DRDO RCI Hyderabad Recruitment 2026 | Research Associate & Junior Research Fellow – 21 Vacancies
Organization
DRDO
Duration
2 Years
Overview
DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026
The Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has announced recruitment for Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions.
This recruitment provides an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in defence research, advanced engineering, science and technology to work at the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad.
A total of 21 vacancies are available, comprising 02 Research Associate positions and 19 Junior Research Fellow positions.
Vacancy Details
Research Associate (RA) – 02 Posts
The Research Associate vacancies are available in the following areas:
- CSE / Data Science / Artificial Intelligence
- Mechanical / Structural / Aerospace Engineering
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Physics
Candidates with a Ph.D. in the relevant discipline or the prescribed M.Tech/M.Sc. qualification along with relevant research experience and research publications can apply, subject to the detailed eligibility conditions in the official notification.
Junior Research Fellow (JRF) – 19 Posts
The JRF vacancies are distributed as follows:
- Electronics & Communication Engineering – 05 Posts
- Mechanical Engineering – 05 Posts
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering – 03 Posts
- Computer Science & Engineering / IT – 02 Posts
- Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering – 02 Posts
- Chemistry – 01 Post
- Metallurgy – 01 Post
Educational Qualification
For JRF positions, candidates generally require a First Class B.E./B.Tech degree with a valid GATE score or a First Class B.E./B.Tech along with M.E./M.Tech in the relevant discipline, as specified for the respective post.
For Chemistry/Physics-related positions, the prescribed qualification includes First Class M.Sc. with a valid NET/GATE/SLET qualification, wherever applicable.
For Research Associate positions, candidates require the relevant Ph.D. qualification or the prescribed postgraduate qualification along with the required research experience and research publication, depending upon the discipline.
Candidates should carefully check the discipline-wise eligibility requirements in the official advertisement before applying.
Age Limit
The maximum age limit as on 01 August 2026 is:
- Research Associate: 35 years
- Junior Research Fellow: 28 years
Age relaxation is applicable to eligible reserved-category candidates according to Government of India rules:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
Duration of Fellowship
Research Associate: The appointment is for a fixed period of 2 years.
Junior Research Fellow: The initial fellowship is for 2 years and may be extended up to 4 years, subject to performance and applicable rules. Eligible JRFs may be upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) during the third and fourth years based on their performance and the prescribed criteria.
Fellowship / Stipend
Research Associates will receive a monthly stipend as per Government of India / Ministry of Defence norms.
JRFs will receive the fellowship amount and applicable benefits according to the prevailing Government of India/DRDO norms.
Selection Process
The selection process may involve shortlisting of applications followed by an interview and/or written test, depending on the post and number of eligible applicants.
Shortlisting may be carried out on the basis of factors such as:
- Academic performance
- Relevant educational qualification
- GATE/NET/SLET score, wherever applicable
- Research experience
- Relevance of thesis/research work
- Research publications
- Other criteria prescribed by RCI/DRDO
Only shortlisted candidates will be called for the subsequent selection stage.
Application Mode
Offline Application Only
Candidates must submit their applications through Speed Post or Courier.
Applications through email and hand delivery will not be accepted.
Applicants should ensure that the application reaches the designated address within the prescribed deadline.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates should:
- Download and carefully read the official DRDO RCI recruitment notification.
- Check the discipline-wise eligibility requirements.
- Fill out the prescribed application form correctly.
- Attach the required educational certificates, mark sheets, age proof, category certificate and other supporting documents.
- Mention the appropriate post name on the envelope as prescribed.
- Send the completed application through Speed Post/Courier to the designated RCI address.
- Ensure that the application reaches RCI within the prescribed time.
Application Envelope
The envelope should be superscribed with:
“APPLICATION FOR THE VACANCY OF [RESEARCH ASSOCIATE / JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOW]”
Postal Address
HEAD HRD
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex
Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
PO – Vignyana Kancha
Hyderabad, Telangana – 500 069
Important Date
The advertisement was published in Employment News on 14 August 2026.
Applications must reach the concerned office within 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement, as prescribed in the official notification.
Who Can Apply?
This recruitment is particularly suitable for:
- M.E./M.Tech candidates
- B.E./B.Tech candidates with GATE
- M.Sc. candidates with NET/GATE/SLET, wherever applicable
- Ph.D. candidates
- Candidates with research experience
- Candidates interested in Defence R&D
- Engineering and science graduates seeking research opportunities
Why Apply for DRDO RCI?
Joining Research Centre Imarat (RCI) provides candidates with an opportunity to gain research exposure in one of India's important defence research establishments. The positions offer an opportunity to contribute to advanced scientific and technological work associated with India's defence and missile technology programmes.
Candidates planning a career in R&D, higher education, doctoral research, defence technology or advanced engineering research may find this opportunity particularly valuable.
Notification: https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/sites/default/files/vacancy/advtRCI17082026.pdf
Streams
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