VRDE JRF Notification 2026 has been released by the Vehicle Research and Development Organization (VRDE), a DRDO laboratory. The walk-in interview for Mechanical and Electrical Engineering graduates will be held on 4th and 6th May 2026. Check complete details from the article.
The Vehicle Research and Development Organization (VRDE), operating under DRDO, has invited young and meritorious Indian nationals for a Walk-in-Interview for the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering disciplines. The interview will be held at VRDE, Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar), Maharashtra. Candidates are advised to send their willingness via email by 30th April 2026 and report for document verification as per the scheduled dates.
VRDE JRF Notification 2026 Out
The official VRDE JRF Notification 2026 has been released with details of vacancies, qualifications, stipend, and interview schedule. A total of 03 Junior Research Fellow posts are available (02 for Mechanical Engineering and 01 for Electrical Engineering). The number may vary based on organizational requirements.
VRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 – Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Organization | Vehicle Research & Development Organization (VRDE), DRDO |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 03 (may increase/decrease) |
| Mode of Interview | Walk-in (Written Test + Interview) |
| Last Date to Send Willingness | 30th April 2026 |
| Document Verification (Mechanical) | 4th May 2026 (09:30 – 11:30 AM) |
| Written Test (Mechanical) | 4th May 2026 (12:00 PM onwards) |
| Interview (Mechanical) | 4th & 5th May 2026 |
| Document Verification (Electrical) | 6th May 2026 (09:30 – 11:30 AM) |
| Written Test (Electrical) | 6th May 2026 (12:00 PM onwards) |
| Interview (Electrical) | 6th & 7th May 2026 |
| Stipend | ₹37,000/- + HRA per month |
| Upper Age Limit | 28 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC) |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
VRDE JRF Important Dates
Candidates appearing for the walk-in interview must strictly adhere to the schedule. Latecomers will not be permitted.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | April 2026 |
| Last Date to Email Willingness | 30th April 2026 |
| Document Verification (Mechanical) | 4th May 2026 (09:30 – 11:30 AM) |
| Written Test (Mechanical) | 4th May 2026 (12:00 PM) |
| Interview (Mechanical) | 4th & 5th May 2026 |
| Document Verification (Electrical) | 6th May 2026 (09:30 – 11:30 AM) |
| Written Test (Electrical) | 6th May 2026 (12:00 PM) |
| Interview (Electrical) | 6th & 7th May 2026 |
Junior Research Fellows Walk-in-Interview 2026 Announced
The Vehicle Research and Development Organization (VRDE), under the aegis of DRDO, has officially announced a walk-in interview for the recruitment of Junior Research Fellows. Candidates with a valid GATE score (2024, 2025, or 2026) or an ME/MTech degree in First Division are eligible. The selection process includes document verification, a two-hour written test, and an interview.
VRDE JRF Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must carefully review the eligibility criteria for the VRDE JRF position.
Educational Qualification (as on interview date)
For Mechanical Engineering (02 posts):
- Option 1: BE/BTech in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent disciplines like Mechanical & Automation, Mechanical & Production) in First Division with a valid GATE score (2024, 2025, or 2026 only).
- Option 2: ME/MTech in the above disciplines with First Division at both Graduate and Post-Graduate levels.
For Electrical Engineering (01 post):
- Option 1: BE/BTech in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent like Electrical Power Systems, Electrical & Electronics, Power Electronics) in First Division with a valid GATE score (2024, 2025, or 2026 only).
- Option 2: ME/MTech in the above disciplines with First Division at both Graduate and Post-Graduate levels.
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 28 Years |
| OBC (Non-creamy layer) | 31 Years (3 years relaxation) |
| SC/ST | 33 Years (5 years relaxation) |
- Nationality: Only Indian Nationals can apply.
VRDE Junior Research Fellows Application Process 2026
The application process involves two steps: sending willingness via email and then appearing for the walk-in with a printed application form.
Step 1: Download the application form from www.drdo.gov.in.
Step 2: Fill the form and affix a recent passport-size photograph on the top right corner of the first page.
Step 3: Send an email expressing your willingness to kapilpuraswani.vrde[at]gov.in by 30th April 2026. The subject line must be: Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship-Subject
Step 4: Appear for the walk-in interview on the scheduled date at:
VRDE, PO Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar) – 414006 (Maharashtra)
Step 5: Bring the duly filled application form, attested copies of certificates, original documents, Govt. photo ID (Aadhar/PAN/Passport), and NOC (if employed in Govt/PSU).
Selection Process
The selection process for VRDE Junior Research Fellow will be conducted over two days:
- Document Verification (09:30 – 11:30 AM on the scheduled date)
- Written Test (2-hour duration, starting 12:00 PM on the same day)
- Interview (conducted for candidates shortlisted based on written test results)
VRDE JRF Fellowship Tenure & Stipend
- Tenure: Initial 2 years, extendable up to 4 years (one year at a time) based on satisfactory performance.
- Stipend: ₹37,000/- per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as admissible.
