DRDO Scientist B 2026 — 526 Engineering Scientist Posts via RAC
| Application Start | 6 Jun 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 11 Jul 2026 |
| Exam Date | 27 Sept 2026 |
General/OBC/EWS: ₹100 | SC/ST/PwD/Women/ESM: Nil
Fee once paid is non-refundable. Payment via online mode only.
| Total Posts | 526 Posts |
| Post Names | |
| Category | Engineering |
| Location | All India |
| Minimum Pay | ₹56,100/month |
| Maximum Pay | ₹1,77,500/month |
| Pay Level | Pay Level 10 (Class A Gazetted Officer) |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age | 28 years |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST: +5 yrs, OBC: +3 yrs, PwD: +10 yrs |
Age relaxation for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and PwD candidates as per Government of India norms. Ex-Servicemen and other special categories may get additional relaxation.
B.E. / B.Tech in relevant engineering discipline from a recognized university
The qualification must be from a recognised university/institution. Candidates in their final year may check if provisional eligibility applies — see official notification for clarity.
Online Exam (RAC SET) → Interview → Merit List → Medical Examination
Candidates must qualify each stage to advance. Final merit is based on combined performance across all qualifying stages as per the official notification.
- GATE Technical Paper — 70% marks (core engineering branch)
- GATE Engineering Mathematics — 15% marks
- GATE General Aptitude — 15% marks
- SSC JE: Technical Branch Paper (150 Qs) + General Intelligence & Reasoning (50 Qs)
- Part A: Civil & Structural Engineering OR Part B: Electrical Engineering OR Part C: Mechanical Engineering
- PSU Interview: Technical depth in core subject, project discussion, current affairs in your field, HR questions
- Engineering degree/diploma from recognised institution, GATE scorecard (for PSU), caste certificate, ID proof
- Medical fitness check for field deployment (MES, BRO, CPWD field postings)
Note: The official syllabus is published in the recruitment notification. Always download and refer to the official syllabus document for the most accurate and up-to-date topic list for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre.
- Visit the official website of Defence Research and Development Organisation using the link provided below
- Download and read the official notification carefully before filling the form
- Register / Login to the recruitment portal using your email and mobile number
- Fill the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details
- Upload scanned documents — photograph, signature, certificates — in the specified format and size
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI
- Review all entries carefully before final submission
- Submit the form and save or print the confirmation/acknowledgement page
Keep the following documents ready in digital form before starting the application. Physical originals are required at document verification after final selection.
- Recent passport-size photograph (JPG format, as per size specified in notification)
- Scanned signature on plain white paper
- Class 10th (Matriculation) certificate — as proof of date of birth
- Educational qualification certificates and all semester/year marksheets
- Caste/Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC/EWS — issued by a competent authority (if applicable)
- Persons with Disability (PwD) certificate from a government Medical Board (if applicable)
- Domicile / Residence certificate of the relevant state (if required)
- Aadhaar Card / Photo identity proof
- Experience certificate for posts requiring prior experience
- Any other document specifically mentioned in the official notification
The Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), on behalf of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced recruitment of 526 Scientist B posts across various disciplines including Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics, Physics, and Chemistry. Scientist B is an entry-level Group A Gazetted Officer position offering one of the most prestigious and technically challenging careers in India's defence research sector.
Candidates holding a B.E. or B.Tech degree in the relevant engineering or science discipline from a recognized university are eligible. The minimum percentage required is 60% marks for general/OBC candidates. The age limit is 18 to 28 years, with standard relaxations for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and PwD (10 years) candidates.
The selection process involves the RAC Scientist Entry Test (SET), a rigorous two-paper online examination testing domain knowledge in the relevant technical subject along with general aptitude. Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview to assess their research aptitude, communication skills, and technical depth. Final selection is on the basis of combined performance in written test and interview.
Selected Scientist B officers are placed at Pay Level 10 under the 7th CPC, with a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month. The total cost-to-government (CTC) including HRA, DA, transport allowance, research allowance, and other benefits can exceed ₹1.2 lakh per month in metro cities. DRDO also offers excellent research facilities, foreign training opportunities, and fast-track promotion for high performers.
Government engineering departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs) such as DRDO, ISRO, BHEL, NTPC, ONGC, GAIL, HPCL, and IOCL are among India's premier employers of engineering talent. These organisations work on cutting-edge projects in defence technology, space exploration, power generation, oil and gas, and infrastructure. Engineering roles in the government sector offer competitive salaries (often at par with the private sector), job security, research opportunities, and the chance to contribute to nation-building projects. Recruitment is typically done through GATE scores, direct written tests, or department-specific examinations conducted by UPSC or SSC.
Follow these expert preparation tips to maximise your chances of success in DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre and similar Engineering recruitment examinations:
- Core Engineering — Revise fundamentals of your branch — Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, or Computer Science — from degree-level references.
- Key Technical Topics — For Mechanical: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, SOM. For Electrical: Circuits, Machines. For Civil: Structural Analysis, RCC.
