DRDO DYSL-QT JRF Recruitment 2026

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has opened applications for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions at its prestigious DRDO Young Scientist Laboratory for Quantum Technologies (DYSL-QT), located at DIAT Campus, Girinagar, Pune. This recruitment, advertised under Advertisement No. 01/2025-26, invites brilliant minds from the electronics and electrical engineering domain to be part of a dedicated team of young scientists engaged in frontier research in the field of Quantum Technologies. With only 2 vacancies on offer in the JRF (Electronics) category, this is a highly competitive and rare opportunity for candidates with the right blend of academic excellence and technical expertise to contribute directly to India's national defence research ecosystem.

About DYSL-QT and Its Research Focus

DRDO Young Scientist Laboratory for Quantum Technologies is one of the specialized research units constituted under DRDO with a singular focus on developing cutting-edge capabilities in the quantum technology domain. The laboratory's research activities span three primary verticals: Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, and Quantum Sensing. These are among the most strategically significant and rapidly evolving areas of technology globally, with deep implications for national security, secure communications, advanced sensing systems, and next-generation computing architecture. The lab maintains strong academic collaborations with eminent institutions including IITs, Central Universities, State Universities, and other leading academic and research bodies, giving fellows an enriching environment to pursue interdisciplinary research under expert guidance.

Who Can Apply: Eligibility in Detail

Candidates applying for the JRF (Electronics) fellowship at DYSL-QT must meet one of two qualification pathways. The first pathway is for candidates holding a B.E. or B.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering (ETE), Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering (EIE), Electronics Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), or Electrical Engineering (EE), provided that their coursework included electives covering VLSI Design, Embedded Systems, or Digital Signal Processing, and they have secured First Division marks. Additionally, candidates under this pathway must possess a valid NET or GATE qualification at the time of application.

The second pathway caters to candidates with a higher academic qualification: an M.E. or M.Tech degree in any of the same engineering streams listed above, with specialisation specifically in VLSI Design, Embedded Systems, or Digital Signal Processing, and First Division marks at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Candidates pursuing this route are not required to additionally qualify NET or GATE, since the postgraduate degree with first division in the relevant specialisation is treated as a sufficient academic credential for the fellowship.

Beyond the mandatory qualifications, DRDO has also listed desirable skills that will give candidates an edge during the selection process: knowledge of hardware description languages such as VERILOG and VHDL, hands-on experience with FPGAs, and familiarity with Vivado and Vitis IDE design environments. While these are not compulsory, candidates who can demonstrate practical capability in these areas are likely to be viewed more favourably during the interview stage.

Age Limit

Applicants must not have crossed the age of 28 years as on the last date of receipt of applications. Standard government relaxation in the upper age limit is applicable for candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer) as per the rules in vogue at the central government level. Candidates must ensure they fulfil the age criterion precisely before submitting their application, since no relaxation beyond what is prescribed by government rules will be entertained.

Stipend and Service Conditions

Selected JRF candidates will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 along with House Rent Allowance (HRA) as applicable under DRDO rules. The fellowship is initially granted for a period of two years, which may be extended for a further two years subject to satisfactory performance and compliance with the rules in force at the time of extension. It is important for applicants to understand that this fellowship is purely temporary in nature. DRDO has explicitly clarified that the JRF position does not confer any right for regular absorption into DRDO service after the fellowship period ends. Additionally, candidates who have previously been awarded a JRF position in any DRDO laboratory or centre are not eligible to apply again under this notification.

Selection Process

The selection for JRF at DYSL-QT will be carried out purely through an Interview process. There is no written test stage in this recruitment. DRDO will first screen all received applications to shortlist eligible candidates based on their qualifications, marks, and other criteria. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an interview, with the date, time, venue, and mode of the interview communicated to them individually through both postal correspondence and email. Candidates should therefore ensure that the mailing address and email ID provided in their application are accurate and active, as DRDO will use these channels for all subsequent communication.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Unlike most modern government recruitments, this DRDO JRF recruitment follows an offline application process. Candidates must first download the application form from the official DRDO website at drdo.gov.in, navigating to the "What's New" section and locating the application for JRF at DYSL-QT, Pune. Alternatively, the application form and full details can be obtained by writing to the lab's official email address. Once the form is filled out completely and accurately, candidates must attach self-attested photocopies of all relevant educational qualification documents and experience certificates. Importantly, candidates who have a CGPA-based marksheet must also include a proof of the CGPA to percentage conversion formula provided by their university or institution, since DRDO requires this for accurate assessment of academic performance.

The completed application envelope must be superscribed with "Application for JRF" at the top left corner and addressed to The Director, DYSL-QT, Hall No. 1, Ground Floor, Vigyan Upakendra, DIAT Campus, Girinagar, Pune - 411025, Maharashtra. The application must reach the lab within 30 days of the date of publication of this advertisement in the Employment News. In addition to the hard copy, candidates are also required to email a soft copy of their application to dyslqtdrdo@gmail.com. Government employees, PSU employees, and those working in autonomous bodies must apply through proper channel and submit the declaration as per Annexure II along with their application, and must produce a No Objection Certificate from their Cadre Controlling Authority at the time of the interview. For any clarifications regarding the application process or eligibility, candidates can contact DYSL-QT at the helpdesk number: 7980796459.

Given the specialized nature of this fellowship and DRDO's reputation as India's premier defence research organization, candidates with a strong academic background in electronics engineering and a passion for quantum technology research should treat this as a career-defining opportunity and apply well before the deadline.