DRDO SSPL Recruitment 2026: Walk-in for 23 JRF & RA Posts

DRDO SSPL Recruitment 2026: Overview & Key Opportunities

The Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced a walk-in recruitment drive for 23 fellowship positions for the year 2026. This recruitment aims to fill 16 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and 07 Research Associate (RA) posts in the disciplines of Physics and Electronics. The walk-in interviews are scheduled to commence from 1st September 2026 at the SJB Auditorium, SSPL Complex, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110054. This is a golden opportunity for aspiring researchers who wish to contribute to India's defence research and development sector. The recruitment process is entirely offline, requiring candidates to appear in person with their documents on the scheduled date. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the DRDO SSPL Recruitment 2026, covering all essential details such as vacancy breakdown, eligibility criteria, selection process, and important instructions.

DRDO SSPL Notification Highlights 2026

The official notification, Advertisement No. 625/SSPL/HR/JRF&RA/Rectt/2026-27/Main/01, was released on 23rd July 2026. Key highlights of the notification include:

• Total Vacancies: 23 posts (16 JRF + 07 RA)
• Mode of Recruitment: Walk-in Interview (No online application)
• Interview Start Date: 1st September 2026
• Venue: SJB Auditorium, SSPL Complex, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110054
• Reporting Time: 0930 hours on the scheduled date
• Disciplines: Physics and Electronics

This recruitment is project-based, and the fellowship may be terminated upon completion of the concerned DRDO project. Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully for detailed information.

About DRDO & DRDO SSPL 2026

The Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) is one of the key laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), functioning under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Established with the objective of conducting research in solid-state physics, materials science, and semiconductor devices, SSPL plays a pivotal role in developing advanced technologies for defence applications. The laboratory is known for its cutting-edge research in areas such as semiconductor materials, device fabrication, and characterization. Working at SSPL offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading scientists and contribute to national security. The work environment is highly research-oriented, fostering innovation and professional growth. For candidates passionate about physics and electronics, SSPL provides an ideal platform to build a rewarding career in defence research.

DRDO SSPL Vacancy Details & Post Breakdown 2026

The recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 23 fellowship positions, divided into two main categories: Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Research Associate (RA). The posts are further distributed across two disciplines: Physics and Electronics. The detailed breakdown is as follows:

It is important to note that some vacancies are regular positions, while others are project-specific. The fellowship may be terminated on completion of the concerned DRDO project. SSPL also reserves the right to increase, decrease, or cancel the notified fellowships based on government policy and funding availability.

Category-Wise Vacancy Reservation for DRDO SSPL 2026

The official notification does not provide a detailed category-wise breakdown of vacancies. However, as per Government of India norms, reservations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD categories are applicable. Candidates belonging to reserved categories are advised to carry valid category certificates to claim relaxation and reservation benefits during the interview. The exact distribution will be as per the prevailing rules of the Government of India.

Educational Qualification & Eligibility Criteria for DRDO SSPL 2026

Candidates must possess the following educational qualifications to be eligible for the respective posts:

Junior Research Fellow (JRF)

• Post Graduate Degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Physics/Electronics with First Division, along with a valid NET qualification, OR
• Graduate Degree (B.E./B.Tech in Engineering Physics/Electronics) with 1st Division, with NET/GATE qualified, OR
• Post Graduate Degree (M.E./M.Tech) with 1st Division at both Graduate and Post Graduate level

Research Associate (RA)

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Physics/Electronics, OR
• M.E./M.Tech with 3 years of research experience in Semiconductor Materials, Devices Fabrication and Characterization, along with at least one research paper published in a Science Citation Index (SCI) journal

Candidates who have submitted their Ph.D. thesis are also eligible for the RA post, but the fellowship will be awarded only after the degree or provisional certificate is received, on or before the date of offer.

