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DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026: GOVT. OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEFENCE R&D ORGANISATION (DRDO), DRDO YOUNG SCIENTISTS LABORATORY – CT, has released a notification for the recruitment of Junior Research Fellow (JRF). DRDO invited applications for a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position at its DRDO Young Scientists Laboratory – Cognitive Technology (DYSL-CT), Chennai. The recruitment is aimed at young engineering graduates and postgraduates interested in research in areas such as cognitive technology, communication engineering, machine learning and embedded systems.
According to the official advertisement dated 11 August 2026, there is currently one JRF vacancy under this recruitment. The fellowship will initially be offered for two years and may be extended by another two years, subject to the applicable rules.
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights
| Details | Information |
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Laboratory | DRDO Young Scientists Laboratory – Cognitive Technology |
| Post | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Vacancy | 1 |
| Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Maximum Age | 28 years |
| Fellowship | Rs.37,000 per month + applicable HRA |
| Selection Process | Interview |
| Fellowship Duration | Initially 2 years |
| Advertisement Date | 11 August 2026 |
| Application Mode | Post or Email |
Who Can Apply for DRDO JRF Recruitment?
Candidates from both computer-related and selected core engineering backgrounds can apply, provided they meet the prescribed academic conditions.
For the computer-related stream, candidates must have a first-class B.E./B.Tech degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Science or an equivalent engineering discipline from an AICTE-recognised institution or university, along with CSIR-UGC NET or GATE qualification.
Candidates with a professional postgraduate degree, such as M.E./M.Tech, in the relevant computer-related engineering discipline can also apply if they have secured first division at both the graduate and postgraduate levels.
The notification also provides opportunities for candidates from Electrical, Electronics, Telecommunication and Instrumentation Engineering or equivalent disciplines. For B.E./B.Tech candidates in these fields, first division along with CSIR-UGC NET or GATE qualification is required. M.E./M.Tech candidates from these disciplines may also apply if they have first division at both graduation and postgraduation levels.
Desired Skills
Although these are listed as desirable qualifications rather than the basic eligibility criteria, candidates with relevant technical skills may have an advantage.
The notification specifically mentions:
- Algorithm design and analysis
- C, C++, Python and HMI development
- Open-source system development frameworks
- Machine learning algorithms
- Communication engineering and DSP algorithms
- Embedded systems and design
- Cognitive technologies
This makes the position particularly relevant for candidates interested in combining software, artificial intelligence, communication systems and embedded technology with defence research.
DRDO JRF Age Limit
The maximum age of the candidate should be 28 years as on the last date for receipt of applications.
Relaxation in the upper age limit for SC, ST and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates will be available according to applicable government rules.
DRDO JRF Salary
Selected candidates will receive a fellowship of ₹37,000 per month plus applicable HRA.
The notification states that no other allowance will be paid during the fellowship period.
For candidates planning a career in research and development, the opportunity is notable because the work will be carried out under a DRDO laboratory focused on cognitive technology and related defence research.
Official Notification: Download
Selection Process
The selection will be based on an interview.
DRDO will communicate the interview date, time, venue and other details to shortlisted candidates through email. Candidates are also advised to check the DRDO website for updates and results.
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How to Apply for DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026
Candidates need to submit the prescribed application form along with self-attested copies of their educational qualifications and relevant experience documents.
The application can be submitted through either of the following methods:
By Post:
Director,
DRDO Young Scientists Laboratory – Cognitive Technology,
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO),
E-Block, 5th Floor, IIT Madras Research Park,
Taramani, Chennai – 600113.
By Email:
vasanth.dysl-ct@gov.in
Candidates sending their application by post have to superscribe the envelope with “Application for JRF Recruitment”. Applications in PDF format along with supporting documents can also be sent by email.
The notification states that applications should reach the laboratory within 21 days from the date the advertisement is published in Employment News/newspaper. Therefore, candidates should check the actual publication date before calculating their final submission deadline.
Important Note for Government Employees
Candidates currently working in a government department, public sector undertaking or autonomous body must apply through the proper channel.
Such applicants are required to inform their Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) about their application and submit the required No Objection Certificate at the time of the interview. The notification includes separate formats for the declaration and NOC in Annexures II and III.
Is This a Permanent DRDO Job?
No. Candidates should carefully understand this point before applying.
The JRF fellowship is temporary and for a limited period under the applicable rules. Selection as a JRF does not provide any right to permanent employment in DRDO. Candidates who have already been awarded a JRF position at any DRDO laboratory, centre or establishment are also not eligible to apply again.
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026: Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is mainly suitable for engineering graduates and postgraduates who want to work in research-oriented areas connected with artificial intelligence, machine learning, communication systems, DSP, embedded systems and cognitive technologies.
Candidates should carefully check their degree discipline, first-division requirement, GATE/CSIR-UGC NET condition wherever applicable, age and supporting documents before submitting the application.
The official advertisement and application formats are available through the DRDO website under the DYSL-CT, Chennai JRF recruitment section.
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026: Quick Summary
DRDO’s DYSL-CT Chennai has announced one Junior Research Fellow vacancy with a fellowship of Rs.37,000 per month plus applicable HRA. Eligible candidates from computer science, electrical, electronics, telecommunication, instrumentation and equivalent engineering backgrounds can apply subject to the specific qualification conditions. The selection will be through an interview, and applications must reach the concerned laboratory within the prescribed 21-day period from newspaper/Employment News publication.
Candidates interested in defence research should read the complete official advertisement carefully before applying, particularly the qualification requirements and application instructions.
