DRDO CVRDE Junior Research Fellowship Recruitment 2026

The Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), one of the premier research laboratories under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has announced recruitment for 16 Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions under Advertisement No. CVRDE/HR/JRF/2026-27. The fellowship is offered at CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai, providing an excellent opportunity for engineering graduates and postgraduates to work on cutting-edge defence technologies while contributing to India's indigenous defence research and development.

CVRDE, located in Avadi, Chennai, is the DRDO laboratory responsible for the research, design, development, and testing of Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) and associated technologies. It has played a vital role in projects such as the Arjun Main Battle Tank and other military vehicle platforms. Researchers at CVRDE work on propulsion systems, transmission systems, vehicle mobility, electronics, embedded systems, armour technology, fire control systems, and advanced materials.

A total of 16 Junior Research Fellowship vacancies have been announced across four engineering disciplines:

• Mechanical Engineering: 7 Posts
• Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE): 5 Posts
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE): 2 Posts
• Computer Science Engineering (CSE): 2 Posts

Candidates must satisfy either of the following eligibility conditions:

• B.E./B.Tech in the relevant engineering discipline with First Division and a valid GATE score.
• OR M.E./M.Tech in the relevant discipline with First Division at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The degree must be in the exact engineering discipline advertised. Allied or equivalent disciplines are not accepted. Candidates possessing foreign degrees must submit an equivalency certificate issued by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

• General (UR): Maximum 28 Years
• OBC (NCL): Maximum 31 Years
• SC/ST: Maximum 33 Years

Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply.

Selected candidates will receive:

• Monthly Fellowship of ₹37,000
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• Medical facilities as per DRDO rules
• Initial tenure of 2 years, extendable as per rules
• Opportunity to pursue a part-time Ph.D. with prior approval from the Director, CVRDE

Candidates must submit the prescribed application form along with self-attested copies of all supporting documents including educational certificates, mark sheets, GATE scorecard, age proof, caste certificate (if applicable), and other relevant documents.

The application can be submitted through either of the following modes:

• Offline: Send the application by Ordinary Post to The Director, CVRDE, Ministry of Defence, DRDO, Avadi, Chennai – 600054.
• Email: Send a single PDF copy of the application and documents to pmhr.cvrde@gov.in.

The envelope should be superscribed with "Application for JRF Recruitment-2026".

The last date for submission is within 21 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in Employment News/National Newspapers.

The recruitment process consists of the following stages:

1. Shortlisting based on academic performance.
2. Verification of original documents.
3. Objective Type Written Test.
4. Personal Interview.
5. Final Merit List.

The Written Test and Interview will be conducted at CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai. Shortlisted candidates will receive communication through their registered email ID only.

• No TA/DA will be paid for appearing in the Written Test or Interview.
• Candidates should be prepared for a stay of one or two days in Chennai.
• Government/PSU employees must produce a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC).
• Candidates who have already received a DRDO JRF earlier are not eligible.
• Keep the registered email ID and mobile number active until the recruitment process is completed.

Phone: 044-26362136 (Monday to Friday, 09:30 AM to 05:00 PM)

Email: pmhr.cvrde@gov.in

Candidates should regularly visit the official DRDO website for corrigenda and further announcements.

1. What is the total number of vacancies in DRDO CVRDE JRF Recruitment 2026?

There are 16 Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) vacancies across Mechanical, ECE, EEE, and Computer Science Engineering disciplines.

2. Which organization has released the DRDO CVRDE JRF Recruitment 2026?

The recruitment has been released by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), a laboratory of DRDO under the Ministry of Defence.

3. What is the monthly stipend for DRDO CVRDE JRF?

Selected candidates will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 along with HRA and other admissible benefits.

4. Is GATE mandatory for DRDO CVRDE JRF 2026?

Yes. Candidates with only a B.E./B.Tech degree must possess a valid GATE score. M.E./M.Tech candidates with First Division at both UG and PG levels are also eligible as per the notification.

5. What is the age limit for DRDO CVRDE JRF Recruitment 2026?

The upper age limit is 28 years for General, 31 years for OBC, and 33 years for SC/ST candidates.

6. What is the last date to apply for DRDO CVRDE JRF 2026?

The application must reach CVRDE within 21 days from the publication of the advertisement in Employment News/National Newspapers.

7. What is the selection process for DRDO CVRDE JRF?

The selection process includes shortlisting, document verification, objective-type written test, personal interview, and preparation of the final merit list.

8. Can final-year engineering students apply?

No. Candidates must possess the required educational qualification before applying.

9. Is there any application fee?

No. The official notification does not prescribe any application fee.

10. Where will the Written Test and Interview be conducted?

Both the Written Test and Personal Interview will be conducted at CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai.

11. Can candidates apply through email?

Yes. Applications can be submitted by sending a single PDF containing the application form and supporting documents to pmhr.cvrde@gov.in.

12. What is the duration of the Junior Research Fellowship?

The fellowship is initially awarded for two years and may be extended according to DRDO rules.

13. Can JRF fellows pursue a Ph.D. during the fellowship?

Yes. Selected fellows may pursue a part-time Ph.D. with prior approval from the Director, CVRDE.

14. Is there any travelling allowance for attending the interview?

No. DRDO will not provide any TA/DA for attending the Written Test or Interview.

15. Where can candidates download the official notification?

Candidates can download the official notification and check future updates from the official DRDO website (drdo.gov.in).