Welcome to the comprehensive job description for the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DRDO DIHAR) Recruitment 2026. This document provides detailed information on the available positions, eligibility criteria, application process, and other essential details to assist prospective candidates in preparing for the walk-in interview scheduled on 24th February 2026. Whether you are an engineering graduate seeking a fellowship or a research professional aiming to contribute to cutting-edge high-altitude technologies, this guide is crafted to help you navigate the recruitment process effectively.
DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026 – Overview
Company / Organization Details
The Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) is a prestigious research center under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Located in Leh-Ladakh, DIHAR specializes in trial, testing, and development of high-altitude technologies crucial for defense and scientific applications.
Post Details
| Position | Total Posts | |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 22 | B.Tech in Civil, Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Material Science, Electronics & Instrumentation, and other related engineering disciplines. |
| Research Associate (RA) | 3 | M.Tech in Mechanical, Electronics & Instrumentation, Computer Science or related fields. |
Important Dates
- Notification Released: 10th February 2026
- Walk-in Interview: 24th February 2026
- Reporting Time: 08:45 AM
Application Mode
This is a walk-in process; candidates do not need to submit prior applications but must attend the interview at the specified venue and time with all necessary documents.
Official Website & Notification PDF
- Official Website: drdo.gov.in
- Notification PDF: Download Official PDF
Vacancy Details
Junior Research Fellow (JRF) – 22 Positions
The JRF positions are open across various engineering disciplines with the following distribution:
| Engineering Discipline | No. of Posts | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 2 | B.Tech in Civil Engineering with First Division (60% or equivalent) |
| Computer Science & IT | 3 | B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering / Information Technology |
| Electronics & Communication / Electronics & Instrumentation | 4 | B.Tech in Electronics & Communication or Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering |
| Mechanical Engineering | 2 | B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical & Production Engineering |
| Material Science & Physics | 2 | M.Tech in Material Science Engineering or Electronics & Communication or Physics |
| Electronics & Instrumentation / Computer Science | 4 | M.Tech/B.Tech in respective disciplines |
| Electronics Engineering / Computer Science Engineering | 2 | B.Tech in Electronics Engineering / Computer Science Engineering |
| Mechanical / Instrumentation & Electronics | 2 | B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering / Instrumentation or Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering |
Research Associate (RA) – 3 Positions
The RA positions are sector-specific, requiring advanced qualifications:
| Discipline | No. of Posts | Educational Qualification & Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 1 | M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering / Mechanical & Production Engineering; minimum 3 years research/teaching/design experience post-M.Tech; publication in SCI journals |
| Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering | 1 | M.Tech in Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering with similar research experience |
| Computer Science / Information Technology | 1 | M.Tech in related field; same research publication requirements |
Eligibility Criteria
For Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
The candidates must meet the following criteria:
- B.Tech degree in relevant engineering discipline with First Division (60% or equivalent)
- Valid GATE score in the respective engineering stream
- Maximum age limit: 28 years as on the interview date
- Age relaxation as per Government of India norms for SC, ST, & OBC candidates
For Research Associate (RA)
The candidates must meet the following criteria:
- M.Tech degree in the relevant discipline with First Division at both Graduate (B.Tech) and Post-Graduate (M.Tech) levels
- At least 3 years of research, teaching, or design & development experience after M.Tech
- At least one SCI journal publication
- Maximum age limit: 35 years as on the interview date
- Age relaxation as per government norms for SC, ST, & OBC candidates
Application Process & How to Attend
This recruitment process is based on a walk-in interview. Candidates do not need to submit prior applications but must follow the instructions below:
Steps to Participate
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria based on your educational qualification and experience.
- Prepare all original certificates, mark sheets, GATE scorecards (for JRF), research publications (for RA), and a neatly typed bio-data with your complete details.
- Arrive at the designated venue on the specified date and time: 24th February 2026, reporting by 08:45 AM sharp.
- Report at DIHAR Base Station, Chandigarh, with all required documents.
- Undergo screening based on your documents. Eligible candidates will be called for interviews on the same day.
Documents to Bring
- Original certificates and mark sheets
- GATE scorecard (for JRF candidates)
- Research experience documents and publications (for RA candidates)
- Bio-data with photograph and contact details
- Any other supporting documents relevant to your application
Salary & Duration
| Position | Monthly Salary + HRA | Initial Duration | Extension Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Rs. 37,000 + HRA | 2 years | Performance-based extension up to 5 years |
| Research Associate (RA) | Rs. 67,000 + HRA | 2 years | Subject to project continuation |
Additional Benefits & Notes
Benefits include House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per DRDO norms and government policies. There is no provision for TA/DA for attending the interview or upon appointment.
Selected candidates will be offered fellowships and associateships in accordance with DRDO rules, focusing on research in high-altitude technology applications.
Important Links & Resources
For complete details, download the official notification PDF here: DRDO DIHAR Walk-in Interview Vacancy 2026 Notification PDF.
Visit the official DRDO DIHAR website for updates and additional information: drdo.gov.in.
Conclusion
This is an excellent opportunity for engineering graduates and research professionals interested in defense and high-altitude research. By attending the walk-in interview with all necessary documents and credentials, candidates can secure fellowships and contribute to strategic technological advancements. Be sure to arrive early, prepare thoroughly, and stay informed through official channels for any updates related to the recruitment process.