- Engineering Mathematics — Cover Linear Algebra, Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability, and Statistics — commonly asked in PSU and GATE-based exams.
- GATE Preparation — For DRDO, BHEL, ONGC, and similar PSU recruitments, a strong GATE score is often the primary selection criteria. Target GATE seriously.
- Aptitude & Reasoning — Non-technical sections include Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and English. Practice these to maximise overall score.
- Previous Papers — Solve SSC JE, RRB JE, and PSU-specific previous papers to understand the question pattern and calibrate your preparation.
Consistent preparation, regular revision, and timed mock test practice are the most reliable strategies to crack any government examination. Stay disciplined and trust the process.
A career in Engineering offers a well-defined promotion structure. Here is the typical career progression for officers selected through DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre and similar recruitments:
Promotion timelines and pay scales are indicative based on 7th CPC structure and departmental rules. Actual promotions depend on vacancies, DPC decisions, APAR/ACR grading, and departmental examinations. Benefits include annual increments (3% of basic pay), periodic Dearness Allowance (DA) revisions, LTC, medical, and post-retirement pension under NPS/OPS.
The following books are widely recommended by toppers and coaching experts for Engineering examination preparation. These cover the core subjects tested in DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre and similar recruitments:
In addition to books, subscribe to monthly current affairs magazines (Pratiyogita Darpan, Chronicle, Competition Success Review) and practise on online mock test platforms (Oliveboard, Testbook, Adda247) to improve speed and accuracy. Quality of preparation matters far more than quantity of books — master a few good books thoroughly rather than reading many superficially.
Q1. What is the last date to apply for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre?
The last date to submit the online application for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre is 11 Jul 2026. Candidates are strongly advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues on the official portal, which often experiences heavy traffic close to the closing date. No applications are accepted after the deadline under any circumstances.
Q2. What is the total number of vacancies in DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre?
A total of 526 Posts vacancies have been announced for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre. These positions are distributed across different categories — General (UR), OBC, SC, ST, and EWS — as per the reservation policy of the Government of India. The category-wise breakup is available in the official notification. Candidates belonging to reserved categories should check the relaxation in eligibility criteria available to them.
Q3. What is the salary offered for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre?
Selected candidates for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre will receive a monthly salary of ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 as per the 7th Pay Commission pay structure. Beyond the basic pay, government employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA based on city classification), Transport Allowance (TA), medical reimbursement, and other benefits as per government norms. Additionally, employees receive annual increments, periodic DA revisions, and post-retirement pension, making the total compensation package highly competitive.
Q4. What is the age limit to apply for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre?
The age limit for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre is 18 to 28 years as on the specified cutoff date. Age relaxation is available as follows: SC/ST: +5 yrs, OBC: +3 yrs, PwD: +10 yrs. Candidates must calculate their age carefully as on the cutoff date mentioned in the official notification. Age proof (10th certificate is generally accepted) must be uploaded during the application process.
Q5. What is the educational qualification required for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre?
The minimum educational qualification required to apply for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre is B.E. / B.Tech in relevant engineering discipline from a recognized university. This qualification must have been obtained from a recognised university or institution approved by the relevant regulatory body (UGC, AICTE, etc.). The qualification must be completed on or before the last date of application unless the notification specifically provides otherwise. Candidates who are in the final year of the required qualification may also check if they are eligible to apply provisionally.
Q6. How to apply online for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre?
To apply for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre, follow these steps: First, visit the official website of Defence Research and Development Organisation. Find the active recruitment section and click on the DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre notification link. Register yourself using your active email ID and mobile number. Log in with your credentials and carefully fill out the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details. Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and other required documents in the specified format and file size. Pay the applicable application fee online through Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI. Review all entries before final submission. After submitting, download and print the application confirmation page for future reference.
Q7. What is the application fee for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre?
General/OBC/EWS: ₹100 | SC/ST/PwD/Women/ESM: Nil. The application fee is non-refundable once submitted. Payment must be made online through the official portal using Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI. SC, ST, and PwD candidates may be exempt from or entitled to a reduced fee — please verify in the official notification.
Q8. What is the selection process for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre?
The selection for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre is done through the following stages: Online Exam (RAC SET) → Interview → Merit List → Medical Examination. Candidates must qualify each stage to proceed to the next. The final merit list is prepared based on the cumulative performance across all qualifying stages. Physical Standards Test (PST) and Medical Examination may also be part of the selection for certain posts. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the detailed exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme for each stage.
Q9. What documents are required to apply for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre?
The following documents are generally required when applying for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre: (1) Recent passport-size photograph in JPG/JPEG format within the specified file size. (2) Scanned signature on white paper. (3) Class 10th certificate for date of birth proof. (4) Educational qualification certificates and marksheets. (5) Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC/EWS — issued by a competent authority (if applicable). (6) PwD certificate from a Medical Board (if applicable). (7) Domicile or Residence Certificate (if required for the post). (8) Experience certificate (for posts requiring prior experience). Documents must be clear, self-attested, and within the specified size. Original documents are required at the time of document verification after selection.
