DRDO's Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) is inviting applications for 18 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions across multiple engineering disciplines and physics. Eligible candidates can apply via email by 22 November 2026. The organisation offers a monthly stipend of ₹37,000 plus HRA under DRDO rules.
Overview
The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), a constituent laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), is recruiting Junior Research Fellows (JRF) under Advertisement No. DMRL/HRD/JRF/2026/01. This is a temporary position with a maximum tenure of 4 years. The laboratory is located at Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, Telangana.
Applicants must be Indian nationals and submit their applications via email with a filled Excel application form and supporting documents. The selection process includes shortlisting followed by an interview to be held in Hyderabad.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 6 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 22 November 2026 |
| Interview Date | To be intimated later to shortlisted candidates |
Application Fee
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | Not specified in the official notification |
Vacancy Details
| Fellowship Code | Subject / Discipline | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| JRF-01 | Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science | 7 |
| JRF-02 | Mechanical Engineering | 7 |
| JRF-03 | Chemical Engineering | 2 |
| JRF-04 | Physics | 2 |
| Total | 18 |
Eligibility
Educational Qualifications
JRF-01 (Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science): B.E./B.Tech. with first class in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or Materials Technology from a UGC-recognised university with a valid GATE score; OR M.E./M.Tech. with first class in the same disciplines from a UGC-recognised university along with B.E./B.Tech. with first class in related fields from a UGC-recognised university.
JRF-02 (Mechanical Engineering): B.E./B.Tech. with first class in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university with a valid GATE score; OR M.E./M.Tech. with first class in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university and B.E./B.Tech. with first class in Mechanical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university.
JRF-03 (Chemical Engineering): B.E./B.Tech. with first class in Chemical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university with a valid GATE score; OR M.E./M.Tech. with first class in Chemical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university and B.E./B.Tech. with first class in Chemical Engineering from a UGC-recognised university.
JRF-04 (Physics): M.Sc. in Physics with First Division from a UGC-recognised university with a valid NET qualification.
Age Limit
Maximum age limit is 28 years as on the closing date of interview. Age relaxation of 5 years is applicable for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates.
How to Apply
- Visit the official DRDO website at https://www.drdo.gov.in to download the Excel application form.
- Fill the application form completely with all required personal, educational, and professional details.
- Attach all supporting documents as specified in the official notification.
- Send the completed application form and documents to the designated DMRL email address provided in the notification.
- Ensure your application is received before the closing date of 22 November 2026.
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified separately about the interview date and venue in Hyderabad.
Salary
The monthly stipend is ₹37,000 plus HRA as per DRDO rules. Medical facilities are available for the selected candidate (self only) through the DRDO MI Room at Hyderabad. No Travelling Allowance (TA) or Dearness Allowance (DA) will be paid for attending the interview or for joining if selected. The position is temporary with a maximum tenure of 4 years.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the monthly stipend for Junior Research Fellows?
The monthly stipend is ₹37,000 plus HRA as per DRDO rules. Medical benefits are provided for self through the DRDO Medical facility. No TA/DA is provided.
Q2: What is the age limit and is there relaxation for reserved categories?
The maximum age limit is 28 years as on the closing date of interview. SC/ST candidates receive 5 years relaxation and OBC candidates receive 3 years relaxation.
Q3: How many vacancies are there for each discipline?
There are 18 total vacancies: 7 for Metallurgical Engineering/Materials Science, 7 for Mechanical Engineering, 2 for Chemical Engineering, and 2 for Physics.
Q4: What is the selection process?
The selection process includes shortlisting of applications based on qualifications followed by a personal interview to be conducted in Hyderabad. Interview dates will be communicated to shortlisted candidates.
Q5: What documents should I attach with my application?
Refer to the official notification PDF for the complete list of required documents. Generally, candidates need to submit educational certificates, GATE/NET score cards, and other certificates as per the eligibility criteria.
Q6: Is there an application fee?
The application fee is not specified in the official notification. For clarification, refer to the official notification PDF.
Applicants must verify all details on the official DRDO website or the notification PDF before submitting their applications.