DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026 – Walk in for 25 Junior Research Fellow, Research Associate Posts - Recruitment 2026
(Apply Online, Last Date, Notification)
Short Information: Chandigarh and the concerned department have released the notification for the post of DRDO DIHAR Recruitment 2026 – Walk in for 25 Junior Research Fellow, Research Associate Posts. Candidates who are interested in this recruitment can read the full notification before applying online.
Posted on: 12 Feb 2026
Important Dates
Walk-in Interview Schedule
| Event Details | Date & Information |
|---|---|
| Walk-in Interview Date | 24th February 2026 |
| Reporting Time | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (As per notification) |
| Interview Venue | Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh, Ladakh - 194101 |
| Number of Positions | 25 Posts (22 JRF + 3 RA) |
| Document Verification | From reporting time onwards |
| Interview Process | After document verification, candidates called for interview |
| Result Declaration | Selected candidates informed same day or within few days |
| Expected Joining | Immediately after selection or as per project requirement |
How to Reach Leh-Ladakh
By Air (Recommended - Especially in Winter)
- Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is well-connected with major cities
- From Delhi: Daily flights (1 hour 15 minutes) - Multiple airlines
- From Srinagar: Regular flights (45 minutes)
- From Jammu: Seasonal flights
- Airport to DIHAR: Approximately 5 km (taxi/auto available)
- Important: Book flights well in advance as seats fill quickly
- Flights subject to weather conditions
By Road (Only in Summer Months)
- Manali-Leh Highway: Open June to October (475 km, 2 days journey)
- Srinagar-Leh Highway: Open May to November (434 km, 2 days)
- In February (Interview Month): Roads are CLOSED due to snow
- Air travel is the ONLY option during winter months
Acclimatization & Health Advisory
- ⚠️ Altitude Alert: Leh is at 11,500 feet - acclimatization is MANDATORY
- Arrive 2-3 days before interview to allow body to adjust to altitude
- First 24-48 hours: Complete rest, avoid physical exertion
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water (3-4 liters per day)
- Food: Light, easily digestible meals
- Avoid: Alcohol, smoking, sleeping pills
- Symptoms of AMS: Headache, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness
- Consult doctor if symptoms persist
- Carry personal medications
Accommodation in Leh
- Multiple hotels and guest houses available in Leh city
- Budget options: Rs. 500-1500 per night
- Mid-range hotels: Rs. 2000-4000 per night
- Book accommodation in advance
- Many hotels closed in winter - check before booking
- DIHAR may assist with accommodation information
Weather in February
- Temperature: Day: -2°C to 5°C | Night: -15°C to -20°C
- Carry: Heavy winter clothing, thermals, woolen gloves, cap, warm shoes
- Sunglasses mandatory (intense UV radiation at high altitude)
- Sunscreen and lip balm essential
- Most hotels have room heaters
Application Fee
Fellowship/Salary Structure
For Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
| Duration | Monthly Fellowship |
|---|---|
| First & Second Year | Rs. 31,000 per month |
| Third Year (if extended) | Rs. 35,000 per month |
Additional Benefits for JRF:
- Contingency Grant: Rs. 20,000 per annum for research expenses
- Book Grant: As per DRDO norms
- Conference/Workshop Participation: Travel and registration support
- Medical Facilities: Free medical treatment at DIHAR hospital
For Research Associate (RA)
- Monthly Fellowship: Rs. 47,000 to Rs. 54,000 per month
- Exact amount depends on qualification (M.Tech/Ph.D) and experience
- House Rent Allowance: If institute accommodation not provided
- Contingency Grant: Rs. 30,000 per annum
- Research Support: Funding for lab equipment, chemicals, and consumables
Additional Facilities Provided
- Accommodation: Residential quarters within DIHAR campus (subject to availability)
- Mess Facility: Subsidized food in institute mess/canteen
- High-Altitude Allowance: May be provided as per DRDO norms
- Winter Clothing: Provided by institute for extreme cold
- Leave Travel Assistance: For visiting hometown during leave periods
- Medical Coverage: Free medical facilities and high-altitude medicine support
