DRDO CVRDE Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for 16 Posts

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai, has announced recruitment for 16 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions for 2026. CVRDE is a premier laboratory under DRDO responsible for the design and development of main battle tanks, infantry combat vehicles, and other combat vehicles for the Indian Armed Forces. These JRF positions are research-oriented roles involving work on advanced defence projects in mechanical, electronics, electrical, and allied engineering disciplines. The selection is done through written test and/or interview based on academic qualifications. This is a contractual appointment with potential for career progression in defence research and development. The positions are open to engineering graduates and postgraduates across various specializations with a passion for defence technology and innovation.

Important Dates

Note: Exact dates to be announced in official notification. Applications are to be submitted offline by post/hand delivery.

Vacancy Breakdown (Typical / Indicative)

Note: Vacancy distribution is indicative and subject to variation based on project requirements and reservation policy.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Essential: Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech) in relevant disciplines such as Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or allied branches from a recognized university/institution
• OR Master's degree in Engineering/Technology (M.E./M.Tech) in relevant specialization
• Minimum Marks: First Class (60% or equivalent CGPA) for General/EWS/OBC candidates; 55% or equivalent for SC/ST candidates
• Additional: Valid GATE score may be preferred or mandatory for certain positions (as specified in detailed notification)
• Candidates must possess the qualification on or before the last date of application submission

Age Limit

Age Relaxation:

Note: Age is calculated as on the last date of receipt of application. Upper age relaxation is cumulative as per Government of India rules.

Nationality

• Candidate must be a citizen of India
• Character and antecedents must be suitable for employment in a defence research organization
• Security clearance will be mandatory before joining

Application Process

Application Mode: OFFLINE (by Post/Hand Delivery)

Steps to Apply:

1. Download Application Form: Visit the official DRDO CVRDE website (www.drdo.gov.in or cvrde.drdo.in) and download the prescribed application format from the recruitment section

1. Fill Application Form: Complete the application form carefully with all required details including personal information, educational qualifications, experience (if any), and contact details. Use BLOCK LETTERS and black/blue ink

1. Affix Photograph: Paste a recent passport-size photograph on the application form and sign across it

1. Attach Documents: Attach self-attested copies of the following documents:

• Class 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
• Degree certificate and all semester/year mark sheets
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• PwBD certificate (if applicable)
• GATE scorecard (if applicable/required)
• Experience certificates (if any)
• Any other relevant documents as specified

1. Prepare Envelope: Place the completed application form with all attachments in an envelope. Write on the envelope: "APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOW - 2026" along with the specific discipline/post code

1. Send Application: Send the envelope by Registered Post/Speed Post to the address mentioned in the official notification (typically: The Director, Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, DRDO, Avadi, Chennai - 600 054, Tamil Nadu)

1. Retain Proof: Keep the postal receipt/acknowledgment as proof of submission

Note: Applications sent by ordinary post, email, fax, or hand delivery (unless specified) may not be accepted. Only complete applications received on or before the last date will be considered.

Application Fee

Note: DRDO typically does not charge application fees for JRF positions. Confirm from official notification.

Selection Process

The selection for Junior Research Fellow positions at DRDO CVRDE follows a rigorous multi-stage process:

1. Scrutiny of Applications: All received applications are screened for eligibility based on educational qualifications, age, and completeness of documentation. Only eligible candidates are shortlisted for further stages.

1. Written Test/Skill Test (if conducted): Shortlisted candidates may be called for a written examination covering technical subjects related to their engineering discipline, general aptitude, and reasoning. The test assesses domain knowledge, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills relevant to defence research projects.

1. Personal Interview: Candidates who qualify the written test (or directly shortlisted based on GATE score/academic merit) are called for a personal interview before an expert panel. The interview evaluates technical knowledge, research aptitude, communication skills, and suitability for the specific research project.

1. Document Verification: Candidates who perform well in the interview undergo document verification where original certificates of educational qualifications, age proof, caste certificate, and other relevant documents are checked for authenticity.

1. Medical Examination: Selected candidates must undergo a medical fitness examination as per DRDO standards to ensure they are medically fit for the post.

1. Security Clearance: Final selection is subject to security/background verification clearance, which is mandatory for employment in defence establishments.

1. Merit List Preparation: A final merit list is prepared based on the performance in written test/interview, and candidates are offered appointment accordingly, subject to fulfillment of all conditions.

Note: The organization reserves the right to conduct any stage of selection (written test/skill test/interview) based on the number of applications and requirements.

