RCI DRDO Research Associate & JRF Recruitment 2026 | Apply Offline for 21 RA & JRF Posts @ drdo.gov.in
Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has released a notification for the position of Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellows (JRF). The RCI DRDO Research Associate & JRF Recruitment 2026 notification (Advertisement No. RFS/HRD/RCI/2026) was published on 17 August 2026. Vacancies have been announced for Research Associateship and Junior Research Fellowships in various disciplines including Electronics, Electrical, CSE, Mechanical, Physics, Aeronautical/Aerospace, Chemistry, and Metallurgy. Eligible candidates can apply offline through the prescribed format. The last date to submit the application is 13 September 2026.
This is an excellent opportunity for Ph.D. holders, postgraduate candidates, and engineering graduates to join India's premier defence research organization at the prestigious Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex.
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About Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO
Research Centre Imarat (RCI) is a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), located in Hyderabad. It is part of the prestigious Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex and is engaged in research and development of advanced missile systems and cutting-edge defence technologies. RCI has been at the forefront of India's indigenous missile development programme, contributing significantly to strategic defence capabilities. The centre offers excellent research opportunities for young scientists and engineers.
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Recruitment Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO / Ministry of Defence |
| Advertisement No. | RFS/HRD/RCI/2026 |
| Post Name | Research Associate (RA) & Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | RA: 02, JRF: 19+ (Various Disciplines) |
| Application Mode | Offline (Speed Post / Courier Only) |
| Fellowship Period | RA: 2 Years, JRF: 2 Years (extendable up to 4 years) |
| Job Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Official Website | https://www.drdo.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 17 August 2026 |
| Employment News Publication Date | 14 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 13 September 2026 (30 days from publication) |
Vacancy Details - Research Associate (RA)
| Sl. No. | Discipline | Vacancies |
| 1 | Electronics / Electrical / CSE / Mechanical / Physics | 02 |
| Total | 02 |
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Vacancy Details - Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
| Sl. No. | Discipline | Vacancies |
| 1 | Electronics & Communication Engineering | 05 |
| 2 | Electrical & Electronics Engineering | 03 |
| 3 | Computer Science & Engineering / Information Technology | 02 |
| 4 | Mechanical Engineering | 05 |
| 5 | Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering | 02 |
| 6 | Chemistry | 01 |
| 7 | Metallurgy | 01 |
| Total | 19+ |
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Educational Qualification - Research Associate (RA)
RA-01 (CSE / Mechanical / EEE / ECE):
- Ph.D. in Computer Science / Data Science / Artificial Intelligence with specialization in Deep Learning/Machine Learning
- OR Ph.D. in Mechanical Engg. / Structural Engg. / Aerospace Engg. with research in design, fabrication, stress analysis & FEA
- OR Ph.D. in EEE with research in Power Electronics
- OR Ph.D. in ECE with research in RF & Microwave / Radar Engg.
- OR First Class M.Tech in relevant discipline with 3 years research experience and at least 1 research paper in SCI journal
- Ph.D. in Physics OR First Class M.Sc in Physics with 4 years research experience in Experimental Quantum Optics / Laser Physics / Electro-optics and at least 1 research paper in SCI journal
Educational Qualification - Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
- Option 1: First Class B.E./B.Tech in relevant discipline (ECE/EEE/CSE/IT/Mechanical/Aero/Aerospace/Chemical/Metallurgy) with valid GATE Score
- Option 2: First Class B.E./B.Tech with M.E./M.Tech in relevant field
- Option 3: First Class M.Sc in Chemistry/Physics with valid NET/GATE/SLET
Age Limit (as on 01.08.2026)
- Research Associate (RA): Maximum 35 years
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Maximum 28 years
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
Fellowship Stipend
- Research Associate (RA): As per Government of India norms (Ministry of Defence letter)
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): As per Government of India norms (Ministry of Defence letter)
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Selection Process
For Research Associate (RA):
- Screening of applications based on relevance of research work experience / Ph.D thesis
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for Interview
- Screening based on percentage
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for Written Test / Interview or both
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How to Apply for RCI DRDO RA & JRF Recruitment 2026
- Step 1: Visit the official DRDO website https://www.drdo.gov.in and download the advertisement and application format.
- Step 2: Fill the application form in the prescribed format (typed) with all required details.
- Step 3: Attach self-attested copies of educational qualifications, experience certificates, and a recent passport-size color photograph.
- Step 4: Superscript on the envelope:
- For RA: "APPLICATION FOR THE VACANCY OF RESEARCH ASSOCIATE"
- For JRF: "APPLICATION FOR THE VACANCY OF JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOW"
- Step 5: Send the application by Speed Post / Courier only to the following address:
- Address: HEAD HRD, DR. APJ ABDUL KALAM MISSILE COMPLEX, RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT (RCI), PO- VIGYANA KANCHA, HYDERABAD, TELANGANA - 500 069
- Step 6: Ensure the application reaches within 30 days from the date of publication of advertisement (i.e., by 13 September 2026).
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Documents Required
- Duly filled Application Form (typed)
- Recent Passport Size Color Photograph
- Self-attested copies of Educational Qualification Certificates (from Matriculation onwards)
- Self-attested copies of Mark Sheets
- Experience Certificates (if applicable)
- GATE / NET / SLET Score Card (if applicable)
- Research Publications (for RA candidates only)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhar Card Copy
- 10th Certificate / Birth Certificate (for age proof)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer (if applicable)
Important Links
| Description | Link |
| Official Website (DRDO) | Click Here |
| DRDO Career Page | Click Here |
| Download Advertisement & Application Form | Click Here |
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Important Instructions
- Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply.
- Candidates who are NOT meeting the eligibility criteria must NOT apply.
- Only OFFLINE applications will be accepted. No Email applications will be accepted.
- Applications must be sent by Speed Post / Courier only.
- Candidates working in Govt./PSU/Autonomous bodies must produce NOC at the time of Interview.
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending the test/interview or for joining.
- The offer of RA/JRF does not confer any right for absorption in DRDO.
- The period of service as RA/JRF will not be counted in any post of DRDO.
- Incomplete applications will be summarily rejected.
- Number of posts may vary without prior notice.
- All original certificates must be produced at the time of joining for verification.
Contact Details
- Organization: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO
- Address: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, PO- Vigyana Kancha, Hyderabad, Telangana - 500 069
- Phone: 040-24306635
- Email: hrd.apply@gov.in
- Official Website: https://www.drdo.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for RCI DRDO RA & JRF Recruitment 2026?
- The last date to submit the application is 13 September 2026 (30 days from the date of publication of advertisement).
- 02 vacancies for Research Associate and 19+ vacancies for Junior Research Fellow across various disciplines.
- The application mode is offline only. Applications must be sent by Speed Post/Courier to the address mentioned in the notification.
- For Research Associate: Maximum 35 years. For Junior Research Fellow: Maximum 28 years. Age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC candidates.
- For RA: Screening followed by Interview. For JRF: Screening followed by Written Test/Interview or both.
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Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for informational purposes based on the official RCI DRDO Research Associate & JRF Recruitment 2026 Notification (Advertisement No. RFS/HRD/RCI/2026). Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before applying. All information including vacancy numbers, eligibility criteria, and dates are as per the official advertisement. In case of any discrepancy, the official notification issued by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO shall prevail. Keep checking the official DRDO website for updates on recruitment-related information.