
ARDE DRDO JRF & Research Associate Recruitment 2026 | Apply for 24 Fellowships @ drdo.gov.in
Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, a premier laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released the official notification for the recruitment of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA). ARDE invites applications from young and meritorious Indian Nationals for a total of 24 fellowships in various disciplines including Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical, Metallurgy, Aerospace, and related fields.
Interested and eligible candidates can apply by sending their Bio-data in the prescribed format to the Director, ARDE, Pune on or before 31 August 2026. Candidates are advised to check the educational qualifications, age limits, and experience requirements carefully before applying. Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview/written test through email only.
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About ARDE & DRDO
Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune is a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India. ARDE is engaged in cutting-edge research and development in the field of armament systems, including conventional munitions, explosives, propellants, and advanced weapon systems for defence applications.
DRDO is the premier research and development organization of the Ministry of Defence, responsible for the development of state-of-the-art defence technologies and systems. ARDE, as one of its key laboratories, plays a vital role in strengthening India's defence capabilities through indigenous technology development in the armament sector.
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Recruitment Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization | ARDE, DRDO (Ministry of Defence) |
| Advertisement No. | ARDE/JRF-RA/2026 |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA) |
| Total Fellowships | 24 (23 JRF + 01 RA) |
| Application Mode | Offline (By Post) |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 August 2026 |
| Fellowship Amount (JRF) | ₹37,000/- per month |
| Fellowship Amount (RA) | ₹67,000/- per month |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 21 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 31 August 2026 |
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Fellowship Details
| Sl. No. | Category | No. of Vacancies | Stipend (per month) |
| 1 | JRF (Electronics & Related Fields) | 08 | ₹37,000/- |
| 2 | JRF (Computer Science & Related Fields) | 04 | ₹37,000/- |
| 3 | JRF (Mechanical, Metallurgy & Related Fields) | 10 | ₹37,000/- |
| 4 | JRF (Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering) | 01 | ₹37,000/- |
| 5 | Research Associate (RA) | 01 | ₹67,000/- |
| Total | 24 |
Educational Qualification
1. JRF (Electronics & Related Fields) - 08 Posts
- B.E./B.Tech (Electronics/Electronics & Communication/Applied Electronics/Signal Processing/Microwave/Microelectronics/Microwave Engg./Power Electronics/Electronics & Instrumentation/Instrumentation and Control/Applied Physics/Applied Optics with specialization in laser and fiber optics/Photonics) in first division with NET/GATE qualification.
- OR M.Sc. in Electronics/Electronics & Communication/Applied Electronics/Signal Processing/Microwave/Microelectronics/Microwave Engg./Power Electronics & Instrumentation/Instrumentation and Control/Applied Physics/Applied Optics with specialization in laser and fiber optics/Photonics in first division with NET/GATE qualification.
- OR M.Tech/M.E. (Electronics/Electronics & Communication/Applied Electronics/Signal Processing/Microwave/Microelectronics/Microwave Engg./Power Electronics/Electronics & Instrumentation/Instrumentation and Control/Optoelectronics/Applied Optics/Laser & Electro Optics) in first division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level.
- B.E./B.Tech (Computer Science/Computer Engg./Computer Science & IT/Computer Applications/Information Science/Informatics & Networking/Data Science/Software Engg./Cyber Security/AI & ML/Bigdata Analysis) with NET/GATE qualification.
- OR M.Sc. (Computer Science) in first division with NET/GATE qualification.
- B.E./B.Tech (Mechanical/Metallurgy/Metallurgical Engg./Material Engg./Material Science/Manufacturing Engg./Production Engg.) in first division with NET/GATE qualification.
- OR M.E./M.Tech (Mechanical/Metallurgy/Metallurgical Engg./Material Engg./Material Science/Manufacturing Engg./Production Engg.) in first division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level.
- B.E./B.Tech (Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering) in first division with NET/GATE qualification.
- OR M.Tech/M.E. (Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering) in first division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level.
- Ph.D (Electronics Engg.) from reputed institution.
- OR M.E./M.Tech with minimum 03 years of R&D experience in a reputed institution.
- Candidates who have submitted their Ph.D thesis may also apply. However, Research Associateship shall be awarded only after the candidate has been awarded the degree, before the expiry of the validity of the award offer.
- Candidate must have at least one research paper publication in standard refereed journal as listed in Journal Citation Report (JCR) or Science Citation Indexed (SCI) Journal.
- Desirable: Experience in the field of RF/Microwaves/Antenna.
Age Limit & Relaxation
- JRF: Maximum 28 Years (as on date of Interview)
- RA: Maximum 35 Years (as on date of Interview)
- Age Relaxation: SC/ST - 5 Years, OBC - 3 Years
Fellowship Benefits
- JRF: ₹37,000/- per month
- RA: ₹67,000/- per month
- HRA, Medical facilities and Contingency grant shall also be admissible as per rules.
Selection Process
- Shortlisting of applications based on eligibility criteria.
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for Interview and/or Written Test.
- Interview and/or Written Test dates will be sent through email only for shortlisted candidates.
- Selected candidates should bring a copy of Bio-data and original certificates for verification during the time of interview.
How to Apply
- Download the Bio-data format (Application Form) from the official DRDO/ARDE website.
- Fill the Bio-data as per the prescribed format.
- Affix a recent passport size photograph on the right top corner of the Bio-data.
- Send the duly filled Bio-data along with self-attested copies of:
- Educational Qualification Certificates
- NET/GATE Scorecard
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Experience Certificates (if applicable)
- Publications (if any)
- Other relevant documents
- The Bio-data is to be addressed to:
The Director,
Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE),
Armament Post, Pashan,
PUNE - 411 021
- Superscribe the envelope with "Name of the Post" applied for.
- Applications should reach the office on or before 31 August 2026.
Required Documents
- Duly filled Bio-data (Application Form) with passport size photograph
- Self-attested copies of all Educational Qualification Certificates & Mark Sheets
- NET/GATE Scorecard
- Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
- Experience certificates (if applicable)
- No Objection Certificate (for candidates working in Govt/PSU/Autonomous Bodies)
- Publications (if any)
- Ph.D Thesis submission certificate (for RA candidates)
- Any other relevant documents
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Important Links
| Description | Link |
| Official Website | Visit Here |
| Official Notification & Application Form | Download PDF |
| Help Desk Phone | 020-25865680 / 020-25865295 |
| Help Desk Email | As per official website |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for ARDE JRF & RA Recruitment 2026?
- The last date to submit the application is 31 August 2026.
- A total of 24 fellowships (23 JRF + 01 RA) have been announced.
- JRF: ₹37,000/- per month; RA: ₹67,000/- per month. HRA, Medical facilities and Contingency grant are also admissible as per rules.
- JRF: Maximum 28 Years; RA: Maximum 35 Years. Age relaxation: SC/ST - 5 Years, OBC - 3 Years.
- Interview and/or Written Test dates will be sent through email only for shortlisted candidates. Candidates should regularly check their registered email ID.
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Disclaimer: The above information is provided for informational purposes only. Candidates are advised to visit the official website of DRDO/ARDE (www.drdo.gov.in) and read the official notification carefully before applying. We do not claim any responsibility for the accuracy of the information. All the information provided is collected from the official notification and is subject to change. Please verify all details from the official source.