The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hyderabad has invited applications for 18 Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions through Advertisement No. DMRL/HRD/JRF/2026/01, published on 6 October 2026. The fellowship opportunities are available in Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Physics.
Applications are accepted through the official DMRL application workbook and supporting-document PDF sent by email. The DRDO vacancy page gives 27 October 2026 as the closing date. Selected JRFs receive a monthly stipend of ₹37,000 plus HRA as per DRDO rules.
This is a temporary research fellowship, not regular DRDO employment. The initial offer is for two years and may be extended for a further two years subject to the conditions stated in the advertisement.
DRDO DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), DRDO |
| Location | Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Position | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Advertisement | DMRL/HRD/JRF/2026/01 |
| Advertisement date | 6 October 2026 |
| Total JRF positions | 18 |
| Application start | 6 October 2026 |
| Last date | 27 October 2026 |
| Application method | Official Excel application + one supporting-document PDF sent by email |
| Monthly stipend | ₹37,000 + HRA as per DRDO rules |
| Tenure | Initially 2 years; extendable up to 4 years subject to DRDO conditions |
| Upper age limit | 28 years as specified in the notification, with applicable relaxations |
| Selection | Shortlisting followed by interview at Hyderabad |
| Official source | DRDO DMRL vacancy page |
Discipline-wise DMRL JRF Vacancies
| Fellowship code | Discipline | Positions |
|---|---|---|
| JRF-01 | Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science | 7 |
| JRF-02 | Mechanical Engineering | 7 |
| JRF-03 | Chemical Engineering | 2 |
| JRF-04 | Physics | 2 |
| Total | 18 |
The official vacancy arithmetic is 7 + 7 + 2 + 2 = 18.
Educational Qualification
| Discipline | Essential qualification |
|---|---|
| Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science | First-class B.E./B.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science / Materials Engineering / Materials Technology from a UGC-recognised university with valid GATE, or first-class M.E./M.Tech in the specified discipline together with first-class B.E./B.Tech in the specified discipline |
| Mechanical Engineering | First-class B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university with valid GATE, or first-class M.E./M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering together with first-class B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering |
| Chemical Engineering | First-class B.E./B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university with valid GATE, or first-class M.E./M.Tech in Chemical Engineering together with first-class B.E./B.Tech in Chemical Engineering |
| Physics | First-division M.Sc. in Physics from a UGC-recognised university with a valid NET qualification |
Only candidates who have already been awarded the applicable degree or provisional certificate are eligible for the JRF positions under the notification.
For B.E./B.Tech-only applicants, the advertisement expressly states that a valid GATE score is essential. The GATE paper and qualifying degree discipline must relate to the JRF discipline applied for. For Physics, the NET qualification must remain valid according to the recruitment conditions.
Age Limit
The official advertisement prescribes an upper age limit of 28 years for JRF, with:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Other categories | As per applicable Government guidelines |
The notification states the age condition with reference to the closing date specified in its selection conditions. Candidates should use the exact DRDO wording while assessing eligibility rather than assuming a different cut-off date.
Regal Naukri's Age Calculator can help calculate chronological age against the relevant cut-off date once confirmed from the DRDO notice. It is a preparation tool, not an eligibility decision.
JRF Stipend and Tenure
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly stipend | ₹37,000 |
| HRA | Payable as per DRDO rules |
| Initial tenure | 2 years |
| Maximum tenure | 4 years, subject to the notified extension conditions |
| Possible progression | JRF may be considered for elevation to SRF after two years subject to assessment and DRDO guidelines |
| Regular appointment right | None; fellowship does not confer a right to absorption in DRDO |
The advertisement also states that medical facilities available in DRDO may be extended to the fellow for self through the MI Room.
Application Fee
The official DMRL JRF advertisement does not prescribe an application fee. Applicants should still check the DRDO vacancy page for any corrigendum before sending the application.
Selection Process
Selection proceeds through shortlisting and interview.
For candidates with only B.E./B.Tech or M.Sc., shortlisting is based on the relevant valid GATE / NET score. For candidates holding M.E./M.Tech, the advertisement states that shortlisting uses the percentage of marks in the postgraduate engineering qualification.
Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview at Hyderabad on a date communicated later. At the interview, original certificates must be produced for verification together with self-attested copies.
No TA/DA is payable for attending the interview or for joining if selected.
