Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA) Positions

📋 Job Description

- Pursue cutting-edge defense-related research in a premier DRDO laboratory.
- Work in specialized domains including electronics, mechanical engineering, aerospace, computer science, and materials science.
- Receive a competitive monthly stipend with additional benefits like HRA, medical facilities, and contingency grants.
- Opportunity to contribute to national security and defense technology development.
- Fellowship does not guarantee absorption in DRDO.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

- Indian nationals only.
- Age limit: Maximum 28 years for JRF (relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC candidates).
- Maximum 35 years for Research Associate (RA) as on the date of interview.
- Educational qualifications vary by post (see vacancy breakdown for details).
- For JRF: B.E./B.Tech/M.Sc./M.Tech in relevant disciplines with first division and valid NET/GATE qualification.
- For RA: Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering (or M.E./M.Tech with 3+ years of R&D experience) from a reputed institution.
- Candidates with submitted Ph.D. thesis may apply for RA, but the degree must be awarded before the fellowship offer expires.
- RA candidates must have at least one research paper published in a JCR or SCI-listed journal.
- Desirable: Experience in RF/Microwaves/Antenna for RA positions.

🏆 Selection Process

- Shortlisting based on educational qualifications and NET/GATE scores.
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview and/or written test.
- Interview dates and details will be communicated via email only.
- Final selection based on interview performance and document verification.

📊 Key Information

Organization	Armament Research and Development Establishment
Location / State	Maharashtra
Job Location	Pune, Maharashtra
Category Eligibility	General, OBC, SC, ST (with age relaxation as per government norms).
Experience Required	- RA positions require a minimum of 3 years of R&D experience in a reputed institution. - JRF positions are for fresh graduates or postgraduates without mandatory experience.
Last Date to Apply	31 August 2026

📊 ARDE Recruitment - Vacancy Details

Post Name	Total Posts
Junior Research Fellow (Electronics & Related Disciplines)	8
Junior Research Fellow (Computer Science & Related Disciplines)	4
Junior Research Fellow (Mechanical & Related Disciplines)	10
Junior Research Fellow (Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering)	1
Research Associate (Electronics Engineering)	1
Total	24

📁 Required Documents

- Duly filled application form in the prescribed proforma.
- Self-attested copies of educational qualification certificates.
- NET/GATE scorecard (if applicable).
- Caste certificate (if claiming reservation).
- Recent passport-sized photograph affixed on the application form.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer (if applicable).
- Proof of age (birth certificate/matriculation certificate).
- Experience certificates (if applicable).
- Research publications (for RA positions).

🎓 Required Qualifications

📊 Vacancy Details

Junior Research Fellow (Electronics & Related Disciplines): 8 vacancies for candidates with B.E./B.Tech/M.Sc./M.Tech in electronics, signal processing, microwave, microelectronics, or related fields with NET/GATE qualification.
Junior Research Fellow (Computer Science & Related Disciplines): 4 vacancies for candidates with B.E./B.Tech/M.Sc. in computer science, IT, AI/ML, cybersecurity, or related fields with NET/GATE qualification.
Junior Research Fellow (Mechanical & Related Disciplines): 10 vacancies for candidates with B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech in mechanical, metallurgy, materials science, or related fields with NET/GATE qualification.
Junior Research Fellow (Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering): 1 vacancy for candidates with B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech in aeronautical/aerospace engineering with NET/GATE qualification.
Research Associate (Electronics Engineering): 1 vacancy for Ph.D. holders in electronics engineering or M.E./M.Tech with 3+ years of R&D experience.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the eligibility criteria for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position?

A. Candidates must have a B.E./B.Tech or M.Sc./M.Tech in specified disciplines with a first division and valid NET/GATE qualification. The maximum age limit is 28 years as of the interview date, with relaxations for reserved categories.

Q. What is the stipend amount for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position?

A. The monthly stipend for the JRF position is Rs. 37,000, along with additional benefits like HRA, medical facilities, and contingency grants as per rules.

Q. What are the eligibility criteria for the Research Associate (RA) position?

A. Candidates must have a Ph.D in Electronics Engineering from a reputed institution or an M.E./M.Tech with a minimum of 3 years of R&D experience. They must also have at least one research paper publication in a JCR or SCI journal.

Q. What is the stipend amount for the Research Associate (RA) position?

A. The monthly stipend for the RA position is Rs. 67,000, along with additional benefits like HRA, medical facilities, and contingency grants as per rules.

Q. How can I apply for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) or Research Associate (RA) positions?

A. Candidates must send their CV/Bio-data in the prescribed format along with self-attested copies of educational certificates, NET/GATE scorecards, caste certificates, and other relevant documents to The Director, ARDE, Pune, by 31st August 2026.