DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Exam Overview
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially launched the recruitment drive for the Technician 'A' post under the CEPTAM 11 cycle for 2025. This significant opportunity aims to fill 203 vacancies, offering a stable and rewarding career path for candidates who have completed their 10th standard and possess a relevant Industrial Training Institute (ITI) certification. This role is highly sought after by those pursuing technical support positions within the government sector, as it combines job security with professional development opportunities. The recruitment process is designed to identify skilled candidates capable of contributing to the organization’s technical objectives, making it a critical milestone for many aspirants.
The application process, which commenced on December 11, 2025, has generated substantial interest due to the prestige associated with working for a premier national defence organization. With the deadline to submit applications extended to January 11, 2026, prospective applicants have been granted additional time to ensure their documentation is complete and accurate. The selection process is comprehensive, involving a tiered structure that assesses both theoretical knowledge through a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and practical proficiency through a dedicated Trade Test. This ensures that only the most competent and technically sound individuals are selected for the Technician 'A' roles. Candidates are encouraged to thoroughly review all official information, including eligibility criteria, trade-wise vacancy distributions, and the exam pattern, to build a robust preparation strategy. By engaging with the official notification and following the prescribed application procedures, eligible individuals can position themselves competitively for this recruitment cycle.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Eligibility & Syllabus
The DRDO Technician 'A' recruitment is conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under its CEPTAM 11 (Centre for Personnel Talent Management) initiative. The examination is held on a national level, targeting candidates who have completed their 10th-grade education and earned an ITI certificate in specific technical trades. The entire selection process is structured into two distinct stages: a Phase I Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by a Phase II Trade Test.
The Phase I CBT is an objective-type written examination designed to evaluate a candidate’s fundamental technical and analytical knowledge. It consists of 120 questions that must be completed within a 90-minute timeframe. The test is bilingual, presented in both English and Hindi, except for the English language section. This initial stage acts as a primary filter, where candidates are shortlisted based on their performance for the next phase. Following the successful completion of the CBT, the Trade Test is conducted as a mandatory qualifying round. This test is specific to the trade or discipline for which the candidate has applied and is intended to assess their practical, hands-on skills in an ITI-level technical environment. Unlike the CBT, the Trade Test is practical in nature and is conducted over a duration of 60 to 120 minutes. Candidates must secure the required qualifying marks in both the CBT and the Trade Test to be considered for final selection. The organization maintains a rigorous standard for both stages, ensuring that the recruits are technically proficient enough to handle the responsibilities of the Technician 'A' position.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Instructions
Candidates must adhere to strict guidelines provided by the organization during the application and examination phases. Prior to applying, it is essential to review the official notification thoroughly to understand the post-specific requirements. Candidates should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, including age, nationality, and educational qualifications, as incomplete or inaccurate applications will be summarily rejected.
During the examination:
- Candidates are expected to carry their official admit card and a valid photo identification document to the exam center.
- Adherence to the time limit for the Computer-Based Test is mandatory.
- Usage of any unauthorized material inside the examination hall is strictly prohibited and can lead to immediate disqualification.
- Practicing with sample papers and previous years' questions is advised to help candidates manage their speed and accuracy during the 90-minute CBT.
- Maintaining regular updates from the official website is recommended to stay informed about any changes in schedule or exam venue.
All candidates should verify that their ITI certification corresponds exactly to the specific trade they are applying for, as there is no flexibility regarding the required educational qualifications for specific disciplines.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Updates
The latest updates regarding the DRDO Technician 'A' Recruitment 2025 are as follows:
- The official notification for the CEPTAM 11 cycle was released on December 4, 2025.
- The online application window opened on December 11, 2025.
- The final deadline to submit the online application form was extended to January 11, 2026.
- Candidates are advised to frequently visit the official portal for announcements related to the Admit Card release, which is scheduled for June 12, 2026.
- The Phase II exam date has been announced for June 15, 2026.
- Results for the recruitment cycle will be published on the official website once the evaluation process concludes; dates for the result declaration are yet to be announced.
