DRDO CABS Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026: 10 Posts Announced for Engineering Graduates – Apply Offline
Bangalore, 04 February 2026 - The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), specifically its Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) unit, has announced a significant opportunity for young researchers and engineering graduates. The DRDO CABS Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 notification has been released for 10 coveted positions of Junior Research Fellow (JRF). This recruitment drive seeks talented individuals to contribute to cutting-edge research in defense technology and airborne systems.
The DRDO CABS JRF Recruitment 2026 is open to eligible candidates who have completed their B.E., B.Tech., M.E., or M.Tech. degrees in relevant engineering disciplines. The selection process for these DRDO JRF posts will be based on a comprehensive evaluation system designed to identify candidates with strong academic backgrounds and a passion for research. The application mode for this recruitment is offline, requiring applicants to submit physical documents to the specified address before the deadline.
This initiative from DRDO CABS represents a pathway for aspiring scientists and engineers to begin their careers in a prestigious government organization dedicated to national security and technological advancement. The positions offer valuable research experience and a competitive stipend, making them highly sought after among recent graduates.
Key Details of the DRDO CABS Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026
The recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 10 Junior Research Fellow vacancies at the Centre for Airborne Systems in Bangalore. These positions are contractual in nature, typically for a period of two years, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and project requirements. The DRDO JRF recruitment process for 2026 follows a structured approach that emphasizes both academic merit and technical aptitude.
The official notification provides detailed insights into the required qualifications and the application procedure. Interested candidates are advised to carefully review the complete details to ensure eligibility and avoid application rejection. The information regarding this notification was first made available to a wider audience through job portals like Sarkari Result All, which provides timely updates on government job vacancies.
For job seekers aspiring for a career in government research, especially within the defense sector, the DRDO CABS Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 presents a golden opportunity. The organization's focus on innovative research in areas like airborne surveillance and electronic warfare ensures that selected candidates will work on projects of national importance.
Sarkari Result All Overview: DRDO CABS JRF Recruitment 2026
Here is a quick overview of the DRDO CABS Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 details, as featured on platforms like Sarkari Result All for easy reference:
| Recruitment Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Posts | 10 |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Eligibility Criteria | B.E / B.Tech / M.E / M.Tech in relevant disciplines |
| Age Limit | Maximum 28 years (with relaxations for reserved categories) |
| Location | Bangalore, Karnataka |
| Application Starting Date | Not Available (Notification released in February 2026) |
| Last Date to Apply | Not Available (Refer to official notification for specific deadline) |
| Official Website | https://www.drdo.gov.in/ |
Understanding the Role of Junior Research Fellow at DRDO CABS
A Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position at DRDO CABS involves hands-on participation in research and development activities. The Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) is a premier DRDO laboratory responsible for the design, development, and integration of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems. These systems are critical for air defense and surveillance operations of the Indian Armed Forces. JRFs at CABS work closely with senior scientists and project managers on various aspects of system development, testing, and implementation.
The scope of work for these DRDO JRF posts often includes areas such as signal processing, embedded systems, communication systems, software development for airborne platforms, radar technology, and mechanical design. The exposure gained during the fellowship period is invaluable for candidates looking to pursue advanced research or secure permanent positions in government research organizations or leading private sector companies in the aerospace and defense domains.
The fellowship provides a platform to transition from theoretical academic knowledge to practical, application-oriented research. The experience of working in a secure, high-stakes environment like DRDO CABS enhances the fellow's technical skills and project management capabilities. This makes the DRDO CABS Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 particularly attractive for engineering graduates seeking meaningful work right after graduation or post-graduation.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for DRDO JRF Posts?
To be eligible for the DRDO CABS Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet specific academic qualifications and age limits. The criteria are set to ensure that only candidates with the requisite educational background for advanced research are considered.
