The Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), a DRDO laboratory under the Ministry of Defence located at Ahilyanagar in Maharashtra, has announced recruitment for Junior Research Fellow positions. A total of five fellowships are on offer in the Mechanical Engineering discipline. The fellows will work on defence vehicle research, covering areas such as armoured fighting vehicles, high mobility carrier systems and related technologies, on a contractual basis through a walk-in selection process.
DRDO VRDE Recruitment 2026 - Junior Research Fellow Posts
Posted 28 Sept 2026Updated 28 Sept 2026
Total Vacancies
5
Last Date
27 Sept
Closed
Apply Mode
Walk-in
Contract
Status
Application Closed
Recruitment status
Exam held on 06 Oct 2026
- Notification18 Sept
- Walk-in06 Oct
- Walk-in Held06 Oct
- Exam Held06 Oct
About DRDO VRDE Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026
Job Overview
- Organization
- Vehicle Research and Development Establishment
- Post Name
- Junior Research Fellow (Mechanical Engineering)
- Job Location
- Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra
- Who Can Apply
- Candidates from anywhere in India
- Job Type
- Contract
- Age Limit
- Up to 28 years
- Gender
- All
- Nationality
- Indian
- Credentials Required
- Valid GATE score (2024/2025/2026)
- Pay Scale
- Rs. 37,000 per month (stipend) plus House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Vacancy Breakdown
Junior Research Fellow (Mechanical Engineering)
5
| Post Name | Total |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (Mechanical Engineering) | 5 |
Eligibility Details
Junior Research Fellow (Mechanical Engineering)
B.E/B.Tech in first division with valid GATE score (2024/2025/2026) or M.E/M.Tech in first division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level in Mechanical Engineering.
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (Mechanical Engineering) | B.E/B.Tech in first division with valid GATE score (2024/2025/2026) or M.E/M.Tech in first division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level in Mechanical Engineering. |
Age Limit
Maximum 28 years
Age Relaxation
5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC (Non-creamy layer)
Application Fee
All Categories
Nil
Salary Structure
Rs. 37,000 per month (stipend) plus House Rent Allowance (HRA)
How to Apply
- 1Send your willingness by email to the VRDE address with the subject line 'Application for the post of Junior Research Fellow'.
- 2Report at the VRDE campus in Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra between 08:30 am and 11:00 am on the walk-in day.
- 3Carry the duly filled application form with a recent passport-size photograph pasted on it.
- 4Bring all original documents and one set of self-attested photocopies including ID proof, educational certificates, GATE scorecard and category certificate.
- 5Appear for document verification followed by the written test.
- 6Attend the interview if shortlisted.
Reporting Venue
VRDE, Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar - 414006, Maharashtra
Reporting time: 08:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Candidates must first send their willingness by email by 27 September 2026. On the walk-in day, applications are accepted from 08:30 am to 11:00 am and document verification is done between 08:30 am and 11:00 am. The written test is held after scrutiny of documents on the same day, and the interview is conducted the next day, or from 08:31 am onward on the following day if the number of candidates is large. Candidates must carry the prescribed application form with a recent passport-size photograph, all original documents and one set of self-attested photocopies. Electronic items such as mobile phones and smart watches are strictly prohibited inside the VRDE campus.
Documents to Carry / Upload
•Duly filled application form with passport-size photograph
•ID proof
•Educational certificates
•GATE scorecard
•Experience certificate (if any)
•Category certificate (if applicable)
•One set of self-attested photocopies of all documents
Important Details
- Only GATE scores of 2024, 2025 and 2026 are accepted.
- The offer of fellowship does not confer any right to absorption in DRDO.
- Candidates already employed in a government department or PSU must produce a No Objection Certificate from the employer at the time of interview.
- Electronic items such as mobile phones and smart watches are strictly prohibited inside the VRDE campus.
- Incomplete applications are rejected during screening.
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