DRDO DYSL SM JRF Recruitment 2026: Apply for Fellowship

DRDO DYSL SM Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Young Scientists' Laboratory for Smart Materials (DYSL-SM) has announced a recruitment drive for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF). This is a temporary position for a project focused on developing smart material technology solutions for national defence.

Job Highlights

DRDO DYSL-SM is looking for candidates to work on projects involving smart materials for robotic applications, including shape memory alloys and piezoelectric materials. The fellowship is for an initial period of two years, with potential for upgradation to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) based on DRDO guidelines.

Important Dates

Candidates interested in this fellowship must attend the walk-in interview on the specified date:

Latecomers will not be allowed to attend the interview.

Vacancy Details

The recruitment is for one (01) Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Junior Research Fellow position, candidates must meet the following educational and age requirements:

Candidates must possess one of the following qualifications:

• B.E/B.Tech. in Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering with First Class and a valid GATE score.
• M.E./M.Tech. with First Class in Mechanical/Mechatronics/Robotics & Automation/Machine Design/Solid Mechanics, along with a B.E/B.Tech in Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering with First Class.

Only candidates who have completed their course and been awarded their degree or provisional certificate are eligible to apply.

Working knowledge in the following areas is considered desirable:

• Finite element packages
• CAD
• 3D Printing
• Composite Materials
• Basic electronics and instrumentation

The maximum age limit for JRF is 28 years as on the date of application. The age limit is relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates, as per Government of India guidelines. A self-attested copy of the caste certificate must be attached with the application.

Fellowship Emoluments (Salary)

Selected candidates will receive a fellowship amount of Rs. 37,000/- per month for JRF, along with applicable House Rent Allowance (HRA) and other emoluments as per DRDO rules.

Selection Process

The selection of eligible candidates will be based on the following:

• GATE score
• Marks secured in their degree
• Fulfillment of desirability criteria
• Relevant work experience (if any)

A panel of candidates for anticipated vacancies will be prepared based on the interview. This panel will be valid for one year. However, empanelment does not guarantee a fellowship offer, which depends on vacancies arising during the year. The Director, DYSL-SM reserves the right to not select any candidate if suitable ones are not found.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates need to appear for a walk-in interview. They must bring all original certificates and submit a prescribed application form with a recent passport-size photograph affixed. One set of self-attested copies of all relevant documents must also be submitted.

The application form can be downloaded from the DRDO website (www.drdo.gov.in) under the 'Vacancies' section. Duly filled application forms with supporting documents in PDF format (below 10MB) should be submitted online via email to the address specified in the official notification.

Documents Required

Candidates appearing for the walk-in interview must bring the following:

• All original certificates (Degrees, Academic qualification certificates, Mark Sheets, Experience Certificates, etc.)
• One set of self-attested copies of all Degrees/Academic qualification certificates/Mark Sheets/Experience Certificates etc.
• Prescribed application form with a recent passport-size photograph affixed.
• Self-attested copy of caste certificate (if claiming age relaxation).
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer, if currently working in Government/Public Sector Undertaking/Autonomous bodies.

Important Instructions

• The GATE score must be valid as on the date of the interview in the specified subject.
• Candidates already awarded a JRF position in any DRDO Laboratory/Centre earlier are not eligible to apply again.
• No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining if selected.
• The offer of fellowship does not grant any right for absorption in DRDO.
• DYSL-SM reserves the right to amend, modify, or cancel the advertisement.
• The number of fellowships may increase or decrease based on requirements.

FAQs

What is the position being advertised?

The position is for a Junior Research Fellow (JRF).

Where is the interview being held?

The walk-in interview will be held at DRDO Young Scientists Laboratory for Smart Materials (DYSL-SM), AMTL Campus (near DMRL), Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad – 500058.

What is the last date to apply?

The walk-in interview is scheduled for 06.10.2026. Latecomers will not be allowed.

What is the required educational qualification?

Candidates need a B.E/B.Tech in Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering with First Class and a valid GATE score, OR M.E./M.Tech with First Class in relevant specializations and a B.E/B.Tech in Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering with First Class.

What is the age limit for the JRF position?

The maximum age limit is 28 years, with relaxations for SC/ST (5 years) and OBC (3 years) candidates.

What is the fellowship amount per month?

The fellowship emolument is Rs. 37,000/- per month, plus applicable HRA and other allowances as per DRDO rules.

Is there any application fee?

Not specified in the official notification.

How will candidates be selected?

Selection will be based on GATE score, academic marks, desirability criteria, and work experience, followed by an interview.

Important Links

Official Website → Click Here

Notification PDF → Click Here