DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026: The Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR), a frontier establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released an official recruitment notification for 2026. Eligible and qualified candidates are invited to attend a walk-in interview for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions. This recruitment drive offers a valuable opportunity for engineering graduates and postgraduates to work on defense-related research projects. Interested applicants should review the complete eligibility criteria, required documents, and reporting time before attending the interview.
DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Information | Details |
| Organization | Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Recruitment Name | DRDO DIHAR Walk-In Recruitment 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 17 Vacancies (15 JRF and 02 RA) |
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) |
| Application Mode | Walk-In Interview |
| Job Location | Leh-Ladakh, Union Territory of Ladakh |
| Official Website | This information is not mentioned in the official notification. |
DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026:Vacancy Details
The recruitment notification offers a total of 17 vacancies distributed across Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) posts in various engineering and technical disciplines.
| Post Name | Number of Vacancies | Required Subjects / Disciplines |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 15 | • Computer Science / Information Technology Engg: 03 posts • Mechanical Engg / Mechanical & Production: 04 posts • Electronics & Communication Engg / Electronics & Instrumentation Engg / Electrical Engg / Electrical & Electronics Engg / Electronics & Control Engg / Electrical & Electronics Communication Engg: 08 posts |
| Research Associate (RA) | 02 | • Computer Science / Information Technology Engg: 01 post • Electronics & Communication Engg / Electronics & Instrumentation Engg / Electrical Engg / Electrical & Electronics Engg / Electronics & Control Engg / Electrical & Electronics Communication Engg: 01 post |
Important Dates – DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | 25 September – 2 October 2026 (Employment News) |
| Application Start Date | Not applicable (Walk-In Interview directly) |
| Last Date to Apply | Walk-In Interview on 14 October 2026 |
| Exam Date | Not applicable (Initial screening and interview on 14 October 2026) |
Eligibility Criteria for DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026
Educational Qualification
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): B.E. or B.Tech in first division with a valid GATE score, OR M.Tech in first division at both Graduate and Post-graduate levels.
- Research Associate (RA): Must possess 3 years of research, teaching, or design or development experience after M.Tech with at least one research paper in an SCI journal.
Age Limit
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Upper age limit is 28 years as on the date of the walk-in interview.
- Research Associate (RA): Upper age limit is 35 years as on the date of the walk-in interview.
Age Relaxation
Age relaxation is applicable for SC, ST, and OBC candidates as per Government of India orders.
DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
This information is not mentioned in the official notification. No application fee details are specified since it is a direct walk-in interview recruitment.
Salary / Pay Scale
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): A monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 plus HRA for an initial period of two years, with performance-based extensions up to a maximum of 5 years as per DRDO guidelines.
- Research Associate (RA): A monthly stipend of Rs. 67,000 plus HRA for a maximum period of two years.
DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The selection procedure involves the following stages:
- Reporting & Registration: Candidates must report by 0845 hours on the interview date.
- Initial Screening: Initial screening and verification of original testimonials will be conducted between 0900 to 1130 hours.
- Personal Interview: Candidates who are successfully screened-in will face the interview on the same day.
DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026 Documents Required
Candidates attending the walk-in interview must bring the following documents:
- Certificates with Date of Birth and essential qualifications in original along with a self-attested copy of each.
- A neatly typed Bio-data.
- A copy of an Aadhar Card (or government-issued identification).
- Documents in support of preferential experience for the RA post, if applicable.
- A complete copy of all the above-mentioned documents.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the present employer if working in Government, Public Sector Undertakings, or Autonomous Bodies.
How to Apply for DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026
Since this is a walk-in interview opportunity, candidates do not need to submit an online application beforehand. Follow these steps to participate:
- Step 1: Verify your eligibility regarding educational qualifications, specialized subjects, and age limits.
- Step 2: Prepare a neatly typed bio-data and gather all required original certificates, self-attested copies, and ID proof.
- Step 3: If employed in a government or public sector organization, secure a NoC from your employer.
- Step 4: Report directly to the venue at Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh (Union Territory of Ladakh) by 0845 hours on 14 October 2026 (Wednesday).
- Step 5: Attend the initial screening and document verification process between 0900 and 1130 hours.
- Step 6: Appear for the interview on the same day if successfully screened-in.
Important Points Before Applying
- Carefully check your educational background against the specific engineering disciplines required by DIHAR.
- Ensure you meet the strict age limits as of the date of the walk-in interview.
- Remember that no TA or DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining if selected.
- Note that posts are strictly for R&D project-related studies, and only medically fit candidates willing to work in high-altitude environmental conditions should apply.
- Bring your employer’s relieving order prior to joining if selected while currently working in a government or public sector body.
Important Links for DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026
| Purpose | Link |
| Official Notification | Get Details |
| Official Website | Get Details |
FAQs on DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026
What is DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026?
It is a walk-in interview recruitment drive conducted by the Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR), a DRDO center in Leh-Ladakh, to select candidates for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) positions.
How many vacancies are available?
There are a total of 17 vacancies, which include 15 posts for Junior Research Fellows and 2 posts for Research Associates.
What is the educational qualification required for JRF posts?
Candidates must hold a B.E. or B.Tech degree in the first division with a valid GATE score, or an M.Tech degree in the first division at both graduate and postgraduate levels in the relevant subject.
What is the upper age limit for the JRF and RA positions?
The upper age limit is 28 years for JRF and 35 years for RA as on the date of the walk-in interview, with applicable relaxations for SC, ST, and OBC candidates.
Is there any age relaxation applicable?
Yes, age relaxation is provided for SC, ST, and OBC candidates according to Government of India orders.
What is the application fee?
This information is not mentioned in the official notification.
What is the selection process?
The selection process comprises an initial screening of qualifications, document verification, and a personal interview conducted on the same day for screened-in candidates.
How can eligible candidates apply?
Eligible candidates do not need to apply online; they must report directly for a walk-in interview with all original documents, self-attested copies, and a typed bio-data on 14 October 2026.
What is the date and venue of the walk-in interview?
The walk-in interview will take place on 14 October 2026 (Wednesday) starting at 0845 hours at the Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh (Union Territory of Ladakh).
Conclusion
The DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026 presents an excellent research career opportunity for qualified engineering graduates and postgraduates wanting to contribute to defense technologies. Candidates meeting the academic and age criteria should assemble all required documentation and report for the walk-in interview on time. Always verify your eligibility and review the official notification thoroughly before traveling to the interview venue.
