The Research Centre Imarat has released the DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026 notification vide Advt. No. RFS/HRD/RCI/2026. The recruitment drive has 21 vacancies for the posts of Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellow (JRF) across various engineering and science disciplines.
Applications are invited only in offline mode, and the last date for submission is 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in Employment News (14.08.2026).
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DRDO RCI Notification 2026 Out
RCI has announced the official notification inviting applications from young, meritorious, and motivated Indian nationals with an inclination towards research in cutting-edge technology for defence applications. The notification has important details about vacancies, eligibility, age limit, application process, and stipend. Interested candidates should read the notification carefully and apply offline before the closing date.
| Recruiting Organisation | Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO |
|---|---|
| Post Names | Research Associate (RA), Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Advertisement No. | RFS/HRD/RCI/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 21 (02 RA + 19 JRF) |
| Tenure | RA: 2 years; JRF: 2 years (extendable to SRF for 1+1 years based on performance) |
| Application Mode | Offline only (Speed Post/Courier) |
| Date of Publication (Employment News) | 14 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 days from date of publication |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
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RCI Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Publication of Advertisement (Employment News) | 14 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Submitting Applications | 30 days from date of publication |
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RCI Vacancy 2026
Vacancies for Research Associate (RA):
| Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Electronics / Electrical / CSE / Mechanical / Physics | 02 |
Vacancies for Junior Research Fellow (JRF):
| Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Electronics & Communication Engg. | 05 |
| Electrical & Electronics Engg. | 03 |
| Computer Science & Engg. / Information Technology | 02 |
| Mechanical Engg. | 05 |
| Aeronautical / Aerospace Engg. | 02 |
| Chemistry | 01 |
| Metallurgy | 01 |
| Total | 19 |
Number of vacancies may vary without prior notice.
DRDO RCI Research Associate (RA) — Discipline-wise Details
| Post | Essential Qualification | Area of Research |
|---|---|---|
| RA-01 (CSE/Mech/EEE/ECE) | Ph.D in CSE/Data Science/AI (Deep Learning/ML) OR Mechanical/Structural/Aerospace Engg. OR EEE (Power Electronics) OR ECE (RF & Microwave/Radar) — OR First Class M.Tech in the respective field with 3 years’ research experience + 1 SCI paper | Deep Learning/ML/AI, Structural & Thermal Analysis, or Power Electronics/RF & Microwave/Radar Engg. |
| RA-02 (Physics) | Ph.D in Physics OR First Class M.Sc in Physics with 4 years’ research experience in Experimental Quantum Optics/Laser Physics/Electro-optics + 1 SCI paper | Experimental Quantum Optics/Laser Physics/Electro Optics |
Junior Research Fellow (JRF) — Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess:
- First Class B.E./B.Tech (or equivalent, as per AICTE) in Electrical & Electronics/Aerospace/Aeronautical/Electrical/Electronics & Communication/Computer Science/IT/Chemical/Mechanical/Metallurgy Engg. with a valid GATE score
OR
- First Class B.E./B.Tech in the above disciplines with an ME/M.Tech in the relevant field
OR
- First Class M.Sc. in Chemistry/Physics with a valid NET/GATE/SLET
How to Apply for RCI Recruitment 2026?
- Download the prescribed application form attached with the advertisement
- Fill it in capital letters, duly typed, and sign with ink
- Attach self-attested copies of educational/professional certificates, 10th certificate/birth certificate, caste certificate (for age relaxation), work experience certificates, Aadhaar card, score card (GATE/SLET/NET), and research publications (for RA only)
- Affix a recent passport-size colour photograph
- Superscribe the envelope as “Application for the vacancy of Research Associate” or “Application for the vacancy of Junior Research Fellow” (as applicable)
- Send the application only via Speed Post/Courier to:
Head HRD, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Research Centre Imarat (RCI), PO-Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500 069
Note: Applications will not be accepted via email or hand delivery — only offline applications sent through Speed Post/Courier are valid.
RCI Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
| Post | Age Limit (as on 01 Aug 2026) | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate (RA) | 35 years (General) | 5 years (SC/ST), 3 years (OBC) |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 28 years (General) | 5 years (SC/ST), 3 years (OBC) |
Only candidates who have attained the essential qualification and been awarded the degree on or before the date of advertisement are eligible to apply.
RCI Stipend & Tenure
| Post | Tenure | Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate (RA) | 2 years only | As per GoI norms (Min. of Defence letter dated 08.08.2023) |
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 2 years initially; upgradable to SRF for 1 year (3rd year), extendable by 1 more year (4th year) based on performance | As per GoI norms (Min. of Defence letter dated 08.08.2023) |
Selection Process
- Research Associate (RA): Applications will be scrutinized based on relevance of research work experience/Ph.D thesis; shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): After scrutiny based on percentage, shortlisted candidates will be called for a written test/interview or both
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending the test/interview/document verification or for joining duty
FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are out for RCI Recruitment 2026?
A total of 21 vacancies have been announced — 2 for Research Associate (RA) and 19 for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) across various disciplines.
Q2. How to apply for RCI Recruitment 2026?
Applications must be submitted only offline, via Speed Post/Courier, to the RCI Hyderabad office within 30 days from the date of publication (14.08.2026) — email and hand-delivered applications are not accepted.
Q3. What is the age limit for RCI Recruitment 2026?
For RA, the age limit is 35 years; for JRF, it is 28 years (as on 01 August 2026), with relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
Q4. Is this recruitment for permanent DRDO employment?
No, both RA and JRF are temporary fellowship/associateship positions and do not confer any right to absorption in DRDO.
Q5. What is the selection process for RCI Recruitment 2026?
RA candidates are shortlisted based on research experience/Ph.D thesis relevance and called for interview; JRF candidates are shortlisted based on percentage and called for a written test/interview or both.