The DRDO ADE Research Fellowship Notification 2026 has been officially released by the Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru for multiple Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF) openings across major engineering disciplines. The fellowship programme aims to provide hands-on research experience in cutting edge defence technologies under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) Ministry of Defence. As per the notification applications will be accepted through email from 4 March 2026 to 24 March 2026 and selected applicants will be invited for interviews in April 2026.
- 1 Important Dates for DRDO ADE Research Fellowship 2026
- 2 Discipline-wise DRDO ADE Research Fellowship Openings
- 3 Eligibility Conditions for RA & JRF Positions
- 4 How to Submit DRDO ADE Fellowship Application via Email
- 5 Recruitment Stages: How Selection is Done
- 6 Fellowship Emoluments & Benefits
- 7 FAQs
- 8 Important Links
Important Dates for DRDO ADE Research Fellowship 2026
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | February 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 4 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply via Email | 24 March 2026 |
| RA Shortlist Announcement | 31 March 2026 |
| JRF Screening Test (if conducted) | 7 April 2026 |
| JRF Interview | 7 & 8 April 2026 |
| RA Interview | 9 April 2026 |
Discipline-wise DRDO ADE Research Fellowship Openings
| Fellowship | Discipline | No. of Openings | Interview Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Associate (RA) | Aero / Mechanical Engineering | 01 | 9 April 2026 |
| Research Associate (RA) | Aero / Electronics / Material Engineering | 01 | 9 April 2026 |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Aeronautical Engineering | 03 | 7 & 8 April 2026 |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Mechanical Engineering | 01 | 7 & 8 April 2026 |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Computer Science Engineering | 01 | 7 & 8 April 2026 |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Electronics & Communication Engineering | 01 | 7 & 8 April 2026 |
Eligibility Conditions for RA & JRF Positions
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) for RA & JRF Positions:
- To apply for Research Associate (RA) – Aero / Mechanical Engineering applicants must hold PhD in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering with expertise in composite structures, aero elasticity and lightweight aerospace materials OR ME/M.Tech in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering (First Division) with at least three years of research experience in aircraft structures, optimisation and composite materials.
- To apply for Research Associate (RA) – Aero / Electronics / Material Engineering applicants must hold PhD in Aeronautical/Electronics/Material Engineering with experience in radar-absorbing structures, electromagnetic analysis, low-observable designs OR ME/M.Tech (First Division) with minimum two years experience in electromagnetic design, radome structures and high-frequency solver applications.
- To apply for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) – All Engineering Disciplines applicants must hold BE/B.Tech in First Division with a valid GATE score. OR ME/M.Tech in First Division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
How to Submit DRDO ADE Fellowship Application via Email
Step1 > Download the official application format from the advertisement published on the DRDO website and fill the application form carefully in CAPITAL letters using the candidate’s own handwriting.
Step2 > Collect all required documents such as mark sheets, degree certificates, GATE scorecard, identity proof and experience certificates and scan the filled application along with all documents in a single PDF file.
Step3 > Name the PDF file using post serial number and candidate’s name (Example: 3Suresh for JRF Aero, 1Ramesh for RA Mechanical).
Step4 > Email the PDF to anjanaur.ade@gov.in before the deadline of 24 March 2026.
Recruitment Stages: How Selection is Done
The DRDO ADE Research Fellowship selection process involves multiple steps based on the post applied for:
In Research Associate (RA) Selection shortlisting is done based on academic records, research experience and relevance to the project then Shortlisted applicants receive intimation via email on 31 March 2026 and finally interviews will be conducted on 9 April 2026 at ADE Bengaluru.
In Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Selection all the eligible applicants may report for the screening process on 7 April 2026. the a Screening Test may be held depending on candidate turnout and finally selected applicants will face an interview on 7 and 8 April 2026
Fellowship Emoluments & Benefits
| Fellowship Type | Approx. Monthly Fellowship |
|---|---|
| Research Associate (RA) | Around ₹67,000 + HRA |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Around ₹37,000 + HRA |
FAQs
Q1. How many openings are available under DRDO ADE Research Fellowship 2026?
Ans1. Multiple RA and JRF openings are available across Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science and Material Engineering disciplines.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for the fellowship?
Ans2. The final date to submit the application via email is 24 March 2026.
Q3. Is a valid GATE score mandatory for JRF positions?
Ans3. Yes, BE/B.Tech candidates applying for JRF must have a valid GATE score. ME/M.Tech candidates are also eligible if they have First Division at both levels.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply via Email | anjanaur.ade@gov.in |
| Official DRDO Website | https://drdo.gov.in |
| WhatsApp Group | Click Here |
| Telegram Group | Click Here |
