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
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
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
Candidates with M.Sc./B.E./B.Tech qualifications must hold a valid UGC/CSIR/NET/GATE score.
Age Limit
- 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.