Engineering & PSU · Updated October 2026
DRDO Recruitment ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
DRDO recruitment exams
DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) recruits entry-level Scientist B through its Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), mainly on the basis of a valid GATE score followed by a personal interview, with RAC conducting its own written test for some disciplines or special drives. Technical and administrative staff such as Senior Technical Assistant B and Technician A are recruited separately by CEPTAM.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- PSU
Start for free with DRDO Recruitment syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
DRDO Recruitment exam overview and highlights
About DRDO Recruitment
DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) recruits entry-level Scientist B through its Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), mainly on the basis of a valid GATE score followed by a personal interview, with RAC conducting its own written test for some disciplines or special drives. Technical and administrative staff such as Senior Technical Assistant B and Technician A are recruited separately by CEPTAM. All DRDO scientist notifications are published on the RAC website.
The examination process for DRDO Recruitment comprises 4 stages: Shortlisting on GATE score or RAC written test, followed by CEPTAM Tier I & Tier II CBT (for STA-B and Technician A), followed by Personal interview, followed by Document verification and medical. The official syllabus tests candidates across 3 core areas — GATE paper of the discipline, Interview preparation, Common disciplines recruited — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Candidates are shortlisted on their GATE score (or a RAC written test for some disciplines) and then interviewed. The final merit gives 80 per cent weight to the GATE score and 20 per cent to the interview for GATE-based posts.
Key subjects
- GATE paper of the discipline
- Interview preparation
- Common disciplines recruited
What clearing DRDO Recruitment leads to
- Scientist B in DRDO laboratories (Group A gazetted post)
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Scientist B, Pay Level 10, basic pay around ₹56,100
- Central / Institutional appointment through Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO, Ministry of Defence merit recommendation
- Structured time-scale promotions, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) elevation, and central allowances (DA, HRA, TA, Medical & NPS)
- All-India or zonal ministry, department, PSU, or public sector field and headquarters postings
- Deputation opportunities to central autonomous bodies, ministries, regulatory authorities, and international assignments
Quick facts
- Full name
- DRDO recruitment exams
- Conducting body
- Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO, Ministry of Defence
- Frequency
- As and when vacancies are notified, usually once a year for Scientist B
- Exam mode
- GATE score based shortlisting (or RAC written test) followed by interview
- Languages
- English
- Stages & papers
- 4 stages (5 papers total)
- Negative marking
- Not applicable to GATE-based shortlisting; RAC written tests, when held, follow the scheme in the notification
- Official website
- rac.gov.in
DRDO Recruitment — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of DRDO Recruitment conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | DRDO Recruitment — DRDO recruitment exams |
| Conducting Body | Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO, Ministry of Defence |
| Exam Category | Engineering & PSU |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | As and when vacancies are notified, usually once a year for Scientist B |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notified as vacancies arise, usually once a year for Scientist B; interviews are held a few months after the notification |
| Mode of Application | Online on rac.gov.in |
| Mode of Examination | GATE score based shortlisting (or RAC written test) followed by interview |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English |
| Selection Stages | 4 Stages (5 Papers Total): Shortlisting on GATE score or RAC written test → CEPTAM Tier I & Tier II CBT (for STA-B and Technician A) → Personal interview → Document verification and medical |
| Negative Marking | Not applicable to GATE-based shortlisting; RAC written tests, when held, follow the scheme in the notification |
| Selection / Merit Process | Candidates are shortlisted on their GATE score (or a RAC written test for some disciplines) and then interviewed. The final merit gives 80 per cent weight to the GATE score and 20 per cent to the interview for GATE-based posts. |
| Educational Qualification | First-class BE/BTech in the relevant discipline (or first-class MSc in science subjects for some disciplines), with a valid GATE score in the subject specified in the notification. Some posts also accept ME/MTech or PhD with relaxed criteria. |
| Age Limit | Usually up to 28 years for Scientist B, with relaxation for reserved categories and ex-servicemen as per rules. |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Scientist B, Pay Level 10, basic pay around ₹56,100 |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | High national-level competition across test cities nationwide |
| Official Website | rac.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
DRDO Recruitment exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for DRDO Recruitment. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official PSU website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| DRDO Recruitment Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Notified as vacancies arise, usually once a year for Scientist B; interviews are held a few months after the notification | As and when vacancies are notified, usually once a year for Scientist B |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO, Ministry of Defence |
| DRDO Recruitment — Shortlisting on GATE score or RAC written test | Notified as vacancies arise, usually once a year for Scientist B; interviews are held a few months after the notification | GATE score based shortlisting (or RAC written test) followed by interview |
| DRDO Recruitment — CEPTAM Tier I & Tier II CBT (for STA-B and Technician A) | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official DRDO Recruitment recruitment advertisement published by Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO, Ministry of Defence.
