Job Description
Overview
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated a lateral entry recruitment drive for 2026, targeting experienced professionals for Group A technical service roles. This recruitment aims to fill 33 vacancies across various scientific grades, specifically Scientist C, D, and E, to bolster the research capabilities of the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS). Candidates with expertise in fields such as electronics, computer science, mechanical engineering, and oceanography are encouraged to apply through the Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) portal.
Key Responsibilities
- Conducting advanced research and development activities in specialized defence technology domains.
- Leading technical teams to achieve project milestones within stipulated timelines.
- Providing expert guidance on complex engineering problems related to defence systems.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to integrate new technologies into existing frameworks.
- Managing technical documentation and ensuring compliance with organizational research standards.
- Mentoring junior scientific staff and fostering a culture of innovation within the laboratory.
Why Apply
Joining DRDO offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to national security through cutting-edge scientific research. Employees benefit from a structured career progression path, competitive pay scales, and the chance to work with state-of-the-art technology in a prestigious government environment.
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 05 June 2026
- Application Closing Date: 19 June 2026
Quick Facts
- Total Vacancies: 33
- Pay Scale: Level 12 to 13
- Location: Delhi
- Category: Defence Jobs
DRDO Scientist Recruitment 2026 Overview
Registration Date
05 Jun 2026 –
19 Jun 2026
Salary
Level 12-13
Vacancies
33
Eligibility
Bachelor's/Master's Degree
Application Link
Vacancy Details
- Scientist E: 02 Posts
- Scientist D: 11 Posts
- Scientist C: 18 Posts
How to Apply
- Visit the official Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) website at https://rac.gov.in.
- Complete the registration process by providing your basic details.
- Log in to the portal to fill out the application form with your personal, academic, and professional experience information.
- Upload self-attested copies of your birth certificate, degree certificates, and experience letters, ensuring each file is under 500 KB.
- Pay the application fee of ₹100 online if you belong to the General, OBC, or EWS categories.
- Review all entered information carefully and lock the application before the deadline.
- Download and print the final submitted application form for your future reference.
Cutoff Marks
A minimum of 75% marks in the personal interview is required to qualify for selection.
Application Fee
General, OBC, and EWS candidates are required to pay an application fee of ₹100. SC, ST, PWD, and Ex-servicemen candidates are exempted from the fee. Payment must be made through the online portal during the application process.
Age Limit
Scientist C: 35 years; Scientist D & E: 45 years as of 19 June 2026.
Selection Process
The selection process is rigorous and designed to identify top-tier technical talent. Initially, an administrative screening is conducted to verify the age, educational qualifications, and experience of all applicants. Following this, a technical screening (Level-1) takes place, where candidates are shortlisted based on the relevance of their experience and higher academic credentials. If the volume of applications is high, a preliminary online interview (Level-2) may be held. The final stage is an in-person personal interview conducted at the RAC office in Delhi. The final merit list is determined solely by the performance in the interview, with a minimum of 75% marks required to qualify.
Exam Pattern
The selection is based on a multi-stage screening process followed by a final personal interview. There is no traditional written exam; instead, candidates are evaluated on their professional experience and technical expertise during the interview phase.
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Organization
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) is the premier agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Established in 1958, it is headquartered in New Delhi. DRDO is mandated to design and develop state-of-the-art sensors, weapon systems, platforms, and allied equipment for the Indian Armed Forces. It operates a vast network of laboratories across the country, focusing on diverse fields such as aeronautics, armaments, electronics, and combat vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a total of 33 vacancies available for the Scientist positions. This includes 02 posts for Scientist ‘E’, 11 posts for Scientist ‘D’, and 18 posts for Scientist ‘C’. Please refer to the official notification for any further category-wise distribution details.
Candidates must hold a first-division Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field of Engineering or Science. The degree must be from a recognized university. Additionally, specific years of professional experience are mandatory for each grade level.
The maximum age limit for Scientist ‘C’ is 35 years. For Scientist ‘D’ and Scientist ‘E’ positions, the maximum age limit is 45 years. Age is calculated as of the closing date of the application, which is 19 June 2026.
The application fee is ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS category candidates. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, PWD, and Ex-servicemen categories are exempted from paying any application fee. Payment must be completed online through the official portal.
You can apply online by visiting the RAC official website at https://rac.gov.in. Register your account, fill in the required personal and professional details, upload the necessary self-attested documents, pay the fee, and submit your application before the deadline.
The selection process involves an administrative screening, a technical screening (Level-1) based on experience and qualifications, a potential preliminary online interview (Level-2), and a final in-person personal interview at RAC, Delhi. Final selection is based on the interview performance.
Scientist ‘E’ positions are in Level 13 with a basic pay of ₹1,23,100. Scientist ‘D’ positions are in Level 12 with a basic pay of ₹78,800. These positions also come with various government benefits and allowances as per the rules.
Yes, you are permitted to apply for more than one post. However, you must submit separate applications for each post and clearly mention your order of preference in the application form. Ensure you meet the specific eligibility criteria for each post you apply for.
