DRDO Stenographer

DRDO Stenographer: A Career in Defence Administration

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recruits Stenographers Grade-I and Grade-II under its CEPTAM Admin & Allied (A&A) cadre. This role is vital for providing secretarial and administrative support within various DRDO laboratories and establishments. It is an excellent opportunity for candidates with stenography skills to build a secure and respectable career in a premier government organization.

Salary, Benefits, and Career Path

A career as a Stenographer in DRDO is financially rewarding and offers good growth prospects.

Salary Structure: The pay scales are as per the 7th Pay Commission:

• Stenographer Grade-I (Group 'B'): Pay Level-6 (₹35,400 - ₹1,12,400). [10, 32]
• Stenographer Grade-II (Group 'C'): Pay Level-4 (₹25,500 - ₹81,100). [2, 32]

The salary includes Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA).

Career Growth: DRDO has a well-defined promotion policy. A Stenographer can advance to higher grades, including senior secretarial roles, based on their performance, experience, and by clearing departmental examinations. This provides a clear path for career progression within the organization.

DRDO Stenographer Selection Process

The selection is conducted in two stages to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

• Tier-I (CBT): A Computer-Based Test (CBT) for provisional selection. It consists of 75 objective questions on Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, and English, to be completed in 60 minutes. [2, 24]
• Tier-II (Skill Test): This is a mandatory qualifying test. Candidates will be tested on their dictation and transcription skills on a computer. The standards are:
  • Stenographer Grade-I: Dictation at 100 words per minute for 10 minutes, with 40 minutes for transcription (English). [2, 21]
  • Stenographer Grade-II: Dictation at 80 words per minute for 10 minutes, with 50 minutes for transcription (English). [2, 21]

Key Eligibility Criteria

• Stenographer Grade-I: Bachelor's degree from a recognized University. Age limit is 18-30 years. [2, 18]
• Stenographer Grade-II: 12th Class pass from a recognized Board or University. Age limit is 18-27 years. [2, 18]

How to Apply for DRDO Stenographer

Applications are accepted online through the official DRDO CEPTAM portal.

1. Visit Official Website: Navigate to the DRDO website and find the CEPTAM or 'Careers' section.
2. Register Online: New users need to complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.
3. Find the Advertisement: Log in and locate the advertisement for Admin & Allied (A&A) recruitment. Select the post of Stenographer (Grade-I or Grade-II).
4. Fill Application Form: Complete the online form with accurate personal and educational details. Choose your preferred exam centers.
5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other necessary documents in the prescribed format.
6. Pay Application Fee: Pay the application fee of ₹100 online (if applicable). Women, SC, ST, PwD, and ESM candidates are generally exempted. [32]
7. Submit and Print: Review the application form before final submission. Save and print a copy of the completed form for future reference.