Job Description
Overview
The Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced a lateral entry scheme for the year 2026. This initiative aims to onboard highly skilled professionals into the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) cadre. These positions are critical for advancing India's indigenous defence capabilities across various laboratories and research establishments nationwide.
Key Responsibilities
- Conducting advanced research and development in specialized technical domains to support national security projects.
- Leading multidisciplinary teams to design, test, and implement innovative engineering solutions for defence applications.
- Managing laboratory operations and ensuring compliance with stringent quality and safety standards.
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to translate strategic requirements into technical specifications.
- Mentoring junior scientific staff and fostering a culture of technical excellence within the organization.
- Analyzing complex data sets to optimize performance metrics for ongoing defence research initiatives.
Why Apply
Joining DRDO offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to national defence while working with cutting-edge technology. Scientists benefit from a structured career progression, competitive pay scales, and a stable work environment that encourages continuous professional development.
Important Dates
- Application Start: 01 June 2026
- Application End: 19 June 2026
Quick Facts
- Total Vacancies: 33
- Pay Scale: Level 11 to 13 (7th CPC)
- Location: Pan India
- Category: Defence Research
Recruitment of Scientists in DRDO by RAC 2026 Overview
Registration Date
01 Jun 2026 –
19 Jun 2026
Salary
Level 11 to 13
Vacancies
33
Eligibility
Graduate Engineers / Post Graduates in Science
Application Link
Vacancy Details
- Scientist E: 02 Posts
- Scientist D: 11 Posts
- Scientist C: 20 Posts
How to Apply
- Visit the official RAC website at rac.gov.in.
- Navigate to the recruitment section for the 2026 Scientist vacancy.
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the online application form with accurate personal and professional details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents, including educational certificates and experience proof.
- Pay the application fee online if applicable.
- Submit the final application and download the confirmation page.
- Keep a printed copy of the submitted form for future reference.
Cutoff Marks
Determined by the selection board based on candidate performance.
Application Fee
General/OBC/EWS: ₹100. SC/ST/PWD/Women: Nil. Payment must be made through the online portal.
Age Limit
35-45 years as per post requirements.
Selection Process
The selection process is conducted by the Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC). It typically involves a rigorous screening of applications based on academic qualifications and professional experience. Shortlisted candidates are invited for a personal interview conducted by an expert panel. The final merit list is prepared based on the performance in the interview and the verification of credentials. Candidates must meet the qualifying standards set by the board to be considered for appointment.
Exam Pattern
The selection is primarily based on an interview process. No written examination is mentioned for this lateral recruitment scheme.
Latest Current Affairs (Key Points)
Review of potential government initiatives for skill development.Analysis of significant judicial pronouncements regarding environmental regulations.
India and Japan strengthen maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.Global diplomatic efforts intensify regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Sahel region.
Organization
Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), invites applications for a 6-month paid internship program for final year Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate students in Engineering and Science disciplines.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a total of 33 vacancies available for this recruitment cycle. This includes 02 posts for Scientist E, 11 posts for Scientist D, and 20 posts for Scientist C. Please refer to the official notification for the specific discipline-wise breakdown.
Candidates must hold a degree in Engineering or a Post Graduate degree in Science from a recognized university. Ensure your degree matches the specific discipline requirements mentioned in the official advertisement to be eligible for the application process.
The maximum age limit is 45 years for Scientist E and D positions, while it is 35 years for Scientist C. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per the prevailing government rules. Always check the official notification for specific category-wise age relaxations.
The application fee is ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. There is no application fee for SC, ST, PWD, and women candidates. The fee must be paid through the online payment gateway provided on the official RAC website during the application submission process.
The online application window is open until 19 June 2026. It is highly recommended to submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any potential technical issues on the official portal during the final days.
The selection process involves a screening of applications based on academic and professional credentials, followed by a personal interview. The final selection is based on the performance in the interview and verification of documents. No written exam is conducted for this lateral entry scheme.
The pay scale is based on the 7th CPC. Scientist E is in Pay Level-13 (₹123100-215900), Scientist D is in Pay Level-12 (₹78800-209200), and Scientist C is in Pay Level-11 (₹67700-185400). These are highly competitive salaries for Gazetted Group A technical roles.
You can apply online by visiting the official RAC website at rac.gov.in. Follow the instructions to register, fill out the application form, upload the necessary documents, and pay the fee. Ensure you keep a printout of the submitted application for your records.
