DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 Notice Out: 21 Research Associate and JRF New Posts for Graduates & Postgraduates Available

• DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad has announced 21 Research Associate and Junior Research Fellow positions across engineering and science disciplines.
• Candidates with PhD, MTech, MSc or BE/BTech qualifications can apply depending on the fellowship, with GATE/NET/SLET required for specified JRF qualification routes.
• Applications must be sent offline through Speed Post or Courier and reach RCI by September 13, 2026; no application fee is required.

Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence, has invited applications for 21 Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions. The fellowships cover research areas including Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Electronics, Physics, Chemistry and other engineering disciplines.

The DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 notification provides two Research Associate vacancies and 19 Junior Research Fellow positions. Candidates must submit their applications offline through Speed Post or Courier, with September 13, 2026 specified as the last date for receipt of applications.

The maximum age is 35 years for Research Associates and 28 years for JRF applicants as of August 1, 2026. The fellowships are initially for two years, with the JRF tenure extendable subject to the applicable conditions.

DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 Notification

The recruitment is being conducted by Research Centre Imarat at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad. The positions are purely on a fellowship basis and do not constitute regular employment with DRDO.

RCI Hyderabad Vacancy Details

Most openings are for Junior Research Fellows, with 19 positions available. Two Research Associate posts cover engineering and Physics research areas.

Research Associate Eligibility

Research Associate – RA-01

Applicants can qualify through a PhD in one of the specified research areas, including:

• Computer Science Engineering, Data Science or Artificial Intelligence with research involving Deep Learning/Machine Learning
• Mechanical, Structural or Aerospace Engineering involving areas such as design, fabrication, stress analysis and FEA
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering with specialization in Power Electronics
• Electronics & Communication Engineering with specialization in RF & Microwave or Radar

Alternatively, candidates may possess a First Class MTech in the relevant discipline along with at least three years of research experience and a minimum of one research paper published in an SCI journal, subject to the notification conditions.

Research Associate – RA-02

Candidates should possess a PhD in Physics.

Alternatively, applicants with a First Class MSc in Physics can qualify with four years of relevant research experience in areas such as Experimental Quantum Optics, Laser Physics or Electro-optics, along with at least one SCI journal research paper.

JRF Educational Qualification

The 19 Junior Research Fellow vacancies cover several engineering and science disciplines.

Candidates can qualify with a First Class BE/BTech in an applicable discipline together with a valid GATE score. Relevant engineering branches include:

• Electrical & Electronics Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronics & Communication Engineering
• Computer Science Engineering
• Information Technology
• Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering

Candidates may also qualify through a First Class BE/BTech followed by ME/MTech in the relevant field, subject to the discipline-specific requirements.

For science disciplines, candidates with a First Class MSc in Chemistry or Physics must possess the applicable valid NET, GATE or SLET qualification.

Applicants should verify the exact discipline mapping against the individual JRF positions before submitting their applications.

Age Limit

The age limits will be determined as of August 1, 2026.

The upper age limit is relaxable by five years for SC/ST candidates and three years for OBC candidates, as applicable under Government of India rules.

Fellowship Tenure and Stipend

Both RA and JRF engagements are offered on a fellowship basis.

Candidates should refer to the detailed notification for the applicable monthly fellowship and other admissible benefits.

Application Fee

There is no application fee for DRDO RCI Research Associate and JRF Recruitment 2026.

RCI Research Posts Selection Process

Applications will initially be scrutinized and shortlisted based on the prescribed criteria, including academic performance and research work, as applicable.

Shortlisted candidates may subsequently be called for a Written Test and/or Interview depending on the post and selection requirements. Original documents will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

Candidates employed with Government departments, PSUs or autonomous organizations must produce a No Objection Certificate at the interview stage if called.

Important Dates

How to Apply for DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026

Applications must be submitted in offline mode. RCI will not accept applications through email.

1. Obtain the prescribed application format provided with the RCI recruitment notification.
2. Complete the application with the required personal, educational, research and experience details.
3. Attach self-attested copies of educational qualifications, experience certificates, applicable category certificates and other supporting documents prescribed in the notification.
4. For an RA application, superscribe the envelope with “APPLICATION FOR THE VACANCY OF RESEARCH ASSOCIATE.”
5. JRF applicants should superscribe the envelope with “APPLICATION FOR THE VACANCY OF JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOW.”
6. Send the completed application only through Speed Post or Courier to:

Head HRD
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex
Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
PO – Vigyana Kancha
Hyderabad, Telangana – 500069

The completed application should reach RCI by September 13, 2026. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.

Application form, details & registration

Also Read

BSIP Recruitment 2026 for 19 Scientist B Posts

BPSSC Recruitment 2026 for 250+ Range Officers, Sub-Inspectors / SI, Company Commander / Gulm Senapati and Other Posts

IOCL Executive Recruitment 2026 Notification Issued for Graduate Engineer, Officer and Diploma Engineer Posts, Apply Online by September 3

ISRO LPSC Recruitment 2026: Applications Invited for 19 Technical Assistant, Technician, Draughtsman and Fireman Vacancies