DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026
DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026
Walk-in Interview for JRF and Research Associate Posts
The Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited applications from eligible candidates for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions. The recruitment is being conducted through a walk-in interview for candidates interested in working on defence-related research projects in the high-altitude region of Leh-Ladakh.
DIHAR is a frontier research institute working in the field of defence research and development in the Leh-Ladakh region. It is associated with the Armament and Research Development Establishment (ARDE), a premier DRDO establishment involved in trial, testing and development of high-altitude technologies.
A total of 17 vacancies are available under this recruitment drive, comprising 15 JRF posts and 2 Research Associate posts.
Vacancy Details
Junior Research Fellow (JRF) – 15 Posts
DIHAR has announced 15 vacancies for Junior Research Fellows.
The subject-wise distribution is:
03 posts – Computer Science / Information Technology Engineering
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04 posts – Mechanical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering & Production
08 posts – Electronics & Communication Engineering / Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Electrical & Electronics Engineering / Electronics & Control Engineering / Electrical & Electronics Communication Engineering
Research Associate (RA) – 2 Posts
There are 2 vacancies for Research Associates.
The subject-wise distribution is:
01 post – Computer Science / Information Technology Engineering
01 post – Electronics & Communication Engineering / Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Electrical & Electronics Engineering / Electronics & Control Engineering / Electrical & Electronics Communication Engineering
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification for JRF
Candidates applying for the JRF positions should fulfil the prescribed educational requirements.
Applicants must possess B.E./B.Tech in First Division with a valid GATE score, or M.Tech in First Division at both Graduate and Post-Graduate level, as specified in the recruitment notice.
The degree should be in one of the relevant engineering disciplines mentioned for the available JRF positions.
Educational Qualification for Research Associate
Candidates applying for the Research Associate post must have:
M.Tech qualification, along with
Three years of research, teaching, design or development experience after M.Tech, and
At least one research paper published in an SCI journal.
Candidates should also meet the subject-specific requirements prescribed for the post.
Age Limit
The upper age limit is:
JRF: 28 years
Research Associate: 35 years
The age will be calculated as on the date of the walk-in interview.
Age relaxation for candidates belonging to SC, ST and OBC categories will be applicable as per Government of India rules.
Fellowship and Stipend
Selected candidates will receive a monthly fellowship/stipend as prescribed by DRDO.
JRF Stipend
Junior Research Fellows will receive a stipend of Rs 37,000 per month plus HRA.
The initial fellowship period will be two years. Extension/upgradation will be based on performance and DRDO guidelines, subject to a maximum total period of five years.
Research Associate Stipend
Selected Research Associates will receive Rs 67,000 per month plus HRA.
The maximum tenure for the RA fellowship is two years.
Interview Date and Venue
Eligible candidates are required to attend the walk-in interview in person.
Walk-in Interview Date: 14 October 2026 (Wednesday)
Reporting Time: 8:45 AM
Initial Screening and Document Verification: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Venue:
Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh, Union Territory of Ladakh
Candidates should report at the venue by the specified reporting time for initial screening and verification of testimonials.
Candidates who qualify in the initial screening will appear for the interview on the same day.
Documents Required :
Candidates appearing for the interview should carry the required documents in original along with self-attested copies.
The documents include:
Certificates related to Date of Birth and essential educational qualification in original, along with a self-attested copy of each.
Neatly typed Bio-data/CV.
Copy of Aadhaar Card.
Documents supporting preferential experience for the Research Associate post, wherever applicable.
Copies of all the above documents.
Candidates are advised to arrange their documents properly before reaching the interview venue to avoid any difficulty during the screening process.
Selection Process
The selection process will begin with screening of candidates based on their qualifications and submitted documents.
The process includes:
Step 1: Candidates report at DIHAR, Leh by 8:45 AM on 14 October 2026.
Step 2: Initial screening and verification of testimonials will be conducted between 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM.
Step 3: Candidates who are screened in will appear for the interview on the same day.
Selection will be made in accordance with the applicable DRDO rules and the requirements of the research projects.
Important Conditions for Candidates
The fellowship and associateship will be governed by the policies and rules applicable in DRDO and the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
The fellowship or associateship will not confer any right on the selected candidate for absorption or regular appointment in DRDO.
No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining the post, if selected.
Candidates currently working in government departments, public sector undertakings or autonomous bodies must bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their present employer on the date of the interview. If selected, they will also be required to submit a relieving order from their current employer before joining.
The advertised positions are related to R&D project studies. Candidates must be medically fit and willing to work in the environmental conditions associated with high-altitude regions.
The grant of fellowship/associateship will be at the discretion of DIHAR. The institute may refuse admission to any candidate without assigning any reason.
The number of vacancies may be increased or decreased without prior notice.
Important Contact Details
For queries or clarification regarding the recruitment, candidates may contact the following telephone numbers during office hours on working days:
0172-2639700
0172-2639800
Important Dates
The DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026 walk-in interview will be held on 14 October 2026.
Candidates should reach the venue by 8:45 AM. Initial screening and verification of testimonials will take place from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
Key Highlights
The recruitment drive offers opportunities for engineering and research professionals to work on defence-related R&D projects in the high-altitude region of Leh-Ladakh. There are 15 Junior Research Fellow vacancies and 2 Research Associate vacancies.
Candidates with relevant qualifications in Computer Science/Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics and Communication, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Instrumentation and allied disciplines can check their eligibility and attend the walk-in interview.
The JRF position carries a stipend of Rs 37,000 + HRA per month, while the Research Associate position carries Rs 67,000 + HRA per month, subject to the applicable rules and conditions.
Direct Recruitment Summary
Organization: Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR), DRDO
Recruitment: JRF and Research Associate
Total Vacancies: 17
JRF Vacancies: 15
RA Vacancies: 2
JRF Stipend: Rs 37,000 + HRA per month
RA Stipend: Rs 67,000 + HRA per month
JRF Age Limit: 28 years
RA Age Limit: 35 years
Mode of Selection: Walk-in Interview
Interview Date: 14 October 2026
Reporting Time: 8:45 AM
Venue: DIHAR, Leh, Union Territory of Ladakh