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Payable online via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking on the Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO, Ministry of Defence portal. Statutory fee concessions or exemptions apply for SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and eligible female/state-reserved categories as notified in the official DRDO Recruitment advertisement.
How to apply online for DRDO Recruitment
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit rac.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on rac.gov.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the DRDO Recruitment application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final DRDO Recruitment Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
DRDO Recruitment eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for DRDO Recruitment must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by PSU.
Educational qualification
First-class BE/BTech in the relevant discipline (or first-class MSc in science subjects for some disciplines), with a valid GATE score in the subject specified in the notification. Some posts also accept ME/MTech or PhD with relaxed criteria.
Age limit & relaxations
Usually up to 28 years for Scientist B, with relaxation for reserved categories and ex-servicemen as per rules.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizens.
Other conditions & standards
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness, character verification, and document authenticity norms (including valid EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwBD certificates in the prescribed format) at the time of verification.
DRDO Recruitment — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
DRDO Recruitment selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: Not applicable to GATE-based shortlisting; RAC written tests, when held, follow the scheme in the notification. Selection & Merit Weightage: Candidates are shortlisted on their GATE score (or a RAC written test for some disciplines) and then interviewed. The final merit gives 80 per cent weight to the GATE score and 20 per cent to the interview for GATE-based posts.
Stage 1: Shortlisting on GATE score or RAC written test
GATE score or RAC descriptive / online written test • 2 Papers (GATE Score Screening / RAC Descriptive Paper I, RAC Descriptive Paper II (where held for specific disciplines)) • Questions: 65 (GATE) or Descriptive questions (RAC) • Marks: 100 (GATE) / 300 (RAC Paper I) • Duration: 3 hours • Candidates are shortlisted for interview on their GATE score in the notified paper, in the order of merit for each discipline.
Candidates are shortlisted for interview on their GATE score in the notified paper, in the order of merit for each discipline. For disciplines without a GATE paper, or in special drives, RAC conducts its own descriptive or CBT examination.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration GATE Score Screening / RAC Descriptive Paper ICore engineering or science discipline; 80% weightage in final merit 65 (GATE) or Descriptive questions (RAC) 100 (GATE) / 300 (RAC Paper I) 3 hours RAC Descriptive Paper II (where held for specific disciplines)Advanced discipline paper for candidates in RAC descriptive drives Descriptive engineering problems 300 3 hours Stage 2: CEPTAM Tier I & Tier II CBT (for STA-B and Technician A)
Online (computer-based test) • 2 Papers (CEPTAM Tier I (Screening CBT), CEPTAM Tier II (Provisional Selection CBT / Trade Test)) • 220 Questions • 220 Total Marks • Duration: 90 minutes • Technical and allied cadres recruited via DRDO CEPTAM appear in a Tier I screening CBT and a Tier II domain selection CBT or trade test.
Technical and allied cadres recruited via DRDO CEPTAM appear in a Tier I screening CBT and a Tier II domain selection CBT or trade test.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration CEPTAM Tier I (Screening CBT)Quantitative ability, reasoning, general awareness, English and general science 120 120 90 minutes CEPTAM Tier II (Provisional Selection CBT / Trade Test)Post-specific diploma/BSc subject paper for STA-B; qualifying trade test for Technician A 100 100 90 minutes Stage 3: Personal interview
In person • 1 Paper (Technical & Personal Interview (Scientist B)) • Marks: 100 (20% weightage in final merit) • Duration: 30 to 45 minutes • Shortlisted Scientist B candidates appear before an interview board; the final merit combines the GATE/written score (80% weightage) and interview marks (20%), as stated in the notification.
