DRDO’s official website currently lists multiple active recruitment drives across its laboratories, including walk-in interviews for Junior Research Fellowships at CAIR Bengaluru on 4 July 2026, fresh JRF openings at DYSL-QT Pune, apprentice vacancies at DESIDOC Delhi, and Scientist posts under RAC. These are not future announcements — they are active right now in July 2026. The common thread connecting them: most require no standard written competitive examination. Selection happens through walk-in interviews, document screening, or direct merit assessment based on your academic record.
This is a complete guide to every major DRDO Recruitment 2026 no-exam pathway currently open or expected in July 2026. You will get a clear picture of each route — JRF, Research Associate, Apprentice, Paid Internship, and Deputation posts — with eligibility, stipend, selection process, and what to do next. If you hold a B.Tech, M.Tech, B.Sc., or Diploma, at least one opening here will match your profile.
DRDO Recruitment Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Active Recruitment Types | JRF, Research Associate, Apprentice, Paid Internship, Scientist (RAC), Deputation |
| Exam Required? | No exam for most JRF, RA, Apprentice, and Internship roles |
| Stipend (JRF) | ₹37,000/month + HRA |
| Stipend (RA) | ₹67,000/month + HRA |
| Application Fee | Zero for most JRF/RA/Internship roles |
| Latest Walk-in (July 2026) | CAIR Bengaluru — 4 July 2026 (JRF) |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
| Latest Status | Multiple drives active — check drdo.gov.in for lab-specific dates |
All Active DRDO Recruitment 2026 Routes
| Recruitment Type | Posts | Exam? | Eligibility | Application Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JRF (Junior Research Fellow) | Research roles across labs | No (Walk-in Interview) | B.Tech/B.E. + GATE or M.Tech 1st Division | Report at lab venue |
| Research Associate (RA) | Senior research roles | No (Walk-in Interview) | Ph.D. or M.Tech + 3 yrs experience + SCI publication | Report at lab venue |
| Apprentice (CEPTAM / DESIDOC etc.) | Trade/Technical Apprentices | No (Apprentices Act) | 10th/ITI/Diploma | Offline/Online as per lab |
| Paid Internship | Engineering/Science UG/PG | No (Merit-based shortlist) | Pursuing B.E./B.Tech/M.Tech/M.Sc. | Offline application to lab |
| CEPTAM-11 STA-B | 561 posts | CBT Tier 1 + Tier 2 | B.Sc. / Diploma in Engg | Online (closed for 2025-26 cycle) |
| CEPTAM-11 Technician-A | 203 posts | CBT Tier 1 + Skill Test | 10th + ITI | Online (closed for 2025-26 cycle) |
| Scientist B (RAC) | Group A Gazetted | Interview via RAC | B.Tech + GATE / M.Tech / Ph.D. | Online via rac.gov.in |
| Deputation Posts | 188 Admin/Finance posts | No (Screening + Interview) | Serving Govt officers | Offline through proper channel |
DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026 — The Biggest No-Exam Technical Opportunity
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) is the most frequently available, no-written-exam entry point into DRDO across its 50+ laboratories. Individual labs release notifications year-round on drdo.gov.in.
What is a DRDO JRF?
The Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) and multiple other DRDO labs recruit Junior Research Fellows through a direct walk-in interview process with no online exam. Selection is based purely on academic credentials and interview performance. Fellows work on live defence research projects for a contract period of two years, extendable based on performance.
Stipend and Benefits
Monthly Stipend: ₹37,000 + HRA for JRF | ₹67,000 + HRA for Research Associate. Selection is through walk-in interview with no written exam.
With HRA included, the approximate monthly in-hand value for a JRF can reach ₹43,000–₹47,000, depending on the applicable HRA slab and other admissible allowances.
Eligibility for DRDO JRF 2026
For Junior Research Fellow (JRF): B.Tech/B.E. in First Division with a valid GATE Score. Alternatively: M.Tech/M.E. in First Division at both Graduate and Post-Graduate levels (GATE not required for M.Tech holders). For Research Associate (RA): M.Tech/M.E. in the relevant discipline with 3 years of Research, Teaching, or Design & Development experience after M.Tech and at least one research paper published in an SCI Journal.