- A summary of the recruitment cycle, including 203 specific vacancies, is now accessible to all applicants.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Short Notification Release Date | 4th December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 11th December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11th January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 12th June 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam Date | 15th June 2026 |
| Result Date | To be announced |
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Vacancy
| Trade / Discipline | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | General | Total |
|---|
| Book Binder | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Carpenter | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 11 |
| CNC Operator | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| COPA | 7 | 1 | 15 | 5 | 24 | 52 |
| Draughtsman (Mechanical) | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| Electrician | 6 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 15 | 30 |
| Electronics | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 16 | 31 |
| Fitter | 4 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 11 | 25 |
| Machinist | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 12 |
| Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 7 |
| Optical Worker | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Photographer | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Surveyor | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Turner | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 8 |
| Welder | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 11 |
| Total | 25 | 13 | 44 | 18 | 103 | 203 |
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Vacancy Trends
The current recruitment drive for DRDO Technician 'A' positions includes 203 vacancies, which are part of a larger, comprehensive hiring initiative under the CEPTAM 11 recruitment cycle. The distribution of these vacancies spans across various technical trades, including core areas such as COPA, Electronics, Electrician, and Fitter. The trend in vacancies suggests a prioritized focus on filling these technical roles to support the ongoing research and development operations within the organization. By observing the trade-wise breakup, it is evident that the highest number of openings are available in the COPA trade (52), followed by Electronics (31) and Electrician (30). This allocation pattern indicates the operational requirements of the organization's current laboratories and projects. Candidates should monitor these trends as they reflect the organizational need for specialized technical support staff, which directly influences the competitiveness of the selection process. While this cycle focuses on 203 specific technician roles, candidates should stay updated through official channels regarding future cycles, as such recruitment patterns are essential for those planning long-term careers within this specific government department.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Post Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Post Name | Technician-A |
| Organization | DRDO |
| Pay Level | Level-2 |
| Pay Scale | INR 19,900 – 63,200 |
| Qualification | 10th Pass + ITI (Relevant Trade) |
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|
| UR / OBC / EWS | INR 600 (INR 500 refundable) |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female / Ex-Servicemen | INR 500 (Refundable) |
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Age Limit
The minimum age for applicants is 18 years, and the maximum age limit is 28 years. This age bracket is standard across the specified trades for the Technician 'A' post. Eligibility is calculated based on the cutoff date as mentioned in the official notification. Candidates must ensure they fall within these limits on the critical date, as age verification is a mandatory part of the application scrutiny process.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Age Relaxation
- SC / ST: 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- PwD (Persons with Disabilities): 10 years
- Widows, Divorced Women & Women judicially separated and not remarried: Up to 35 years (General), 38 years (OBC), 40 years (SC/ST)
- Central Government Employees & DRDO Departmental Candidates: Up to 40 years
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a 10th-standard qualification (or equivalent) along with an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from a recognized institution. Acceptable certifications include a National Trade Certificate (NTC) or a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC). In trades where ITI certificates are not specifically awarded, a minimum one-year certificate from a recognized institution in that discipline is acceptable. Key trades include Automobile, Book Binder, Carpenter, CNC Operator, COPA, Draughtsman (Mechanical), DTP Operator, Electrician, Electronics, Fitter, Grinder, Machinist, Mechanic (Diesel), Mill Wright Mechanic, Motor Mechanic, Painter, Photographer, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Sheet Metal Worker, Turner, and Welder. All applicants must ensure their certificates are valid and verified before applying.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for the DRDO Technician 'A' recruitment consists of two mandatory stages:
1. Phase I (Computer-Based Test): This is the initial objective-based examination. It consists of 120 questions carrying a total of 120 marks. The duration is 90 minutes. Candidates are shortlisted for the next stage based on their scores here, typically in a ratio of 1:8.