Educational Qualification:
Candidates must possess a B.E. or B.Tech. degree in the specified engineering disciplines. These disciplines commonly include Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar relevant fields. The notification often specifies that candidates must have secured a valid GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) score in the last few years. Alternatively, candidates with an M.E. or M.Tech. degree (post-graduation) in relevant disciplines can also apply. In some cases, candidates with M.E./M.Tech. degrees might be exempted from the GATE score requirement, but it is essential to check the official DRDO notification 2026 for exact details pertaining to this specific recruitment cycle.
Age Limit:
The standard age limit for the position of Junior Research Fellow in DRDO is 28 years as on the specified cut-off date mentioned in the official notification. The government rules allow age relaxation for candidates belonging to specific categories. For example, candidates from the SC/ST category typically receive a relaxation of 5 years, while candidates from the OBC category receive a relaxation of 3 years. Candidates falling under Persons with Disabilities (PWD) or other reserved categories may also be eligible for specific age relaxations as per government regulations.
Selection Process for DRDO CABS JRF Recruitment 2026
The selection process for the DRDO CABS Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 generally involves a multi-stage process to evaluate the technical skills and aptitude of the applicants. The specific steps may vary depending on the number of applications received, but the standard procedure often includes screening and an interview.
1. Initial Screening of Applications:
Once all offline applications are received, a screening committee reviews them against the eligibility criteria. Candidates are shortlisted based on their academic qualifications, marks obtained in B.E./B.Tech./M.E./M.Tech., and valid GATE score (if applicable). Only candidates who meet the specified criteria and whose applications are complete in all respects will be called for the next stage of selection.
2. Interview:
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Due to the nature of the research positions at DRDO CABS, the interview panel typically consists of senior scientists and domain experts. The interview focuses on assessing the candidate's technical knowledge in their respective engineering field, understanding of basic research concepts, and suitability for the specific projects being undertaken at CABS. The interview is a crucial part of the selection process for these DRDO JRF posts as it allows the panel to evaluate the candidate's communication skills and research potential.
3. Final Selection:
The final selection list is prepared based on the candidate's performance in the interview and their academic record. The selected candidates will be issued an offer letter and will undergo medical verification and necessary security clearance before joining DRDO CABS as a Junior Research Fellow.
Stipend and Career Opportunities after JRF at DRDO CABS
The position of Junior Research Fellow at DRDO CABS offers more than just a job; it provides a platform for professional growth and a competitive financial package. As per government norms, a JRF selected through the DRDO CABS JRF Recruitment 2026 will receive a monthly stipend. The current stipend for a JRF is typically Rs. 31,000/- per month, in addition to House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per DRDO rules applicable in Bangalore.
The tenure of the JRF position is generally two years. Following the completion of the JRF period, outstanding candidates may be considered for up-gradation to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) based on their performance and the availability of funds and projects. This up-gradation offers an increase in stipend and responsibility. The experience gained during the fellowship significantly enhances a candidate's profile for future opportunities, including Ph.D. admissions in prestigious institutions or permanent scientist positions in government organizations like DRDO itself through specific recruitment schemes.
How to Apply Offline for DRDO CABS Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026
The application process for the DRDO CABS Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 is offline, requiring meticulous attention to detail from the applicants. Candidates must follow a systematic approach to ensure their application is complete and reaches the designated authority on time. The offline application process for these DRDO JRF posts typically involves the following steps:
Step 1: Download the Application Form
Candidates must download the prescribed application form from the official DRDO website or from reliable government job portals like Sarkari Result All. The form contains sections for personal details, educational qualifications, professional experience, and research interests. It is essential to ensure that the form downloaded is for the specific DRDO CABS JRF Recruitment 2026 cycle.
Step 2: Fill in the Application Form Accurately
The application form must be filled completely and accurately, either by typing or neatly handwriting the information. All relevant personal information, academic details from matriculation onwards, percentage/CGPA obtained, and details of GATE score (if applicable) must be entered precisely. Any missing or incorrect information may lead to the rejection of the application.
