Overview
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) is recruiting for 10 Junior Research Fellowship positions. This is an excellent opportunity for young engineers and researchers to work on India’s cutting-edge defence technology at one of the country’s premier research institutions. Work alongside experienced scientists on national-level projects in Bengaluru.
🏛️ Organization Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), DRDO |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Headquarters | Belur, Yemlur PO, Bengaluru-560037 |
| Sector | Defence Research & Development |
| Official Website | https://www.drdo.gov.in |
💼 Total Vacancies: 10 Junior Research Fellowships
Positions available across multiple engineering disciplines:
| Post Code | Discipline | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| JRF 01 | Aeronautical Engineering | 1 |
| JRF 02 | Computer Science & Engineering | 4 |
| JRF 03 | Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) | 3 |
| JRF 04 | Electrical Engineering | 1 |
| JRF 05 | Mechanical Engineering | 1 |
| Total | — | 10 |
📑 Post Type & Job Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Post Type | Research & Development (Temporary) |
| Job Type | Full-Time, Fixed-Term Contract |
| Application Mode | Offline (Walk-in Interview) |
| Location | CABS, DRDO, Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Official Website | https://www.drdo.gov.in |
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | January 13, 2026 |
| Willingness Email Deadline | February 22, 2026 |
| Walk-in Interview – ECE & Electrical | February 25, 2026 |
| Walk-in Interview – Aeronautical, Mechanical & CS | February 26, 2026 |
| Interview Reporting Time | 08:45 AM |
| Application Acceptance | 09:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
⏰ Important: This is a walk-in interview process. Register willingness by February 22, 2026 via email.
🎓 Educational Qualifications
Option 1: Bachelor’s Degree with GATE Score
- Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) or Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in any relevant discipline
- Must have First Division (60%+ or equivalent CGPA)
- Valid GATE 2024 or GATE 2025 score is mandatory
- Score should be in the relevant field
Option 2: Master’s Degree
- Master of Engineering (M.E) or Master of Technology (M.Tech) in relevant discipline
- First Division required at both Bachelor’s and Master’s level
- No GATE score requirement for this category
Eligible Disciplines:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Key Requirement:
- Must be Indian National only
- All candidates must have consistently good academic performance
- Minimum marks throughout educational career: 60% (or equivalent CGPA)
💰 Stipend / Salary Details (Per Month)
Monthly Emoluments:
- Base Stipend: ₹37,000/- per month
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): As admissible per DRDO rules
Total Estimated Monthly Income: Approximately ₹37,000 – ₹40,000+ (depending on location & HRA eligibility)
Important Notes:
- This is a fellowship, not a permanent government job
- Stipend is subject to satisfactory performance
- Initial tenure of 2 years, extendable for another 2 years (one year at a time)
- No additional benefits like pension during fellowship period
⏳ Age Limit (As on 31 December 2025)
| Category | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General | 28 years |
| SC/ST | 33 years (28 + 5 years relaxation) |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 31 years (28 + 3 years relaxation) |
Important: Age calculation date is fixed as December 31, 2025 only.
🎯 Selection Process
Walk-in Interview Format:
The entire selection is done through walk-in interviews on specified dates. No written exam or online test required.
