The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially released a Walk-in Interview notification for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) posts at Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam. This is a golden opportunity for engineering graduates and postgraduates who are looking to work on cutting-edge defence research projects under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
The recruitment is purely merit-based, and selection will be done through Walk-in Interview (and written test if required). Selected candidates will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 + HRA, making it one of the most attractive JRF opportunities in 2026 for engineering aspirants.
If you hold a B.E./B.Tech with valid GATE/NET or an M.E./M.Tech with first division, this article will guide you step-by-step on eligibility, selection process, documents, salary, and common mistakes to avoid.
📌 You can also check Live & Upcoming Government Jobs Here
⚡ Quick Review – DRDO NSTL JRF 2026 (At a Glance)
- 🏢 Organization: DRDO – NSTL, Visakhapatnam
- 📄 Advertisement No.: NSTL/JRF/01/2026
- 🧑🔬 Post Name: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
- 💰 Salary: ₹37,000 per month + HRA
- 📅 Interview Date: 26 February 2026
- ⏰ Reporting Time: 09:00 AM
- 🎓 Qualification: B.Tech / M.Tech (First Division)
- 📊 Selection: Written Test (if required) + Interview
- 📍 Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
🏛️ About DRDO NSTL, Visakhapatnam
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) is India’s premier R&D organization working under the Ministry of Defence.
Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) focuses on naval systems, underwater weapons, sonar technologies, and advanced maritime defence research.
Working as a JRF at NSTL not only provides financial stability but also gives exposure to real-world defence innovation, often leading to PhD opportunities and high-value research careers.
🧑🔧 DRDO NSTL JRF 2026 – Vacancy Details
- 🔩 Mechanical Engineering – 03 Posts
- 📡 Electronics / Electronics & Communication – 02 Posts
- 💻 Computer Science Engineering – 01 Post
- 🎛️ Instrumentation / Electronics & Instrumentation – 01 Post
⚠️ Note: Number of vacancies may increase or decrease as per administrative requirements.
🎓 Educational Qualification (Discipline-wise)
✅ For B.E./B.Tech Candidates
- First Division in relevant discipline
- Valid GATE or NET score is mandatory
✅ For M.E./M.Tech Candidates
- First Division at both Graduate & Post-Graduate levels
- Degree must be in same discipline
📌 Degrees must be obtained from recognized universities/institutions only.
🎂 Age Limit & Relaxation
- 🧒 Maximum Age: 28 years (as on interview date)
- 🧾 Age Relaxation:
- SC / ST / OBC – As per Government of India rules
💵 Fellowship Amount & Tenure
- 💰 Monthly Fellowship: ₹37,000
- 🏠 House Rent Allowance (HRA): As per DRDO rules
- ⏳ Tenure: Initially 2 years (extendable as per performance & rules)
❗ Fellowship does NOT guarantee permanent absorption in DRDO.
📝 Selection Process Explained (Applicant Friendly)
- 🧠 Written Test (Objective MCQs) – Only if required
- 🎤 Personal Interview
- 📋 Merit Panel Preparation
- Panel valid for 1 year
- Future vacancies may be filled from panel
📅 Walk-in Interview Schedule
- 📆 Date: 26 February 2026
- 🕘 Reporting Time: 09:00 AM
- 📍 Venue:
Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL),
Vigyan Nagar, Near N.A.D. Junction,
Visakhapatnam – 530027, Andhra Pradesh
📂 Documents Required (Most Commonly Missed – Read Carefully)
Bring original + one self-attested photocopy of:
- 📄 Educational certificates & mark sheets
- 🎂 Date of Birth proof (10th certificate)
- 📊 Valid GATE / NET scorecard (if applicable)
- 🪪 Photo ID (Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID / Passport)
- 🧾 Caste certificate (if applicable)
- 📸 Two recent passport-size photographs
- 🏢 NOC (if employed in PSU/Autonomous body)
💳 Examination Fee Details
- 💸 Fee Amount: ₹10 only
- ❌ SC / ST / OBC: Fully Exempted
- 💳 Payment Modes:
- Indian Postal Order
- Demand Draft
- Online Transfer (SBI NSTL Branch)
❓ Common Problems Faced by Candidates (Solved)
❓ Is GATE compulsory?
✔️ Only for B.Tech candidates. M.Tech candidates do not need GATE.
❓ Can final-year students apply?
❌ No. Degree must be completed before interview date.
❓ Is this a permanent DRDO job?
❌ No. This is a research fellowship, not permanent employment.
❓ Will TA/DA be provided?
❌ No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
📞 Official Contact Details
- ☎️ Phone: 0891-2586403 / 6404
- 📧 Email: admin.dept.nstl@gov.in
🔍 Why You Should Not Miss This DRDO JRF Opportunity
- ✔️ High monthly stipend
- ✔️ Prestigious DRDO research exposure
- ✔️ Ideal for PhD & research-oriented careers
- ✔️ Transparent walk-in selection process
- ✔️ Excellent resume value for future PSU / Govt roles
🌐 Important Links
- Official Notification Pdf : Download Here
- Official Website: drdo.gov.in
📌 Candidates can also check Exam Updates here
🔔 Join for Recruitment Updates
Get instant updates on Job notifications, exam dates, admit cards and results. Scholarships too
📢 Final Advice for Aspirants
Prepare your core engineering subjects, revise GATE-level concepts, and reach the venue early with all documents arranged properly. Missing even one document can lead to disqualification.