DRDO VRDE Recruitment 2026 - Complete Information
Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), a premier laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has announced recruitment for 10 technical positions in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering disciplines. This recruitment offers an exceptional opportunity for engineering graduates and diploma holders to contribute to India's defence research and development in the critical area of military vehicles, armored systems, and mobility solutions. The last date to submit offline applications is 22 February 2026.
VRDE is one of the oldest and most prestigious DRDO laboratories, established in 1950, specializing in design, development, and testing of combat vehicles, heavy vehicles, specialized vehicles for defence forces, and automotive technologies for extreme conditions. Working at VRDE means being part of cutting-edge defence technology development, contributing to national security, and gaining unparalleled expertise in automotive engineering applied to military requirements.
About DRDO and VRDE Ahmednagar
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is the premier R&D organization under Ministry of Defence responsible for developing defence technologies for Indian Armed Forces. With over 50 laboratories across India and 25,000+ personnel, DRDO works on aeronautics, armaments, combat vehicles, electronics, missiles, naval systems, advanced computing, and life sciences. DRDO's contributions include Agni and Prithvi missile systems, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Main Battle Tank Arjun, and numerous other strategic systems.
Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) is located in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. The laboratory focuses on automotive technology for defence applications including design and development of tanks, infantry combat vehicles, armored personnel carriers, bridge-laying tanks, recovery vehicles, and high-mobility tactical vehicles. VRDE has state-of-the-art facilities including vehicle dynamics testing tracks, climatic chambers, ballistic testing facilities, automotive test rigs, and CAD/CAM/CAE design centers. The establishment works closely with Ordnance Factories, Defence PSUs, and private industry partners for production of developed systems.
Detailed Post Information - Engineering Positions
The current recruitment covers 10 positions across Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering disciplines. These are likely Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Research Associate, or Technical positions working on various ongoing and future vehicle development projects at VRDE.
Mechanical Engineering Posts: Engineers in this discipline work on vehicle design, structural analysis, powertrain development, transmission systems, suspension design, armor integration, thermal management, hydraulic systems, and testing of automotive components under extreme conditions. Responsibilities include CAD modeling using software like CATIA or SolidWorks, finite element analysis (FEA) for structural validation, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for thermal and aerodynamic studies, prototype development and testing, preparation of technical specifications, coordination with production agencies, and documentation of research findings.
Electrical Engineering Posts: Electrical engineers at VRDE work on automotive electrical systems, power electronics, battery management systems for electric/hybrid vehicles, sensor integration, control systems, electronic warfare systems integration, communication systems for vehicles, and instrumentation. Work involves circuit design, PCB development, embedded systems programming, testing of electrical subsystems, integration of electronic components in vehicles, and ensuring electromagnetic compatibility.
These positions offer exposure to advanced automotive technology, defence-specific engineering challenges, opportunity to work with international standards and practices, collaboration with premier academic institutions and research organizations, potential for publishing research papers in international journals, and career growth within DRDO ecosystem.
Educational Qualification Requirements
For Mechanical Engineering positions, candidates typically require Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) or Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Mechanical Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Production Engineering, or related mechanical disciplines from AICTE-approved institutions or recognized universities with minimum 60% aggregate marks (55% for SC/ST/PwBD). For higher-level positions, M.E./M.Tech. in relevant specialization with minimum 60% marks may be required. Diploma holders in Mechanical Engineering with relevant experience may also be eligible for certain technical assistant positions.
For Electrical Engineering positions, B.E./B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Electrical Engineering, or Electrical & Electronics Engineering from recognized institutions with minimum 60% marks (55% for reserved categories) is required. For senior positions, post-graduate degrees (M.E./M.Tech.) in Power Electronics, Control Systems, Electrical Machines, or related areas may be preferred. Diploma in Electrical Engineering may suffice for junior technical positions.
Additional desirable qualifications include GATE score (for JRF positions), knowledge of CAD/CAE software (CATIA, ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink), experience in automotive industry or research projects, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and specialized certifications in relevant domains. Candidates with prior internships or project work at DRDO laboratories or defence establishments get preference.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The maximum age limit typically varies by position level. For Junior Research Fellow or entry-level technical positions, the upper age limit is usually 28-30 years as on the closing date of application. For Research Associate or senior technical positions requiring post-graduation and experience, the age limit may extend to 35-40 years.