Shortlisted Scientist B candidates appear before an interview board; the final merit combines the GATE/written score (80% weightage) and interview marks (20%), as stated in the notification.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Technical & Personal Interview (Scientist B)Minimum qualifying cut-off: 70% for General, 60% for OBC/SC/ST/PwD Varies 100 (20% weightage in final merit) 30 to 45 minutes Stage 4: Document verification and medical
In person • Selected candidates are verified and medically examined before posting to a DRDO laboratory.
Selected candidates are verified and medically examined before posting to a DRDO laboratory.
DRDO Recruitment subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
GATE paper of the discipline: Engineering Mathematics & Core subjects of the branch
- Engineering Mathematics
- Core subjects of the branch as per the GATE syllabus
- General Aptitude
Interview preparation: Fundamentals of the branch & Final-year project and internships
- Fundamentals of the branch
- Final-year project and internships
- Defence research applications of the discipline
- Recent developments in DRDO programmes
Common disciplines recruited — Part I (Electronics and Communication)
- Electronics and Communication
- Mechanical and Aeronautical
- Computer Science
Common disciplines recruited — Part II (Electrical)
- Electrical
- Materials and Metallurgy, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (DRDO Recruitment)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past DRDO Recruitment cycles
- High-yield chapters and section-wise mark distribution patterns
- Statement-based, assertion-reason and matching question formats
- Elimination techniques and negative-marking risk management
- Time allocation strategy across sections and papers
Current Affairs, Official Schemes, Economic Survey & Static GK
- National and international current events of the last 12 months
- Union and State Budget highlights, Economic Survey and flagship welfare schemes
- Constitutional amendments, landmark Supreme Court judgments and governance bills
- Science, space missions (ISRO), defence exercises, awards and sports
- Reports, indices, summits, international organisations and static general awareness
Language Comprehension, Administrative / Academic Expression & Communication
- Reading comprehension of dense analytical, policy and scientific passages
- Contextual vocabulary, idioms, phrases, synonyms and antonyms
- Grammatical accuracy, sentence correction, para-jumbles and cloze tests
- Structured essay/précis writing or verbal reasoning inference
- Official terminology, formal communication and logical coherence
Quantitative Reasoning, Data Interpretation & Mental Ability
- Percentages, ratios, averages, profit & loss and interest calculations
- Tables, bar graphs, line charts, pie charts and mixed caselet DI
- Number series, coding-decoding, syllogisms and analytical puzzles
- Seating arrangements, blood relations, direction sense and logical deductions
- Critical reasoning: assumptions, conclusions, arguments and course of action
DRDO Recruitment salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Scientist B, Pay Level 10, basic pay around ₹56,100. Appointments under Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO, Ministry of Defence carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Scientist B, Pay Level 10, basic pay around ₹56,100.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO, Ministry of Defence (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO, Ministry of Defence)
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
DRDO Recruitment cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO, Ministry of Defence releases stage-wise and category-wise DRDO Recruitment cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
DRDO Recruitment — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
Because DRDO Recruitment is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under not applicable to GATE-based shortlisting; RAC written tests, when held, follow the scheme in the notification, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining DRDO Recruitment Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the DRDO Recruitment cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
DRDO Recruitment admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
DRDO Recruitment Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO, Ministry of Defence releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official DRDO Recruitment Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on rac.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the DRDO Recruitment e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
DRDO Recruitment Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO, Ministry of Defence uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on rac.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
DRDO Recruitment Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO, Ministry of Defence declares the DRDO Recruitment result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on rac.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official DRDO Recruitment Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
DRDO Recruitment mock tests
Practice in the official DRDO Recruitment pattern on the Free plan, and unlock 10 full or sectional mocks every month, unlimited chapter and topic tests, and the CBT Exam Simulator with SmartRank Pass.
