The Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has invited applications from Indian Nationals for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions through Advertisement No. ARDE/JRF-RA/2026. A total of 24 vacancies are available across Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical/Metallurgy, Aerospace, and RF/Microwave disciplines. Applications must be sent offline by post.
DRDO ARDE Recruitment 2026 - Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune - a DRDO Lab |
| Advertisement No. | ARDE/JRF-RA/2026 |
| Posts | Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Research Associate (RA) |
| Total Vacancies | 24 (23 JRF + 1 RA) |
| Mode of Application | Offline (by post) |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 August 2026 (Monday) |
| Fellowship Duration | Initially 2 years (extendable as per rules for JRF) |
Important Dates
- Advertisement Number: ARDE/JRF-RA/2026
- Last Date for Receipt of Application: 31st August 2026 (Monday)
The official notification does not mention the advertisement release date or the exact interview/written test date. These will reportedly be communicated only to shortlisted candidates via email.
ARDE Pune Vacancy Details 2026
| 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/- |
In addition to the stipend, HRA, medical facilities, and a contingency grant are admissible for both JRF and RA positions, as per applicable rules.
ARDE Pune JRF & RA Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be Indian Nationals meeting the educational qualification and age limit specified for the post they are applying for.
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, within the validity period of the offer. At least one research paper publication in a JCR/SCI-listed refereed journal is mandatory. Experience in RF/Microwaves/Antenna is desirable. |
Candidates with M.Sc./B.E./B.Tech qualifications must hold a valid UGC/CSIR/NET/GATE score.
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
- Age relaxation: 3 years for OBC candidates
ARDE Pune Stipend/ Salary 2026
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Rs. 37,000 per month
- Research Associate (RA): Rs. 67,000 per month
HRA, medical facilities, and contingency grant are also admissible as per applicable rules. The fellowship is initially for two years, extendable as per rules for JRF.
Selection Process
As per the notification:
- 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.
The notification does not provide further details of the written test pattern, syllabus, or interview weightage.
Required Documents
Candidates must send their CV/Bio-data (as per the enclosed proforma, filled in the candidate's own handwriting) along with self-attested copies of:
- Educational qualification certificates
- NET/GATE scorecard
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Other relevant documents supporting claims made in the application
- A recent passport-size photograph affixed on the right top corner of the Bio-data
Candidates currently employed in Government/Public Sector Undertakings/Autonomous Bodies must bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current employer.
How to Apply for ARDE Pune JRF/ RA Recruitment 2026
- Download/obtain the Bio-data proforma as given in the official advertisement.
- Fill the Bio-data in your own handwriting, including 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.
- Sign the declaration section of the form.
- Superscribe the name of the post applied 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 31st August 2026 (Monday).
Important Instructions
- Fellowship offer does not confer any right to absorption in DRDO.
- Shortlisted candidates called for interview/written test are eligible for reimbursement of actual train/bus fare by the shortest route, limited to sleeper class railway fare, from the place mentioned in the interview letter or the place the journey started from, whichever is less, as per rules.
- Candidates must be ready to take up duties assigned anywhere in India.
- Furnishing false or concealed information can lead to summary termination of the fellowship without prior notice.
Important Links
- Official Notification: Click here
- Official Website: Click here
