DRDO Recruitment 2026 - The DRDO 2026 recruitment is conducted to select scientists and engineers through an annual competitive examination at the Central level called the Scientist Entry Test (SET). DRDO conducts the exam on its own and not through any other medium like GATE. Through this recruitment process of DRDO, it shortlists candidates for Scientist, Technical Staff, and various other posts in the areas of Aeronautics, Armaments, Combat Engineering, Electronics, Life Sciences, Materials, Missiles, and Naval Systems.
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Post name | Vacancy | Last date to Apply | Notice |
LDCE for Scientist B | TBA | TBA | To be notified |
Scientists B | TBA | TBA | To be notified |
Senior Technical Assistant ‘B’ (STS’B’) | 764 | January 11, 2026 | To be notified |
Trade Apprentice in Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) | TBA | TBA | To be notified |
Trade Apprentice in Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) | TBA | TBA | To be notified |
Conducting Body | Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) |
Selection Process | Written Test and Interview |
Pay scale | As per the Post |
DRDO Recruitment will be done for selecting the candidates in the following departments:
Aeronautics | Armaments | Combat Engineering | Electronics |
Life Sciences | Materials | Missiles | Naval System |
The test for DRDO recruitment 2026 will be conducted for the following posts:
S.No | Posts |
1. | Scientists |
2. | Technical Staff |
3. | Admin & Allied |
4. | Students Training |
5. | Research Fellowship |
The exam conducting body determines the eligibility criteria of DRDO 2026, which are expected to be fulfilled by the candidates before applying for the exam. The DRDO recruitment eligibility criteria are determined depending on the posts.
Candidates must fulfil the DRDO 2026 eligibility criteria for their respective post options before they fill the application form. Candidates who hold a B.Tech/B.E./M.Tech/M.Sc./M.Phil./Ph.D., M.Sc./M.Pharm., etc., can apply for the posts of their preference.
The DRDO recruitment application form can be filled out by the eligible candidates in online mode. Before filling out the DRDO 2026 application form, candidates must read all the instructions carefully. Candidates are required to fill out the DRDO application form 2026 with the correct details, along with uploading the scanned copy of the image and signature. Along with filling out the application, candidates must also pay the prescribed DRDO application fee as per their respective category.
After filling out the DRDO recruitment 2026 application form, candidates must download it and keep it with them for future reference. It is important to note that candidates have to fill the DRDO application form with utmost care, as any mistake will lead to rejection and candidates will be debarred from appearing in the recruitment process.
Those who get selected for the final recruitment of DRDO 2026 are offered emoluments depending on the posts as per the 7th Central Pay Commission. The table below contains the DRDO Recruitment pay scale at different grades/levels for Scientists.
Grade | Level in Pay Matrix | Initial Pay in Pay Matrix |
Scientist 'B' | Level 10 | Rs 56,100 |
Scientist 'C' | Level 11 | Rs 67,700 |
Scientist 'D' | Level 12 | Rs 78,800 |
Scientist 'E' | Level 13 | Rs 1,23,100 |
Scientist 'F' | Level 13A | Rs 1,31,100 |
Scientist 'G' | Level 14 | Rs 1,44,200 |
Scientist 'H' (Outstanding Scientist) | Level 15 | Rs Rs 1,82,200 |
Distinguished Scientist (DS) | Level 16 | Rs 2,05,400 |
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO | Level 17 | Rs 2,25,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The exam conducting body releases the DRDO application form 2026 in online mode only.
Yes, DRDO conducts examinations every year for various posts.
Yes, DRDO recruits for permanent positions only.
DRDO does not recruit candidates through GATE. They conduct their examinations and have through own eligibility criterias.
The DRDO application dates 2026 will be mentioned on the official website.
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