DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026: Walk-in for 18 JRF, Research Associate Posts on September 1

Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced 18 research vacancies for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions. Candidates from Civil, Mechanical, Electronics, Electrical, Computer Science and related engineering disciplines can participate according to the post requirements. Want to know the qualification, subject-wise vacancies, stipend, age limit and interview details? Complete information is provided below.

The DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026 includes 16 Junior Research Fellow and two Research Associate vacancies for defence-related research projects. Selection will be conducted through a walk-in interview on September 1, 2026 at the DIHAR Base Station in Chandigarh. JRF candidates will receive ₹37,000 per month plus HRA, while Research Associates will receive ₹67,000 per month plus HRA. There is no application fee.

DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026

DRDO DIHAR Vacancy Details 2026

Of the 18 positions, 16 have been allocated to Junior Research Fellows and two to Research Associates. The vacancies cover several engineering disciplines relevant to DIHAR’s research requirements.

DIHAR JRF Subject-Wise Vacancies

For the Junior Research Fellow positions, two vacancies are available for Civil Engineering and four for Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Engineering & Production. The remaining 10 positions are available across Electronics and allied engineering disciplines.

Candidates should verify that their exact degree discipline is covered by the official notification before appearing for the interview.

DIHAR Research Associate Vacancies

Two Research Associate positions have been announced. One vacancy is for candidates from Computer Science/Information Technology Engineering, while another covers Electronics, Electrical and related engineering disciplines.

DRDO DIHAR JRF Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for Junior Research Fellow posts should have a B.E./B.Tech degree in the relevant discipline in First Division along with a valid GATE score. Alternatively, candidates possessing M.Tech can qualify provided they have secured First Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.

The maximum age for JRF applicants is 28 years as on September 1, 2026. Relaxation in the upper age limit will be applicable to eligible SC, ST and OBC candidates according to Government of India rules.

DRDO DIHAR Research Associate Eligibility

For the Research Associate position, candidates need an M.Tech in the relevant subject along with at least three years of research, teaching or design and development experience after completing M.Tech.

Applicants must also have at least one research paper published in an SCI journal. The maximum age for Research Associate candidates is 35 years as on September 1, 2026, with applicable relaxation for reserved categories under Government of India rules.

DRDO DIHAR JRF and RA Stipend

The fellowship amount differs between the two positions. Junior Research Fellows will receive ₹37,000 per month plus HRA, while Research Associates will receive ₹67,000 per month plus HRA.

Candidates should note that these are research fellowship/associate positions and should refer to the detailed DRDO notification for tenure, continuation and other fellowship conditions.

Age Limit

The upper age limit will be calculated as on the date of the walk-in interview, September 1, 2026.

SC, ST and OBC applicants can claim age relaxation where applicable in accordance with Government of India orders. Candidates claiming relaxation should carry the required valid category certificates.

Selection Process

DRDO DIHAR will initially screen candidates on the basis of their qualifications and prescribed eligibility requirements. Eligible candidates will then participate in the walk-in interview.

Original certificates will be checked during the recruitment process, making it important for candidates to carry complete educational, age and experience documentation. Final selection will be based on the prescribed screening and interview procedure.

DRDO DIHAR Walk-in Interview Date and Venue

The walk-in recruitment will be conducted on September 1, 2026. Candidates have been asked to report at 8:45 AM so that screening and document verification can be completed before the interview.

Candidates should reach the venue on time, as eligibility screening will form part of the walk-in recruitment procedure.

Application Fee

There is no application fee for the DRDO DIHAR JRF and Research Associate recruitment. Eligible candidates can directly participate in the walk-in process with the prescribed documents.

How to Apply for DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026

1. Read the detailed DRDO DIHAR recruitment notification and confirm eligibility for the relevant engineering discipline.
2. Prepare a neatly typed bio-data containing the required personal, educational and professional information.
3. Carry original certificates supporting date of birth and essential educational qualifications.
4. Bring one self-attested photocopy of each required certificate.
5. Research Associate applicants should carry documents supporting their required research, teaching or design-development experience and research publication.
6. Candidates presently employed with a Government department, PSU or autonomous organization should carry an NOC, wherever required.
7. Report to DIHAR Base Station, Near 3 BRD, Industrial Area Phase-II, Chandigarh – 160002 by 8:45 AM on September 1, 2026.
8. Complete document verification and screening before appearing for the walk-in interview.
9. Candidates should make their own travel arrangements, as no TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Applicants should carefully match their engineering discipline with the subject specified for the JRF or RA vacancy. Candidates appearing for JRF positions through the B.E./B.Tech route should particularly ensure that they satisfy the First Division and valid GATE score requirements.

Research Associate applicants should also verify their post-M.Tech experience and SCI journal publication requirements before attending. Candidates should carry both original documents and the required self-attested copies to avoid problems during screening.

Important Links & Resources

Engineering graduates and postgraduates interested in defence research can consider this opportunity to work with a DRDO laboratory on specialized research projects. Eligible candidates should verify all requirements in the official notification, prepare their certificates and bio-data in advance, and report at the Chandigarh venue by 8:45 AM on September 1, 2026.

DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026 FAQs

How many vacancies are available in DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026?

A total of 18 positions have been announced, comprising 16 Junior Research Fellow and two Research Associate vacancies.

What is the stipend for DRDO DIHAR JRF?

Junior Research Fellows will receive ₹37,000 per month plus HRA.

What is the remuneration for Research Associate?

Research Associates will receive ₹67,000 per month plus HRA.

What is the age limit?

The maximum age is 28 years for JRF and 35 years for Research Associate as on September 1, 2026. Applicable category-based relaxation will be provided according to government rules.

Is a GATE score required for JRF?

Candidates applying with B.E./B.Tech in First Division require a valid GATE score. The notification also provides an M.Tech eligibility route subject to the prescribed First Division requirements.

When will the DRDO DIHAR walk-in interview be held?

The walk-in interview is scheduled for September 1, 2026, with reporting at 8:45 AM.

Is there an application fee?

No application fee is required for this recruitment.

Where will the interview be conducted?

The interview will be held at DIHAR Base Station, Near 3 BRD, Industrial Area Phase-II, Chandigarh – 160002.

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