- Start freeFREE
DRDO Recruitment Full Mock Test 1
Shortlisting on GATE score or RAC written test · 65 (GATE) or Descriptive questions (RAC) questions · 3 hours
- Start freeFREE
DRDO Recruitment Full Mock Test 2
Shortlisting on GATE score or RAC written test · 65 (GATE) or Descriptive questions (RAC) questions · 3 hours
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
DRDO Recruitment Full Mock Test 3
Shortlisting on GATE score or RAC written test · 65 (GATE) or Descriptive questions (RAC) questions · 3 hours
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
DRDO Recruitment Full Mock Test 4
Shortlisting on GATE score or RAC written test · 65 (GATE) or Descriptive questions (RAC) questions · 3 hours
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
DRDO Recruitment Full Mock Test 5
Shortlisting on GATE score or RAC written test · 65 (GATE) or Descriptive questions (RAC) questions · 3 hours
DRDO Recruitment previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all DRDO Recruitment previous year papers by year
- Explore freeFREE
Recent DRDO Recruitment question papers
Included on the Free plan with step-by-step solutions
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
Complete 10-year DRDO Recruitment paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
Predicted questions for DRDO Recruitment
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for DRDO Recruitment
- Aim for a high GATE score in the paper RAC specifies for your discipline, because the shortlist for interview is purely on that score.
- Check the discipline-wise GATE paper mapping in the RAC notification, since some branches must appear in a specific paper.
- Prepare the interview seriously: it carries around 20% weightage and decides the final order among candidates with similar GATE scores.
- Revise your final-year project and the core subjects you mention in your application, as interview boards probe them.
- Keep RAC and CEPTAM separate in your planning; CEPTAM posts have their own exams and do not need GATE.
- Read the official DRDO Recruitment notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
DRDO Recruitment FAQs
Is GATE compulsory for DRDO Scientist B?
For most disciplines, yes. RAC shortlists Scientist B candidates on their GATE score, though it conducts its own written test for a few disciplines or special drives.
What is the age limit for DRDO Scientist B?
Usually 28 years, with relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, PwD and ex-servicemen as per government rules.
What is the selection process for DRDO Scientist B?
Shortlisting on GATE score (or RAC written test), followed by a personal interview. The final merit usually gives around 80% weightage to GATE and 20% to the interview.
What is the difference between RAC and CEPTAM?
RAC recruits scientists (Scientist B and above), while CEPTAM recruits technical cadre and administrative staff such as STA B, Technician A, Assistant and Stenographer through its own exams.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for DRDO Recruitment?
DRDO Recruitment is conducted by Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO, Ministry of Defence across 4 stages: Shortlisting on GATE score or RAC written test → CEPTAM Tier I & Tier II CBT (for STA-B and Technician A) → Personal interview → Document verification and medical. Candidates are shortlisted on their GATE score (or a RAC written test for some disciplines) and then interviewed. The final merit gives 80 per cent weight to the GATE score and 20 per cent to the interview for GATE-based posts.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for DRDO Recruitment?
Educational Qualification: First-class BE/BTech in the relevant discipline (or first-class MSc in science subjects for some disciplines), with a valid GATE score in the subject specified in the notification. Some posts also accept ME/MTech or PhD with relaxed criteria. Age Limit: Usually up to 28 years for Scientist B, with relaxation for reserved categories and ex-servicemen as per rules.
Is there negative marking in the DRDO Recruitment exam?
Yes — Not applicable to GATE-based shortlisting; RAC written tests, when held, follow the scheme in the notification. Candidates should use a two-pass attempt strategy during mock tests to keep accuracy above 85% and minimise negative marking deductions.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing DRDO Recruitment?
Scientist B, Pay Level 10, basic pay around ₹56,100.
When is the DRDO Recruitment notification released and how can I apply online?
DRDO Recruitment is held as and when vacancies are notified, usually once a year for Scientist B (Notified as vacancies arise, usually once a year for Scientist B; interviews are held a few months after the notification). Online on rac.gov.in.
Where can I practice free DRDO Recruitment mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select DRDO Recruitment as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering GATE paper of the discipline, Interview preparation, Common disciplines recruited, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact DRDO Recruitment pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for DRDO Recruitment on SmartRank?
Select DRDO Recruitment as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering GATE paper of the discipline, Interview preparation, Common disciplines recruited, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact DRDO Recruitment pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.