DRDO Recruitment 2026 has announced an opportunity for eligible Indian Nationals to appear for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) at the DRDO Young Scientists’ Laboratory for Smart Materials (DYSL-SM), Hyderabad. The recruitment is being conducted through a walk-in interview for one JRF position in the area of development of smart materials-based robotic applications, including shape memory alloy and piezoelectric materials.
Candidates interested in DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026 should carefully check the prescribed educational qualifications, screening criteria, age limit, documents required, fellowship amount, and interview details before appearing. The official advertisement is dated September 4, 2026, and the walk-in interview is scheduled for October 6, 2026, at 9:30 AM.
DRDO Recruitment 2026 – Overview
The DRDO Recruitment 2026 notification has been issued by the Defence Research and Development Organisation for the award of Junior Research Fellowship at its Young Scientists’ Laboratory for Smart Materials. DYSL-SM is involved in the development of smart material technology solutions for national defence and specialises in areas including accelerated materials development, micro-robotics and stealth technologies.
The available fellowship is related to a project involving smart materials-based robotic applications, particularly shape memory alloy and piezoelectric materials. There is one JRF position notified under this recruitment.
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026 – Key Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Laboratory | DRDO Young Scientists’ Laboratory for Smart Materials (DYSL-SM) |
| Advertisement No. | DYSL-SM/HRD/JRF/REC/2026/1 |
| Advertisement Date | 04 September 2026 |
| Post | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Number of Posts | 01 |
| Subject | Mechanical Engineering |
| Interview Mode | Walk-in Interview |
| Interview Date | 06 October 2026 |
| Interview Time | 09:30 hrs |
| Interview Venue | DYSL-SM, AMTL Campus, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad – 500058 |
| Fellowship | Rs. 37,000 per month + applicable H.R.A. and other emoluments as per DRDO rules |
| Initial Tenure | 02 years |
| Maximum Age | 28 years as on the date of application |
The above details are based on the official DRDO advertisement.
DRDO JRF Vacancy 2026 and Project Area
Under the DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026, one Junior Research Fellow position is available in the field of Mechanical Engineering. The selected JRF will work on a project concerning the development of smart materials-based robotic applications, including shape memory alloy and piezoelectric materials.
The opportunity is offered through DRDO Young Scientists’ Laboratory for Smart Materials, which focuses on smart material technology solutions for national defence. This makes the position relevant to candidates whose academic background and interests align with mechanical, mechatronics, robotics, automation, machine design, or related areas specified in the notification.
DRDO Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for the DRDO Junior Research Fellowship 2026 must fulfil the educational requirements mentioned in the official advertisement.
Essential Qualification
Candidates must meet one of the following qualification routes:
- B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering with First Class and a valid GATE score, OR
- M.E./M.Tech. with First Class in Mechanical/Mechatronics, Robotics & Automation, Machine Design or Solid Mechanics, along with B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering with First Class.
The notification also specifies that only candidates who have completed the course and been awarded the degree/provisional certificate are eligible to apply for the JRF position.
Desirable Skills
The official notification mentions the following desirable areas of working knowledge:
- Finite element packages
- CAD
- 3D printing
- Composite materials
- Basic electronics
- Instrumentation
These are listed as desirable criteria in the notification and should not be confused with the essential educational qualifications.
DRDO JRF Jobs 2026 – Age Limit
For the DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026, the maximum age limit for the Junior Research Fellowship is 28 years as on the date of application.
The notification provides age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates, or as per applicable Government guidelines. Candidates claiming relaxation are required to attach a self-attested caste certificate with the application.
DRDO JRF Fellowship and Tenure
The fellowship offered under this DRDO Recruitment 2026 is Rs. 37,000 per month for JRF, along with applicable H.R.A. and other emoluments as per DRDO rules.
The post is temporary in nature, with an initial tenure of two years. The notification further states that subsequent upgradation to the SRF grade will be as per DRDO guidelines.
The notification also states that JRF candidates may be allowed to register for a part-time Ph.D. with a University or Institution during the fellowship tenure, subject to approval from the Director, DYSL-SM.