Steps:
- Reporting (08:45 AM): Arrive at CABS campus with documents
- Application Submission (09:00-10:00 AM): Fill form & submit on campus
- Screening (10:00-11:00 AM): Initial verification of documents & eligibility
- Interview (from 11:00 AM onwards): Technical interview by expert panel
Documents to Bring:
- Filled application form (download from DRDO website)
- Educational certificates (original & attested copies)
- GATE scorecard (if applicable)
- Passport-size photograph (recent)
- Government-issued Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
Important Notes:
- Large number of candidates may extend interview to next day
- Panel of JRF remains valid for one year for current/future vacancies
- Selection is based on merit & technical knowledge
- No TA/DA reimbursement provided
📑 How to Apply
Step 1: Download Application Form
- Visit https://www.drdo.gov.in
- Download the official JRF application form
- Fill it completely & accurately
Step 2: Send Willingness Email
- Send email to: [email protected]
- Subject Line: “Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship- [Your Discipline Name]”
- Example: “Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship- Computer Science & Engineering”
- Deadline: February 22, 2026
Step 3: Prepare for Walk-in Interview
- Note the interview date for your discipline
- ECE & Electrical: February 25, 2026
- Aeronautical, Mechanical & Computer Science: February 26, 2026
- Prepare all required documents
Step 4: Appear for Walk-in Interview
- Report at 08:45 AM at CABS campus
- Location: Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), DRDO, Belur, Yemlur PO, Bengaluru-560037
- Bring filled application form
- Bring all original documents & attested copies
Step 5: Interview Process
- Application submission: 09:00-10:00 AM
- Screening: 10:00-11:00 AM
- Interview: 11:00 AM onwards
⚠️ Important Notes:
- Must appear in person – no online application
- Come early; large crowds expected
- Keep original certificates for verification
- Have Photo ID ready
⚙️ Key Documents Required
Essential Educational Documents:
- B.E/B.Tech Certificate (original + attested copy)
- Bachelor’s degree mark sheet/transcript
- M.E/M.Tech Certificate (original + attested copy) – if applicable
- Master’s degree mark sheet/transcript – if applicable
- GATE scorecard (original) – for Bachelor’s degree candidates
- Degree completion certificate showing First Division
Personal Identity Documents:
- Government-issued Photo ID (Aadhar / PAN / Passport)
- Original ID will be verified
- Photocopy for records
Photographs:
- Recent passport-size photograph (4-6 copies)
- Colored, clear, similar to Aadhar photo
Additional Documents:
- Application form (downloaded & filled)
- Character certificate (optional, but helpful)
- Any relevant publications or research work
Documents NOT to Bring:
- Electronic items (phones, laptops, etc.)
- No items that could disrupt the campus
📘 Important Links
| Link | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DRDO Official Website | Recruitment notification & updates |
| Official Notification PDF | Complete recruitment details |
| Email for Willingness | [email protected] |
| Campus Location | CABS, DRDO, Belur, Yemlur PO, Bengaluru-560037 |
📌 Key Points to Remember
Why Apply to DRDO CABS? ✅ Work with India’s defence research organization ✅ Collaborate with top scientists & researchers ✅ Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology ✅ Build valuable research credentials ✅ Work on national-level important projects ✅ Good monthly stipend (₹37,000+)
Eligibility Checklist: ✓ Have valid GATE score (2024/2025) OR M.Tech degree ✓ First Division throughout education ✓ Age below 28 years (as on 31-12-2025) ✓ Indian National ✓ Right engineering discipline
Before Interview:
- Email willingness by February 22
- Prepare technical interview answers
- Arrange all original documents
- Plan travel to Bengaluru
- Arrive early on interview day
Interview Tips:
- Dress professionally
- Be technical & specific about your field
- Speak clearly & confidently
- Bring all documents organized
- Have questions about the research work ready
What DRDO Will NOT Provide: ❌ No accommodation during selection ❌ No travel allowance (TA/DA) ❌ No guarantee of permanent job after fellowship ❌ No paid leave during selection period
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between GATE score requirement and M.Tech requirement? A: Bachelor’s graduates need GATE 2024 or 2025 score. Master’s graduates don’t need GATE but must have First Division at both levels.
Q: Can I apply if my GATE score is from 2023? A: No, only GATE 2024 and 2025 scores are accepted.
Q: Is there any written test or online exam? A: No, selection is purely through walk-in interview based on qualifications and technical knowledge.
Q: Will I get accommodation during the selection process? A: No, no accommodation is provided. Candidates must arrange their own.
Q: Is travel allowance (TA/DA) provided for interview? A: No, no TA/DA is provided for attending the interview.
Q: What happens after 2-year fellowship? A: Fellowship can be extended for another 2 years (one year at a time) based on performance. However, there’s no guarantee of absorption as permanent employee in DRDO.
Q: Can I apply for multiple disciplines? A: You can only apply for the discipline mentioned in your degree. Send separate emails for each if you have qualifications in multiple fields.
Q: Are there any electronic items allowed in the campus? A: No electronic items (phones, laptops, etc.) are allowed inside the DRDO campus.
Last Updated: January 13, 2026
Official Website: https://www.drdo.gov.in
This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to India’s defence research! Send your willingness email before February 22, 2026, and prepare well for the walk-in interview. 🚀
