5 Aug 2026
₹37,000 per month plus HRA, medical facilities and other emoluments as per DRDO rules.
Initially 2 years, extendable up to 5 years based on performance and requirement.
Postgraduate or engineering candidates in Mathematics, Physics, CSE, IT, CS, EE or ECE with first division and required NET/GATE qualification can apply.
Filled application form, Official Secrets Act undertaking, IT Rules undertaking, educational certificates, NET/GATE proof, ID proof, photographs and category certificate if applicable.
Deadline: 5 Aug 2026
DRDO has opened applications for one of its most specialised research fellowships this year. The Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), Delhi is hiring 11 Junior Research Fellows through a walk-in interview process, and the work area is cryptology and information security.
The stipend alone will grab attention: ₹37,000 per month plus HRA and medical facilities. But here's the thing, the competition for DRDO SAG JRF 2026 is usually intense because these roles are directly connected to defence research. I've seen many students prepare months in advance for DRDO interviews like this.
Students exploring similar defence research opportunities can also check the complete DRDO Internships 2026 guide or DRDO CVRDE JRF 2026 in Chennai for more fellowship openings. You can also browse all opportunities on Talentd.
ParticularDetailsOrganization | DRDO Scientific Analysis Group (SAG)
Program | Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)
Total Seats | 11
Location | Metcalfe House, Delhi
Stipend | ₹37,000/month + HRA
Interview Mode | Walk-in Interview
Interview Date | 05 August 2026
Application Deadline | 05 August 2026
Fields | Mathematics, CSE, IT, CS, EE, ECE, Physics
Official Notification | Download Official Advertisement & Application Form
The DRDO SAG JRF 2026 openings are available across four disciplines. Candidates must have completed their degree and should possess the required NET or GATE qualification wherever applicable.
The upper age limit is 28 years as on the interview date. Reserved category relaxation will be provided as per Government of India norms.
Selected candidates under DRDO SAG JRF 2026 will receive a monthly stipend of ₹37,000 along with HRA, medical facilities and other admissible benefits under DRDO rules.
The initial fellowship duration is two years. Based on performance and project requirements, it may be extended up to a maximum of five years.
Worth noting: DRDO has clearly mentioned that this fellowship does not guarantee absorption into the organisation later. Many students misunderstand this point during defence fellowship recruitments.
SAG is one of DRDO's most specialised labs and focuses heavily on cryptology and information security. Candidates selected through DRDO SAG JRF 2026 will work on projects linked to cybersecurity, encryption systems and secure communication technologies.
For students interested in defence tech and research-heavy roles, this can genuinely strengthen higher studies or PhD applications later. DRDO also allows selected JRFs to register for a PhD during the fellowship tenure.
If you're specifically searching for paid DRDO internships, check DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 and DRDO NPOL Internship 2026. Both are seeing strong student interest right now.
The walk-in interview for all disciplines will be conducted on 05 August 2026 at:
Scientific Analysis Group (SAG)
Metcalfe House
Delhi - 110054
Candidates must report between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM at the Main Gate reception.
Quick heads-up: Electronic devices including laptops, cameras and pen drives are not allowed during the interview process. Carrying them may create unnecessary issues at entry.
Candidates appearing for the walk-in interview must carry originals along with self-attested copies of required documents.
DRDO has also attached multiple undertakings and forms in the official PDF. Candidates should carefully fill the JRF application form, including educational details, NET/GATE information, previous DRDO interview history and declaration section.
The PDF additionally includes:
Both undertakings require candidate signatures and acknowledgement of confidentiality obligations. Read them properly before signing. Defence labs take compliance paperwork very seriously.
DRDO has specified that candidates who were already awarded JRF positions in any DRDO unit earlier are not eligible to apply again.
No TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview or joining after selection. Also, selected candidates must join within two weeks of receiving the offer letter.
Honestly, the ₹37,000 stipend is significantly better than what many private research roles offer fresh postgraduates in India right now.
The selection process is based on a walk-in interview. Candidates will be evaluated on academic performance, technical understanding and subject knowledge relevant to cryptology, programming or electronics systems depending on the discipline.
Students with strong fundamentals in coding, cybersecurity concepts or embedded systems may have an advantage, especially for CSE and ECE roles.
You can also explore DRDO HEMRL Internship 2026 and DRDO ARDE Internship 2026 if you're targeting defence research experience this year.
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.
DRDO CFEES Delhi has announced a walk-in interview for Junior Research Fellow positions in 2026. Check eligibility, important dates, application form PDF, and interview details before the August 5 deadline.
DRDO DMRL Hyderabad has opened applications for its 2026 paid internship program with 20 seats for UG and PG students. Check eligibility, stipend, documents required, and how to apply before the July 15 deadline.
DRDO CVRDE JRF 2026 offers 16 research fellowships in Chennai with a ₹37,000 monthly stipend. Check eligibility, disciplines, and the full application process before the July deadline.
DRDO HEMRL Internship 2026 is open for engineering and science students with 40 seats and a ₹5,000 monthly stipend. Applications are accepted via Speed Post before the July deadline.
Deadline: 5 Aug 2026
