Overview

The Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), a constituent laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released a recruitment notification (Advt. No. DRL/JRF-RA/Interview/03/2026) for a total of 6 positions, comprising Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) roles. Eligible candidates are invited to submit their applications online by September 4, 2026, with walk-in interviews scheduled for September 11, 2026. These opportunities are based in Tezpur, Assam, offering a significant chance for aspirants in the region to contribute to defence research.

Key Highlights

Particular Details
Organization Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), DRDO
Post Name Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA)
Total Vacancies 6
Notification No. DRL/JRF-RA/Interview/03/2026
Mode of Application Online (CV submission) followed by Walk-in Interview
Application Start Date August 7, 2026
Last Date to Apply September 4, 2026 (for online application/CV submission)
Job Location Tezpur, Assam
Official Website drdo.gov.in

About the Organization

The Defence Research Laboratory (DRL) is a vital establishment under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), operating under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. DRL, located in Tezpur, Assam, plays a crucial role in addressing specific defence needs, particularly those pertinent to the North-East region of India. Its research activities encompass diverse fields such as entomology, plant sciences, environmental sciences, and other areas critical for defence applications in challenging terrains and environments. The laboratory is dedicated to developing indigenous technologies and solutions to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. Working at DRL offers researchers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to national security and scientific advancement in a challenging and dynamic environment.

Vacancy Details

The current recruitment drive by the Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), DRDO, aims to fill a total of 6 positions for Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) and Research Associates (RAs). The distribution of vacancies across the two posts is as follows:
Post Name No. of Vacancies
Junior Research Fellow (JRF) 5
Research Associate (RA) 1
Total 6
The JRF positions are further distributed across various scientific disciplines, including Pharmaceutical Sciences (3 posts), Zoology/Microbiology/Biotechnology/Life Sciences/Environmental Sciences (1 post), and Biochemistry (1 post). The Research Associate position is specifically for Microbiology.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions at DRL, DRDO, must meet specific eligibility requirements concerning educational qualifications, age limits, and nationality.

Educational Qualification

The educational qualifications vary by post and specialization. Applicants must possess the required degree before the application or interview date.
  • For Junior Research Fellow (JRF):
    • JRF (Pharmaceutical Sciences – 3 Posts): M.Pharm, M.S. (Pharm), M.Tech (Pharm), M.Tech in Pharmaceutics, M.Tech in Pharmacology & Toxicology, M.Tech in Pharmacology, M.Tech in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or M.Sc. in Chemistry with NET qualification.
    • JRF (Zoology/Microbiology/Biotechnology/Life Sciences/Environmental Sciences – 1 Post): M.Sc. in any of these disciplines with NET qualification.
    • JRF (Biochemistry – 1 Post): M.Sc. in Biochemistry with NET qualification.
  • For Research Associate (RA):
    • RA (Microbiology – 1 Post): Ph.D. in Microbiology. Desirable specializations include Agricultural Microbiology or Soil Microbiology.
For JRF positions, a valid NET (National Eligibility Test) qualification is generally mandatory for M.Sc. degree holders. For engineering disciplines in other DRDO recruitments, a valid GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) score is often required.

Age Limit

The upper age limits are specified as on the date of the interview (September 11, 2026).
  • Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Not exceeding 28 years.
  • Research Associate (RA): Not exceeding 35 years.

Age Relaxation

Age relaxation will be provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories as per Government of India rules:
  • SC/ST candidates: Up to 5 years.
  • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates: Up to 3 years.

Nationality

Applicants must be Indian Nationals.

Salary & Pay Scale

Selected candidates for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions at DRL, DRDO, will receive attractive monthly stipends along with House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per DRDO rules. These fellowships are temporary and project-based, providing valuable research experience.
  • Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Selected JRFs will receive a monthly stipend of ₹ 37,000/- plus HRA. The initial tenure for JRF is typically two years and may be upgraded to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) and extended for the third and fourth years based on performance and laboratory requirements.
  • Research Associate (RA): Selected RAs will receive a monthly stipend of ₹ 67,000/- plus HRA. The tenure for RA positions is generally two years.

