DRDO CVRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 Junior Research Fellow Notification — DRDO CVRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 | 16 Junior Research Fellow Vacancies

Quick Summary: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has released the DRDO CVRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 notification for 16 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) vacancies at the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai. Eligible Engineering graduates and postgraduates with a valid GATE score can apply. Selected candidates will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 along with HRA as per DRDO rules.

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DRDO CVRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 | 16 Junior Research Fellow Vacancies

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited applications from talented and motivated engineering graduates and postgraduates for the recruitment of Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) at the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai.

The DRDO CVRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for candidates who wish to pursue research and development in defence technologies. Selected fellows will work on advanced projects related to combat vehicles, mobility systems, electronics, artificial intelligence, embedded systems and next-generation defence technologies under the guidance of experienced DRDO scientists.

If you aspire to build a career in defence research, innovation and advanced engineering, this recruitment provides an ideal platform to contribute to India’s strategic defence capabilities while gaining valuable research experience.

💡 Enggwave Career Insight: DRDO Junior Research Fellowships are among the most prestigious research opportunities for engineering graduates in India. Many JRFs later pursue careers as DRDO Scientists, PSU engineers, PhD researchers or R&D professionals in leading defence and aerospace organizations.

📋 Recruitment Highlights

🏢 Organization	DRDO – Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE)
📂 Job Category	Government Engineering Jobs
📌 Post Name	Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
👥 Total Vacancies	16
🎓 Qualification	BE/ B.Tech with Valid GATE OR ME/ M.Tech (First Division)
💼 Experience	Freshers
💰 Fellowship	₹37,000 per month + HRA
📍 Job Location	Chennai, Tamil Nadu
🌐 Application Mode	Offline
📅 Last Date to Apply	15th July 2026

🏢 About DRDO CVRDE

The Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) is one of the premier laboratories of DRDO located in Chennai. It is responsible for the research, design and development of combat vehicles, armoured platforms, propulsion systems, automotive technologies and mobility solutions for the Indian Armed Forces.

CVRDE has played a significant role in developing indigenous defence technologies including battle tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, military mobility systems and advanced automotive engineering solutions. Engineers working at CVRDE gain exposure to cutting-edge defence research and contribute to strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

🌟 Why Join DRDO as a Junior Research Fellow?

Work on advanced defence research projects.
Collaborate with experienced DRDO scientists and researchers.
Gain hands-on R&D experience in emerging technologies.
Receive a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 plus HRA.
Excellent opportunity for higher studies and PhD.
Enhance career prospects in DRDO, ISRO, HAL, BEL and other R&D organizations.
Contribute to India’s indigenous defence technology development.

🏢 Career Snapshot

Organization: DRDO – CVRDE

Post: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)

Nature of Work: Defence Research & Development

Location: Chennai

Career Path: JRF → SRF → Research Associate → Scientist → R&D Leadership

🎓 Educational Qualification

Candidates applying for the DRDO CVRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 must satisfy the educational qualifications prescribed in the official notification.

BE/ B.Tech in the relevant engineering discipline with First Division and a valid GATE score.
OR
ME/ M.Tech in the relevant specialization with First Division in both Graduate and Postgraduate degrees.

🖥️ Discipline-wise Vacancies

Engineering Discipline	Vacancies
Mechanical Engineering (ME)	8
Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE)	3
Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE)	3
Computer Science Engineering (CSE)	2
Total	16

🎯 Age Limit

Maximum Age: 28 Years.
Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST/OBC candidates as per Government of India rules.

📌 Note: Candidates should carefully verify the discipline-specific educational qualifications, GATE eligibility requirements and age relaxation details mentioned in the official DRDO notification before submitting their application.

✅ Selection Process

The selection process for the DRDO CVRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 is designed to identify candidates with strong academic performance and research potential. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview at CVRDE, Chennai.

Application Screening
Shortlisting based on Academic Performance & GATE Qualification
Personal Interview
Document Verification
Final Merit List

💡 Enggwave Tip: The interview generally focuses on core engineering concepts, final-year projects, GATE subjects, technical fundamentals and research aptitude. Candidates should also be prepared to discuss their academic achievements and engineering projects.

💰 Fellowship Details

Particular	Details
Monthly Fellowship	₹37,000
House Rent Allowance (HRA)	As Per DRDO Rules
Tenure	As Per DRDO JRF Guidelines

📅 Important Dates

Event	Date
Notification Released	24th June 2026
Application Mode	Offline
Last Date to Apply	Within 21 Days from Publication in Employment News
Interview	Will be Notified to Shortlisted Candidates

📄 Documents Required

Candidates should keep the following documents ready before submitting the application.

Duly Filled Application Form
Recent Passport Size Photograph
10th & 12th Marks Cards
B.E./B.Tech Degree & Marks Cards
M.E./M.Tech Certificates (If Applicable)
Valid GATE Score Card (If Applicable)
Community Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS, if applicable)
Government-issued Photo ID Proof
Experience Certificates (If Any)

📝 How to Apply?

Eligible candidates can apply for the DRDO CVRDE JRF Recruitment 2026 by following the steps below.

Download the official notification and application form from the DRDO website.
Read the eligibility conditions carefully.
Fill in the application form with accurate details.
Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
Paste a recent passport-size photograph.
Send the completed application to the address mentioned in the official notification before the closing date.

👉 Download Official Notification

👉 Apply on official career page

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many vacancies are available?

There are a total of 16 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) vacancies announced by DRDO CVRDE.

2. What is the monthly fellowship?

Selected candidates will receive a fellowship of ₹37,000 per month along with HRA as per DRDO rules.

3. Is GATE mandatory?

Candidates with a B.E./B.Tech degree require a valid GATE score. Candidates applying through the M.E./M.Tech route should satisfy the qualification criteria specified in the official notification.

4. What is the maximum age limit?

The maximum age limit is 28 years, with age relaxation applicable as per Government of India rules.

5. Where will the selected candidates be posted?

Selected candidates will work at the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai.

🚀 Enggwave Career Insight: A DRDO JRF fellowship provides valuable research experience in defence technologies and can strengthen your profile for future opportunities in DRDO Scientist recruitment, ISRO, BARC, HAL, BEL, PSUs and higher studies such as M.S. or Ph.D. It is an excellent pathway for engineers interested in research, innovation and advanced technology development.