DRDO Walk-in Interview 2026 – Date, Time and Venue
The DRDO JRF Walk-in Interview 2026 will be conducted on:
Date: 06 October 2026
Time: 09:30 hrs
Venue: DRDO Young Scientists’ Laboratory for Smart Materials (DYSL-SM), AMTL Campus, near DMRL, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad – 500058.
Candidates should reach the venue on time because the official notification clearly states that late comers will not be allowed.
Documents Required for DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026
Candidates appearing for the interview must bring their original certificates. They are also required to submit the prescribed application form with a recent passport-size photograph affixed to the top-right corner of the first page.
One set of self-attested copies of relevant degrees, academic qualification certificates, mark sheets, experience certificates and other supporting documents must also be submitted as required.
The prescribed application form is available through the DRDO website under DRDO Website → Vacancies. The duly filled application form with supporting documents must also be submitted in PDF format through email to hrd.dysl-sm@gov.in, with the file size below 10 MB.
DRDO Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The initial screening of eligible applications will consider the candidate’s GATE score, marks obtained in the degree, fulfilment of desirable criteria and relevant work experience, if any. The notification specifically states that the GATE score must be valid on the date of the interview in the relevant subject.
Candidates who proceed through the screening process will be considered through the interview process. Based on the interview, a panel of candidates for the anticipated vacancy will be prepared, and the panel will remain valid for one year. However, empanelment does not guarantee an offer of fellowship, as the offer is dependent on the occurrence of vacancies during that period.
Important Conditions for DRDO JRF Jobs
Candidates should carefully note several conditions before appearing for the DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026:
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining if selected.
- The fellowship does not provide any right to absorption in DRDO.
- Candidates who have already been awarded a JRF position in any DRDO Laboratory/Centre are not eligible to apply again.
- Candidates working in Government/Public Sector Undertakings/Autonomous Bodies must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
- DRDO reserves the right to amend, modify or cancel the advertisement, and the notified fellowships may be increased, decreased or cancelled according to prevailing requirements and Government of India policy.
How to Apply for DRDO Recruitment 2026
The application process for this DRDO Recruitment 2026 involves both document submission and appearing for the walk-in interview. Candidates should first download and complete the prescribed research fellowship application form available through the DRDO website.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official DRDO website – drdo.gov.in.
- Go to the Vacancies section.
- Download the prescribed application form for the research fellowship.
- Fill in the required personal, educational and experience details.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph at the specified place on the first page.
- Keep the original certificates ready for verification.
- Prepare one set of self-attested copies of the required certificates and documents.
- Submit the completed application form and supporting documents in PDF format to hrd.dysl-sm@gov.in.
- Ensure that the PDF file size is below 10 MB.
- Appear for the walk-in interview at DYSL-SM, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, on 06 October 2026 at 09:30 hrs.
Important Dates for DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date/Details |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Date | 04 September 2026 |
| Walk-in Interview | 06 October 2026 |
| Interview Time | 09:30 hrs |
| Application Mode | Walk-in Interview |
| Document Submission Email | hrd.dysl-sm@gov.in |
The interview date and time are specified in the official notification, which also warns that late candidates will not be permitted to attend the interview.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Official Website |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Link | Walk-in |
| More Jobs Updates | Click Here |
Final Words on DRDO Recruitment 2026
The DRDO Recruitment 2026 notification provides an opportunity for eligible candidates in Mechanical and related engineering disciplines to apply for a Junior Research Fellowship at DRDO Young Scientists’ Laboratory for Smart Materials, Hyderabad. The position is connected with research in smart materials-based robotic applications, including shape memory alloy and piezoelectric materials.
Candidates should carefully verify their educational qualification, GATE requirement where applicable, age eligibility and other conditions before attending the interview. Since this is a walk-in interview, eligible candidates should also ensure that they carry the required original certificates, self-attested copies and completed application form as specified in the official notification.
Official Source: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Advertisement No. DYSL-SM/HRD/JRF/REC/2026/1 dated 04-09-2026.