Exam Pattern

Written Test Pattern (Typical / Indicative - if conducted)

Note: The exact pattern may vary based on the discipline and project requirements.

Interview Pattern

Negative Marking: Typically, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in objective-type written tests (if conducted). However, this may vary or may not be applicable depending on the specific test pattern announced.

Language: The written test and interview are generally conducted in English.

Selection Criteria: Final merit is based on combined performance in written test (if conducted) and interview, with minimum qualifying marks typically set at 50% for General/EWS/OBC and 45% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.

Syllabus

The syllabus for DRDO CVRDE Junior Research Fellow recruitment is based on the engineering discipline and covers undergraduate/postgraduate level topics. Below is an indicative syllabus:

Mechanical Engineering

• Engineering Mechanics: Statics, dynamics, kinematics, friction, and rigid body motion
• Strength of Materials: Stress, strain, bending moment, shear force, torsion, deflection
• Theory of Machines: Mechanisms, gears, cams, governors, flywheels, vibrations
• Machine Design: Design of machine elements, shafts, keys, bearings, springs, joints
• Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics: Fluid properties, flow measurement, Bernoulli's theorem, pipe flow
• Thermodynamics: Laws of thermodynamics, heat engines, refrigeration, air conditioning
• Heat Transfer: Conduction, convection, radiation, heat exchangers
• Manufacturing Processes: Casting, welding, machining, forming, metrology
• Industrial Engineering: Production planning, inventory control, quality management
• Engineering Materials: Properties, selection, heat treatment of metals and alloys

Electronics Engineering

• Network Theory: Circuit analysis, network theorems, AC/DC circuits, resonance
• Electronic Devices: Diodes, transistors, FETs, MOSFETs, operational amplifiers
• Analog Circuits: Amplifiers, oscillators, filters, voltage regulators
• Digital Electronics: Logic gates, combinational and sequential circuits, microprocessors
• Signals and Systems: Signal analysis, Fourier transform, Laplace transform, Z-transform
• Control Systems: Transfer functions, stability analysis, PID controllers, state-space representation
• Communication Systems: Amplitude/frequency/phase modulation, digital communication, antennas
• Electromagnetics: Maxwell's equations, wave propagation, transmission lines
• Microprocessors and Microcontrollers: 8085/8086 architecture, programming, interfacing
• VLSI Design: CMOS technology, logic design, digital system design

Electrical Engineering

• Electric Circuits and Fields: Circuit analysis, network theorems, electromagnetic fields
• Electrical Machines: DC machines, transformers, induction motors, synchronous machines
• Power Systems: Generation, transmission, distribution, protection, power factor correction
• Control Systems: Feedback systems, stability, frequency response, state-space methods
• Power Electronics: Rectifiers, inverters, choppers, AC-DC converters, motor drives
• Measurements and Instrumentation: Measuring instruments, bridges, transducers, data acquisition
• Analog and Digital Electronics: Amplifiers, oscillators, logic circuits, microprocessors
• Signals and Systems: Continuous and discrete signals, transforms, filtering
• Electrical and Electronic Measurements: Voltage, current, power, energy measurement

Computer Science Engineering

• Programming and Data Structures: C/C++, arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs
• Algorithms: Sorting, searching, dynamic programming, greedy algorithms, complexity analysis
• Computer Organization and Architecture: CPU design, memory hierarchy, I/O systems, pipelining
• Operating Systems: Process management, memory management, file systems, deadlocks
• Database Management Systems: ER model, SQL, normalization, transactions, concurrency control
• Computer Networks: OSI model, TCP/IP, routing, switching, network security
• Theory of Computation: Automata, formal languages, Turing machines, computability
• Compiler Design: Lexical analysis, parsing, code generation, optimization
• Software Engineering: SDLC models, testing, project management
• Digital Logic: Boolean algebra, logic gates, combinational and sequential circuits

Metallurgical Engineering

• Physical Metallurgy: Crystal structure, phase diagrams, solidification, diffusion
• Mechanical Metallurgy: Plastic deformation, strengthening mechanisms, fracture mechanics
• Extractive Metallurgy: Ore processing, pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, electrometallurgy
• Materials Characterization: Microscopy, XRD, thermal analysis, mechanical testing
• Heat Treatment: Annealing, normalizing, hardening, tempering, surface hardening
• Metal Forming: Rolling, forging, extrusion, drawing, sheet metal forming
• Casting Technology: Sand casting, die casting, investment casting, defects
• Welding and Joining: Arc welding, gas welding, brazing, soldering, weld defects
• Corrosion Engineering: Types of corrosion, prevention methods, surface coatings
• Advanced Materials: Composites, ceramics, polymers, nanomaterials

General Aptitude (Common for all disciplines)

• Numerical Ability: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, data interpretation
• Reasoning: Logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, verbal and non-verbal reasoning
• General Awareness: Current affairs, basic science, Indian polity, geography, history
• English Comprehension: Grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, sentence correction

Note: Candidates should primarily focus on their respective engineering discipline subjects at the level of undergraduate/postgraduate curriculum. Previous year GATE syllabi can also be referred for preparation.

