Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), DRDO, Bengaluru has announced a walk-in interview for 10 Junior Research Fellow positions for defence and airborne surveillance research projects.
The posts are open to Indian nationals from Aeronautical, Computer Science, Electronics and Communication, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering disciplines. Eligible candidates must have a BE/B.Tech with a valid GATE 2024 or 2025 score or an ME/M.Tech, and be below 28 years as on 31 December 2025, with age relaxation for reserved categories. The fellowship is for two years, extendable up to four years, with a monthly stipend of Rs. 37,000 plus HRA.
Walk-in interviews will be held on 25 and 26 February 2026 at CABS, Bengaluru, with mandatory prior email intimation by 22 February 2026. Selection will be based on interview performance and document verification, and the fellowship does not guarantee permanent employment in DRDO.
Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), Bengaluru has released an official notification for a walk-in interview to award Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions in multiple engineering disciplines for its prestigious DRDO airborne surveillance and defence research projects.
Overview of CABS DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026
- Organization: Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Bengaluru.
- Post Name: Junior Research Fellow (JRF).
- Total Vacancies: 10 posts (subject to change as per organizational requirement).
- Research Area: Indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Programme through Airborne Surveillance Platform (ASP) and other defence-related R&D.
- Location of Fellowship: CABS, Belur, Yemlur Post Office, Bengaluru – 560037.
Discipline-wise JRF Vacancies
CABS is inviting young and meritorious Indian nationals in the following engineering disciplines for the JRF positions.
- JRF-01: Aeronautical Engineering – 1 post (including equivalent disciplines such as Aerospace Engineering and Avionics).
- JRF-02: Computer Science Engineering – 4 posts (including IT, Software Engineering, Computer Networking, Information Science, Informatics, etc.).
- JRF-03: Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) – 3 posts (including related specializations like Electronics & Telecommunication, Applied Electronics & Instrumentation, Electrical & Electronics, Avionics, etc.).
- JRF-04: Electrical Engineering – 1 post (including Power Systems, Electrical & Electronics, Power Electronics, Electrical with Communication, etc.).
- JRF-05: Mechanical Engineering – 1 post (including Mechanical Automation and Production Engineering).
The number of vacancies may be revised depending on project requirements, and a merit panel will also be prepared for current and anticipated vacancies.
Eligibility Criteria and Age Limit
To apply for the CABS DRDO JRF posts, candidates must meet the educational and age criteria as on 31 December 2025.
- Educational Qualification:
- BE/B.Tech in the relevant discipline in first division with a valid GATE score (only GATE 2024 or GATE 2025 scores are acceptable), or
- ME/M.Tech in the relevant discipline in first division at both graduate and postgraduate levels.
- Nationality: Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply.
- Upper Age Limit: 28 years as on 31 December 2025.
- Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC (Non‑Creamy Layer) candidates, subject to submission of valid caste certificate.
Incomplete applications or candidates not meeting the eligibility criteria will be rejected during the screening stage.
Fellowship Tenure, Stipend, and Benefits
The JRF at CABS offers a competitive stipend and an opportunity to work on cutting‑edge defence research projects under DRDO.
- Tenure:
- Initial tenure of 2 years.
- Extendable by up to 2 additional years (one year at a time) based on satisfactory performance assessed by a Review Committee.
- Stipend:
- Monthly emoluments of Rs. 37,000/- plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per applicable rules.
- Nature of Engagement:
- The fellowship does not confer any right for absorption or permanent employment in DRDO; it is purely a temporary research fellowship.
A select panel will be maintained in order of merit for one year, which may be used for future vacancies during the panel validity period.
Walk‑in Interview Schedule and Venue
Candidates are required to appear physically for the walk‑in interview at CABS, Bengaluru, as per the following schedule.
- Date of Interview:
- 25 February 2026 – For ECE and Electrical disciplines.
- 26 February 2026 – For Aeronautical, Mechanical and Computer Science disciplines.
- Reporting Time and Process:
- Report at CABS, DRDO, Belur, Yemlur P.O., Bengaluru‑560037 by 08:45 hrs on the scheduled date.
- Applications will be accepted from 09:00 hrs to 10:00 hrs only; latecomers will not be allowed to participate.
- Initial screening and verification of documents: 10:00–11:00 hrs.
- Interview of shortlisted candidates: from 11:00 hrs onwards.
- Extended Interview Possibility:
- If a large number of candidates appear, interviews may continue the next day, so candidates should plan travel and accommodation accordingly.
No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or joining, irrespective of selection.
Application Procedure and Required Documents
Eligible and interested candidates must follow the prescribed application process and carry the required documents for the walk‑in interview.
- Step 1 – Application Form:
- Download the application form from the DRDO website: www.drdo.gov.in.
- Step 2 – Email Intimation (Willingness):
- Send willingness to attend the walk‑in interview by email to: jrf.rectt.cabs@gov.in.
- Last date to send email: 22 February 2026.
- Email subject line must be: “Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship – [Discipline]”.
- Step 3 – Documents to Carry for Interview: Candidates must bring the duly filled application form with:
- Recent passport-size photograph affixed at the top right corner of the first page.
- Self-attested copies of:
- Educational qualification certificates (10th, 12th, BE/B.Tech, ME/M.Tech, etc.).
- GATE scorecard.
- Experience certificates (if any).
- Proof of date of birth.
- Address proof.
- Category/caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC, if applicable).
- CGPA to percentage conversion proof, if relevant.
