DRDO-CEMILAC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) 2026

Opportunity Overview

Organizational Focus & Technical Scope

The Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) serves as the primary regulatory body under DRDO responsible for evaluating and certifying the airworthiness of military airborne systems across India:

[Design & Structural Analysis] ➔ [Airworthiness Testing] ➔ [RCMA Regional Coordination] ➔ [Military Certification Approval]

Primary Certification Mandates

• Military Aircraft & Helicopters: Evaluation of structural integrity, flight control dynamics, and avionics airworthiness.

• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS): Autonomous flight testing protocols and payload clearance.

• Aero-Engines & Airborne Weapons: Propulsion testing, weapons integration, and air-launched stores certification across 18 Regional Centres of Military Airworthiness (RCMAs).

Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following two educational pathways in Aeronautical Engineering:

[B.E. / B.Tech (1st Division) + Valid GATE]  OR  [M.E. / M.Tech (1st Division at both UG & PG levels)]

Educational Qualifications

Age Criteria & Government Relaxations

• Upper Age Limit: 28 Years.

• SC / ST Candidates: Upper age relaxation up to 5 years (33 years max).

• OBC-NCL Candidates: Upper age relaxation up to 3 years (31 years max).

Application Guidelines & Submission Workflow

[Download Format from drdo.gov.in] ➔ [Type Bio-Data & Attach Self-Attested Documents] ➔ [Superscribe Envelope "Application for JRF"] ➔ [Post to CEMILAC Bengaluru]

Step-by-Step Offline Application Steps

1. Download Application Form: Access the prescribed typed application format from the DRDO Careers Portal.

2. Document Enclosures: Attach self-attested copies of Class 10/12 mark sheets, degree certificates, semester mark sheets, GATE scorecard, and caste certificates (if applicable).

3. Envelope Superscription: Write “Application for JRF” on the top left corner of the envelope.

4. Postal Address:

   The Chief Executive (Airworthiness)

   Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC)

   DRDO, Ministry of Defence

   Marathahalli Colony Post, Bengaluru – 560037

Essential Terms & Selection Conditions

• No Automatic Absorption: The award of a Junior Research Fellowship does not confer any entitlement or claim for permanent absorption or employment in DRDO.

• Travel Allowance (TA): Outstation candidates called for interview are eligible for sleeper class railway fare reimbursement via the shortest route.

• No Objection Certificate (NOC): Candidates currently employed in Government Departments, PSUs, or Autonomous Bodies must present an official NOC during document verification.

• Ph.D. Registration: Selected fellows may be permitted to register for a Ph.D. with a recognized University/Institution during their tenure.

• Re-application Restriction: Candidates who have previously held a DRDO Junior Research Fellowship are noteligible to re-apply.

How to prepare for a DRDO JRF interview in Aeronautical Engineering

This video explains the eligibility requirements, stipend structure, and selection preparation for DRDO Junior Research Fellowship roles.