The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), Bengaluru, has announced the DRDO CABS Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) Recruitment 2026 inviting eligible engineering graduates and postgraduates to apply for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions. These fellowships are part of DRDO’s research engagement programme in defence-related airborne systems and technology.
Recruitment Overview
The Advt. No. CABS/JRF/2026/01 notification was released in January 2026 for the recruitment of 10 JRF posts across various engineering disciplines at CABS, Bengaluru. These positions are offered on a contractual research fellowship basis, providing an opportunity to pursue advanced research in an esteemed defence R&D environment.
Vacancy Details
A total of 10 Junior Research Fellowships are available under this recruitment drive. The JRF openings are distributed across multiple engineering streams, including:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
These disciplines align with DRDO’s focus on airborne systems, communication, control, and related technologies, enabling selected fellows to contribute to ongoing research and development projects.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the DRDO CABS JRF Recruitment 2026, candidates must satisfy the following basic requirements:
Educational Qualification:
- BE/B.Tech in a relevant engineering discipline with first division and a valid GATE score (GATE 2024 or 2025 accepted).
- OR ME/M.Tech in the relevant field with first division.
Age Limit:
- Maximum age of 28 years as on 31 December 2025.
- Age relaxations apply as per Government/DRDO norms for SC, ST, and OBC candidates.
Nationality:
- Candidates must be Indian citizens, as is standard for DRDO recruitment.
These criteria ensure that applicants have the requisite academic foundation and analytical skills needed for research roles at a premier defence laboratory.
Selection Process
The selection process for DRDO CABS JRF Recruitment 2026 involves:
- Willingness Email: Candidates must send an email expressing willingness to attend the recruitment process to jrf.rectt.cabs@gov.in by 22 February 2026, mentioning the discipline in the subject line.
- Walk-in Interview: Shortlisted candidates based on basic eligibility appear for a walk-in interview on scheduled dates.
- 25 Feb 2026: Interviews for ECE and Electrical disciplines.
- 26 Feb 2026: Interviews for Aeronautical, Mechanical, and Computer Science disciplines.
- Candidates must report by 08:45 AM at CABS, Belur, Yemlur PO, Bengaluru-560037 with original certificates and filled application form for document verification and interview.
No travel allowance (TA/DA) will be paid for attending the interview. Panels may prepare a merit list valid for up to one year for future recruitment needs.
Fellowship and Benefits
Selected candidates under the DRDO CABS JRF Recruitment 2026 will receive a monthly fellowship/stipend of ₹37,000 along with House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per DRDO rules. This stipend supports researchers during the fellowship period while they engage in research and development activities aligned with project objectives.
The position is contractual and not a permanent DRDO job, but it provides valuable experience in defence research that can strengthen future career prospects or higher academic pursuits such as PhD studies.
Job Role and Responsibilities
As a Junior Research Fellow, the selected candidates are expected to:
- Assist in research projects related to airborne systems and technologies.
- Engage in experimental setup, data collection, analysis, and simulation tasks.
- Contribute to documentation and technical reporting.
- Work under the guidance of principal investigators and CABS scientists toward achieving project milestones.
The research environment at CABS, DRDO promotes collaboration, innovation, and application-oriented research, giving JRFs exposure to cutting-edge defence technologies.
Job Location and Work Environment
The selected fellows will be based at the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. CABS operates under DRDO and focuses on development, evaluation, and integration of airborne surveillance systems and related technologies. Researchers at CABS often work in multidisciplinary teams involving engineers and scientists from various domains.
Final Notes
The DRDO CABS Junior Research Fellowship Recruitment 2026 offers a prestigious and competitive opportunity for young engineers to begin a research career within India’s defence R&D ecosystem. Candidates meeting eligibility should prepare thoroughly for the walk-in interview and ensure all documents are in order before reporting. For the latest updates, official schedules, and detailed instructions, candidates should refer to the DRDO vacancies page at drdo.gov.in under the CABS recruitment section.