DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 Notice Out for 5 Mechanical Engineering Vacancies, Walk-In Selection on October 6

• DRDO VRDE is recruiting 5 Junior Research Fellows in Mechanical Engineering with a ₹37,000 monthly stipend plus HRA.
• Candidates need the prescribed BE/B.Tech with GATE or ME/M.Tech qualification.
• Willingness must be emailed by September 27, with the test and interview on October 6, 2026.

The Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced recruitment for five Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions in Mechanical Engineering. The research fellowships will be based at VRDE in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, with selected candidates receiving ₹37,000 per month plus HRA.

Candidates with a First Division BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and a valid GATE score from 2024, 2025 or 2026 can participate. The recruitment is also open to candidates with ME/M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering who secured First Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.

Unlike a conventional online recruitment process, candidates intending to participate must first communicate their willingness through the email address specified in the official advertisement by September 27. The selection proceedings are scheduled for October 6, 2026 and will include document verification, a written test and personal interview.

DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 Notification

VRDE is conducting the recruitment for Junior Research Fellow positions as a temporary research fellowship engagement. The advertised openings are specifically for the Mechanical Engineering discipline.

VRDE Junior Research Fellow Vacancy Details

All five vacancies have been announced for candidates from the Mechanical Engineering discipline.

The fellowship is temporary in nature and does not constitute a regular appointment in DRDO.

Age Limit

The maximum age for the VRDE JRF recruitment is 28 years as on the date of the walk-in interview.

The OBC relaxation applies to candidates belonging to the Non-Creamy Layer category.

VRDE JRF Stipend

Selected Junior Research Fellows will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 plus HRA as admissible under the applicable rules.

The recruitment is for a research fellowship and candidates should not treat the engagement as a regular DRDO appointment.

Selection Process

VRDE will conduct the selection proceedings at its Ahilyanagar establishment. Candidates will first have their documents checked before proceeding to the assessment stages.

The selection process comprises:

1. Document Verification
2. Written Test
3. Personal Interview

The main selection proceedings are scheduled for October 6, 2026. The information provided also lists October 7 as a walk-in interview date if required.

No TA/DA will be paid to candidates for attending the selection process.

Important Dates

Important Links

Documents Required for VRDE JRF Walk-In

Candidates should bring the prescribed application form along with original certificates for verification. They should also carry one set of self-attested photocopies of the required educational, age, identity and category documents.

Applicants relying on the BE/B.Tech route should ensure that they have documentary proof of their valid GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026 score. Passport-size photographs and other documents specified in the official advertisement should also be carried to the venue.

How to Apply for DRDO VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026

The VRDE JRF application process involves prior email intimation followed by physical participation in the selection process.

1. Read the VRDE Junior Research Fellow advertisement and confirm that you meet the Mechanical Engineering qualification and age requirements.
2. Send an email expressing willingness to participate to the email address specified in the official notification by September 27, 2026.
3. Download and complete the prescribed JRF application form.
4. Prepare the required original certificates and one set of self-attested copies, including educational qualification, GATE score where applicable, age proof, identity proof and category certificate.
5. Report to VRDE, Ahilyanagar on October 6, 2026 according to the reporting instructions in the advertisement.
6. Complete document verification and participate in the written test and personal interview.

Candidates should arrive at the venue within the prescribed reporting time. Sending the willingness email by the deadline is mandatory for participation.