- Transportation: Institute vehicles for official work and emergencies
Leave Entitlement
- Casual Leave: As per DRDO norms
- Medical Leave: With medical certificate
- Annual Leave: For visiting hometown
- Winter Break: Extended leave during severe winter months (optional)
Tax Benefits
- Fellowship amount is tax-free under Income Tax Act
- No TDS deducted from fellowship
- Additional income (if any) subject to normal tax rules
Important Financial Notes
- Fellowship paid monthly by 7th of every month
- Direct bank transfer to fellow's account
- No EPF/Gratuity as these are fellowship positions (not regular employment)
- Cost of living in Leh is reasonable, and fellowship amount is adequate
- Many items subsidized within DIHAR campus
Age Limit
Age Limit Details
For Junior Research Fellow (JRF):
- Maximum Age: 28 years (as on date of walk-in interview)
- Age calculated as on 24th February 2026
- Relaxation provided to reserved category candidates as per Government rules
For Research Associate (RA):
- Maximum Age: 35 years (as on date of walk-in interview)
- Higher age limit considering advanced qualification requirements
- Age relaxation applicable for reserved categories
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation (JRF) | Age Relaxation (RA) |
|---|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years | 3 years |
| PwBD (Persons with Disability) | 10 years | 10 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 years (Cumulative) | 15 years (Cumulative) |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years (Cumulative) | 13 years (Cumulative) |
| Defence Personnel | As per Defence rules | As per Defence rules |
Age Relaxation for Ph.D Holders (RA)
- Candidates with Ph.D degree may get additional age relaxation
- Typically 2-5 years additional relaxation for Ph.D holders
- Exact relaxation as per DRDO/DST guidelines
Important Age-Related Notes
- Date of birth as per Class 10th/Matriculation certificate is final
- No subsequent request for change of DOB will be entertained
- Candidates must bring DOB proof (10th certificate) during interview
- Age relaxation certificates must be from competent authority
- OBC-NCL certificate should be valid (issued after 01-04-2025)
- For exact age limits and relaxations, refer to official notification
Vacancy Details & Eligibility
| Organization Name | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) - Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh-Ladakh |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA) |
| Total Number of Posts | 25 Posts (22 JRF + 3 RA) |
| Engineering Disciplines | Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Biotechnology, Food Technology, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and related fields |
| Educational Qualification |
JRF: B.E/B.Tech with GATE Score (Valid 2024/2025/2026) - Min 60% marks RA: M.E/M.Tech (Ph.D preferred) - Min 60% marks |
| GATE Requirement | MANDATORY for JRF Positions (Valid scorecard from 2024/2025/2026) |
| Age Limit | JRF: Max 28 years | RA: Max 35 years (with relaxation for reserved categories) |
| Fellowship/Salary |
JRF: Rs. 31,000/month (Yr 1-2), Rs. 35,000/month (Yr 3) + Contingency RA: Rs. 47,000 - 54,000/month + HRA + Contingency |
| Fellowship Duration | Initially 1 year, extendable up to 3 years based on performance |
| Selection Process | Walk-in Interview (Document Verification + Personal Interview + Medical Fitness) |
| Walk-in Interview Date | 24th February 2026 |
| Reporting Time | 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM (As per notification) |
| Interview Venue | Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh, Ladakh - 194101 |
| Work Location | DIHAR, Leh-Ladakh (Altitude: 11,000-18,000 feet above sea level) |
| Facilities Provided | Residential Accommodation, Subsidized Mess, Medical Facilities, Winter Clothing, Leave Travel Assistance |
| Application Mode | Walk-in (No prior application required - Direct attendance with documents) |
| Job Type | Research Fellowship (Temporary - Project-based) |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
| Special Note | ⚠️ ALTITUDE ALERT: Leh is at 11,500 feet. Arrive 2-3 days before interview for acclimatization. Extreme cold in February (up to -20°C). Carry heavy winter clothing! |
Useful Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
