DRDO VRDE Recruitment 2026: 10 Research Fellowship Posts (Mechanical & Electrical) – Walk-in Interview!

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📋 Overview

The Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), DRDO invites applications for 10 Research Fellowship positions in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering disciplines. This is a prestigious opportunity to work with India’s premier defence research organization on cutting-edge automotive and vehicle technology projects. The positions are offered on a fellowship basis for an initial period of 2 years (extendable).

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🏢 Organization Details

Organization: Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

Total Vacancies: 10 Posts

Post Type: Research Fellowship (Non-Permanent)

Job Type: Contractual (2 years, extendable for another 2 years)

Application Mode: Offline (Walk-in Interview / Email)

Official Website: https://www.drdo.gov.in/

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📅 Important Dates

⚠️ Important: Candidates arriving after 10:30 AM will NOT be allowed to participate in the interview process.

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📍 Vacancy Details

Note: The number of vacancies may increase or decrease based on organizational requirements.

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🎓 Educational Qualifications

Candidates must fulfill ONE of the following qualification criteria:

Option 1: B.E./B.Tech with GATE

• Degree: B.E./B.Tech in relevant engineering discipline
• Marks: First Division (60% or equivalent CGPA)
• GATE Score: Valid GATE score from 2023, 2024, or 2025

Option 2: M.E./M.Tech (GATE Not Required)

• Degree: M.E./M.Tech in relevant engineering discipline
• Marks: First Division at BOTH undergraduate and postgraduate levels (60% or equivalent CGPA each)

Accepted Disciplines:

For Mechanical Engineering Posts:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechanical & Automation Engineering
• Mechanical & Production Engineering

For Electrical Engineering Posts:

• Electrical Engineering
• Electrical & Power System Engineering
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering
• Power Electronics Engineering

Important Notes:

• Only GATE scores from 2023, 2024, and 2025 are valid
• Candidates with M.Tech do NOT need GATE score
• All qualifications must be from AICTE/UGC recognized institutions
• Percentage calculation as per university norms

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💰 Stipend Details (per month)

Contract Duration:

• Initial Period: 2 years
• Extension: Eligible for another 2 years (one year at a time) based on satisfactory performance review

Additional Information:

• No TA/DA for attending interview or joining
• No absorption rights in DRDO
• Fellowship purely on contractual basis

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⏳ Age Limit

Age Calculation: As on the date of walk-in interview

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🎯 Selection Process

The selection process consists of THREE stages:

1️⃣ Document Verification

• Time: 09:30 AM – 11:30 AM
• Purpose: Verification of all educational certificates, GATE scorecard, identity proof, and eligibility criteria
• Only candidates with complete and valid documents will proceed to the written test

2️⃣ Written Test

• Time: 12:00 PM onwards
• Duration: 2 hours
• Format: Objective type (Multiple Choice Questions)
• Syllabus: Technical subjects of the respective engineering discipline + General Knowledge/Awareness
• Conducted at VRDE campus immediately after document verification

3️⃣ Personal Interview

• Time: From 11:30 AM onwards (based on written test results)
• Assessment: Research aptitude, technical knowledge, communication skills, and overall suitability
• Committee: Conducted by expert selection committee
• May continue on the next day if number of candidates is large

Final Selection: Based on combined performance in written test and personal interview. A merit panel will be prepared for current and future vacancies.

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📑 How to Apply

There are TWO ways to apply:

Method 1: Email Application (Recommended)

Step 1: Download the application form from https://www.drdo.gov.in/

Step 2: Fill the application form neatly in your own handwriting

Step 3: Affix a recent passport-size photograph on the top right corner

Step 4: Scan the completed application form

Step 5: Send email to: [email protected]

Step 6: Email subject should be: “Mechanical Engineering” or “Electrical Engineering” (as applicable)

Step 7: Deadline: 22 February 2026

Method 2: Direct Walk-in

Step 1: Download and fill the application form

Step 2: Bring the completed application with all original documents

Step 3: Report at VRDE campus on the scheduled interview date

Step 4: Timing: Between 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM SHARP

⚠️ Late arrivals will NOT be entertained

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📍 Interview Venue

Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE)
PO: Vahannagar
Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) – 414006
Maharashtra, India

Note: Candidates must make their own travel and accommodation arrangements. No TA/DA will be provided.

