DRDO DMRL - Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026
โก Key Highlights at a Glance
๐ Recruitment Overview & Important Dates
| Recruitment Board | Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) |
|---|---|
| Post / Designation | Junior Research Fellow |
| Total Vacancies | 18 Posts |
| Salary / Pay Scale | Rs. 37,000/- per month plus HRA as per DRDO Rules |
| Job Location | All India |
| Application Start Date | 06 Oct 2026 |
| Application Deadline (Last Date) | 06 October 2026 |
| Age Limit | Not Mentioned in Official Notification |
| Application Fee | Not specified in the notification |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting followed by interview (venue: Hyderabad) |
๐ Eligibility Criteria & Vacancy Breakdown
Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has issued official recruitment 2026 for 18 Posts of Junior Research Fellow. Apply online before 2026-10-06.
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Candidates who are interested in applying for the DRDO DMRL Recruitment 2026 should first download and carefully read the official notification PDF. The notification contains complete details about vacancy distribution, eligibility criteria, age limit, stipend/salary, selection process, important dates, and application instructions. Reading the official document is important to ensure that you meet all requirements before submitting the application form.
Download DRDO DMRL Job 2026 Notification PDF
DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026 OverviewThe table below summarises the key details of the DMRL JRF notification.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) |
| Address | Kanchanbagh PO, Hyderabad – 500 058 |
| Advertisement No. | DMRL/HRD/JRF/2026/01 |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 18 |
| Eligible Applicants | Indian nationals |
| Application Mode | Filled Excel application form and documents sent by email |
| Email ID for Applications | [email protected] โ |
| Application Form Source | www.drdo.gov.in |
| Stipend | Rs. 37,000/- per month plus HRA as per DRDO Rules |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting followed by interview (venue: Hyderabad) |
| Application Fee | Not specified in the notification |
About DMRL: according to the notification, DMRL is one of the premier research laboratories of DRDO. It was established in 1963 to meet the needs of complex materials for modern defence applications. Its mission is to develop advanced materials, innovative process technologies and related product engineering supported by basic and applied research, and its vision is to be a centre of excellence for providing total materials solutions for defence systems.
DMRL has announced 18 JRF vacancies. The vacancies are divided among four fellowship codes as shown below.
| S No. | Fellowship Code | Subject | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF-01) | Metallurgical Engg. / Materials Science | 7 |
| 2 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF-02) | Mechanical Engg. | 7 |
| 3 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF-03) | Chemical Engg. | 2 |
| 4 | Junior Research Fellow (JRF-04) | Physics | 2 |
| Total | 18 | ||
The notification does not give a category-wise (reservation) breakdown of these vacancies. It also states that the number of vacancies actually filled will depend on the performance and suitability of candidates in the interview/assessment, and that the Director, DMRL reserves the right not to fill the positions if suitable candidates are not available.
DMRL JRF Important Dates| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 06-10-2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 21 days after the date of publication of the advertisement on the DRDO website |
| Interview Date | To be intimated later to shortlisted candidates |
DMRL JRF Last Date
The notification states that the last date of receiving an application is 21 days after the date of publication of the advertisement on the DRDO website. The notification itself does not mention the publication date, so a fixed last date cannot be confirmed from the document. Applicants are advised to monitor https://www.drdo.gov.in โ for any updates or changes.
To be eligible for DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet the following conditions given in the notification:
- Applicants must be Indian nationals.
- Candidates must hold the essential educational qualification for the fellowship code they are applying for (see the qualification section below).
- Only candidates who have been awarded a Degree or Provisional Certificate (applicable for B.Tech. or M.Tech., as the case may be) are eligible to apply.
- A valid GATE score is essential for candidates having B.E. / B.Tech.
- The upper age limit is 28 years as on the closing date of the interview (relaxations apply as described below).
- Those who were already in JRF positions in any of the DRDO laboratories / Centres earlier are not eligible to apply again.
