The Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DRDO DIHAR) has announced a recruitment drive for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions in 2026. A total of 25 vacancies are available, including 22 JRF and 3 RA posts. Interested and eligible candidates with B.Tech/B.E or M.Tech/M.E degrees can attend the walk-in interview scheduled on 24th February 2026.
This article provides complete details on the DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026, including eligibility criteria, stipend, selection process, important dates, and the application procedure.
DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Organization | Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), DRDO |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA) |
| Total Vacancies | 25 (22 JRF + 3 RA) |
| Qualification | B.Tech / M.Tech in Engineering (various disciplines), valid GATE score |
| Walk-in Date | 24th February 2026 |
| Job Type | Temporary / Fellowship |
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: 10th February 2026
- Walk-in Interview Date: 24th February 2026 (Tuesday)
- Reporting Time: 08:45 AM (0845 hours)
- Interview Venue: DIHAR Base Station, Chandigarh
Vacancy & Discipline Details
DRDO DIHAR, located in Leh-Ladakh, is a premier research center focusing on high-altitude technologies, trials, and testing. The vacancies are spread across multiple engineering disciplines as follows:
Junior Research Fellow (JRF) – 22 Posts
| Post / Discipline | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 2 |
| Computer Science / IT | 2 |
| Electronics & Communication / Electronics & Instrumentation | 3 |
| Mechanical Engineering / Mechanical & Production | 4 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 2 |
| M.Tech in Material Science / Electronics & Communication / Physics | 1 |
| Electronics & Instrumentation (M.Tech/B.Tech) | 2 |
| Computer Science (M.Tech/B.Tech) | 2 |
| Electronics Engineering | 1 |
| Computer Science Engineering | 1 |
| Mechanical / Instrumentation & Electronics Engineering | 2 |
Research Associate (RA) – 3 Posts
| Discipline | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| Mechanical / Mechanical & Production | 1 |
| Electronics & Instrumentation | 1 |
| Computer Science / IT | 1 |
Eligibility Criteria
Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
- Educational Qualification: B.Tech degree in first division (60% or equivalent) in the relevant engineering discipline
- Additional Requirement: Valid GATE score in the respective engineering stream
- Maximum Age: 28 years as of 24th February 2026
- Age Relaxation: Applicable for SC, ST, and OBC candidates as per Government of India rules
Research Associate (RA)
- Educational Qualification: M.Tech in first division at both B.Tech and M.Tech levels in relevant discipline
- Experience: Minimum 3 years of research, teaching, or design & development experience after M.Tech
- Research Requirement: At least one research paper published in an SCI-indexed journal
- Maximum Age: 35 years as of 24th February 2026
- Age Relaxation: Applicable for SC, ST, and OBC candidates as per Government of India rules
Stipend / Salary
| Position | Monthly Stipend | Duration | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | ₹37,000 + HRA | 2 years initial | Performance-based, up to 5 years |
| Research Associate (RA) | ₹67,000 + HRA | 2 years | Subject to project continuation |
Benefits: House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per DRDO rules and government norms.
Selection Process
The selection will be merit-based and conducted in the following stages:
- Candidates report at 08:45 AM on 24th February 2026 at the DIHAR Base Station, Chandigarh
- Initial screening based on educational qualifications and eligibility criteria
- Shortlisted candidates will face the interview on the same day
- Selection will be based on performance and merit, following DRDO guidelines
- Fellowship/associateship will be offered as per DRDO rules
- Note: No TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview or joining
How to Apply
- No prior application is required
- Directly attend the walk-in interview on 24th February 2026
- Report to DIHAR Base Station by 08:45 AM sharp
- Carry original certificates and documents, along with a neatly typed bio-data
- RA candidates must bring documents supporting research experience
- Candidates will be screened on-site, followed by an interview on the same day