Step 3: Collect Required Documents
Applicants need to attach self-attested copies of various documents along with the filled application form. These typically include:
- Educational certificates (Mark sheets and degree certificates for 10th standard, 12th standard, B.E./B.Tech., and M.E./M.Tech.).
- Proof of date of birth (usually a 10th standard mark sheet).
- Caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates) issued by a competent authority.
- Disability certificate (for PWD candidates).
- GATE scorecard (if required by the specific notification).
- A recent passport-size photograph, usually pasted on the application form.
- Any other relevant documents specified in the notification.
Step 4: Prepare the Application Envelope
Place all the required documents and the filled application form inside an envelope. The envelope should be clearly superscribed with "APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOW (JRF) AT CABS" to ensure proper identification by the receiving department. The application should then be sent to the address mentioned in the DRDO CABS recruitment notification 2026, usually via speed post or registered post to ensure timely delivery and tracking.
Candidates are strongly advised to refer to the original notification on the DRDO CABS website for the specific address and deadline for submission. Since the application mode is offline, applicants must account for delivery time and dispatch the application well before the last date to avoid missing the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DRDO JRF Recruitment
Q1: What is the full form of DRDO CABS and what do they do?DRDO stands for Defence Research and Development Organisation, which is a premier R&D organization under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. CABS stands for Centre for Airborne Systems, a DRDO laboratory specializing in the design, development, and integration of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems for the Indian Air Force. The work involves advanced research in electronics, computing, and aerospace engineering.
Q2: Is a GATE score compulsory for the DRDO CABS JRF Recruitment 2026?For most DRDO JRF recruitments, a valid GATE score is required for B.E./B.Tech. candidates. However, candidates who possess an M.E./M.Tech. degree may sometimes be exempted from the GATE score requirement. It is essential for applicants to carefully check the specific official notification for the DRDO CABS Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 to confirm whether the GATE score is mandatory for their specific educational qualification.
Q3: What is the duration of the Junior Research Fellow position at DRDO CABS?The JRF position at DRDO CABS is initially offered for a period of two years. Depending on the candidate's performance during this period and the ongoing project requirements, the fellowship may be extended for an additional period. The total tenure usually does not exceed five years for a JRF/SRF position.
Q4: How does the offline application process work, and where should I send my documents?The offline application process requires candidates to download the application form from the official website or reliable job portals like Sarkari Result All. After filling out the form completely, you must attach self-attested copies of all required documents (educational certificates, ID proof, caste certificate, etc.). The complete package must be sent via registered post or speed post to the specific postal address mentioned in the official DRDO notification 2026. It is crucial to check the address carefully and send the documents before the submission deadline.
Q5: What are the career prospects after working as a JRF at DRDO CABS?A JRF position at DRDO CABS provides excellent exposure to advanced research and development projects. This experience significantly enhances a candidate's profile for future opportunities. Many JRFs proceed to pursue a Ph.D. based on their research work at DRDO. Additionally, candidates with experience as a JRF at DRDO often have a strong advantage when applying for Scientist positions (Scientist B) at DRDO or other government research institutions through subsequent recruitment drives.
Q6: Can final year M.E./M.Tech. students apply for the DRDO JRF posts?Usually, final year students who are awaiting results for their qualifying degree (M.E./M.Tech.) can apply for JRF positions, provided they can furnish proof of completing all requirements for the degree by the date of the interview or a specific date mentioned in the notification. Candidates are required to produce their original mark sheets and degree certificates during the document verification stage of the selection process.
Q7: What is the age relaxation provided for reserved category candidates?As per government norms, age relaxation is provided for reserved category candidates. Typically, SC/ST candidates receive a 5-year relaxation, and OBC candidates receive a 3-year relaxation on the upper age limit of 28 years. Candidates from the PWD category may also receive age relaxation as per government regulations.