The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through its premier laboratory, the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, has released Advertisement No. ARDE/JRF-RA/2026 for the recruitment of Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and Research Associate (RA). A total of 24 vacancies across various engineering and scientific disciplines are available, and applications must be submitted offline by post before 31 August 2026.
Highlights
| Detail |
Info |
| Organisation |
Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune – DRDO |
| Post Name |
Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA) |
| Total Vacancies |
24 (23 JRF + 1 RA) |
| Application Mode |
Offline (by post) |
| Last Date |
31 August 2026 (Monday) |
Post & Organization Details
- Organisation: Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune – a DRDO Laboratory
- Advertisement No.: ARDE/JRF-RA/2026
- Posts: Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Research Associate (RA)
- Fellowship Duration: Initially 2 years (extendable as per rules for JRF)
Vacancy Details
| Sl. No. |
Post |
Discipline/Field |
Vacancies |
Stipend (per month) |
| 1 |
Junior Research Fellow |
Electronics / Electronics & Communication / Applied Physics / Applied Optics (Laser & Fiber Optics/Photonics) |
08 |
Rs. 37,000/‑ |
| 2 |
Junior Research Fellow |
Computer Science / IT / Data Science / AI & ML / Cyber Security / Big Data Analysis |
04 |
Rs. 37,000/‑ |
| 3 |
Junior Research Fellow |
Mechanical / Metallurgy / Material Science / Manufacturing / Production Engineering |
10 |
Rs. 37,000/‑ |
| 4 |
Junior Research Fellow |
Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering |
01 |
Rs. 37,000/‑ |
| 5 |
Research Associate (RA) |
Electronics Engineering (RF/Microwave/Antenna desirable) |
01 |
Rs. 67,000/‑ |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
| Post (Discipline) |
Qualification Required |
| JRF – Electronics group |
B.E./B.Tech in Electronics/Electronics & Communication/Applied Electronics/Signal Processing/Microwave/Microelectronics/Power Electronics/Instrumentation & Control/Applied Physics/Applied Optics (Laser & Fiber Optics/Photonics) in first division with NET/GATE; OR M.Sc. in equivalent disciplines in first division with NET/GATE; OR M.Tech/M.E. in equivalent disciplines in first division at both graduate and postgraduate level. |
| JRF – Computer Science group |
B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science/Computer Engg./IT/Computer Applications/Information Science/Data Science/Software Engg./Cyber Security/AI & ML/Big Data Analysis with NET/GATE; OR M.Sc. (Computer Science) in first division with NET/GATE. |
| JRF – Mechanical group |
B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical/Metallurgy/Metallurgical Engg./Material Engg./Material Science/Manufacturing Engg./Production Engg. in first division with NET/GATE; OR M.E./M.Tech in equivalent disciplines in first division at both graduate and postgraduate level. |
| JRF – Aerospace group |
B.E./B.Tech in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering in first division with NET/GATE; OR M.Tech/M.E. in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering in first division at both graduate and postgraduate level. |
| Research Associate (RA) |
Ph.D. in Electronics Engg. from a reputed institution, OR M.E./M.Tech with a minimum of 3 years R&D experience in a reputed institution. Candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis may also apply, but the associateship will be awarded only after the degree is conferred. At least one research paper in a JCR/SCI‑listed refereed journal is mandatory. Experience in RF/Microwaves/Antenna is desirable. |
Age Limit
| Post |
Maximum Age (as on date of interview) |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
28 years |
| Research Associate (RA) |
35 years |
Age relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST candidates; 3 years for OBC candidates.
Pay Scale & Salary
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Rs. 37,000 per month (stipend) plus HRA, medical facilities and a contingency grant as per applicable rules.
- Research Associate (RA): Rs. 67,000 per month (stipend) plus HRA, medical facilities and a contingency grant as per applicable rules.
Application Fee
There is no application fee as the recruitment is conducted offline by post.
Important Dates
| Advertisement Number |
ARDE/JRF-RA/2026 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Application |
31 August 2026 (Monday) |
Selection Process
- Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview and/or written test.
- Interview/written test dates will be communicated only via email to shortlisted candidates.
- Selected candidates must bring a copy of their bio‑data and original certificates for verification at the time of the interview.
How to Apply
- Download/obtain the Bio‑data proforma as given in the official advertisement.
- Fill the Bio‑data in your own handwriting, providing personal details, educational qualifications (from Matric/10th onwards), experience (if any), and NET/GATE/CSIR/UGC qualification details.
- Affix a recent passport‑size photograph on the right top corner of the Bio‑data.
- Attach self‑attested copies of all relevant certificates (educational, NET/GATE scorecard, caste certificate if applicable, etc.).
- Sign the declaration section of the form.
- Write the name of the post you are applying for on the envelope.
- Send the completed application to:
The Director, Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE),
Armament Post, Pashan, Pune – 411 021
- Ensure the application reaches the office on or before 31 August 2026.
Important Links
FAQs
- What is the last date to apply for ARDE Pune JRF Recruitment 2026?
The last date for the application to reach the ARDE office is 31 August 2026 (Monday).
- How many vacancies are there in ARDE Pune Recruitment 2026?
There are 24 total vacancies – 23 for Junior Research Fellow (across Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical, and Aerospace disciplines) and 1 for Research Associate.