2. Phase II (Trade Test): This is a practical, trade-specific examination designed to test the technical skills of the candidate. It is mandatory for candidates to qualify in this stage for final consideration. The duration ranges from 60 to 120 minutes depending on the specific trade requirements.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| PART - A | General knowledge, Reasoning, Science, Aptitude, English | 40 | 120 | 90 Mins |
| PART - B | Trade-Specific | 80 |
| Total | 120 | 120 | 90 Minutes |
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Salary
Selected candidates for the Technician 'A' post are placed in Pay Level–2 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Pay Matrix. The pay scale ranges from INR 19,900 to INR 63,200. In addition to the basic pay, employees are entitled to various government allowances, including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA). HRA varies between 8%, 16%, and 24% depending on the classification of the city of posting. These combined benefits ensure a stable and competitive in-hand salary, supported by career growth prospects and job security within the organization.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Admit Card
The Admit Card for the DRDO Technician 'A' exam is issued through the official DRDO website. Candidates need to log in to their registered accounts using their application credentials to download the document. The admit card is a mandatory document that must be carried to the examination center, accompanied by a valid, original photo ID proof. It contains crucial information such as the candidate's name, exam date, reporting time, and the specific venue address. Without a physical printout of the admit card, candidates will not be permitted to enter the examination hall.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Answer Key
Following the completion of the Computer-Based Test (CBT), the official answer key is released on the DRDO website. This document allows candidates to compare their marked responses against the correct answers, providing a preliminary estimate of their performance. In case of any discrepancies or potential errors, the notification provides instructions on how to submit formal objections during the specified window. This process ensures transparency in the grading and evaluation system before the final results are generated.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Result Info
The final results for the DRDO Technician 'A' recruitment are published on the official DRDO website. Candidates can access their results by navigating to the designated 'Results' section and entering their registration number or other required login details. The result notification indicates whether the candidate has been shortlisted for the Trade Test phase. It is recommended to download and save a digital copy of the result page for documentation purposes. The announcement of the result marks the culmination of the CBT phase and confirms the candidate's status regarding their progression to the final stage of the recruitment process.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Preparation Tips
To prepare for the DRDO Technician 'A' examination, candidates should establish a consistent study routine that covers all sections of the syllabus equally. Practice is key, particularly for the trade-specific questions in Part B. Utilize high-quality reference books to build strong conceptual foundations in General Science and Quantitative Aptitude. Daily reading of newspapers is encouraged to stay current with General Awareness. Additionally, taking regular online mock tests is highly recommended to improve time management, accuracy, and speed, which are crucial for completing the 120-question exam within 90 minutes.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Apply Link
https://cdn.digialm.com/EForms/configuredHtml/1258/96576/Index.html
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Cut Off
The qualifying marks for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) are pre-determined as a percentage of the total marks. For General and OBC category candidates, the minimum qualifying mark is 40%, while for SC and ST candidates, the threshold is set at 35%. Achieving these marks does not guarantee selection, as the final cut-off is determined based on the performance of the overall candidate pool and the number of vacancies available. Shortlisting for the Phase II Trade Test is performed using a 1:8 ratio, meaning the top scorers in each category are called forward for the practical assessment.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026 Preparation Strategy
The application process for the DRDO Technician 'A' recruitment 2025 is strictly online. Candidates are required to visit the official portal to complete their registration and application submission. The following steps outline the procedure for candidates to follow:
- Accessing the Portal: Navigate to the official website of the conducting body to find the active link for the Technician 'A' recruitment application.
- Registration and Form Filling: Register by providing personal information and educational details. Ensure that all data entered is accurate and matches official certificates.
- Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of required documents, including educational certificates, photographs, and signatures. It is recommended to use standard image processing tools if file sizes exceed the specified limits.
- Fee Payment: Upon completing the form, proceed to the payment gateway to pay the application fee. Accepted payment methods typically include credit cards, debit cards, net banking, or UPI.
- Confirmation: After successful payment, download and print a copy of the completed application form for future verification and reference.
Critical Reminders:
- Always use a valid, active email address and mobile number that will remain functional until the final recruitment results are announced.
- Verify the format of all uploaded documents to prevent application rejection.
- Retain the transaction ID and application reference number after payment.
DRDO Technician A (Standard) 2026