Age relaxation is provided as per Government of India rules: SC/ST candidates receive 5 years relaxation, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates get 3 years relaxation, PwBD candidates are eligible for 10 years relaxation (General), 13 years (OBC), and 15 years (SC/ST), DRDO employees and departmental candidates with certain years of continuous service may get up to 5 years relaxation, Ex-servicemen receive relaxation as per defense service period plus 3 years, and Widows, divorced women, and women judicially separated from husbands who have not remarried get relaxation as per rules.
Age is calculated as on the closing date of application submission. Candidates must provide age proof (10th certificate or birth certificate) and category certificates issued by competent authorities to claim relaxation.
Salary and Service Conditions
The salary structure depends on the nature of appointment and position level. For Junior Research Fellows (JRF), the fellowship amount is typically Rs. 31,000/- per month for first two years and Rs. 35,000/- per month for third year onward as per DST/CSIR norms. For Research Associates with Ph.D., the fellowship is approximately Rs. 47,000/- to Rs. 54,000/- per month depending on experience.
For regular technical positions, the pay scale follows 7th Central Pay Commission recommendations: Junior level (Level 6): Rs. 35,400 - 1,12,400/- per month, Mid level (Level 7-8): Rs. 44,900 - 1,42,400/- per month, Senior level (Level 10-11): Rs. 56,100 - 1,77,500/- per month. In addition to basic pay, employees receive DA (currently ~50% of basic), HRA (as per city classification or DRDO accommodation), Transport Allowance, and other allowances.
Benefits include comprehensive medical facilities for self and family through CGHS, Leave Travel Allowance, Children Education Allowance, contributory pension under NPS, gratuity, group insurance, subsidized accommodation in DRDO colonies or HRA, subsidized food in DRDO canteens, sports and recreational facilities, vehicle and house building advances at concessional rates, and opportunities for higher studies with fellowship and sponsorship.
DRDO also provides extensive training opportunities including deputation to foreign countries for specialized training, participation in international conferences and exhibitions, collaboration with premier institutes like IITs, IISc, and international research organizations, and career advancement through promotions, lateral movements, and higher responsibility positions.
Selection Process - Comprehensive Evaluation
DRDO VRDE follows a rigorous multi-stage selection process:
Stage 1 - Screening of Applications: All applications received before the deadline are screened for eligibility criteria including educational qualifications, age limit, experience (if required), and completeness of application. Only eligible candidates are shortlisted for further stages. Incomplete applications or those not meeting criteria are rejected without intimation.
Stage 2 - Written Test (if conducted): Depending on number of applications, VRDE may conduct a written examination covering Engineering discipline subjects (Mechanical or Electrical as applicable), General Aptitude including logical reasoning and quantitative ability, Technical English comprehension, and General Awareness related to defence and current affairs. The test may be objective type (MCQs) or descriptive or a combination. Minimum qualifying marks are prescribed category-wise.
Stage 3 - Technical Interview/Skill Test: Shortlisted candidates are called for technical interview and/or skill test. The technical interview is conducted by a panel of senior scientists and engineers from VRDE and other DRDO labs. Assessment parameters include depth of subject knowledge in core engineering discipline, understanding of automotive systems and defence vehicle requirements, problem-solving approach and analytical thinking, practical knowledge and hands-on skills, awareness of latest technologies and research trends, communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts, research aptitude and innovation mindset, and overall suitability for defence R&D environment.
For certain positions, a practical skill test may be conducted to assess proficiency in CAD software, use of testing equipment, laboratory skills, or other domain-specific practical competencies.
Stage 4 - Document Verification: Finally selected candidates must appear for document verification with all original certificates including educational certificates (10th, 12th, Diploma/B.E./B.Tech., M.E./M.Tech. with all semester marksheets), degree/provisional certificates, GATE scorecard (if applicable), caste certificate (if claiming reservation), PwBD certificate (if applicable), age proof, identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport), experience certificates (if claiming experience), NOC from current employer (if employed), and recent passport-size photographs.