Age Limit & Category Relaxations for DRDO SSPL 2026

The age limit for JRF posts is a maximum of 28 years, while for RA posts it is 35 years. Age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates is applicable as per Government of India rules. Although the notification does not specify the exact number of years, candidates from reserved categories are advised to carry their category certificates to avail the applicable relaxation. The cutoff date for age calculation is the date of the interview.

Salary Details, Pay Scale & Perks for DRDO SSPL 2026

The selected candidates will receive a fellowship amount as per DRDO norms. For JRF, the monthly stipend is typically around ₹37,000 per month, while for RA, it is around ₹67,000 per month. In addition, candidates may be eligible for House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Medical facilities as per rules. The exact emoluments will be as per the official notification and DRDO guidelines. These fellowships offer a competitive stipend and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge defence research projects.

DRDO SSPL Selection Process & Examination Phases 2026

The selection process for DRDO SSPL Recruitment 2026 is primarily based on a walk-in interview. The detailed process is as follows:

1. Document Verification: On arrival, candidates' application forms (Appendix 'A') and original/attested documents are verified.
2. Screening Test (if required): If the number of candidates is high, a screening test may be conducted on the same day.
3. Walk-in Interview: Eligible candidates are interviewed by the selection panel on their scheduled date.
4. Result & Offer: Based on performance, selected candidates are offered the fellowship, subject to fund availability.

Since it is a same-day process, candidates can expect to know the outcome on the same day or shortly after.

Application Fee Details for DRDO SSPL 2026

There is no application fee for the DRDO SSPL Recruitment 2026. Since the recruitment is through walk-in interviews, candidates are not required to pay any fee. However, candidates are advised to carry all necessary documents and certificates in original and photocopy for verification.

Important Dates & Schedule for DRDO SSPL 2026

All candidates must report by 0930 hours on their respective interview dates.

Required Documents for DRDO SSPL Application 2026

Candidates must bring the following documents to the walk-in interview:

• Duly filled application form (Appendix 'A') as per the format in the notification
• Educational qualification certificates and mark sheets
• Proof of date of birth (Birth certificate / 10th certificate)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) if applicable
• Experience certificates (if any)
• Valid NET/GATE score card (for JRF)
• Ph.D. thesis submission proof (for RA)
• SCI publication proof (for RA)
• Passport size photographs
• Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)

How to Apply Online for DRDO SSPL 2026

Since the recruitment is through walk-in interviews, there is no online application process. Candidates need to follow these steps:

1. Download the official notification from the DRDO website and read it carefully.
2. Fill the application form (Appendix 'A') as per the prescribed format.
3. Gather all required documents and make photocopies.
4. Report to the interview venue on the scheduled date and time.
5. Submit the application form and documents for verification.
6. Attend the screening test (if required) and the interview.

Important Instructions & Guidelines for DRDO SSPL Applicants

• Candidates must report by 0930 hours on the scheduled date; latecomers may not be allowed.
• All documents must be in original and photocopies should be self-attested.
• Candidates should carry a valid government-issued ID proof.
• The number of vacancies may vary; candidates should check the official website for updates.
• Selection is subject to fund availability and project requirements.
• Any false information or documents will lead to disqualification.

Job Location & Posting Details for DRDO SSPL 2026

The job location for the selected candidates will be at the Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), Delhi. The laboratory is located at Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi-110054. Candidates will be posted in Delhi for the duration of the fellowship. The mode of application is offline (walk-in interview).

Final Summary & Advice for Candidates

The DRDO SSPL Recruitment 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for research aspirants in Physics and Electronics. With 23 vacancies, this walk-in drive is a direct pathway to contribute to India's defence research. Candidates are advised to thoroughly prepare their documents, understand the eligibility criteria, and arrive early at the venue. Since there is no online application, meticulous preparation is key. We recommend all eligible candidates to seize this opportunity and appear for the interview with confidence. For the latest updates, keep visiting the official DRDO website and Sarkari Job Finders.

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This article has been manually researched, cross-referenced with the official notification, and structured to provide verified, candidate-centric information.

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