DRDO–DGRE Recruitment 2025
Posts: Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Research Associate (RA)
Total Vacancies: 15 Posts
Notification Date: 09 December 2025
Organisation: DGRE – Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment
(Under DRDO – Defence Research & Development Organisation, Ministry of Defence)
This recruitment is for research positions in geoinformatics, terrain intelligence, avalanche forecasting, GIS/RS analysis, environmental modelling, and defence-related scientific innovation.
About DGRE (Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment)
DGRE is a premier laboratory of DRDO responsible for:
Terrain & avalanche research
Geospatial intelligence for defence
Remote sensing & GIS modelling
Hazard assessment & mitigation
High-altitude environmental monitoring
Providing terrain analytics to Indian Army
Working here provides exposure to high-end scientific computing, field research in mountains, defence applications of GIS, and cutting-edge environmental modelling.
Vacancy Details (Total 15 Posts)
Post Vacancies Nature
Junior Research Fellow (JRF) 13 Posts Temporary (initially 2 years, extendable to 5 years)
Research Associate (RA) 02 Posts Fixed tenure (typically 2–3 years)
JRF is for post-graduate/M.Tech/M.Sc candidates, while RA is for Ph.D. holders.
Educational Qualification (Full Details)
Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Essential Qualification:
Postgraduate degree with NET/GATE qualification in one of the following:
Geoinformatics / GIS / Remote Sensing
M.Tech / M.Sc in:
Geoinformatics
Remote Sensing
GIS
Geology + RS/GIS specialisation
Geography + RS/GIS
Geoenvironmental Science
Environmental Science
Engineering Streams (if included in notification)
M.E/M.Tech in:
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Electronics
Atmospheric Science
Applied Geophysics
Additional Desirable Skills:
GIS Software: ArcGIS, QGIS, ERDAS, ENVI
Python, MATLAB, R
Photogrammetry, LiDAR, DEM analysis
Avalanche modelling, terrain analysis
Research Associate (RA)
Essential Qualification:
Ph.D. in:
Geology
Geophysics
Geoinformatics
Remote Sensing
Atmospheric Science
Civil Engineering (Geotechnical/Water/Environmental)
Computer Science with geospatial applications
Desirable Expertise:
Published SCI/SCOPUS papers
Experience in:
Terrain modelling
Avalanche prediction
Satellite data processing
Machine Learning in geospatial science
Snow physics research
High-altitude data collection
RA is a senior-level research position.
Age Limit (As per DRDO rules)
Post Maximum Age
JRF 28 Years
RA 35 Years
Relaxation:
SC/ST → +5 years
OBC → +3 years
PwBD → As per Govt norms
Salary / Stipend
Post Stipend / Salary Other Benefits
JRF ₹37,000 per month + HRA Contingency + DRDO allowances
RA ₹67,000 per month + HRA Research grants, field allowances
HRA depends on city category (Class X / Y / Z).
Place of Work
DGRE has labs/field stations at:
Chandigarh (HQ)
Manali
Gulmarg
Siachen-related research zones
High-altitude Himalayan regions
Field duties may be required, especially in avalanche/terrain research.
Selection Process (Very Detailed)
DRDO selection is interview-based. No written exam.
Step 1 — Application Screening
Candidates send application + documents.
Screening board shortlists based on:
Qualifications
GATE/NET score
Research publications
Experience
Step 2 — Interview (Walk-in or Online/Offline)
Interview board evaluates:
Technical Knowledge
GIS, RS, DEM, LiDAR
Terrain analysis
Avalanche mechanics
Hydrometeorology
Machine learning
Python coding
Research Aptitude
Problem-solving
Project proposal ability
Understanding of field data
itability for DGRE Research
Readiness for high-altitude field duties
Understanding of defence applications
Step 3 — Document Verification
Original certificates required on the interview date.
Step 4 — Final Selection
Merit list prepared based on interview performance.
Required Documents
During application + interview:
Filled application form
10th/12th certificates
UG/PG degree certificates
Ph.D (for RA)
NET/GATE scorecard (JRF)
Caste certificate
Research publications (if any)
Experience certificates
Photo ID + latest passport photos
Important Dates
Notification Release: 09 December 2025
Application Start: Immediately after notification
Walk-in/Interview Dates: Usually Jan–Feb 2026
(Exact schedule provided in the PDF notification)
Nature & Tenure of Fellowship
Initial 2 years
Upgrade to SRF (Senior Research Fellow) after assessment
Maximum tenure: 5 years
RA
Tenure normally 2–3 years
May involve independent project responsibility
Job Role & Research Responsibilities
For JRF
Satellite data analysis (Optical, SAR)
Terrain modeling & DEM processing
Avalanche susceptibility mapping
Data collection in high-altitude regions
Machine learning model training
Preparing technical reports
Support scientists in ongoing DRDO projects
For RA
Leading scientific modules of terrain or avalanche projects
Designing algorithms for hazard prediction
Publishing research papers
Supervising JRF teams
Field instrumentation planning
Project coordination with Army units
This post allows contribution to defence research impacting soldiers’ safety and strategic operations.
Why This Recruitment Is a Great Opportunity
Work with DRDO, India’s premier defence R&D organisation
Hands-on experience with:
RS/GIS
Terrain intelligence
Hazard modelling
Machine learning
Defence applications
High-impact research supporting Indian Army
Strong resume value for scientific careers (ISRO, DRDO, IITs, NITs, academia)
Opportunity to work in Himalayan terrain research, a rare niche field
How to Apply
Download the official notification (DRDO DGRE website/DRDO Careers).
Fill the application form carefully.
Attach all scanned documents.
Send via email / appear directly at walk-in interview (as per official PDF instructions).
Attend interview with all originals.
DRDO often requires physical presence for walk-in interviews.
Application Checklist
Valid email + phone
NET/GATE proof (for JRF)
Ph.D thesis/provisional certificate (for RA)
Aadhaar/PAN
Passport photos
Research papers (PDF)
Field experience notes (if any)
If you want, I can also prepare:
Post-wise eligibility table
JRF/RA interview questions
Research topic lists (avalanche, GIS, terrain)
Resume format for DRDO JRF/RA