Overview
The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Research Centre Imarat (DRDO RCI) has released a recruitment notification for 21 Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF) vacancies in 2026. Eligible candidates with the prescribed engineering, science or research qualifications can submit their applications through the offline mode within the deadline specified in the detailed notification.
Applicants should carefully check the post-wise academic requirements, age criteria, experience conditions and application format before applying. The distribution of vacancies between RA and JRF posts will be available in the official notification.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Organization | DRDO – Research Centre Imarat (RCI) |
| Post Name | Research Associate and Junior Research Fellow |
| Total Vacancies | 21 |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Application Start | TBA |
| Last Date | TBA |
| Exam Date | TBA |
| Result Date | TBA |
Candidates must refer to the recruitment PDF for the exact application schedule. Offline forms should reach the designated RCI address by the prescribed closing date; applications dispatched on the final day but received late may not be considered.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- For Junior Research Fellow posts, candidates are generally required to hold a relevant BE/BTech, ME/MTech, MSc or equivalent qualification in the discipline specified for the vacancy.
- Applicants with a BE/BTech or postgraduate science qualification may also need a valid GATE, NET or other prescribed national-level eligibility score, depending on the relevant discipline.
- For Research Associate posts, applicants should normally possess a PhD in a relevant subject or an eligible postgraduate engineering degree with the required research, teaching, design or development experience.
- Qualifications must be obtained from a recognized university or institution. Candidates awaiting final results should apply only if specifically permitted by the notification.
- The required branches, percentage of marks, research publications and experience conditions may vary by post. Applicants must verify the detailed eligibility table before submitting the form.
Age Limit
- The usual upper age limit is 28 years for JRF and 35 years for Research Associate positions, subject to confirmation in the official notification.
- Age will be calculated as on the cut-off date stated by DRDO RCI.
- Relaxation in the upper age limit may be available to SC, ST, OBC and other eligible categories under applicable government rules.
- Documentary proof must be produced by candidates seeking age relaxation.
Fees
- No application fee information has been specified in the available recruitment details.
- Candidates should not make any payment unless an application fee and an authorized payment method are clearly mentioned in the official notification.
Selection Process
The selection procedure is expected to include the following stages:
- Application Screening: RCI will scrutinize applications based on academic qualifications, relevant experience, research record and other eligibility conditions.
- Written Test and/or Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a written test, technical assessment or personal interview, depending on the number of eligible applicants and post requirements.
- Document Verification: Provisionally selected candidates will have to produce original educational, age, category, experience, GATE/NET and identity documents for verification.
Mere fulfilment of minimum eligibility conditions does not guarantee shortlisting or appointment.
How to Apply
- Visit the official DRDO website at drdo.gov.in and open the Careers or Recruitment section.
- Locate the notification for RCI Research Associate and Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026.
- Download the notification PDF and read the post-wise eligibility requirements, instructions and application deadline.
- Print the prescribed application form or prepare it in the format provided with the notification.
- Enter personal, communication, educational and professional details carefully. Select the correct post and discipline.
- Attach self-attested copies of the required certificates, including date-of-birth proof, degree mark sheets, category certificate, experience documents, research publications and GATE/NET scorecard, wherever applicable.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph and sign the form at all specified places.
- Place the completed application and supporting documents in an envelope. Write the post name and subject or discipline on the envelope if instructed.
- Send the application to the RCI address mentioned in the official notification through the prescribed postal method so that it arrives before the closing date.
- Keep a copy of the submitted form and postal receipt or tracking details for future reference.
Applications that are incomplete, unsigned, submitted without supporting documents or received after the deadline may be rejected.
Important Links
FAQs
1. How many vacancies are available under DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026?
The recruitment drive has announced 21 combined vacancies for Research Associate and Junior Research Fellow posts.
2. Is the DRDO RCI application process online or offline?
The application process is offline. Candidates must send the completed form and required documents to the address specified in the notification.
3. What is the last date to apply?
The last date has not been specified in the available details and is currently TBA. Applicants should check the official DRDO recruitment page regularly for the complete schedule.