- Candidates serving in Govt. or Govt. owned organizations must produce an NOC from their respective Department / Employer at the time of interview, failing which they will not be allowed to appear for the interview, or they should apply through proper channels.
The essential educational qualification differs by fellowship code. For JRF-01 to JRF-03, two alternative qualification routes are given. For JRF-04, an M.Sc. in Physics with NET qualification is required.
| Fellowship Code | Subject | Essential Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| JRF-01 | Metallurgical Engg. / Materials Science | B.E. / B.Tech. with first class in Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science / Materials Engineering / Materials Technology from a UGC recognised University with valid GATE score; or M.E. / M.Tech. with first class in Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science / Materials Engineering / Materials Technology from a UGC recognised university and B.E. / B.Tech. with first class in Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science / Materials Engineering / Materials Technology from a UGC recognised University. |
| JRF-02 | Mechanical Engg. | B.E. / B.Tech. with first class in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC recognised University with valid GATE score; or M.E. / M.Tech. with first class in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC recognised university and B.E. / B.Tech. with first class in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC recognised University. |
| JRF-03 | Chemical Engg. | B.E. / B.Tech. with first class in Chemical Engineering from a UGC recognised University with valid GATE score; or M.E. / M.Tech. with first class in Chemical Engineering from a UGC recognised university and B.E. / B.Tech. with first class in Chemical Engineering from a UGC recognised University. |
| JRF-04 | Physics | M.Sc. in Physics with First Division from a UGC recognised university with valid NET qualification. |
Important points on qualification from the notification:
- The GATE paper and the subject of the qualifying degree must be related to the subject / discipline against which the candidate is applying.
- The NET / GATE score should be valid as on the date of interview in the aforementioned subjects.
- Marks obtained in the qualifying exams must be mentioned as a percentage in the Excel sheet. Candidates need to submit a supporting document, issued by the concerned University, for converting CGPA / CPI to the equivalent percentage.
The upper age limit for JRF is a maximum of 28 years as on the closing date of the interview.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Age | 28 years as on the closing date of interview |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in the notification |
| Relaxation for SC / ST | 5 years |
| Relaxation for OBC | 3 years |
The notification states that the upper age limit is relaxable for SC/ST by 5 years and OBC by 3 years, or as per Government guidelines. A copy of the self-attested caste certificate is mandatory to be attached with the application.
Before submitting the application, candidates are advised to verify that they meet the required age criteria. Use ourAge Calculator to calculate your exact age as per the official cut-off date.
DMRL JRF Salary and BenefitsSelected JRFs will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000/- plus HRA as per DRDO Rules.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Rs. 37,000/- plus HRA as per DRDO Rules |
| Tenure | Temporary post with a maximum tenure of 04 (four) years |
| Medical Benefits | Medical facilities available in DRDO, for self only, extended through MI Room |
| TA/DA | No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining, if selected |
Tenure and Career Progression
The post is temporary and the maximum tenure is four years. Initially, the offer is for a period of two years, which may be extended for a further two years subject to Internal Screening Committee recommendations. After two years, following an assessment and subject to satisfactory performance as per DRDO guidelines, a JRF can be elevated to the position of SRF.
The offer does not confer on the candidate any right for absorption in DRDO under any circumstances. JRF candidates may be allowed to register for a part-time PhD (if selected) with any University / Institution during the tenure of the fellowship, upon approval of the Director, DMRL.
The selection process in the notification has two main parts: shortlisting and an interview.
- Shortlisting: Eligible candidates for the JRF interview will be shortlisted based on valid NET / GATE score for candidates having only B.E. / B.Tech. / M.Sc. degree, and based on percentage of marks in M.E. / M.Tech. for candidates having an M.E. / M.Tech. degree.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview on a date to be intimated later. The venue is at Hyderabad.
- Document verification: At the time of interview, candidates must produce original certificates for verification along with a set of self-attested copies of the certificates.
