DIHAR DRDO Recruitment 2026: 25 JRF & RA Posts, Walk-in 24 Feb

The Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), a premier institute under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), has released an official notification for the recruitment of Junior Research Fellows (JRF) and Research Associates (RA) positions. A total of 25 vacancies are available for bright and motivated candidates to work on defence-related research projects in the Leh-Ladakh region. The selection will be through a walk-in interview scheduled for 24 February 2026 at Chandigarh. This is a golden opportunity for engineering graduates and post-graduates with research experience to contribute to national defence.

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

Here’s a breakdown of the posts and associated vacancies:

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• For JRF:
  • B.Tech in first division with a valid GATE score in relevant engineering disciplines (Civil, Computer Science Engineering/Information Technology, Electronics & Communication Engineering/Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Engineering & Production).
  • OR M.Tech in first division at both Graduate and Post-graduate levels in relevant disciplines.
• For RA:
  • M.Tech in relevant engineering disciplines (Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Engineering & Production, Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering, Computer Science Engineering/Information Technology).
  • AND 03 years of research, teaching or design & development experience after M.Tech with at least one research paper published in an SCI journal.

Age Limit

Age relaxation for SC, ST & OBC candidates will be applicable as per Government of India (GoI) orders.

Experience

For Research Associate (RA) positions, candidates must possess 03 years of research, teaching, or design & development experience after completing their M.Tech, along with at least one research paper published in a Science Citation Index (SCI) journal.

Application Fee

The official notification does not mention any application fee for these walk-in interview positions.

Important Dates

Selection Process

The selection process for DIHAR DRDO JRF & RA positions involves the following steps:

1. Candidates must report at the designated venue on the specified date and time with all required documents.
2. An initial screening will be conducted based on the candidates’ qualifications and other criteria.
3. Only candidates who are successfully screened-in will be allowed to face the interview on the same day.
4. The final selection will be based on the performance in the interview.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates must appear for a walk-in interview. Follow these steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Carefully review the educational qualifications, age limit, and experience requirements for both JRF and RA positions.
2. Prepare Bio-data: Create a neatly typed Bio-data (Curriculum Vitae) with all your academic and professional details.
3. Gather Certificates: Collect all original certificates pertaining to your Date of Birth, Essential Qualifications (B.Tech, M.Tech degrees, mark sheets, GATE score card), and experience (for RA).
4. Photocopies: Prepare one set of self-attested photocopies of all your original certificates.
5. Experience Documents (for RA): If applying for RA, ensure you have documents supporting your 03 years of research/teaching/design & development experience and proof of your SCI journal publication.
6. NoC (if applicable): Candidates currently working in Government/Public sector undertakings/Autonomous bodies must bring a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from their current employer on the date of the interview.
7. Report to Venue: Reach the DIHAR Base Station, Near 3 BRD, Industrial Area Phase-II, Chandigarh – 160002 by 08:45 AM on 24 February 2026 (Tuesday).
8. Attend Screening & Interview: Participate in the initial screening and, if shortlisted, proceed to the interview on the same day.

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

Junior Research Fellows (JRF): As a JRF at DIHAR DRDO, you will be involved in cutting-edge defence research projects, assisting senior scientists. Your duties may include conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, literature reviews, and contributing to project reports. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in a strategic domain and can be a stepping stone for a career as a DRDO scientist or for pursuing a Ph.D.

Research Associates (RA): RAs typically take on more independent roles, leading specific components of research projects, designing experiments, mentoring JRFs, and contributing significantly to scientific publications. This position is ideal for experienced researchers looking to make substantial contributions to defence technology development. Both JRF and RA positions offer exposure to advanced technologies and a unique work environment in high-altitude regions, fostering significant professional growth.

Preparation Tips for Walk-in Interview

A walk-in interview requires quick preparation and effective presentation. Here are some tips:

Before the Interview:

• Review Core Concepts: Brush up on the fundamentals of your engineering discipline, especially topics relevant to the research areas mentioned or DIHAR’s work (high-altitude research, defence technologies).
• Prepare Your Bio-data: Ensure your CV is neatly typed, concise, and highlights your key qualifications, projects, and (for RA) research experience and publications.
• Document Checklist: Double-check that you have all original certificates, self-attested copies, and any supporting documents (e.g., GATE score, experience letters, publication proofs). Organize them in a clear folder.
• Research DIHAR/DRDO: Understand DIHAR’s mission, its research focus, and general information about DRDO. This will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest.
• Practice Explaining Projects: Be ready to clearly and concisely explain your B.Tech/M.Tech projects, thesis work, and research experience (for RA), highlighting your contributions and the scientific impact.

During the Interview:

• Be Punctual: Arrive at the venue well before the reporting time (08:45 AM).
• Professional Demeanor: Dress professionally, maintain good eye contact, and demonstrate confidence and enthusiasm.
• Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions before answering.
• Technical Depth: Be prepared for technical questions related to your field. For RA, be ready to discuss your research methodology, findings, and future scope.
• Clarity and Conciseness: Articulate your thoughts clearly. Avoid rambling and stick to the point.
• Ask Questions: Prepare a couple of thoughtful questions to ask the panel about the research projects, work environment, or scope, demonstrating your engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is there any application fee for these positions?

A1: No, the official notification does not mention any application fee for the JRF and RA walk-in interviews at DIHAR DRDO.

Q2: Can candidates from states other than Chandigarh apply?

A2: Yes, these are central government positions under DRDO. Eligible candidates from all over India can apply and appear for the walk-in interview, provided they meet all eligibility criteria.

Q3: What kind of questions can I expect in the interview?

A3: You can expect technical questions related to your core engineering discipline, questions about your academic projects/thesis, and for RA, detailed discussions on your research experience and publications. General HR questions about your motivation and suitability for a research role in DRDO may also be asked.

Q4: Will TA/DA be provided for attending the interview?

A4: As per the notification, no TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining, if selected.

Q5: What is the tenure of the fellowship for JRF and RA?

A5: For JRF, the initial tenure is two years, extendable up to a maximum of five years based on performance and DRDO guidelines. For RA, the maximum tenure is two years.

Q6: Can candidates currently working in government or public sector apply?

A6: Yes, but such candidates must bring a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NoC) from their current employer on the date of the interview. If selected, they will need to submit a relieving order before joining.

Q7: What are the working conditions in DIHAR?

A7: DIHAR is located in the Leh-Ladakh region, which is a high-altitude area. Candidates must be medically fit and willing to work in such environmental conditions.

Q8: Is there any possibility of absorption into DRDO after the fellowship?

A8: The offer of Fellowship/Associateship does not confer any right for absorption into DRDO. However, talented researchers often find opportunities within DRDO or related organizations based on their performance and available vacancies.

Q9: What documents are most critical for the walk-in interview?

A9: The most critical documents are original certificates for Date of Birth, all educational qualifications (degrees, mark sheets), GATE score card (for JRF), and for RA, proof of 3 years’ experience and SCI publication. Don’t forget a neatly typed Bio-data and a set of self-attested photocopies of all documents.