DRDO SAG Junior Research Fellowships: A Guide

DRDO's Scientific Analysis Group (SAG), Delhi, hired 11 Junior Research Fellows through a walk-in interview process. The work area is cryptology and information security. Applications for this cycle closed on 05 August 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year.

The stipend is ₹37,000 per month plus HRA and medical facilities. Competition for these DRDO SAG JRF roles is often intense because they connect directly to defence research. Many students prepare months in advance for DRDO interviews like this.

To prepare for the next cycle, review the eligibility requirements and gather your documents. This will help you be ready when applications open again.

Students exploring similar defence research opportunities can also check the complete DRDO Internships guide or DRDO CVRDE JRF 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

DRDO SAG JRF eligibility

The DRDO SAG JRF openings were available across four disciplines. Candidates needed to have completed their degree and possess the required NET or GATE qualification wherever applicable.

• Mathematics: Postgraduate degree in Mathematics with first division and NET qualification. Knowledge of cryptology and C/C++ programming was desirable.
• CSE/IT/CS: B.E./B.Tech in CSE, IT or CS with first division plus valid NET/GATE score, or M.E./M.Tech with first division in both graduation and postgraduation. Knowledge of cryptology, C/C++, Java and Python was preferred.
• EE/ECE: B.E./B.Tech in EE or ECE with first division and valid NET/GATE score, or M.E./M.Tech with first division in both levels. Embedded systems and cryptology knowledge was preferred.
• Physics: Postgraduate degree in Physics with first division and NET qualification. Quantum Physics and C/C++ knowledge was desirable.

The upper age limit was 28 years as on the interview date. Reserved category relaxation was provided as per Government of India norms.

₹37,000 monthly stipend and fellowship duration

Selected candidates under DRDO SAG JRF received 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.

DRDO has clearly mentioned that this fellowship does not guarantee absorption into the organisation later. Many students misunderstand this point during defence fellowship recruitments.

DRDO SAG Delhi research areas

SAG is one of DRDO's most specialised labs and focuses heavily on cryptology and information security. Candidates selected through DRDO SAG JRF worked on projects linked to cybersecurity, encryption systems and secure communication technologies.

For students interested in defence tech and research-heavy roles, this can 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 and DRDO NPOL Internship. Both see strong student interest.

DRDO SAG JRF walk-in interview date and venue

The walk-in interview for all disciplines was conducted on 05 August 2026 at:

Scientific Analysis Group (SAG)

Metcalfe House

Delhi - 110054

Candidates needed to report between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM at the Main Gate reception.

Electronic devices including laptops, cameras and pen drives were not allowed during the interview process. Carrying them could create unnecessary issues at entry.

Documents required for DRDO SAG JRF

Candidates appearing for the walk-in interview needed to carry originals along with self-attested copies of required documents.

• Proof of date of birth
• Educational certificates and marksheets
• NET/GATE qualification proof
• Caste or disability certificate, if applicable
• Two recent passport-size colour photographs
• Valid photo ID proof
• Address proof

DRDO 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 included:

• An undertaking related to the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923
• An undertaking for IT Rules and Regulations applicable to the Ministry of Defence

Both undertakings required candidate signatures and acknowledgement of confidentiality obligations. Read them properly before signing. Defence labs take compliance paperwork seriously.

How to apply for DRDO SAG JRF

1. Download the official notification and application form from this DRDO PDF link.
2. Fill the application form carefully with educational details, category information, NET/GATE details and contact information.
3. Complete the attached undertakings related to the Official Secrets Act and IT Rules mentioned in the PDF.
4. Attach self-attested copies of certificates, ID proof, marksheets and photographs.
5. Appear for the walk-in interview on 05 August 2026 at Metcalfe House, Delhi between 9 AM and 11 AM.
6. Optional step: Candidates may send prior information through email at saghr.sag@gov.in before appearing for the interview.

Important rules candidates should know

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 was provided for attending the interview or joining after selection. Also, selected candidates needed to join within two weeks of receiving the offer letter.

The ₹37,000 stipend is significantly better than what many private research roles offer fresh postgraduates in India right now.

DRDO SAG JRF selection process

The selection process was based on a walk-in interview. Candidates were 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 and DRDO ARDE Internship if you're targeting defence research experience.