DRDO DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026: Apply for 18 Posts
Introduction
The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), a premier research laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has announced recruitment for 18 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions. This opportunity is for young and meritorious Indian nationals interested in pursuing research in advanced materials and processing technologies. Candidates with essential qualifications such as B.E./B.Tech., M.E./M.Tech., or M.Sc. are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is 21 days after the date of publication of the advertisement on the DRDO website. This recruitment is a chance for eligible individuals to contribute to defence applications through materials research. All details regarding eligibility, application procedure, and selection process are available in the official notification. The official notification holds the final and authoritative details for this recruitment.

Recruitment Overview
Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Defence, has released an advertisement for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). The recruitment aims to fill 18 vacancies for JRF positions across various disciplines. The fellowship is temporary and has a maximum tenure of four years, with an initial period of two years extendable based on performance and screening committee recommendations. Selected candidates will receive a stipend and HRA as per DRDO rules. The offer of fellowship does not confer any right for absorption in DRDO.
Job Highlights
- Organisation: Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
- Post Name: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
- Total Vacancies: 18
- Location: Hyderabad
- Tenure: Maximum 04 years (initially 02 years, extendable)
- Stipend: Rs. 37,000/- per month plus HRA
- Application Mode: Email
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Receiving Application | 21 days after the date of publication of the advertisement on the DRDO website. |
Editor's note: The exact date of publication of the advertisement on the DRDO website is not provided in the source material. Therefore, candidates must calculate the last date based on the advertisement's publication date.
Vacancy Details
| Fellowship Code | Subject | Number of Vacancy | Essential Educational Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| JRF- 01 | Metallurgical Engg. / Materials Science | As per the official notification | B.E./ B.Tech. with first class in Metallurgical Materials Science/ Materials Engineering/ Engineering Materials Technology from UGC recognised University with valid GATE score OR M.E. / M.Tech. with first class in Metallurgical Engineering/ Materials Science/ Materials Engineering Materials Technology from UGC recognised university and B.E./ B.Tech. with first class in Metallurgical Engineering Materials Science / Materials Engineering Materials Technology from UGC recognised University |
| JRF- 02 | Mechanical Engg. | As per the official notification | B.E./ B.Tech. with first class in Mechanical Engineering from UGC recognised University with valid GATE score OR M.E. / M.Tech. with first class in Mechanical Engineering from UGC recognised university and B.E./ B.Tech. with first class in Mechanical Engineering from UGC recognised University |
| JRF- 03 | Chemical Engg. | As per the official notification | B.E./ B.Tech. with first class in Chemical Engineering from UGC recognised University with valid GATE score OR M.E. / M.Tech. with first class in Chemical Engineering from UGC recognised university and B.Ε./ B.Tech. with first class in Chemical Engineering from UGC recognised University |
| JRF- 04 | Physics | As per the official notification | M. Sc. in Physics with First Division from UGC recognised university with valid qualification. NET |
Editor's note: The official notification lists specific subjects and their corresponding qualifications but does not provide a breakdown of the total 18 vacancies per subject. The total number of vacancies is stated as 18 in the overview.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be young and meritorious Indian nationals. The specific educational qualifications required vary by discipline as detailed in the Vacancy Details section. A valid GATE score is essential for B.E./B.Tech. candidates applying for JRF-01, JRF-02, and JRF-03. For JRF-04 (Physics), a valid NET qualification is required.
Educational Qualification
The essential educational qualifications for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions are as follows:
- For JRF-01 (Metallurgical Engg. / Materials Science): B.E./ B.Tech. with first class in Metallurgical Materials Science/ Materials Engineering/ Engineering Materials Technology from a UGC recognised University with a valid GATE score, OR M.E. / M.Tech. with first class in Metallurgical Engineering/ Materials Science/ Materials Engineering Materials Technology from a UGC recognised university, along with a first-class B.E./ B.Tech. in the same disciplines from a UGC recognised University.
- For JRF-02 (Mechanical Engg.): B.E./ B.Tech. with first class in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC recognised University with a valid GATE score, OR M.E. / M.Tech. with first class in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC recognised university, along with a first-class B.E./ B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC recognised University.
- For JRF-03 (Chemical Engg.): B.E./ B.Tech. with first class in Chemical Engineering from a UGC recognised University with a valid GATE score, OR M.E. / M.Tech. with first class in Chemical Engineering from a UGC recognised university, along with a first-class B.Ε./ B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from a UGC recognised University.
- For JRF-04 (Physics): M. Sc. in Physics with First Division from a UGC recognised university with a valid NET qualification.
