DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 is a great opportunity for candidates looking to work in research and development under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, has released a recruitment notification for 21 Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF) posts.
The DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 notification was published on 14 August 2026, and eligible candidates can apply through offline mode. The last date to submit the application is 13 September 2026.
Candidates with qualifications such as Ph.D., M.Tech, M.E., M.Sc., B.E. or B.Tech, along with the required GATE, NET or SLET qualification wherever applicable, can apply for the available positions.
DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Research Centre Imarat (DRDO RCI) |
| Official Website | https://drdo.gov.in/ |
| Recruitment | DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 |
| Post Name | Research Associate / Junior Research Fellow |
| Total Vacancies | 21 |
| Advertisement No. | RFS/HRD/RCI/2026 |
| Job Type | Contractual |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Maximum Age | 35 Years |
| Last Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Job Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
DRDO RCI Vacancy 2026
Under the DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026, a total of 21 vacancies have been announced for Research Associate and Junior Research Fellow positions.
| Post | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Research Associate (RA) | 2 |
| JRF – Electronics & Communication Engineering | 5 |
| JRF – Electrical & Electronics Engineering | 3 |
| JRF – Computer Science & Engineering / IT | 2 |
| JRF – Mechanical Engineering | 5 |
| JRF – Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering | 2 |
| JRF – Chemistry | 1 |
| JRF – Metallurgy | 1 |
| Total | 21 |
DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 Eligibility
Candidates should check the official notification carefully before applying for DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026, as the educational qualification varies according to the post and discipline.
Research Associate (RA)
Candidates applying for Research Associate posts should possess a Ph.D. or First Class M.Tech/M.Sc. with relevant research experience, depending on the specified research area.
The relevant areas include fields such as Deep Learning/Machine Learning, Structural and Thermal Analysis, Power Electronics, RF and Microwave, and Experimental Quantum Optics.
Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
For JRF positions, candidates generally need to possess a First Class B.E./B.Tech with a valid GATE score, or M.E./M.Tech, or M.Sc. with NET/GATE/SLET, as applicable to the respective discipline.
Candidates should ensure that their qualification matches the specific post mentioned in the official notification.
DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
The maximum age limit for the advertised posts is 35 years.
Age relaxation will be applicable to eligible reserved-category candidates as per Government of India rules. Candidates belonging to SC/ST categories may receive relaxation of 5 years, while OBC candidates may receive relaxation of 3 years, subject to the applicable rules.
DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 Salary / Stipend
Selected candidates for the Research Associate and Junior Research Fellow positions will receive a stipend as per Government of India norms.
Candidates are advised to refer to the official DRDO RCI notification for detailed information regarding the applicable stipend and other conditions.
DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Publication | 14 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 13 September 2026 |
Candidates should complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid any postal or documentation-related issues.
DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 includes multiple stages. Candidates should prepare according to the requirements of the respective post.
The selection process may include:
Scrutiny of applications
Written test
Interview
Document verification
Only candidates who satisfy the eligibility requirements and successfully clear the required selection stages will be considered for the available positions.
How to Apply for DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can apply for DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 through offline mode.
Follow these steps to apply:
Visit the official DRDO website.
Download the DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 notification and application form.
Read all eligibility and application instructions carefully.
Fill in the application form with the correct details.
Attach the required self-attested documents, certificates, photograph and other documents as specified.
Check the application form carefully before sending it.
Send the completed application to the address mentioned in the official notification through the prescribed postal method.
Make sure the application reaches the designated address on or before 13 September 2026.
Keep a copy of the completed application form and relevant documents for future reference.
Important Links
Candidates can use the links below to access the official information related to DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026:
Official Notification PDF: https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/sites/default/files/vacancy/advtRCI17082026.pdf
Official DRDO Website: https://drdo.gov.in/
Candidates are advised to rely on the official notification for complete information regarding eligibility, vacancies, documents, application procedure and selection.
Why Should You Apply for DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026?
The DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 provides eligible science and engineering candidates with an opportunity to gain research experience in a reputed defence research organization. With vacancies available across disciplines including Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemistry and Metallurgy, candidates from different technical backgrounds can explore the available opportunities.
Before applying, candidates should carefully verify their educational qualification, age and other eligibility requirements mentioned in the official notification.
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