Documents Required
| Order | Document |
|---|---|
| 1 | B.E./B.Tech final certificate and consolidated marksheet |
| 2 | M.E./M.Tech certificate and marksheet, if applicable |
| 3 | Valid GATE scorecard, where applicable |
| 4 | Aadhaar card or another Government photo ID |
| 5 | Self-attested passport-size photograph |
| 6 | Experience certificate, if applicable |
| 7 | Caste certificate, if applicable |
| 8 | NOC from present employer, if applicable |
| 9 | Papers published in journals/conferences, if applicable |
| 10 | Any other relevant documents |
Except for the Excel application workbook, the supporting documents must be scanned into one PDF and sent along with the filled Excel file.
The notice also requires a university/institution document supporting the conversion of CGPA/CPI into percentage where applicable. Regal Naukri's CGPA to Percentage Calculator can help with the arithmetic only after using the official conversion rule from your university; it does not replace the required conversion certificate.
The Government Job Document Checklist can be used to organise the certificates before creating the final PDF. For understanding what happens when originals are checked later, see the Government Job Document Verification Guide.
How to Apply for DRDO DMRL JRF Recruitment 2026
- Read the official DMRL JRF advertisement and the current DRDO vacancy page.
- Download the official DMRL Excel application form. Do not recreate the form in another format unless DRDO issues revised instructions.
- Complete all entries in the Excel workbook. Partially filled or incomplete Excel sheets are liable to rejection.
- Prepare the supporting documents in the exact order listed in the advertisement and scan them into one PDF file.
- If your academic record uses CGPA/CPI, obtain the university/institution proof showing the conversion formula and use the CGPA to Percentage Calculator only to cross-check your arithmetic.
- Name both files using the prescribed pattern: the serial number of the post followed by the candidate's name. The notice gives an example such as
2Srinivasfor the Mechanical Engineering discipline. - Send both the completed Excel application and the single supporting-document PDF to [dmrlhrd@gmail.com](mailto:dmrlhrd@gmail.com).
- Use Regal Naukri's Application Deadline Planner with 27 October 2026 to set a personal buffer before the official closing date. The planner does not extend the DRDO deadline.
- Keep the originals ready for interview verification if shortlisted, and monitor the DRDO vacancy page for updates or changes.
Applications without the required supporting documents are not considered during shortlisting. Candidates serving in Government or Government-owned organisations must comply with the notified NOC/proper-channel requirement.
Important Candidate Conditions
- Only Indian nationals meeting the notified qualification conditions should apply.
- Candidates who were already in a JRF position in any DRDO laboratory or centre earlier are not eligible to apply again under this advertisement.
- The fellowship is temporary and creates no right to absorption in DRDO.
- Canvassing or mismatch in age, qualification, discipline or marks can lead to rejection.
- DMRL may amend, cancel or suspend the selection process under the conditions stated in the advertisement.
- The number of positions actually filled can depend on candidate suitability in interview/assessment.
Important Official Links
| Purpose | Official link |
|---|---|
| DRDO DMRL JRF vacancy page | Open official DRDO vacancy page |
| Detailed advertisement | Download official advertisement PDF |
| Application form | Download official Excel application form |
| Application submission | [Email DMRL HRD](mailto:dmrlhrd@gmail.com) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many JRF positions are available in DMRL Recruitment 2026?
There are 18 JRF positions: 7 in Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science, 7 in Mechanical Engineering, 2 in Chemical Engineering and 2 in Physics.
What is the last date to apply?
The official DRDO vacancy page gives 27 October 2026 as the end date.
What is the stipend?
The JRF stipend is ₹37,000 per month plus HRA as per DRDO rules.
Is GATE compulsory?
For candidates applying through the B.E./B.Tech route in the engineering disciplines, a valid GATE score is essential. Candidates applying through the notified M.E./M.Tech route are shortlisted using the postgraduate marks according to the selection criteria. Physics candidates require valid NET as specified.
Is this a permanent DRDO job?
No. It is a temporary Junior Research Fellowship. The notice expressly states that it does not confer any right to absorption in DRDO.
How is the application submitted?
Applicants must download and complete the official Excel application form, create one PDF containing the required supporting documents, and send both files by email to the DMRL HRD address specified in the advertisement.
Where will the interview be held?
Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview at Hyderabad.
Is there an application fee?
The official advertisement does not prescribe an application fee.