DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 — 21 Research Associate / JRF Posts, Apply by 13 Sep

Research Centre Imarat (DRDO RCI) has released the Research Associate / Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 notification for 21 vacancies under Advertisement No. RFS/HRD/RCI/2026. Is DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 out? Yes — the notification was published in Employment News on 14 August 2026, and eligible candidates can apply offline on or before 13 September 2026 (30 days from publication). The 21 vacancies span Research Associate (2), and Junior Research Fellow across Electronics & Communication Engineering (5), Electrical & Electronics Engineering (3), Computer Science & Engineering/IT (2), Mechanical Engineering (5), Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering (2), Chemistry (1), and Metallurgy (1). Candidates up to 35 years of age must hold a PhD or First Class M.Tech/M.Sc with research experience in specified areas such as Deep Learning/Machine Learning, Structural & Thermal Analysis, Power Electronics, RF & Microwave, or Experimental Quantum Optics for Research Associate posts, or a First Class B.E/B.Tech with valid GATE score, or M.E/M.Tech or M.Sc with NET/GATE/SLET, for Junior Research Fellow posts. Selected candidates will receive a stipend as per Government of India norms. Selection proceeds through Scrutiny of Applications, a Written Test, an Interview, and Document Verification. Candidates must apply offline by downloading the application form from the official DRDO website, filling it out with accurate details, attaching self-attested copies of required documents, and sending the completed form to reach RCI, Hyderabad, before 13 September 2026. There is no application fee for this recruitment, and age relaxation of 5 years is available for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates. Required Documents: candidates should keep ready original and self-attested photocopies of their PhD/postgraduate/graduate degree certificates and mark sheets, valid GATE/NET/SLET scorecard where applicable, research experience certificates for Research Associate applicants, a valid photo ID, and recent passport-size photographs. Research Centre Imarat, a premier DRDO laboratory based in Hyderabad, specializes in advanced defence electronics, guided missile systems, and strategic technologies, and this broad multi-discipline recruitment drive spans electronics, mechanical, aerospace, chemistry, and metallurgy research areas supporting the lab's diverse technology development programs. Candidates already possessing DRDO or other national defence lab research experience may find their profile particularly aligned with the mission-critical nature of Research Centre Imarat's ongoing missile guidance, navigation, and control system development programs. Reviewing the full official notification PDF for post-wise and discipline-wise application address details is strongly recommended before submission. This will help avoid application errors.

• Research Associate (RA): PhD or First Class M.Tech/M.Sc with research experience in Deep Learning/Machine Learning, Structural & Thermal Analysis, Power Electronics, RF & Microwave, or Experimental Quantum Optics
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): First Class B.E/B.Tech with valid GATE OR M.E/M.Tech or M.Sc with NET/GATE/SLET

• Maximum Age Limit: 35 years
• SC/ST: 5 years relaxation
• OBC: 3 years relaxation

• Research Associate: PhD or First Class M.Tech/M.Sc with relevant research experience
• Junior Research Fellow: First Class B.E/B.Tech with GATE, or M.E/M.Tech/M.Sc with NET/GATE/SLET

No application fee mentioned for any category for this recruitment.

• Research Associate (RA): Stipend as per GoI norms
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Stipend as per GoI norms

1. Read the official notification carefully before applying
2. Download the application form from the official website: drdo.gov.in
3. Fill the application form carefully with correct information
4. Attach self-attested copies of required documents such as photograph, signature, ID proof, and certificates
5. Check all details carefully before submission
6. Send the completed application form to the address mentioned in the notification through Speed Post / Registered Post or as instructed
7. Ensure the application reaches before the last date: 13 September 2026
8. Keep a photocopy of the submitted application form for future reference