18 Jun 2026
Monthly stipend and allowances as per CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR fellowship guidelines.
Initially 2 years as JRF, extendable up to 5 years with upgrade to SRF based on performance.
First class M.Sc. in Chemistry or Life Sciences with a valid CSIR/UGC/DBT/ICMR JRF fellowship.
Application form, academic certificates, fellowship award letter, ID proof, caste certificate if applicable, and NOC for employed candidates.
Deadline: 18 Jun 2026
Planning to build a research career in defence science? DRDO has opened a fresh opportunity at its Gwalior lab. The Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE) is conducting a walk‑in interview for Junior Research Fellow positions in 2026.
This isn't a regular online application process. Candidates with a valid CSIR, UGC, DBT or ICMR fellowship must physically attend the interview at the DRDE campus in Gwalior. If your background is Chemistry or Life Sciences, this could be a solid entry point into DRDO research work.
Quick heads‑up: DRDO labs run several fellowships and internships every year. If you want a broader picture, our complete guide to DRDO Internships 2026 breaks down the best programs students usually target.
Particular Details
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
| Lab | Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior
| Position | Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
| Disciplines | Chemistry, Biological Sciences
| Mode of Selection | Walk‑in Interview
| Interview Dates | 17 June 2026 (Chemistry), 18 June 2026 (Biological Sciences)
| Age Limit | 28 years (relaxation applicable)
| Location | DRDE, Jhansi Road, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
| Reporting Time | 09:30 AM
| Official Document | Download Application Form
And yes, candidates must carry the filled application form during the interview. Missing paperwork is one of the most common reasons candidates get rejected at DRDO walk‑ins. I've seen students travel across states only to realize they forgot a document.
The eligibility is straightforward but strict. Only candidates who already hold a valid fellowship from national funding agencies are considered.
Age relaxation applies as per government rules: 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates.
The monthly stipend follows the guidelines of CSIR, UGC, DBT or ICMR, depending on the fellowship the candidate holds.
Typically, JRF fellowships under these agencies provide a monthly stipend along with admissible allowances. The selected candidate initially works as a Junior Research Fellow for two years.
After satisfactory performance, the fellow may be upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) for the remaining three years. That means the research tenure can extend up to five years.
Another interesting perk: selected fellows may be allowed to register for a PhD during the fellowship period. For students planning long‑term research careers, that pathway matters a lot.
The selection will happen through a walk‑in interview at DRDE, Gwalior.
Reporting time is 09:30 AM at the Main Gate Reception of DRDE.
The lab is located on Jhansi Road in Gwalior, roughly 1 km from Gwalior Railway Station near the FCI Godown. Reaching the venue is fairly straightforward if you're coming by train.
One restriction many candidates miss: electronic items are not allowed inside the DRDE campus. That includes smartphones, laptops, pen drives and other devices.
Applicants must bring both the application form and supporting documents.
Original documents must be produced for verification during the interview.
A few conditions from the official notification deserve attention.
If a large number of candidates appear for the interview, the process may continue on the next day. So plan your travel accordingly.
DRDO labs across India regularly release internships, apprenticeships and research fellowships. If you are exploring similar programs, these opportunities are worth checking:
You can also browse all opportunities on Talentd if you're actively searching for research internships or government fellowships.
Technical Content Writer
Radhika is a Technical Content Writer at Talentd, where she creates clear, practical, and research-driven content focused on jobs, internships, career guidance, and technology. She specializes in simplifying complex technical topics and turning them into easy-to-understand resources for students and fresh graduates. At Talentd, Radhika contributes to articles related to hiring updates, interview preparation, career roadmaps, and industry trends, helping thousands of learners stay informed and make better career decisions. Her work focuses on delivering accurate, actionable, and student-friendly content that supports the growing Talentd community.
Deadline: 18 Jun 2026
