Introduction
The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, which is a part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced a new job opportunity. This notice is for Indian citizens who want to work as Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA). This is a good chance for those with specific engineering and science backgrounds. There are a total of 24 vacancies available. These posts are open in different fields like Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical, Metallurgy, Aerospace, and RF/Microwave. If you have the right qualifications and meet the age limits, you can apply for these positions. The application process for these jobs is offline. You need to send your application form by post. The last date to make sure your application reaches the office is 31st August 2026. It is very important to send your application on time. Before you apply, please read the full official notification carefully. This page gives you all the important details in simple language. However, the official PDF has all the rules and information you need to follow. Make sure you understand all the requirements before filling out the form. Recruitment Overview
DRDO ARDE has released a job notice for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) posts. There are 24 vacancies in total. See the main details below. | Particulars | Details |
| Company Name | Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune - a DRDO Lab |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Research Associate (RA) |
| No of Posts | 24 (23 JRF + 1 RA) |
| Salary | JRF: Rs. 37,000 per month; RA: Rs. 67,000 per month (plus HRA, medical, contingency) |
| Qualification | B.E./B.Tech/M.Sc./M.Tech with NET/GATE for JRF; Ph.D. or M.E./M.Tech with 3 years R&D for RA |
| Age Limit | JRF: 28 years; RA: 35 years (maximum, with relaxation) |
| Last Date | 31 August 2026 |
| Apply Mode | Offline (by post) |
| Job Type | Fellowship (initially 2 years, extendable for JRF) |
Important Dates
It is important to know the key dates for this recruitment. Check the application deadline carefully. | Event | Date |
| Advertisement Number | ARDE/JRF-RA/2026 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Application | 31st August 2026 (Monday) |
| Advertisement Release Date | As per official notification |
| Interview/Written Test Date | Will be communicated via email to shortlisted candidates |
| Admit Card Release Date | As per official notification |
| Result Date | As per official notification |
Vacancy Details
DRDO ARDE has 24 vacancies for JRF and RA posts. Here is the breakdown by post and discipline. | Sl. No. | Post Discipline/Field | Vacancies |
| 1 | Junior Research Fellow (Electronics / Electronics & Communication / Applied Physics / Applied Optics (Laser & Fiber Optics/Photonics)) | 08 |
| 2 | Junior Research Fellow (Computer Science / IT / Data Science / AI & ML / Cyber Security / Big Data Analysis) | 04 |
| 3 | Junior Research Fellow (Mechanical / Metallurgy / Material Science / Manufacturing / Production Engineering) | 10 |
| 4 | Junior Research Fellow (Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering) | 01 |
| 5 | Research Associate (RA) (Electronics Engineering (RF/Microwave/Antenna desirable)) | 01 |
| Total Vacancies | 24 (23 JRF + 1 RA) |
Eligibility
To apply for these posts, candidates must meet certain education and other rules. Read the requirements below. | Criteria | Requirement |
| Nationality | Indian Nationals |
| Educational Qualification (JRF - Electronics group) | B.E./B.Tech in Electronics/Electronics & Communication/Applied Electronics/Signal Processing/Microwave/Microelectronics/Power Electronics/Instrumentation & Control/Applied Physics/Applied Optics (Laser & Fiber Optics/Photonics) in first division with NET/GATE; OR M.Sc. in equivalent disciplines in first division with NET/GATE; OR M.Tech/M.E. in equivalent disciplines in first division at both graduate and postgraduate level. |
| Educational Qualification (JRF - Computer Science group) | B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science/Computer Engg./IT/Computer Applications/Information Science/Data Science/Software Engg./Cyber Security/AI & ML/Big Data Analysis with NET/GATE; OR M.Sc. (Computer Science) in first division with NET/GATE. |
| Educational Qualification (JRF - Mechanical group) | B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical/Metallurgy/Metallurgical Engg./Material Engg./Material Science/Manufacturing Engg./Production Engg. in first division with NET/GATE; OR M.E./M.Tech in equivalent disciplines in first division at both graduate and postgraduate level. |
| Educational Qualification (JRF - Aerospace group) | B.E./B.Tech in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering in first division with NET/GATE; OR M.Tech/M.E. in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering in first division at both graduate and postgraduate level. |
| Educational Qualification (Research Associate (RA)) | Ph.D. in Electronics Engg. from a reputed institution, OR M.E./M.Tech with a minimum of 3 years' R&D experience in a reputed institution. Candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis may also apply, but the associateship will be awarded only after the degree is conferred, within the validity period of the offer. |
| Additional Requirements | For M.Sc./B.E./B.Tech qualifications, a valid UGC/CSIR/NET/GATE score is mandatory. For RA, at least one research paper publication in a JCR/SCI-listed refereed journal is mandatory. Experience in RF/Microwaves/Antenna is desirable for RA. |
| Final Year Students | As per official notification |
Age Limit
There is a maximum age limit for these posts. Age relaxation is also available for some categories. | Post/Category | Age Limit (as on date of interview) |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 28 years |
| Research Associate (RA) | 35 years |
| Age Relaxation for SC/ST candidates | 5 years |
| Age Relaxation for OBC candidates | 3 years |
Application Fee
The official notification does not mention any application fee for these posts. | Category | Fee |
| All Candidates | As per official notification |
Selection Process
The selection for these posts will involve an interview or written test for shortlisted candidates. | Stage | Process |
| Stage 1 | Shortlisting of candidates based on application and eligibility. |
| Stage 2 | Interview and/or Written Test for shortlisted candidates. Dates will be communicated via email. |
| Stage 3 | Document Verification: Selected candidates must bring original certificates for verification at the time of the interview. |
Salary
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend along with other benefits. | Post Name | Pay Scale |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Rs. 37,000 per month |
| Research Associate (RA) | Rs. 67,000 per month |
| Additional Benefits | HRA, medical facilities, and contingency grant are also admissible as per applicable rules. |
Documents Required
- CV/Bio-data (as per the enclosed proforma, filled in candidate's own handwriting)
- Self-attested copies of educational qualification certificates (from Matric/10th onwards)
- NET/GATE scorecard (if applicable)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Other relevant documents supporting claims made in the application
- A recent passport-size photograph (affixed on the right top corner of the Bio-data)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer (if employed in Government/Public Sector Undertakings/Autonomous Bodies)
How to Apply
- Download or get the Bio-data proforma from the official advertisement.
- Fill the Bio-data form in your own handwriting. Include your personal details, educational qualifications, experience (if any), and NET/GATE/CSIR/UGC qualification details.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph on the top right corner of the Bio-data.
- Attach self-attested copies of all necessary certificates.
- Sign the declaration section of the form.
- Write the name of the post you are applying for on the envelope (superscribe).
- Send the completed application to: The Director, Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Armament Post, Pashan, Pune - 411021.
- Make sure your application reaches the office on or before 31st August 2026 (Monday).
FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are there in DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026?
Ans: There are a total of 24 vacancies for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) posts.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for DRDO ARDE JRF/RA posts?
Ans: The last date to send your application by post is 31st August 2026.
Q3. What is the application mode for DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026?
Ans: You need to apply offline by sending your completed application form by post.
Q4. What is the salary for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) posts?
Ans: Junior Research Fellows (JRF) will get Rs. 37,000 per month, and Research Associates (RA) will get Rs. 67,000 per month, plus other benefits.
Q5. What is the age limit for these posts?
Ans: The maximum age is 28 years for JRF and 35 years for RA, as on the date of interview. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories.
Q6. Is there any application fee for DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026?
Ans: As per the official notification, no application fee is mentioned for these posts.