Vehicle Research and Development Organization (DRDO VRDE) has announced an official recruitment notification for the year 2026, inviting applications for ten prestigious posts in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering disciplines. This comprehensive job opportunity is suitable for eligible candidates seeking research fellowships in a reputed defense research organization. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply offline through the official DRDO VRDE website before the final deadline of 22nd February 2026. This detailed job description covers all essential aspects of the recruitment process, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, selection process, salary structure, interview schedule, and related important information.
DRDO VRDE Mechanical and Electrical Engineering 2026 Recruitment Overview
Organization Details
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Organization | Vehicle Research and Development Organization (VRDE), DRDO |
| Position | Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Fellowships |
| Total Vacancies | 10 Posts (may vary as per organizational requirements) |
| Vacancy Breakup | Mechanical Engineering: 8 Posts | Electrical Engineering: 2 Posts |
| Job Category | Research Fellowship (Non-permanent) |
| Monthly Stipend | Rs. 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) |
| Tenure | Initial 2-year term, extendable for an additional 2 years in one-year increments based on performance |
| Interview Mode | Walk-in Interview |
| Location | VRDE, PO Vahannagar, Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) – 414006, Maharashtra |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
| Application Last Date | 22 February 2026 |
| Application Mode | Offline / Walk-in and email submission |
Vacancy Details
| Discipline | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 8 |
| Electrical Engineering | 2 |
| Total | 10 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification (As on Interview Date)
Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:
- Option 1: BE / B.Tech degree in the relevant discipline with a minimum of First Division (60% or equivalent CGPA), along with a valid GATE score from 2023, 2024, or 2025.
- Option 2: ME / M.Tech degree with First Division at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels (60% or equivalent CGPA).
Relevant Disciplines
| For Mechanical Engineering (8 posts) | For Electrical Engineering (2 posts) |
|---|---|
| BE / B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering | BE / B.Tech in Electrical Engineering |
| Mechanical & Automation Engineering | Electrical & Power System Engineering |
| Mechanical & Production Engineering | Electrical & Electronics Engineering |
| Power Electronics Engineering |
Age Limit and Relaxation
The upper age limit as of the interview date is 28 years for general category candidates. Age relaxations are applicable as follows:
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years relaxation (maximum age 33 years)
- OBC (Non-creamy layer): 3 years relaxation (maximum age 31 years)
Note: Candidates must be Indian nationals.
GATE Score Requirements
The following GATE scores are acceptable:
- GATE from the years 2023, 2024, or 2025
- The GATE score must be valid on the date of the interview
- GATE scores are mandatory only if the candidate does not hold a Master’s degree (M.Tech)
Compensation and Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | Rs. 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per DRDO norms |
| Tenure | 2 years initially, extendable based on performance |
| Additional Benefits | House Rent Allowance (HRA), as applicable |
| Employment Type | Research Fellowship (Non-permanent) |
| TA/DA for interview or joining | No TA/DA will be provided |
| Note | Fellowship does not provide any right for absorption in DRDO |
Walk-in Interview Schedule and Venue
Mechanical Engineering Discipline
| Activity | Date | Time | Last Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application & Document Verification | 22 Feb 2026 | – | – |
| Document Verification (continued) | 24 Feb 2026 | 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM | |
| Written Test | 24 Feb 2026 | 12:00 PM onwards (2 hours) | |
| Personal Interview | 24-25 Feb 2026 | From 11:30 AM onwards | – |
Electrical Engineering Discipline
| Activity | Date | Time | Last Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application & Document Verification | 22 Feb 2026 | – | – |
| Document Verification (continued) | 26 Feb 2026 | 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM | |
| Written Test | 26 Feb 2026 | 12:00 PM onwards (2 hours) | |
| Personal Interview | 26-27 Feb 2026 | From 11:30 AM onwards | – |
Note: The interview may extend to the next day if a large number of candidates appear. Candidates should prepare accordingly and arrive on time.
Application Procedure
Step-by-step Process
- Download the application form from official DRDO notification PDF.
- Fill the form legibly in your own handwriting, ensuring all details are correct.
- Affix a recent passport-sized photograph on the top right corner of the first page.
- Express your willingness to attend the walk-in interview via email by sending it to your-email@drdo.gov.in with the subject as “Mechanical Engineering” or “Electrical Engineering”.
- Ensure your email is sent before the deadline of 22nd February 2026.
Alternative Walk-in Application
Applicants may also choose the direct walk-in route:
- Visit the VRDE campus on the scheduled interview date.
- Carry the duly filled application form along with all necessary original documents and attested copies.
- Report between 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM at the specified venue.
- Latecomers will not be permitted to participate in the interview process.
Required Documents for Interview
Candidates must bring the following original documents along with attested copies:
- Duly filled application form (format provided)
- Recent passport size photograph
- 10th Standard Mark Sheet/Certificate
- 12th Standard Mark Sheet/Certificate
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate and all semester Mark Sheets
- Master’s Degree Certificate, if applicable
- GATE Score Card/Score Sheet
- OBC/SC/ST caste certificate, if applicable
- Experience certificate or employment letters, if any
- Government issued Photo ID (Aadhar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC), if employed elsewhere
- Self-attested English translation of other language documents
Selection Process
Step-by-step Selection Stages
- Document Verification: Verification of academic and eligibility documents (09:30 AM – 11:30 AM).
- Written Test: An objective type examination based on technical knowledge and general awareness (from 12:00 PM).
- Merit List: Preparation based on written test performance.
- Personal Interview: An assessment of research aptitude, communication skills, and overall suitability.
- Final Selection: Combination of written test scores and interview performance.
Written Test Details
| Duration | 2 hours |
|---|---|
| Format | Objective (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Content | Technical questions relevant to discipline + General Knowledge |
| Location | VRDE campus, Ahmednagar |
| Schedule | Immediately after document verification at 12:00 PM |
Important Guidelines for Candidates
- Report at VRDE campus on the scheduled date and time. Arrive early, as applications will only be accepted from 09:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
- All original documents must be presented during verification.
- Electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches, laptops, and pen drives are strictly prohibited inside the campus. Leave such items outside before entering.
- Candidates are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements; no TA/DA will be provided.
- Ensure that your adherence to all instructions and provisions is maintained to avoid disqualification.
- Any misrepresentation or falsification will lead to immediate cancellation of your application.
Important Links
For more updates and support, candidates can join relevant Telegram or WhatsApp channels or download the official mobile app related to Sarkari Results.
Note:
This recruitment process is purely merit-based. The director of VRDE reserves the right to modify, cancel, or introduce new terms in the recruitment advertisement without prior notice. The validity of the panel formed from this recruitment is one year, and no guarantee of absorption in DRDO is implied.