Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced 25 vacancies for Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and Research Associates (RA). The walk-in interview for DIHAR Recruitment 2026 will be conducted on 24th February 2026 at the DIHAR Base Station, Chandigarh. Candidates will be selected based on interview performance.
Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), a frontier institute of DRDO located in the Leh-Ladakh region, has invited applications from eligible candidates for engagement as Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and Research Associates (RA) to work on defence-related research projects focusing on high-altitude technologies and testing.
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DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026- Important Dates
DIHAR has scheduled a single-day walk-in interview process. Candidates must report at the venue strictly by the designated time.
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | February 2026 |
| Walk-In Interview Date | 24th February 2026 (Tuesday) |
| Reporting Time | 08:45 Hours |
| Venue | DIHAR Base Station, Chandigarh |
DRDO DIHAR JRF & RA Vacancy 2026
A total of 25 vacancies are announced across two posts. The discipline-wise distribution is as follows.
| Post | Discipline / Specialization | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| JRF | B.Tech in Civil Engineering | 02 |
| JRF | B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering / Information Technology | 02 |
| JRF | B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engg / Electronics & Instrumentation Engg | 03 |
| JRF | B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering & Production | 04 |
| JRF | B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering | 02 |
| JRF | M.Tech in Material Science Engineering / ECE / Physics | 01 |
| JRF | M.Tech / B.Tech in Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering | 02 |
| JRF | B.Tech in Electronics Engineering | 01 |
| JRF | B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering | 01 |
| JRF | B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering / Instrumentation Engineering | 01 |
| JRF | B.Tech in Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering | 01 |
| JRF | Total JRF | 22 |
| RA | M.Tech in Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering with 3 years experience & SCI paper | 03 |
| RA | Total RA | 03 |
DRDO DIHAR JRF & RA Notification 2026 PDF Out
The official notification for the recruitment of Junior Research Fellows and Research Associates is now available on the official website of DIHAR/DRDO. Candidates desirous of working in high-altitude defence research projects must go through the complete eligibility and selection procedure carefully.
DRDO DIHAR JRF & RA Notification 2026 (Official PDF)- Click to Download
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must check the post-wise educational qualifications, experience, and age requirements before appearing for the walk-in interview.
Educational Qualification:
| Post | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|
| JRF | B.Tech / M.Tech in the respective engineering disciplines as specified in the vacancy table from a recognized University/Institute. |
| RA | M.Tech in Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering with 3 years of research, teaching, or design & development experience after M.Tech. Must have at least one research paper in a SCI journal. |
Age Limit (as on date of walk-in interview):
- JRF: Maximum 28 years
- RA: Maximum 35 years
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST/OBC candidates: As per Government of India orders.
DRDO DIHAR Application Process 2026
There is no online application process. Candidates must appear for the walk-in interview in person at the specified venue on 24th February 2026 with all required documents.
Documents to Bring for Walk-In Interview:
- Certificates regarding Date of Birth and Educational Qualifications (Original + Self-attested copies).
- Neatly typed Bio-data.
- Documents in support of preferential experience (for RA post applicants).
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer (for candidates working in Govt/PSU/Autonomous bodies).
Note: Candidates reporting after 0845 hours may not be permitted to participate in the screening process.
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DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The selection will be conducted on the same day through a two-stage process:
- Screening: Candidates will be screened based on their qualifications and documents at the venue.
- Personal Interview: Candidates who are screened-in will face an interview on the same day.
No written examination will be conducted.
DRDO DIHAR JRF & RA Stipend and Tenure 2026
| Post | Monthly Stipend | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | ₹37,000 + HRA | Initial 2 years, extendable up to 5 years based on performance as per DRDO guidelines. |
| Research Associate (RA) | ₹67,000 + HRA | Maximum 2 years |
Other Benefits:
- HRA (House Rent Allowance) as per DRDO rules.
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge defence research projects in high-altitude regions.
FAQs
What is the selection process for DRDO DIHAR JRF & RA Recruitment 2026?
Selection is based on a walk-in interview. Candidates will first be screened for eligibility, and shortlisted candidates will face a personal interview on the same day. There is no written test.
Where and when is the walk-in interview conducted?
The walk-in interview will be held at DIHAR Base Station, Near 3 BRD, Industrial Area Phase-II, Chandigarh – 160002 on 24th February 2026. Candidates must report by 0845 hours.
What is the stipend for JRF and RA positions?
JRF candidates will receive ₹37,000 + HRA per month. RA candidates will receive ₹67,000 + HRA per month.
Is there any TA/DA provided for attending the interview?
No. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining, if selected.
What is the mode of application?
The application mode is Walk-In Interview only. Candidates must personally appear at the venue with their bio-data and original documents. No online or offline application submission is accepted prior to the interview.