Salary and Benefits (Typical / Indicative)

Additional Benefits:

• Medical facilities for self through DRDO medical centers/empanelled hospitals
• Leave entitlements as per DRDO rules (typically 30 days annual leave)
• Access to DRDO facilities, libraries, and research infrastructure
• Opportunity for attending conferences, workshops, and training programs
• Potential for publication in reputed journals and patent filing
• No pension benefit (as this is a fellowship/contractual position)

Note: Junior Research Fellows at DRDO receive a consolidated fellowship amount rather than a regular salary with pay scale. The fellowship is revised periodically as per DRDO/Government norms. The exact amount may vary based on qualifications (B.Tech/M.Tech/GATE qualified) and year of appointment. After completion of fellowship period, exceptional performers may be considered for regular DRDO positions through proper selection procedures.

Junior Research Fellows at DRDO CVRDE gain valuable research experience in cutting-edge defence technology projects, working alongside senior scientists and engineers. After completing the fellowship tenure (typically 2-3 years), high-performing JRFs may be considered for regular Scientist positions (Scientist 'B' level) through appropriate selection processes conducted by DRDO. The experience gained opens doors to careers in defence research laboratories, public sector undertakings, academia, and high-technology private sector companies. Many JRFs pursue doctoral programs (Ph.D.) during or after their fellowship, which significantly enhances career prospects. The exposure to advanced engineering projects, patents, and publications adds substantial value to professional profiles, enabling progression to senior scientific and technical management roles in the long term.

Admit cards for the written test/interview (if conducted) are typically released 10-15 days before the scheduled examination date. Candidates shortlisted for the written test or interview can download their admit cards from the official DRDO CVRDE website or the recruitment portal mentioned in the notification. The admit card contains important details including candidate's name, roll number, examination center address, reporting time, and instructions to be followed. Candidates must bring a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card/Voter ID/Driving License/Passport) to the examination center. No candidate will be allowed entry without a valid admit card and ID proof.

Results of the written test (if conducted) are typically declared 3-4 weeks after the examination date on the official DRDO CVRDE website. The result lists the roll numbers of candidates shortlisted for the interview stage. Final selection results, after completion of interviews and document verification, are usually announced 2-3 weeks after the interview process concludes. Selected candidates receive an offer letter/appointment order via email and/or registered post. The result also includes waiting list candidates who may be considered in case of vacancy arising due to non-joining of selected candidates. All communications regarding results are made through the official website and registered email addresses provided by candidates during application.

Cutoff marks for DRDO CVRDE Junior Research Fellow recruitment vary based on the number of applicants, difficulty level of the examination, and post-specific requirements. Typical qualifying cutoff ranges are approximately 50-60% for General/EWS/OBC candidates and 45-55% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates in written tests and interviews. For highly competitive positions, actual selection cutoffs may be significantly higher, reaching 70-80% for General category candidates. Category-wise cutoffs are applied separately, and candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in both written test and interview (if applicable) to be considered for final merit. GATE-qualified candidates may have preference or relaxation in cutoff criteria as per DRDO policy. Cutoffs are announced along with results and vary across different engineering disciplines based on the talent pool and project requirements.

Examination Centers

DRDO CVRDE conducts examinations and interviews at selected centers across India, primarily focusing on major metropolitan cities and regional hubs:

South India: Chennai (primary center as CVRDE headquarters is located here), Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Visakhapatnam

North India: New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Dehradun, Jaipur

West India: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Nashik

East India: Kolkata, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi

Northeast India: Guwahati, Shillong

Central India: Indore, Bhopal, Nagpur

Note: The actual examination centers are announced in the official notification and admit card. Chennai being the location of CVRDE is the primary center for interviews and most selection activities. Candidates are advised to indicate their preferred examination center city during application, and allotment is done based on availability and administrative convenience. For interview rounds, candidates may be required to report to CVRDE Chennai regardless of their written test center.