DRDO DLJ JRF Recruitment: Eligibility, Stipend & Next Cycle

DRDO announced Research Associate and Junior Research Fellowship positions at Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur. The fellowship amounts are substantial, especially the Rs 67,000 per month for the RA role.

Applications for the previous cycle closed with walk-in interviews held on July 22 and July 23, 2026. If you are from Physics, Chemistry, Materials, Electronics, or Mechanical Engineering, this kind of government research opening is worth tracking. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year.

While applications for the last cycle have closed, you can use this time to review the eligibility criteria and required documents. Preparing these now will ensure you are ready to apply as soon as the next cycle opens.

ParticularDetailsOrganization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Lab | Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur
Post | Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Total Openings | 10
RA Fellowship | Rs 67,000/month + HRA + medical facilities
JRF Fellowship | Rs 37,000/month + HRA + medical facilities
Duration | 2 Years
Interview Dates | 22 July 2026 and 23 July 2026
Mode | Walk-in Interview
Location | Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Official Notification | Download Official Advertisement PDF

If you are exploring more defense research openings, you should also check the complete DRDO Internships guide. Multiple fellowships and paid internships open across DRDO labs.

DRDO DLJ JRF Recruitment Vacancy Details

The Defence Laboratory Jodhpur recruitment includes both Research Associate and Junior Research Fellow roles across multiple disciplines.

PostDisciplineSeatsInterview DateResearch Associate | Physics/Materials | 2 | 22 July 2026
Research Associate | Electronics | 1 | 22 July 2026
JRF | Chemistry | 4 | 23 July 2026
JRF | Physics | 1 | 23 July 2026
JRF | Mechanical | 2 | 23 July 2026

DRDO fellowships usually attract a strong applicant pool from IITs, NITs, and central universities. Students from state universities with solid academics and GATE/NET scores regularly make it through too.

DRDO DLJ JRF Eligibility Criteria

Research Associate Eligibility

For Physics/Materials and Electronics RA positions, candidates must have:

• Ph.D. in relevant discipline
• OR 3 years of research, teaching, or design & development experience after postgraduate degree
• At least one research paper published in SCI journal

The Electronics RA role accepts candidates with ME/MTech in Electronics plus relevant experience and publication requirements.

JRF Chemistry Eligibility

• M.Sc or equivalent in Chemistry with first division
• NET qualification through CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, or JEST

JRF Physics Eligibility

• M.Sc or equivalent in Physics with first division
• NET qualification through CSIR-UGC NET, GATE, or JEST

JRF Mechanical Eligibility

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with first division and NET/GATE qualification
• OR M.E./M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with first division at both UG and PG levels

Students preparing for similar DRDO opportunities can also look at the DRDO CVRDE JRF Chennai fellowship and the DRDO SAG JRF Delhi openings. Both carry the same Rs 37,000 monthly fellowship.

Rs 67,000 and Rs 37,000 Fellowship Details

The stipend structure here is better than what many private research internships pay, especially for fresh postgraduates.

• Research Associate: Rs 67,000 per month + HRA + medical facilities
• Junior Research Fellow: Rs 37,000 per month + HRA + medical facilities
• Duration: 2 years

For JRF candidates, the fellowship may be extended further and upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) as per DRDO rules.

DRDO has clearly mentioned that the fellowship does not guarantee permanent absorption into the organization later.

DRDO Defence Laboratory Jodhpur Walk-In Interview Venue

The interview venue is:

Defence Laboratory (DLJ)
Dr DS Kothari Marg
Ratanada Palace, Ratanada
Jodhpur – 342011, Rajasthan

Reporting time is 10:00 AM on the scheduled interview date.

Government lab interviews usually start documentation verification early in the morning, so reaching before reporting time matters.

Documents Required for DRDO DLJ Interview

Candidates must carry original documents along with one set of self-attested photocopies.

• Recent passport size photograph
• Complete biodata/CV
• Age proof certificate
• Educational certificates and mark sheets
• NET/GATE/JEST qualification proof
• Experience certificates, if applicable
• Published research papers and thesis copies for RA applicants
• Caste certificate for SC/ST/OBC candidates
• Medical certificate for PH candidates
• NOC from employer for candidates working in government or PSU organizations

No TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview.

How to Apply for DRDO DLJ JRF Recruitment

1. Check the official notification by downloading the official DRDO DLJ advertisement PDF.
2. Verify your eligibility carefully based on your discipline, marks, and NET/GATE/JEST qualification.
3. Prepare your biodata with recent passport-size photograph attached on the first page.
4. Arrange documents including originals and one self-attested photocopy set.
5. Attend the walk-in interview at Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur at 10:00 AM on your respective interview date.

Candidates who have submitted their PhD thesis can also apply for RA positions. The final fellowship offer will only be issued after the degree or provisional certificate is awarded.

DRDO DLJ JRF Age Limit

• Research Associate: Maximum 35 years
• Junior Research Fellow: Maximum 28 years

Relaxation rules:

• SC/ST/PH candidates: 5 years relaxation
• OBC candidates: 3 years relaxation

Should Students Apply for This DRDO Fellowship?

If you are serious about research careers, PSUs, defense technology, or eventually aiming for PhD programs, this DRDO DLJ JRF Recruitment is relevant.

The exposure inside DRDO labs can strengthen research profiles significantly, especially for students working in materials science, defense electronics, or applied physics domains.

You can also browse all opportunities on Talentd for more government internships, fellowships, and off-campus hiring updates.

Students specifically looking for paid DRDO internships should also check the DRDO RCI Paid Internship and DRDO NPOL Paid Internship. Those openings get strong traffic.