Introduction – Why DRDO Jobs Are a Dream for Young Researchers
For many science and engineering graduates in India, getting into the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) is a matter of pride. Known for cutting-edge defence and scientific projects, DRDO offers not just a career but an opportunity to contribute directly to national security and technological progress.
The latest drdo job notification comes from the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi, a premier DRDO lab specializing in oceanographic systems, underwater sensors, and naval defence technologies. The lab has announced Junior Research Fellow (JRF) vacancies in multiple disciplines, with a walk-in interview scheduled on 11 October 2025.
If you are a GATE/NET qualified candidate in engineering or sciences, this is your chance to begin your research career with India’s most prestigious defence R&D organisation.
📊 DRDO JRF Vacancies at NPOL Kochi
The notification lists discipline-wise JRF vacancies:
| Discipline | Vacancies | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science & Engineering | 2 | BE/B.Tech in CSE (1st Division) with valid NET/GATE OR ME/M.Tech in CSE (1st Division at UG & PG) |
| Mechanical Engineering | 1 | BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engg (1st Division) with valid NET/GATE OR ME/M.Tech in Mechanical (1st Division UG & PG) |
| Chemical Engg / Rubber Tech / Polymer Tech / Nanotechnology / Materials Science | 1 | BE/B.Tech in relevant discipline with valid NET/GATE OR ME/M.Tech in 1st Division (UG & PG) |
| Opto Electronics | 1 | BE/B.Tech in Opto Electronics (1st Division) with valid NET/GATE OR ME/M.Tech (1st Division UG & PG) OR BE/B.Tech in EEE/ECE with fibre optics/laser optics subject + NET/GATE |
| Electrical & Electronics / Electronics & Communication / Instrumentation | Anticipated | BE/B.Tech in relevant branch (1st Division + GATE/NET) OR ME/M.Tech (1st Division UG & PG) |
| Physics | Anticipated | PG in Physics (1st Division + NET) |
| Oceanography / Ocean Tech / Meteorology | Anticipated | PG in relevant science discipline with NET OR ME/M.Tech (1st Division UG & PG) |
👉 Clearly, this drdo job notification covers a wide range of engineering and science streams, giving opportunities for both fresh graduates (with NET/GATE) and postgraduates.
📍 Walk-in Interview Details
- Date: 11th October 2025 (Saturday)
- Time: 09:30 AM
- Venue: Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya, inside the campus of NPOL, Thrikkakara P.O., Kochi – 682021
Candidates must report with:
- Original certificates (educational, community, NET/GATE scorecard)
- One set of self-attested photocopies
- Recent passport size photo
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, DL)
📧 Candidates may also email a one-page bio-data to hrd.npol@gov.in before attending, so that necessary arrangements can be made.
💰 Fellowship & Duration
- Stipend: ₹37,000 per month + HRA (as per DRDO rules)
- Duration: Initially 2 years (extendable as per performance & DRDO policies)
- Panel Validity: A merit panel will be created for existing and future vacancies (valid for 1 year).
👉 Important: This JRF position does not guarantee absorption into DRDO as a permanent scientist.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
- Maximum: 28 years as on date of interview.
- Relaxations:
- SC/ST: +5 years
- OBC: +3 years
Educational Qualifications
- Candidates must hold first class degrees from recognized universities.
- NET/GATE qualification is mandatory wherever specified.
- For PG Science candidates, NET includes CSIR-UGC NET, DBT-BET, ICMR, or other national fellowships.
📝 General Conditions
- Only candidates with the exact specified qualifications are eligible.
- Candidates working in Govt./PSUs must apply through proper channel.
- DRDO reserves the right not to select anyone if no suitable candidates appear.
- Updates, changes, or amendments will only be uploaded on the DRDO website (www.drdo.gov.in).
Why This DRDO Job Notification is Special
Unlike many other research fellowships, this one stands out because:
- You will work on naval and oceanographic defence projects.
- Exposure to cutting-edge underwater technology & materials science.
- Attractive stipend of ₹37,000/month + HRA.
- Flexible entry for both engineering and science graduates.
- Direct interaction with senior DRDO scientists during projects.
🧾 How to Apply – Step by Step
- Visit DRDO’s official website: www.drdo.gov.in.
- Download and read the notification carefully.
- Prepare your bio-data (one-page format).
- Keep original certificates + one set of self-attested photocopies.
- Carry ID proof + passport photo.
- Reach the venue before 9:30 AM on 11th October 2025.
- Email your bio-data in advance to hrd.npol@gov.in.
✅ Key Highlights of DRDO Job Notification
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | DRDO – Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi |
| Post | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Stipend | ₹37,000 + HRA |
| Duration | 2 years (extendable) |
| Age Limit | 28 years (relaxable) |
| Vacancies | CS – 2, Mech – 1, Chem/Polymer/Materials – 1, Opto – 1, Anticipated in EEE/ECE/Instr., Physics, Oceanography |
| Qualification | BE/B.Tech + NET/GATE OR ME/M.Tech (1st Class), PG Science + NET |
| Interview Date | 11 Oct 2025, 09:30 AM |
| Venue | Bhavan’s Varuna Vidyalaya, inside NPOL Campus, Kochi |
| Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
Conclusion – Your Gateway to a Research Career in Defence
The drdo job notification 2025 from NPOL Kochi is a golden opportunity for young researchers in Computer Science, Mechanical, Chemical, Physics, and related fields. With a walk-in interview on 11th October 2025, candidates have less than two months to prepare.
This fellowship gives you hands-on experience in defence R&D projects, making it one of the most prestigious ways to start your research career.
Notification – Link
Whatsapp Community Channel – Join Now
📢 Call to Action:
- Prepare your documents and bio-data today.
- Mark the date 11 October 2025 on your calendar.
- Share this with friends looking for DRDO JRF opportunities.
Your journey into defence research could begin with this DRDO job notification. 🚀🇮🇳
