DRDO JRF Walk-In Interview June 2026 — DRDE Gwalior and DMSRDE Kanpur: Complete Guide
If you hold a first-class M.Sc. and have cleared NET or GATE, DRDO’s Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) walk-in interviews in June 2026 are one of the fastest ways to begin your research career in India’s top defence laboratory network. No lengthy online application process — just walk in with your documents on the scheduled date and appear before the selection panel directly.
Two DRDO establishments are conducting JRF walk-ins this month: DRDE (Defence Research and Development Establishment), Gwalior and DMSRDE (Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment), Kanpur. Here is everything you need to know to prepare and appear.
Walk-In Interview Schedule — DRDO JRF June 2026
| Lab | Discipline | Vacancies | Date of Walk-In | Reporting Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRDE, Gwalior | Chemistry (Physical / Analytical / Organic / Inorganic) | 01* | 17 June 2026 | 0930 hrs |
| DRDE, Gwalior | Biological Science (Life Science / Zoology / Biotechnology / Microbiology / Pharmacology / Immunology / Toxicology) | 01* | 18 June 2026 | 0930 hrs |
| DMSRDE, Kanpur | Chemistry / Material Science / Chemical Engineering / Polymer Science | 01 | 30 June 2026 | 0900 hrs |
*Number of fellowships may change as per organisational requirement.
About the Labs — DRDE Gwalior and DMSRDE Kanpur
DRDE Gwalior
Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior is a premier DRDO laboratory focused on Chemical and Biological defence research. Located on Jhansi Road, Gwalior, DRDE works on detection systems, protective equipment, and medical countermeasures against chemical and biological warfare agents. It is one of the most specialised labs in the DRDO network.
DMSRDE Kanpur
Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur specialises in developing advanced materials, fabrics, polymers, and composites for defence applications — including ballistic protection, camouflage systems, and specialised textiles for armed forces use. Located on G.T. Road, Kanpur, DMSRDE is a key contributor to India’s soldier protection programme.
Eligibility Criteria — DRDO JRF 2026
DRDE Gwalior — Chemistry Post
- First Class M.Sc. in Chemistry (Physical / Analytical / Organic / Inorganic) or related fields
- National Eligibility Test (NET) qualification conducted by CSIR-UGC / JRF-LS or GATE (MHRD)
- Age Limit: 28 years as on date of interview
- Age relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC candidates as per DRDO policy
DRDE Gwalior — Biological Science Post
- First Class M.Sc. in Life Science / Zoology / Biotechnology / Molecular Biology / Microbiology / Pharmacology / Immunology / Toxicology or related fields
- National Eligibility Test (NET) qualification by CSIR-UGC NET JRF/LS or GATE (MHRD)
- Age Limit: 28 years as on date of interview
DMSRDE Kanpur — Material Science / Chemistry Post
- Post Graduate degree in Chemistry / Material Science / Chemical Engineering / Polymer Science or related discipline
- NET qualification (CSIR-UGC NET JRF/LS) or GATE score
- Age Limit: 28 years as on date of interview (5 years relaxation for SC/ST, OBC candidates in creamy layer not eligible)
DRDO JRF Stipend and Benefits 2026
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend (JRF — Year 1 & 2) | Rs. 37,000/- per month |
| Upgrade to SRF (Year 3 onwards) | Stipend increased subject to satisfactory performance assessment |
| Contingency Grant | Up to Rs. 15,000/- per annum (reimbursement basis for first two years) |
| HRA | As per Government rules applicable |
| Medical Facilities | Available through MI Room facility on the campus |
| PhD Registration | JRFs may be allowed to register for PhD during the tenure of fellowship |
Documents to Bring on Walk-In Day
- Duly filled application form downloaded from www.drdo.gov.in
- Recent passport-size photograph affixed on top right corner of the application form
- One set of self-attested copies of all degree / academic qualification certificates and mark sheets
- NET / GATE valid score card / certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable) for age relaxation
- Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Driving Licence / Voter ID)
- Candidates from Government / PSU / Autonomous Bodies must carry NOC from employer
How to Apply — DRDO JRF Walk-In Process
- Step 1: Download the application form from www.drdo.gov.in
- Step 2: Fill the form completely in the prescribed format
- Step 3: For DRDE Gwalior — send a soft copy (PDF) of the filled application to director.drde@gov.in and admin-drde@gov.in before the walk-in date
- Step 4: For DMSRDE Kanpur — appear directly at the Transit Facility (Near DRLM Pullya), DMSRDE, G.T. Road, Kanpur-208004 on 30 June 2026 at 0900 hrs with your bio-data and all original documents
- Step 5: Carry all original certificates and one set of self-attested photocopies for verification at the time of interview
DRDE Gwalior: 17 & 18 June 2026 | DMSRDE Kanpur: 30 June 2026
Download application form and check lab details at:
👉 www.drdo.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions — DRDO JRF Walk-In 2026
Q1. Is NET or GATE mandatory for DRDO JRF 2026?
Yes. For all JRF positions at DRDE Gwalior and DMSRDE Kanpur, candidates must have qualified NET (CSIR-UGC JRF/LS) or GATE conducted by MHRD. Candidates without a valid NET or GATE qualification are not eligible to appear.
Q2. What is the stipend for DRDO JRF in 2026?
The monthly stipend for DRDO Junior Research Fellows is Rs. 37,000/- per month for the first two years, along with other allowances as per DRDO HQ policy. After two years, JRFs with satisfactory performance are upgraded to Senior Research Fellows (SRF) with a higher stipend.
Q3. Can I do a PhD while working as a DRDO JRF?
Yes. JRFs selected at DRDO labs may be allowed to register for a PhD programme during the tenure of their fellowship, subject to the rules and regulations of the respective DRDO lab and affiliated university.
Q4. What is the age limit for DRDO JRF 2026?
The maximum age limit is 28 years as on the date of the walk-in interview. Age relaxation of 5 years is available for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates as per DRDO policy. OBC candidates in the creamy layer are not eligible for age relaxation.
Q5. Does DRDO JRF lead to a permanent job in DRDO?
No. The JRF fellowship does not guarantee or confer any right to permanent employment in DRDO. However, JRF experience at a DRDO lab is highly valuable and significantly strengthens your profile for future DRDO Scientist recruitment through RAC.
Q6. What documents should I carry to the DRDO JRF walk-in interview?
You must carry the filled application form, recent photograph, original degree certificates and mark sheets, NET/GATE score card, caste certificate (if applicable), valid photo ID, and NOC from employer if currently working in a government organisation or PSU.