Security Clearance: Since VRDE works on classified defence projects, selected candidates will undergo security clearance process. This involves police verification, antecedent verification, and clearance from relevant security agencies. Candidates with adverse police records or security concerns may be denied appointment even after selection.
Medical Examination: Selected candidates undergo comprehensive medical examination to ensure fitness for duty. They must meet prescribed medical standards for DRDO employees.
Final selection is based on combined performance in written test (if held) and interview. Candidates are selected strictly on merit within respective category reservation.
How to Apply - Offline Application Process
Unlike most modern recruitments, DRDO VRDE requires offline application submission through post or courier. The detailed procedure is:
Step 1 - Download Application Form: Visit DRDO official website www.drdo.gov.in or VRDE website. Navigate to "Career" or "Recruitment" section. Download the official advertisement PDF which contains the application format/proforma.
Step 2 - Fill Application Form: The application form can be filled in two ways: Take printout of the application format and fill it neatly in CAPITAL LETTERS using black/blue pen. All fields must be filled accurately. Do not leave any column blank - write NA if not applicable. OR Download the editable PDF/Word format (if available), fill it on computer, and take printout.
Information to be filled includes: Personal details (Name, Father's name, Date of birth, Gender, Category, Nationality), Permanent and correspondence address with PIN code and contact numbers, Email ID (active and frequently checked), Educational qualifications starting from 10th standard with Board/University, Year of passing, Percentage/CGPA, Division, Experience details (if any) with organization, designation, duration, and nature of work, Post applied for and whether applying for Mechanical or Electrical Engineering position, and Declaration with signature and date.
Step 3 - Arrange Documents: Attach self-attested photocopies of: 10th certificate (age proof), 12th marksheet and certificate, Diploma/Degree certificates and all semester/year marksheets, Post-graduate degree and marksheets (if applicable), GATE scorecard (if applicable), Caste/Category certificate (if claiming reservation), PwBD certificate (if applicable), Experience certificates, NOC from current employer, and Recent passport-size photographs (2-3 copies).
Step 4 - Prepare Envelope: Place the filled application form and all attached documents in an A4 size envelope. On the top of envelope, clearly write in CAPITAL LETTERS: "APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL ENGINEER (specify post name) - ADVT NO. (mention advertisement number if given) - VRDE, AHMEDNAGAR".
Step 5 - Send Application: Send the application by ordinary post or speed post or registered post or courier to: The Director, Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), Ahmednagar - 414006, Maharashtra, India. Ensure application reaches VRDE office on or before 22 February 2026. Applications received after closing date will not be entertained.
Important Points: No application fee is required for DRDO VRDE recruitment. Keep photocopies of all documents and filled application form for your record. Applications through email or fax are not accepted. Incomplete applications or those without supporting documents will be rejected. No separate acknowledgment will be sent. Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email or phone. Candidates must provide correct contact details and check email regularly.
Important Instructions and Preparation Tips
Read the official advertisement carefully before applying. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria. Provide only genuine information and documents. Any false declaration will lead to cancellation at any stage and possible legal action. Apply well before deadline. Don't send application on last day as postal delays may occur. Keep copies of all documents and application safe for interview stage. Start preparing for technical interview covering your core engineering subjects thoroughly. Revise automotive technology, vehicle systems, defence vehicle requirements. For electrical engineers, focus on power electronics, control systems, embedded systems. Update yourself on latest developments in defence technology and DRDO projects. Practice CAD software if you have gap in usage. Check DRDO website regularly for updates on admit card, exam schedule, results. Contact VRDE directly for any query - don't rely on unofficial sources.
This DRDO VRDE recruitment is a golden opportunity to join India's premier defence R&D organization and contribute to nation's strategic capabilities. The work is challenging, prestigious, and deeply meaningful. Eligible engineering graduates should prepare well and apply before 22 February 2026. Best wishes for your DRDO career!