Application Fee

Based on past recruitment patterns for similar positions at DRDO laboratories, there is typically no application fee required for Junior Research Fellow and Research Associate positions, especially for walk-in interviews or initial CV submissions. Candidates are advised to refer to the detailed official notification PDF for any specific fee requirements, though none are indicated in the currently available information.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions at DRL, DRDO, involves a multi-stage approach designed to identify suitable candidates for the research roles.
  1. Initial Screening of Applications/CVs: Candidates are required to submit their curriculum vitae (CV) and other necessary documents online via email by the specified deadline. These applications will undergo an initial screening to check for eligibility and suitability based on the advertised criteria.
  2. Walk-in Interview: Shortlisted candidates, or all eligible candidates who have submitted their CVs, will be invited to attend a walk-in interview. This interview is a crucial stage where candidates’ academic knowledge, research aptitude, communication skills, and overall suitability for the research projects will be assessed by a selection committee. Candidates must bring all original certificates and testimonials for verification during the interview.
  3. Document Verification: During the walk-in interview, all original educational certificates, mark sheets, age proof, caste certificates (if applicable), NET/GATE scorecards, and any other relevant documents will be thoroughly verified. Candidates must also carry a photocopy set of all documents.
  4. Final Selection: The final selection will be based on the candidates’ performance in the interview and the verification of their documents. The decision of the Selection Committee will be final.
It is important to note that the offer of fellowship does not confer any right for absorption in DRDO, and the appointments are purely temporary and contractual.

How to Apply

Eligible and interested candidates must follow a two-step application process involving online CV submission and a subsequent walk-in interview.
  1. Review the Official Notification: Candidates are strongly advised to thoroughly read the official notification PDF once it is accessible from the DRDO website to understand all details, eligibility criteria, and instructions.
  2. Prepare Application/CV: Prepare a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) in the prescribed format, often referred to as Appendix ‘A’ in DRDO notifications. Ensure all academic qualifications, research experience, and contact details are clearly mentioned.
  3. Submit CV Online: Send the duly filled application/CV along with scanned copies of relevant certificates (educational qualifications, age proof, caste certificate, NET/GATE scorecard, etc.) to the designated email address: hrd.drl@gov.in. The deadline for online CV submission is September 4, 2026.
  4. Attend Walk-in Interview: Candidates who have submitted their CVs must then attend the walk-in interview on the scheduled date.
    • Date: September 11, 2026.
    • Reporting Time: 09:30 AM to 10:00 AM. Admission will be closed after 10:00 AM.
    • Venue: Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), DRDO, Solmara Military Station, Dekargaon, Tezpur – 784001, Assam.
  5. Documents for Interview: Candidates must carry all original certificates/testimonials, degree or provisional degree certificate, Aadhaar Card, copies of published research papers (if any), a copy of their thesis (if applicable), and one photocopy set of all documents submitted with the application. Those presently employed in Government/PSU/Autonomous Bodies must also produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer at the time of the interview.

Important Dates

Candidates should note the following critical dates for the DRL DRDO JRF & RA recruitment:
Event Date
Advertisement Date August 7, 2026
Application Start Date August 7, 2026
Last Date for Online Application/CV Submission September 4, 2026
Walk-in Interview Date September 11, 2026
Reporting Time for Interview 09:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Apply Online (CV Submission Email): hrd.drl@gov.in

Official Website: Click Here

Official Notification Reference

Defence Research Laboratory (DRDO) has published the Junior Research Fellow / Research Associate Notification 2026 under Advt. No. DRL/JRF-RA/Interview/03/2026. This information is based on details available from various job portals and the DRDO vacancies section, which lists the advertisement with a published date of 11/08/2026 and an end date of 11/09/2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the total vacancies for this recruitment?

There are a total of 6 vacancies, with 5 for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and 1 for Research Associate (RA) positions.

What is the last date to apply for these positions?

The last date for online application/CV submission is September 4, 2026.

What is the age limit for JRF and RA positions?

For Junior Research Fellow (JRF), the maximum age limit is 28 years, and for Research Associate (RA), it is 35 years, as on the date of the interview.

Is there any age relaxation for reserved categories?

Yes, age relaxation is applicable: 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates, as per Government of India rules.

What are the educational qualifications required for JRF and RA?

For JRF, candidates generally need an M.Sc. in relevant science disciplines with NET, or M.Pharm/M.Tech in Pharmaceutical Sciences. For RA, a Ph.D. in the relevant discipline (Microbiology for this specific notification) is required.

What is the monthly stipend for JRF and RA?

Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) will receive ₹ 37,000/- per month plus HRA, while Research Associates (RAs) will receive ₹ 67,000/- per month plus HRA.

How do I apply for these positions?

Candidates need to submit their CVs via email to hrd.drl@gov.in by September 4, 2026, and then attend a walk-in interview on September 11, 2026, at DRL, DRDO, Tezpur, Assam, with all original documents.