- Government-issued photo ID proof such as Aadhaar, PAN card, or Passport.
- All original certificates and testimonials must be produced for verification at the time of interview.
Candidates currently employed in Government departments, PSUs or autonomous bodies must bring a No‑Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer.
Important Instructions and General Conditions
CABS has laid down several important guidelines and conditions that applicants must strictly follow.
- Campus Security Rules:
- Electronic items such as mobile phones, pen drives, laptops and smart watches are not allowed inside the CABS campus.
- Scrutiny and Rejection:
- Incomplete applications or any mismatch/deficiency in documents will result in automatic cancellation of candidature.
- Verification and Background Check:
- Antecedents of selected candidates will be verified at the time of joining; misrepresentation or falsification of facts can lead to cancellation at any stage.
- Selection and Panel:
- Selection will be purely on the basis of performance in the interview and verification of eligibility.
- The decision of the selection committee constituted by the Director, CABS, will be final and binding; empanelment does not guarantee offer of fellowship.
- Right to Cancel/Modify:
- CABS reserves the right to amend, modify or cancel the advertisement or selection process at any stage without assigning reasons.
For any queries related to the JRF recruitment, candidates may contact CABS on working days (Monday to Friday) between 14:00 to 16:00 hrs on the telephone numbers 080‑25049393 / 9138 / 9135.
FAQs
What is the name of the organization conducting this recruitment?
The recruitment is conducted by the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), DRDO, under the Ministry of Defence, Bengaluru.
Which post is being offered under this notification?
The post offered is Junior Research Fellow (JRF).
How many total vacancies are available?
There are 10 JRF vacancies, which may change based on project requirements.
Which disciplines are eligible for JRF posts?
Aeronautical, Computer Science, Electronics and Communication, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering disciplines are eligible.
What is the research area for these JRF positions?
The research focuses on the Indigenous AEW&C Programme and other airborne surveillance and defence R&D projects.
What is the location of the fellowship?
The fellowship will be based at CABS, Belur, Yemlur Post Office, Bengaluru.
Who can apply for CABS DRDO JRF Recruitment 2026?
Only Indian nationals who meet the educational and age criteria can apply.
What is the educational qualification required?
Candidates must have a BE/B.Tech with a valid GATE 2024 or 2025 score or an ME/M.Tech in first division.
Is GATE mandatory for all candidates?
GATE is mandatory only for BE/B.Tech candidates, while ME/M.Tech candidates are exempt.
Which GATE scores are accepted?
Only GATE 2024 and GATE 2025 scores are accepted.
What is the upper age limit for applying?
The upper age limit is 28 years as on 31 December 2025.
Is age relaxation available?
Yes, 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates.
What is the tenure of the JRF fellowship?
The initial tenure is 2 years, extendable up to 4 years based on performance.
What is the monthly stipend for JRF at CABS?
The stipend is Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA as per rules.
Does this fellowship guarantee a permanent job in DRDO?
No, the fellowship is temporary and does not guarantee absorption into DRDO.
How will the selection be done?
Selection is based on interview performance and document verification.
Is there a written exam for this recruitment?
No, there is no written examination.
What is the mode of interview?
The interview will be conducted through a physical walk-in process.
When will the walk-in interviews be held?
Interviews will be held on 25 and 26 February 2026.
Which disciplines are scheduled on 25 February 2026?
ECE and Electrical Engineering candidates will be interviewed on this date.
Which disciplines are scheduled on 26 February 2026?
Aeronautical, Mechanical, and Computer Science candidates will be interviewed on this date.
What is the reporting time for the interview?
Candidates must report by 08:45 hrs on the interview date.
What is the application acceptance time at the venue?
Applications will be accepted only between 09:00 hrs and 10:00 hrs.
Will latecomers be allowed to attend the interview?
No, latecomers will not be allowed to participate.
Is prior registration required for the walk-in interview?
Yes, candidates must send an email expressing willingness before attending.
What is the last date to send email intimation?
The last date is 22 February 2026.
What is the email ID for sending willingness?
Willingness must be sent to jrf.rectt.cabs@gov.in.
What should be the subject line of the email?
The subject should be “Application for the post of Junior Research Fellowship – Discipline”.
Where can the application form be downloaded from?
The application form can be downloaded from the official DRDO website.
Do candidates need to bring a filled application form?
Yes, a duly filled application form must be carried to the interview.
Are original documents required at the interview?
Yes, all original certificates must be produced for verification.
Are self-attested copies of documents required?
Yes, candidates must bring self-attested copies of all required documents.
Is a passport-size photograph required?
Yes, a recent passport-size photograph must be affixed to the application form.
Are electronic devices allowed inside the CABS campus?
No, mobile phones, laptops, pen drives, and smart watches are not allowed.
Is TA/DA provided for attending the interview?
No, TA/DA will not be paid.
Can interviews extend beyond the scheduled date?
Yes, interviews may continue the next day if required.
Is a merit panel prepared after selection?
Yes, a merit panel valid for one year will be prepared.
Can the number of vacancies change later?
Yes, vacancies may be increased or decreased based on project needs.
Is NOC required for employed candidates?
Yes, candidates working in government or PSUs must bring an NOC.
What happens if documents are incomplete?
The candidature will be rejected during screening.
Can CABS cancel or modify the recruitment process?
Yes, CABS reserves the right to amend or cancel the process at any stage.
Whom should candidates contact for queries?
Candidates can contact CABS on working days between 14:00 and 16:00 hrs.
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