The Defence Research Laboratory (DRDO) has announced recruitment for the positions of Junior Research Fellow and Research Associate. A total of 6 vacancies are available, and the last date to apply is 04 September 2026.
Defence Research Laboratory , Junior Research Fellow Recruitment: Overview
| Organization | Defence Research Laboratory , DRDO |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow, Research Associate |
| Advt No | DRL/JRF-RA/Interview/03/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 6 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | As per official notification |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |

Important Dates
The recruitment process includes specific dates that candidates need to keep in mind. Below are the important dates related to this recruitment drive.
| Last date for CV submission | 04 September 2026 |
| Walk-in Interview date | 11 September 2026 |
| Reporting time | 11 September 2026 |
Application Fee
As per official notification, there is no specific application fee mentioned for the recruitment process. Candidates are advised to check the official website for any updates regarding application fees.
Age Limit
Candidates must be aware of the age limit set for this recruitment. The maximum age limit is 35 years for all posts. Additionally, there is relaxation in the upper age limit for reserved categories.
| Maximum Age Limit | 35 years |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST – 5 years, OBC – 3 years |
Vacancy Details
The recruitment notification specifies the distribution of vacancies across different posts. Candidates should review the details to ensure they apply for the correct position.
| Post Name | Total Posts |
| Junior Research Fellow (Pharmaceutics/Pharmacology/Pharmaceutical Chemistry/Chemistry) | 3 |
| Junior Research Fellow (Zoology/Microbiology/Biotechnology/Life Sciences/Environmental Sciences) | 1 |
| Junior Research Fellow (Biochemistry) | 1 |
| Research Associate (Microbiology) | 1 |
| Total | 6 |
Eligibility and Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for the Junior Research Fellow and Research Associate positions must meet specific educational qualifications. The qualifications vary by post, and it is essential to ensure that you meet these criteria before applying.
| Post Name | Qualification |
| Junior Research Fellow (Pharmaceutics/Pharmacology/Pharmaceutical Chemistry/Chemistry) | M.Pharm/M.S(Pharm)/M.Tech(Pharm)/M.Tech in Pharmaceutics/Pharmacology & Toxicology/Pharmacology/Pharmaceutical Chemistry/MSc (with NET) in Chemistry |
| Junior Research Fellow (Zoology/Microbiology/Biotechnology/Life Sciences/Environmental Sciences) | MSc in Zoology/Microbiology/Biotechnology/Life Sciences/Environmental Sciences with NET |
| Junior Research Fellow (Biochemistry) | MSc in Biochemistry with NET |
| Research Associate (Microbiology) | Ph.D. in Microbiology (Desirable: Specialization in Agriculture Microbiology/Soil Microbiology) |
Salary and Pay Scale
The salary structure for the positions is competitive and varies based on the role. Below is the pay scale for the Junior Research Fellow and Research Associate positions.
| Post Name | Salary |
| Junior Research Fellow | Rs. 37000/- per month with HRA |
| Research Associate | Rs. 67000/- per month with HRA |
Selection Process
The selection of candidates will be based on a walk-in interview. Candidates should prepare accordingly to demonstrate their qualifications and suitability for the positions.
- Submission of application form.
- Participation in the walk-in interview.
- Verification of documents and qualifications.
- Final selection based on interview performance.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in applying for the positions should follow the steps outlined below to ensure their applications are submitted correctly.
- Visit the official website of DRL DRDO.
- Locate the recruitment section and find the Junior Research Fellow / Research Associate notification.
- Click on the Apply Online link to access the application form.
- Fill out the application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload the required documents, including a photograph, signature, and certificates in the prescribed format.
- Review all details carefully before submitting the application form.
- Submit the application before the deadline of 04 September 2026.
- Take a printout or save a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for the DRL DRDO recruitment?
The last date to apply is 04 September 2026.
Is there an application fee for the recruitment?
As per official notification, there is no specific application fee mentioned.
What is the age limit for the positions?
The maximum age limit is 35 years for all posts, with age relaxation for SC/ST and OBC candidates.
What is the selection process for the positions?
The selection process will be conducted through a walk-in interview.
How can I apply for the Junior Research Fellow and Research Associate positions?
Candidates can apply online through the official website of DRL DRDO before the last date.
| Defence Research Laboratory , Junior Research Fellow Recruitment – Important Links | |
|---|---|
| Download DRL DRDO Job 2026 Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Click here | Click Here |