Applications without the required supporting documents will not be considered during shortlisting. Incomplete, unfilled or partially filled Excel sheets are liable for rejection and no intimation will be made in this regard.
The notification also states that the final decision on the award of fellowship is entirely at the discretion of the Selection Committee of the Lab, and that the management of DMRL reserves the right to amend, cancel or suspend the selection process at any time without assigning any reason.
How to Apply for DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026Candidates can follow these steps, based on the application procedure in the notification:
- Download the application form (Excel sheet) available on www.drdo.gov.in โ.
- Fill in all the entries of the Excel sheet completely. Mention marks obtained in the qualifying exams as a percentage.
- Scan all supporting documents (everything except the Excel application form) together as a single PDF document, in the order listed below.
- Name both files (the Excel sheet and the PDF) starting with the Sl. No. of the post as per the advertisement, followed by the name of the candidate. For example, "2Srinivas" means applying in the Mechanical Engineering discipline.
- Send both documents together, i) the completely filled Excel sheet and ii) the PDF of all scanned certificates, to [email protected] โ.
Documents Required (in the Given Order)
- B.E. / B.Tech. final certificate and consolidated Marksheet
- M.E. / M.Tech. Certificate and Marksheet (if applicable)
- Valid GATE Score Card
- Aadhar Card / Any other Govt. Photo ID Card
- Self-attested passport size photograph
- Experience Certificate (if applicable)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- NOC from present employer (if applicable)
- Papers published in Journals / Conferences
- Any other relevant documents
Note that the notification lists a valid GATE score card as a document, and also states that supporting documents for converting CGPA / CPI to equivalent percentage must be issued by the concerned University. The NET qualification document for JRF-04 is not listed separately in the document list; candidates may attach it under relevant documents, as the notification requires a valid NET qualification for that post.
- Candidature is liable to be rejected if canvassing in any form is noticed, or if any mismatch is noticed regarding age, qualification, discipline, percentage of marks or non-fulfilment of any of the criteria, before or after the interview.
- Award of fellowship cannot be claimed by any candidate as a matter of right. It is entirely at the discretion of the Selection Committee of the Lab, which may refuse to admit any candidate without assigning any reason.
- The offer of fellowship will under no circumstances confer on candidates any right of absorption in DRDO.
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining, if selected.
- Applicants are advised to monitor https://www.drdo.gov.in โ for any updates or changes.
- The decision of the DMRL management is final in all aspects of the selection process and binding. No appeal of any kind will be accepted, entertained or considered.
| Link Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Click here โ |
| Apply Email | Click here โ |
| Official Website | Click here โ |
The recruitment process is conducted by the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DRDO DMRL), located in Hyderabad, Telangana, for filling up various temporary research fellowship positions.
There are a total of 18 vacancies available for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) post across different engineering and science disciplines such as Metallurgy, Mechanical, Chemical, and Physics.
Candidates must possess a B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech degree in the relevant engineering discipline with a valid GATE score, or an M.Sc in Physics with a first division and a valid NET qualification.
The maximum age limit for applicants is 28 years. Age relaxations are provided for reserved categories such as SC, ST, and OBC candidates in accordance with government guidelines.
Selected candidates for the Junior Research Fellow position will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000/- along with House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per DRDO rules.
The last date for receiving the completed applications via email is 27-10-2026. Candidates are advised to submit their documents well before the deadline.
The application mode for this recruitment is strictly via Email. Candidates need to download the excel sheet application form, fill it out, scan all required documents into a single PDF, and send them to the designated email address.
The selection process involves shortlisting candidates based on their valid NET or GATE scores and academic percentages, followed by an interview of the shortlisted candidates conducted at Hyderabad.
No application fee is mentioned in the official notification for applying to the Junior Research Fellow positions at DRDO DMRL.
You can find the official notification details, download the application form from the official website www.drdo.gov.in, and check all important links directly within this recruitment article.