DRDO CAIR JRF Recruitment 2026

The Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), Bengaluru, a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, has released Advertisement No. CAIR/HRT/JRF/2026/02 dated 06 August 2026 for the engagement of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in the area of Natural Language Processing (NLP).

This is a valuable research opportunity for candidates with a background in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence or Information Science who are interested in working on Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, NLP and related technologies.

The selected candidate will receive a fellowship of ₹37,000 per month + HRA and will initially be engaged for 2 years, subject to DRDO rules regarding extension/upgradation.

Recruitment Overview

About the Opportunity

The position is offered at CAIR, DRDO Bengaluru, where research and development activities are undertaken in advanced areas of artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems, natural language processing and related defence technologies.

The JRF will work primarily in the field of:

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Candidates with strong knowledge of algorithms, deep learning and Python programming will be particularly suited to this opportunity.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must satisfy any one of the following educational pathways.

Option 1 – B.E./B.Tech

B.E./B.Tech in:

• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Information Science

The degree must be in First Division from an AICTE-accredited Institute/University.

Candidates under this route must also possess a valid:

• GATE
• CSIR-NET
• UGC-NET

score, as prescribed in the notification.

OR

Option 2 – M.E./M.Tech

M.E./M.Tech in:

• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Information Science

The candidate should have obtained First Division at both Graduate and Post-Graduate levels from an AICTE-accredited Institute/University.

Desirable Skills

Candidates possessing the following skills will have an advantage:

• Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• Deep Learning
• Natural Language Processing (NLP)
• Python Programming
• PyTorch
• Docker
• Open-source AI/ML frameworks
• Problem-solving and algorithmic thinking

Age Limit

Maximum Age: 28 Years

The age will be calculated as on 19 September 2026, i.e. the date of the walk-in interview.

Age Relaxation

Age relaxation will be applicable as per the applicable Government/DRDO rules.

Fellowship / Stipend

Selected candidate will receive:

₹37,000 per month + HRA

The fellowship is subject to applicable DRDO rules and conditions.

This is a research fellowship, not a regular permanent DRDO government employee position.

Tenure / Duration

Initial Tenure: 2 Years

The fellowship may be:

• Extended further, and/or
• Upgraded to Senior Research Fellow (SRF)

subject to performance, eligibility and applicable DRDO rules.

Selection Process

The recruitment will be conducted through screening, written test and interview.

Step 1 – Document Verification

Candidates appearing for the walk-in interview will first undergo verification of their original documents.

Step 2 – Written Test

Eligible candidates will appear for a written test.

Written Test: 10:00 AM onwards

Step 3 – Personal Interview

Candidates qualifying in the written test will proceed to the personal interview on the same day.

Final Selection

Final selection will be based on the candidate's performance in the personal interview, subject to fulfillment of all eligibility requirements.

Important Dates

How to Apply

Candidates must complete pre-registration by email before attending the walk-in interview.

Step 1 – Download the Bio-Data Format

Candidates should download the prescribed bio-data/application format provided in the official notification.

Fill in the required details in BLOCK LETTERS.

Step 2 – Send Pre-Registration Email

Send the completed bio-data to:

Email: j.r.f.recruitment.blore@gmail.com

Mandatory Subject Line

Application for JRF as per the Advertisement No: CAIR/HRT/JRF/2026/02

Email Deadline

13 September 2026

Documents to Bring for Walk-In Interview

Candidates must carry the required documents on 19 September 2026.

Required Documents

• Printed copy of the filled application/bio-data form
• Recent passport-size photograph affixed to the application
• Original educational certificates
• Original mark sheets
• GATE/CSIR-NET/UGC-NET score/certificate, wherever applicable
• One set of self-attested photocopies of certificates and testimonials
• Government-issued photo ID in original
• One photocopy of the photo ID
• 2 recent passport-size colour photographs

Candidates should ensure that all original documents are available for verification.

Walk-In Interview Venue

Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR)
DRDO Complex
C.V. Raman Nagar
Bengaluru – 560093
Karnataka, India

Reporting: 08:30 AM – 09:30 AM

Important Instructions

• Candidates must complete email pre-registration before 13 September 2026.
• Candidates must attend the walk-in interview in person.
• Original certificates are required for verification.
• Candidates should carry one set of self-attested photocopies.
• The prescribed application/bio-data format should be used.
• Candidates must meet the prescribed age and educational qualification requirements on the relevant date.
• The fellowship does not automatically confer any right to permanent employment in DRDO.
• Candidates should carefully read the official notification before attending the interview.

SetuVidhya Job Information

Organization: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)

Laboratory: Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR)

Advertisement No.: CAIR/HRT/JRF/2026/02

Post Name: Junior Research Fellow (JRF)

Total Positions: 01

Research Area: Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Organization Type: Central Government / Defence R&D

Department: Ministry of Defence

Education Level: B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech

Eligible Streams: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Information Science

Essential Qualification: First Division + prescribed GATE/NET qualification for B.E./B.Tech route OR First Division at Graduate and Post-Graduate level for M.E./M.Tech route

Experience: Not specifically required

Age Limit: 28 Years

Age Relaxation: SC/ST/PH – 5 Years; OBC – 3 Years

Stipend: ₹37,000/month + HRA

Duration: 2 Years

Selection Process: Screening + Written Test + Personal Interview

Application Mode: Email Pre-Registration + Walk-In Interview

Job Location: Bengaluru

State: Karnataka

Country: India

Pre-Registration Last Date: 13 September 2026

Walk-In Interview Date: 19 September 2026

Reporting Time: 08:30 AM – 09:30 AM

Official Notification

DRDO CAIR JRF Official Notification – Advertisement No. CAIR/HRT/JRF/2026/02