Important Note — GATE Waiver for M.Tech Candidates: M.Tech/ME first-class holders with a first-class B.Tech/BE in the same discipline can apply for JRF without a GATE score. This is a critical eligibility provision that most candidates miss. Check your degree aggregate carefully — even one second-division semester at aggregate level can affect eligibility.
Age Limit
The maximum age limit for JRF posts is 28 years. Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules — SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation and OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation. For Research Associate posts, the maximum age limit is 35 years.
Application Fee
There is no application fee for DRDO JRF/RA walk-in recruitment. Candidates can attend the walk-in interview directly without any prior registration fee.
Active and Upcoming DRDO JRF/RA Walk-ins — July 2026
CAIR, Bengaluru has a walk-in interview scheduled for Junior Research Fellowship on 4 July 2026. INMAS, Delhi has called for interviews for the Award of DRDO Research Associate and Junior Research Fellowship. DYSL-QT, Pune has also released applications for Junior Research Fellowship. Additional labs including DMSRDE Kanpur have invited candidates for walk-in JRF interviews.
Important Note: Walk-in interview dates are lab-specific and change frequently. Always verify the exact date and venue from the individual notification PDF on drdo.gov.in before planning your travel. No TA/DA is provided by most labs for attending walk-in interviews.
How to Attend a DRDO JRF Walk-In Interview
1: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria including qualification, GATE score (for JRF), and required experience (for RA).
2: Prepare a neatly typed bio-data with complete personal and academic details.
3: Bring original certificates and one set of self-attested photocopies including Degree Certificates, Mark Sheets, GATE Scorecard, Experience Certificates, Caste Certificate (if applicable), and research publication proof (for RA).
4: Report at the lab venue at the specified time.
5: Attend screening and interview on the same day.
The screening is usually 15–30 minutes per candidate. Only those who meet the published eligibility criteria are allowed to appear for the interview. Bring all original certificates and mark sheets for verification.
DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2026 — No Exam, No GATE Required
Apprenticeship is the most accessible no-exam route into DRDO for candidates with 10th, ITI, or Diploma qualifications. Labs recruit apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 for one year of on-the-job training.
DESIDOC, Delhi has released applications for Engagement of Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 for One Year. DEAL, Dehradun has also invited applications for engagement of Apprentices for year 2026-27.
Key Points About DRDO Apprenticeships
- Minimum qualification is typically 10th pass + ITI in the relevant trade Duration:
- One year (stipend as per Apprentices Act rules) No written examination — selection is based on academic merit and document verification Application is usually offline — submit directly to the respective lab No permanent job guarantee, but provides official DRDO experience certificate.
DRDO Paid Internship 2026 — For Engineering and Science Students
HEMRL Pune, ITR Chandipur, DEAL Dehradun, and ARDE Pune have all released Paid Internship Scheme notifications for 2026-27, inviting applications from pursuing Engineering UG/PG and Science PG students.
Who Can Apply for DRDO Paid Internship?
Passed-out candidates are not eligible — you must still be a student when you apply
Students currently pursuing B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, or M.Sc. (final year or penultimate year, as specified in each lab’s notification)
Enrolled in AICTE-approved or UGC-recognised institutions
DRDO Internship stipend is up to ₹5,000 per month depending on the lab and level of study. Hostel accommodation is not provided by most labs; interns must arrange their own accommodation near the lab.
How to Apply
- Most DRDO paid internship drives use an offline application format.
- Download the prescribed proforma from the lab’s notification, fill it, get a sponsorship letter from your college, and send it to the lab’s director by post or email — as specified in the individual notification.
CEPTAM 11 Post Details and Pay Scale
| Post | Vacancies | Qualification | Pay Level (7th CPC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B) | 561 | B.Sc. (Science) or Diploma in Engineering | Level 6 — ₹35,400–₹1,12,400 |
| Technician-A (Tech-A) | 203 | 10th Pass + ITI | Level 2 — ₹19,900–₹63,200 |
The application window for CEPTAM-11 is closed. The Tier 2 exam date was 15 June 2026. Candidates who have appeared should monitor drdo.gov.in for the result and Document Verification schedule.
Important Note: The selection process comprises CBT Tier-I, CBT Tier-II (descriptive for STA-B / skill test for Technician-A), Document Verification, and Medical Examination. Final selection is based on combined merit of Tier-I and Tier-II marks, subject to medical fitness.