Only candidates who have been awarded their Degree / Provisional Certificates (applicable for B.Tech. or M.Tech. as the case may be) are eligible to apply.
Age Limit
The upper age limit for JRF is a maximum of 28 years as on the closing date of the interview. The upper age limit is relaxable for candidates belonging to SC/ST by 5 years and for OBC by 3 years, or as per Government guidelines. A self-attested caste certificate is mandatory to be attached with the applications for availing age relaxation.
Application Fee
As per the official notification, no application fee is mentioned.
Salary / Pay Scale
Selected Junior Research Fellows (JRF) will receive a stipend of Rs. 37,000/- per month, plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per DRDO Rules.
Selection Process
Eligible candidates will be shortlisted for the interview. The shortlisting criteria are as follows:
- For candidates with only B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc. degrees: Shortlisting will be based on a valid NET or GATE score.
- For candidates with M.E./M.Tech. degrees: Shortlisting will be based on the percentage of marks obtained in M.E./M.Tech.
The GATE paper and subject of the qualifying degree must be related to the subject/discipline against which the candidate is applying. The NET/GATE score must be valid as on the date of the interview.
Exam Details
The selection process involves an interview for shortlisted candidates. Specific details regarding the examination pattern, syllabus, or exam dates are not provided in the notification. The interview will be held in Hyderabad.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates are required to download the application form, which is an excel sheet available on the official DRDO website (www.drdo.gov.in). All entries in the excel sheet must be filled completely. The duly filled excel sheet, along with supporting documents, should be sent via email. The name of the excel sheet and the PDF file of scanned documents should start with the Sl. No. of the post followed by the candidate's name (e.g., 2Srinivas for Mechanical Engineering).
Documents Required
The following documents must be attached with the application form (excel sheet) in the given order:
- B.E./ B.Tech. final certificate and consolidated Marksheet
- M.E. / M.Tech. Certificate and Marksheet (if applicable)
- Valid GATE Score Card
- Aadhar Card / Any other Govt. Photo ID Card
- Self-attested passport size photograph
- Experience Certificate (if applicable)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- NOC from present employer (if applicable)
- Papers published in Journals/Conferences
- Any other relevant documents
All documents, except the application form (excel sheet), should be scanned as a single PDF document and sent along with the excel sheet via email.
Important Instructions
- Applications without the required attached supporting documents will not be considered during shortlisting.
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. At the time of the interview, original certificates must be produced for verification along with a set of self-attested copies.
- Incomplete or partially filled excel sheets are liable for rejection without any prior intimation.
- Candidates serving in Government or Government-owned organizations must produce a "NOC" from their employer at the time of the interview, or they should apply through proper channels.
- Those who have previously held JRF positions in any DRDO laboratories/centres are not eligible to apply again.
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining, if selected.
- The management of DMRL reserves the right to amend/cancel/suspend the selection process at any time.
FAQs
Q1: What is the last date to apply for the DRDO DMRL JRF recruitment?
A1: The last date for receiving applications is 21 days after the date of publication of the advertisement on the DRDO website.
Q2: What is the stipend for Junior Research Fellows?
A2: JRFs will receive a stipend of Rs. 37,000/- per month plus HRA as per DRDO Rules.
Q3: Is a GATE score mandatory for all JRF posts?
A3: A valid GATE score is essential for B.E./B.Tech. candidates applying for JRF-01, JRF-02, and JRF-03. For JRF-04 (Physics), a valid NET qualification is required.
Q4: What is the maximum tenure of the JRF fellowship?
A4: The maximum tenure for the JRF position is 04 years. Initially, it is for two years, extendable based on performance.
Q5: Can candidates who previously worked as JRF in DRDO apply again?
A5: No, candidates who were already in JRF positions in any of the DRDO laboratories/Centres earlier are not eligible to apply again.
Official Notification
The official notification PDF contains detailed information about the recruitment. Candidates are advised to read it carefully before applying.
Notification PDF → Click Here
Apply Online
Eligible candidates need to download the application form (excel sheet) from the DRDO website and submit it via email along with the required documents. There is no direct online application portal mentioned for submission.
Important Links
Official Website → Click Here
Notification PDF → Click Here
Source and Verification
This recruitment information has been compiled from the official advertisement released by the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The official notification PDF is the definitive source for all details, and candidates should refer to it for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Job Summary
| Board | Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) |
| State | All India |
| Qualification | B.Tech/B.E, M.E/M.Tech, M.Sc |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 27 Oct 2026 |
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Note: While every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, candidates are strongly advised to verify all details, including eligibility criteria, important dates, application procedures, and official notifications, from the respective official government websites before applying.