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⚙️ Key Documents Required

Bring the following documents (Originals + Self-attested photocopies):

Essential Documents:

• ✅ Duly filled application form with recent photograph
• ✅ 10th Standard certificate and mark sheet
• ✅ 12th Standard certificate and mark sheet
• ✅ B.E./B.Tech degree certificate and ALL semester mark sheets
• ✅ M.E./M.Tech degree certificate and mark sheets (if applicable)
• ✅ GATE scorecard (Year 2023/2024/2025) – if applicable
• ✅ Government-issued Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Voter ID)

Additional Documents (if applicable):

• ✅ Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC – issued by competent authority)
• ✅ Experience certificates (if any)
• ✅ No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer (if employed in Govt/PSU/Autonomous body)
• ✅ Self-attested English translation (for documents in regional languages)

Important Instructions:

• Original documents mandatory for verification
• Self-attested photocopies of all documents required
• Incomplete applications will be rejected
• All documents must be in English or accompanied by English translation

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🚫 Important Guidelines

Prohibited Items:

❌ Mobile phones STRICTLY PROHIBITED inside VRDE campus
❌ Electronic devices (laptops, tablets, smartwatches, pen drives) NOT allowed
❌ Bags and electronic gadgets must be left outside campus

General Instructions:

• Candidates must be Indian nationals
• Report on time – late arrivals will be rejected
• Bring multiple photocopies of all documents
• Dress code: Formal/Semi-formal attire
• Carry water bottle and snacks (if needed)
• No TA/DA for travel or accommodation

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📘 Important Links

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the age limit for this recruitment?

A: Maximum 28 years for General category. Age relaxation: 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST (as on interview date).

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Q2. When are the walk-in interviews scheduled?

A: Mechanical Engineering: 24-25 Feb 2026 | Electrical Engineering: 26-27 Feb 2026. Report between 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM.

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Q3. Is GATE score mandatory?

A: GATE is mandatory only for B.E./B.Tech candidates. M.E./M.Tech candidates do NOT need GATE score.

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Q4. Which GATE years are acceptable?

A: Only GATE scores from 2023, 2024, and 2025 are valid.

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Q5. What is the monthly stipend?

A: ₹37,000/- per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per DRDO norms.

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Q6. What is the contract duration?

A: Initial 2 years, extendable for another 2 years (one year at a time) based on performance.

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Q7. Will this fellowship lead to permanent absorption in DRDO?

A: No, this is a pure fellowship position and does NOT confer any absorption rights in DRDO.

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Q8. Can I apply via email or must I attend walk-in?

A: You can apply via email ([email protected]) by 22 Feb 2026 AND attend walk-in, OR directly attend walk-in with filled application form.

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Q9. What documents should I bring?

A: Bring all original certificates (10th, 12th, degree, GATE, caste, ID proof) plus self-attested photocopies.

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Q10. Are mobile phones allowed inside the campus?

A: No, mobile phones and ALL electronic devices are STRICTLY PROHIBITED inside VRDE campus.

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💡 Important Tips for Candidates

✅ Email your application by 22nd Feb to express interest
✅ Arrive early (between 9:00-10:00 AM) – late entries NOT allowed
✅ Carry all original documents and multiple photocopies
✅ Leave mobile phones and electronics outside the campus
✅ Prepare well for technical written test (2 hours, MCQ format)
✅ Brush up on your engineering subjects and current GK
✅ Dress professionally for the interview
✅ Make your own travel and stay arrangements (no TA/DA provided)
✅ Study the notification thoroughly before attending

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This is a golden opportunity to contribute to India’s defence research! Don’t miss the walk-in interview dates.

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