DRDO DMRL Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 18 Posts

DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026 Overview

The table below summarises the key details of the DMRL JRF notification.

About DMRL: according to the notification, DMRL is one of the premier research laboratories of DRDO. It was established in 1963 to meet the needs of complex materials for modern defence applications. Its mission is to develop advanced materials, innovative process technologies and related product engineering supported by basic and applied research, and its vision is to be a centre of excellence for providing total materials solutions for defence systems.

DMRL JRF Vacancy 2026

DMRL has announced 18 JRF vacancies. The vacancies are divided among four fellowship codes as shown below.

The notification does not give a category-wise (reservation) breakdown of these vacancies. It also states that the number of vacancies actually filled will depend on the performance and suitability of candidates in the interview/assessment, and that the Director, DMRL reserves the right not to fill the positions if suitable candidates are not available.

DMRL JRF Important Dates

DMRL JRF Last Date

The notification states that the last date of receiving an application is 21 days after the date of publication of the advertisement on the DRDO website. The notification itself does not mention the publication date, so a fixed last date cannot be confirmed from the document. Applicants are advised to monitor https://www.drdo.gov.in for any updates or changes.

DMRL JRF Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet the following conditions given in the notification:

• Applicants must be Indian nationals.
• Candidates must hold the essential educational qualification for the fellowship code they are applying for (see the qualification section below).
• Only candidates who have been awarded a Degree or Provisional Certificate (applicable for B.Tech. or M.Tech., as the case may be) are eligible to apply.
• A valid GATE score is essential for candidates having B.E. / B.Tech.
• The upper age limit is 28 years as on the closing date of the interview (relaxations apply as described below).
• Those who were already in JRF positions in any of the DRDO laboratories / Centres earlier are not eligible to apply again.
• Candidates serving in Govt. or Govt. owned organizations must produce an NOC from their respective Department / Employer at the time of interview, failing which they will not be allowed to appear for the interview, or they should apply through proper channels.

DMRL JRF Qualification

The essential educational qualification differs by fellowship code. For JRF-01 to JRF-03, two alternative qualification routes are given. For JRF-04, an M.Sc. in Physics with NET qualification is required.

Important points on qualification from the notification:

• The GATE paper and the subject of the qualifying degree must be related to the subject / discipline against which the candidate is applying.
• The NET / GATE score should be valid as on the date of interview in the aforementioned subjects.
• Marks obtained in the qualifying exams must be mentioned as a percentage in the Excel sheet. Candidates need to submit a supporting document, issued by the concerned University, for converting CGPA / CPI to the equivalent percentage.

DMRL JRF Age Limit

The upper age limit for JRF is a maximum of 28 years as on the closing date of the interview.

The notification states that the upper age limit is relaxable for SC/ST by 5 years and OBC by 3 years, or as per Government guidelines. A copy of the self-attested caste certificate is mandatory to be attached with the application.

Before submitting the application, candidates are advised to verify that they meet the required age criteria. Use our Age Calculator to calculate your exact age as per the official cut-off date.

DMRL JRF Salary and Benefits

Selected JRFs will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000/- plus HRA as per DRDO Rules.

Tenure and Career Progression

The post is temporary and the maximum tenure is four years. Initially, the offer is for a period of two years, which may be extended for a further two years subject to Internal Screening Committee recommendations. After two years, following an assessment and subject to satisfactory performance as per DRDO guidelines, a JRF can be elevated to the position of SRF.

The offer does not confer on the candidate any right for absorption in DRDO under any circumstances. JRF candidates may be allowed to register for a part-time PhD (if selected) with any University / Institution during the tenure of the fellowship, upon approval of the Director, DMRL.

DMRL JRF Selection Process

The selection process in the notification has two main parts: shortlisting and an interview.

1. Shortlisting: Eligible candidates for the JRF interview will be shortlisted based on valid NET / GATE score for candidates having only B.E. / B.Tech. / M.Sc. degree, and based on percentage of marks in M.E. / M.Tech. for candidates having an M.E. / M.Tech. degree.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview on a date to be intimated later. The venue is at Hyderabad.
3. Document verification: At the time of interview, candidates must produce original certificates for verification along with a set of self-attested copies of the certificates.

Applications without the required supporting documents will not be considered during shortlisting. Incomplete, unfilled or partially filled Excel sheets are liable for rejection and no intimation will be made in this regard.

The notification also states that the final decision on the award of fellowship is entirely at the discretion of the Selection Committee of the Lab, and that the management of DMRL reserves the right to amend, cancel or suspend the selection process at any time without assigning any reason.

How to Apply for DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026

Candidates can follow these steps, based on the application procedure in the notification:

1. Download the application form (Excel sheet) available on www.drdo.gov.in.
2. Fill in all the entries of the Excel sheet completely. Mention marks obtained in the qualifying exams as a percentage.
3. Scan all supporting documents (everything except the Excel application form) together as a single PDF document, in the order listed below.
4. Name both files (the Excel sheet and the PDF) starting with the Sl. No. of the post as per the advertisement, followed by the name of the candidate. For example, "2Srinivas" means applying in the Mechanical Engineering discipline.
5. Send both documents together, i) the completely filled Excel sheet and ii) the PDF of all scanned certificates, to [email protected].

Documents Required (in the Given Order)

1. B.E. / B.Tech. final certificate and consolidated Marksheet
2. M.E. / M.Tech. Certificate and Marksheet (if applicable)
3. Valid GATE Score Card
4. Aadhar Card / Any other Govt. Photo ID Card
5. Self-attested passport size photograph
6. Experience Certificate (if applicable)
7. Caste Certificate (if applicable)
8. NOC from present employer (if applicable)
9. Papers published in Journals / Conferences
10. Any other relevant documents

Note that the notification lists a valid GATE score card as a document, and also states that supporting documents for converting CGPA / CPI to equivalent percentage must be issued by the concerned University. The NET qualification document for JRF-04 is not listed separately in the document list; candidates may attach it under relevant documents, as the notification requires a valid NET qualification for that post.