology

Vacancy: 1

Qualification: Ph.D. in Microbiology

Desirable Specialization: Agriculture Microbiology / Soil Microbiology.

Age Limit

JRF: Maximum 28 years

RA: Maximum 35 years

Age is calculated as on the date of interview.

SC/ST Age Relaxation: 5 years
OBC Age Relaxation: 3 years

Stipend

Junior Research Fellow (JRF): ₹37,000 per month + HRA

Research Associate (RA): ₹67,000 per month + HRA

Fellowship Duration

JRF

Initial Duration: 2 years

Based on performance, the fellowship may be upgraded to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) and extended for the 3rd and 4th years, if required.

RA

Duration: 2 years.

Application Fee

Application Fee: No application fee is specified in the official advertisement.

Selection Process

Selection Mode: Walk-in Interview

The walk-in interview will be conducted on:

Date: 11 September 2026

Reporting Time: 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Important: Admission will be closed after 10:00 AM.

Interview Location

Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), DRDO
Solmara Military Station
Dekargaon
Tezpur – 784001
Assam, India

How to Apply

Candidates must complete the prescribed CV/Application Form – Appendix A.

The completed CV must be sent by email on or before:

4 September 2026

Email: hrd.drl@gov.in

Candidates must then attend the walk-in interview at DRL, Tezpur on 11 September 2026.

Documents Required

Candidates must bring their original certificates/testimonials and Aadhaar Card at the time of interview.

Candidates should also carry:

Completed application form
Original educational certificates
Original mark sheets
NET/GATE/GPAT qualification proof, where applicable
Experience certificates, if applicable
Category certificate, if applicable
Aadhaar Card
Copies of published research papers
Copy of thesis, where applicable
One photocopy set of all documents

Self-attested copies of degrees, academic qualifications, mark sheets and experience certificates should be attached to the application.

Important Conditions

Candidates must possess their degree or provisional degree certificate to be eligible.

Candidates who have already received a DRDO fellowship/associateship need not apply.

Candidates currently working in Government Departments, PSUs or Autonomous Bodies must send their application through the proper channel and produce an NOC from their employer at the interview.

No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or joining.

The fellowship does not provide any right to permanent absorption/employment in DRDO.

Contact Details

Contact Numbers: 03712-258508 / 258836

Email: hrd.drl@gov.in

Important Dates

Advertisement Date: 7 August 2026
Published on DRDO Website: 11 August 2026
Application Start: 11 August 2026
Last Date to Send CV: 4 September 2026
Walk-in Interview: 11 September 2026
Reporting Time: 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Entry Closes: 10:00 AM

Official Links

DRDO DRL JRF & RA Recruitment 2026 Official Page

Official Advertisement & Application Form PDF