DRDO SAG Junior Research Fellowship: Cryptology and Cyber Security

Applications for the DRDO SAG Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) cycle closed on 05 August 2026. This fellowship offers positions in cryptology and information security. The next application cycle is expected around August 2027.

The fellowship includes a monthly stipend of ₹37,000 plus HRA and medical benefits. For postgraduates and engineering graduates interested in cybersecurity, cryptology, embedded systems, or applied mathematics, this is a well-funded government research option.

If you are interested in applying for the next cycle, start preparing now. Review the eligibility criteria and required documents. This will help you be ready when applications open again.

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
Walk-in Date | 05 August 2026
Maximum Age | 28 Years
Application Deadline | 05 August 2026
Official Notification | Download Application Form & Advertisement PDF

Students looking for more defence research openings can also check the complete DRDO Internships 2026 guide. And if you're exploring similar research roles, the DRDO CVRDE JRF 2026 and DRDO DRDE JRF 2026 walk-in are worth tracking too.

DRDO SAG JRF eligibility criteria

The DRDO SAG JRF recruitment is open for candidates from Mathematics, Computer Science, IT, Electronics, ECE, and Physics backgrounds. All applicants must be Indian nationals and should have completed their qualifying degree before the interview date.

DisciplineSeatsQualificationMathematics | 03 | PG Degree in Mathematics with first division and NET qualification
CSE / IT / CS | 04 | B.E./B.Tech with valid NET/GATE score OR M.E./M.Tech with first division
EE / ECE | 03 | B.E./B.Tech with valid NET/GATE score OR M.E./M.Tech with first division
Physics | 01 | PG Degree in Physics with first division and NET qualification

SAG works in cryptology and information security. Candidates with programming knowledge in C, C++, Java, or Python may have an advantage during interviews.

For Electronics and ECE candidates, knowledge of embedded systems and cryptology has been listed as desirable. Physics applicants with quantum physics exposure should pay attention to this opening.

₹37,000/month stipend and fellowship duration

Selected candidates under DRDO SAG JRF receive a monthly stipend of ₹37,000 along with HRA, medical facilities, and other benefits as per DRDO rules.

The initial fellowship period is two years. Based on performance and project requirements, it may be extended up to a maximum of five years.

The notification states that this fellowship does not guarantee absorption into DRDO. Candidates should keep expectations realistic.

Fellows may register for a PhD during the fellowship tenure with a recognized university or institution.

DRDO SAG JRF walk-in interview date and venue

The walk-in interview for DRDO SAG JRF was conducted on 05 August 2026 at:

Scientific Analysis Group (SAG)
Metcalfe House
Delhi - 110054

Reporting time was between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM at the main gate reception. Late reporting may lead to disqualification from the interview process.

Candidates are not allowed to carry laptops, pen drives, cameras, or electronic devices during the interview process. DRDO is strict about these restrictions, especially for cryptology-related labs.

Documents required for DRDO SAG JRF

Candidates need to carry both original and self-attested copies of important documents during the walk-in interview.

• Proof of Date of Birth
• Educational mark sheets and degree certificates
• NET/GATE qualification proof
• Caste certificate or disability certificate, if applicable
• Two recent passport-size colour photographs
• Valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence
• Address proof
• Duly filled application form

You should also download and fill the undertakings attached in the official PDF notification. These include:

• Download DRDO SAG JRF Application Form
• Download Indian Official Secrets Act Undertaking
• Download IT Rules and Regulations Undertaking

The application form asks for educational details from Class 10 onwards, NET/GATE qualification details, previous DRDO interview history, and experience information if applicable. Candidates who were already awarded a JRF position in any DRDO unit earlier are not eligible to apply again.

How to apply for DRDO SAG JRF

1. Step 1: Download the official notification and forms - Use the official DRDO SAG JRF PDF to access the application form and undertakings.
2. Step 2: Fill the application carefully - Enter academic details, NET/GATE information, contact details, category details, and attach a self-attested photograph.
3. Step 3: Prepare document copies - Keep original certificates along with self-attested photocopies ready before the interview date.
4. Step 4: Optional email intimation - Candidates may send prior information to saghr.sag@gov.in before attending the walk-in.
5. Step 5: Attend the walk-in interview - Reach Metcalfe House, Delhi on 05 August 2026 between 9 AM and 11 AM.

Many students lose opportunities because they forget attested copies or arrive after reporting hours. Government walk-ins are strict about timing.

What makes SAG different from other DRDO labs?

Scientific Analysis Group (SAG) is one of DRDO's specialized labs focused on cryptology and information security. This is a niche area compared to regular engineering internships.

Students interested in cybersecurity, secure communication systems, cryptographic algorithms, embedded systems, or defence information systems should consider this opening.

If you're also comparing internship-style DRDO openings, check out the DRDO RCI Paid Internship 2026 and DRDO DMRL Internship 2026. Both attract many applications.

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

DRDO SAG JRF selection process

The selection process is based on a walk-in interview. Candidates will likely be evaluated on subject fundamentals, project understanding, programming knowledge, and research aptitude.

For CSE and IT students, expect questions around algorithms, operating systems, networking basics, cryptography concepts, and coding fundamentals. Electronics candidates may face embedded systems and signal-related questions.

Mathematics applicants should revise number theory, algebra, probability, and cryptography-related concepts. Physics students may be assessed on quantum mechanics and computational understanding.