DRDO DMRL Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), a DRDO research laboratory based in Hyderabad, has invited applications for Junior Research Fellowships under advertisement number DMRL/HRD/JRF/2026/01. Indian nationals with the required engineering or physics qualifications, including the relevant GATE or NET credentials where required, can apply for the discipline suited to their background.

There are 18 fellowship positions across four codes: Metallurgical Engineering/Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Physics. Applications must be sent by email within 21 days of the advertisement being published on the DRDO website; the publication date has not yet been specified in the supplied schedule. Selection involves shortlisting followed by an interview in Hyderabad.

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

DMRL has advertised 18 JRF vacancies across four fellowship codes. The notification notes that the number of positions ultimately filled will depend on candidates’ performance and suitability in the interview or assessment. The Director, DMRL may leave positions unfilled if suitable candidates are not available.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

JRF01 — Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science: Applicants need a first-class B.E./B.Tech. in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering or Materials Technology from a UGC-recognised university, together with a valid GATE score. Alternatively, candidates may qualify with a first-class M.E./M.Tech. in a listed relevant discipline and a first-class B.E./B.Tech. in the relevant discipline from a UGC-recognised university.

JRF02 — Mechanical Engineering: The qualification is a first-class B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university and a valid GATE score, or a first-class M.E./M.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering along with a first-class B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering.

JRF03 — Chemical Engineering: Candidates need a first-class B.E./B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university and a valid GATE score, or a first-class M.E./M.Tech. in Chemical Engineering together with a first-class B.E./B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering.

JRF04 — Physics: Applicants must have an M.Sc. in Physics with First Division from a UGC-recognised university and a valid NET qualification. For candidates applying on the basis of a B.E./B.Tech. qualification, a valid GATE score is essential. The GATE paper must correspond to the applied discipline and qualifying degree; the applicable NET or GATE score must remain valid on the interview date.

Age Limit

The upper age limit is 28 years, calculated as of the interview closing date specified by DMRL. Age relaxation is 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates, or as provided under applicable Government guidelines. Applicants claiming caste-based relaxation must attach a self-attested copy of their caste certificate.

Application Fee

The supplied notification details do not specify an application fee.

How to Apply

1. Visit the DRDO website and download the prescribed application form, which is provided as an Excel sheet.
2. Complete every field in the Excel sheet. Enter marks in percentage form; if your university reports CGPA or CPI, include the university-issued supporting document showing its conversion to percentage.
3. Prepare scans of the required supporting documents in the order listed below. Combine those documents, excluding the Excel application form, into a single PDF file.
4. Attach the completed Excel sheet and the single PDF to an email addressed to dmrlhrd@gmail.com. Send the application within 21 days of the advertisement’s publication on the DRDO website.
5. Name both the Excel sheet and the PDF starting with the post serial number from the advertisement followed by your name. The notification gives “2Srinivas” as an example for an application in Mechanical Engineering.
6. Check that the form is complete and that all applicable documents are attached before sending. Incomplete or partly completed forms may be rejected without further notice.

Arrange the supporting documents in this order: B.E./B.Tech. final certificate and consolidated marksheet; M.E./M.Tech. certificate and marksheet, if applicable; valid GATE scorecard; Aadhaar card or another government photo ID; self-attested passport-size photograph; experience certificate, if applicable; caste certificate, if applicable; no-objection certificate from the current employer, if applicable; papers published in journals or conferences; and any other relevant documents. Applications missing required supporting material will not be considered at shortlisting.

Salary & Pay Scale

Selected JRFs will receive a stipend of INR 37,000 per month plus HRA in accordance with DRDO rules. The fellowship is temporary and has a maximum tenure of four years. The initial offer is for two years and may be extended for a further two years on the recommendation of the Internal Screening Committee. After two years, a JRF may be elevated to Senior Research Fellow (SRF), subject to assessment, satisfactory performance and DRDO guidelines. The fellowship does not give the fellow a right to absorption into DRDO. Medical facilities for the fellow alone will be available through the DRDO MI Room.

Selection Process

DMRL will first shortlist eligible candidates. For candidates whose qualifying degree is B.E./B.Tech. or M.Sc., shortlisting will consider a valid GATE or NET score, as applicable. For candidates with an M.E./M.Tech. degree, the percentage of marks in that degree will be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview in Hyderabad; the date will be communicated later. Candidates must bring their original certificates for verification and a set of self-attested copies to the interview.

Eligible Indian nationals should check the DRDO website for the advertisement’s publication date and email a complete application to DMRL within the 21-day submission period. Review the eligibility conditions and document requirements carefully before sending your application.