Q10. Is DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre a permanent government job?
Yes, DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre offers regular, permanent government employment with Defence Research and Development Organisation. As a Central Government position, it follows the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) pay structure with annual increments, biannual Dearness Allowance revisions, pension (NPS/OPS), and retirement benefits. Government employees also enjoy job security, promotions on time scales, medical facilities, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), housing (or HRA), and various other allowances — making this among the most stable and comprehensive career options available in India.
Q11. Where can I find the official notification for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre?
The official notification for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre is published on the official website of Defence Research and Development Organisation. The direct link to the official portal is https://drdo.gov.in. The notification document contains all critical information including eligibility criteria, vacancy details, exam pattern and syllabus, important dates, application procedure, fee structure, and selection process. Candidates are strongly advised to download and read the complete official notification before filling out the application form to avoid any errors or omissions that may lead to rejection.
Q12. Is there negative marking in DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre?
The negative marking policy for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre depends on the specific exam stage. Most Computer Based Tests (CBTs) conducted by central government bodies like SSC, UPSC, and RRB carry a penalty of 0.25 or 0.50 marks per wrong answer. State-level police and teaching exams typically have no negative marking. For banking exams, 0.25 marks are deducted per wrong answer. The exact negative marking scheme for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre is mentioned in the official notification and admit card. Candidates should always verify the marking scheme before the exam and avoid random guessing when negative marking is applicable — instead, attempt only questions you are reasonably confident about.
Q13. Can final year students apply for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre?
As per standard government recruitment rules, candidates applying for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre must have completed the required qualification of B.E. / B.Tech in relevant engineering discipline from a recognized university by the last date of application, unless the official notification specifically permits final year students to apply provisionally. In many central government recruitments (SSC, UPSC, PSUs), final year students are allowed to apply and appear in the exam provisionally — but they must submit proof of completing the qualification at the time of document verification or before joining. State government recruitments vary in this regard. Always read the Eligibility Criteria section of the official notification carefully to confirm whether provisional applications are accepted for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre.
Q14. Is the DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre exam conducted online (Computer Based Test) or offline (OMR-based)?
The examination mode for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre is specified in the official notification. Most major central government recruitments — including SSC, UPSC, RRB, IBPS, and SBI — now conduct all stages as Computer Based Tests (CBTs) at NIELIT-empanelled test centres across India. Candidates log in to the test centre system, read questions on screen, and mark answers using the mouse — no pen or OMR sheet is required. State-level recruitments — particularly state police, state PSC preliminary exams, and some state teacher recruitments — may still conduct exams in the traditional OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) pen-and-paper mode. The specific mode (CBT/Online or OMR/Offline) for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre will be clearly mentioned in the official admit card and notification. Candidates must carry a valid photo ID on the day of examination regardless of the exam mode.
Q15. What is the probation / training period after selection in DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre?
After selection in DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre, newly appointed candidates undergo a mandatory probation and training period before they are confirmed in service. For central government posts recruited through SSC, the probation period is typically 2 years. For UPSC-recruited civil servants (IAS, IPS, IFS), the Foundation Course at LBSNAA lasts 2 years. Banking probationary officers serve a 2-year probation. Defence officers complete 1-year training at their respective academies (IMA, AFA, INA). Teaching posts generally carry 1-2 year probation at DIET or SCERT. During the probation period, candidates receive full pay and allowances as per their pay scale. They may also be required to pass departmental examinations and practical training assessments before their service is confirmed. Failure to satisfactorily complete the probation period can lead to extension or termination of service.
Q16. When will the admit card for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre be released?
The admit card (also called Hall Ticket or Call Letter) for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre is typically released 10–15 days before the scheduled examination date on the official website of Defence Research and Development Organisation. For SSC exams, admit cards are available on the SSC regional websites 1-3 weeks before the exam. For UPSC, it is released about 3 weeks before. For RRB, it is available approximately 4 days before the CBT date. For banking exams (IBPS, SBI), call letters are available on the official banking portal about 7-14 days before. Candidates are required to download their admit card from the official website — it is NOT sent by post. You will need your registration number and date of birth to download it. Always download and take 2-3 colour printouts of your admit card. Carrying a valid government-issued photo ID alongside the admit card is compulsory at the examination centre.
Q17. What is the age calculation cutoff date for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre?
The age of a candidate for DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre is calculated as on the cutoff date mentioned in the official notification — this is usually the last date of application or the 1st of January of the recruitment year, depending on the recruiting body. For SSC exams, age is calculated as on 1st January of the year. For UPSC Civil Services, it is 1st August. For RRB, it is the date of notification. For Banking (IBPS/SBI), it is the first day of the month of the notification. For state police and state PSC, it is typically 1st January or the last date of application as specified. For DRDO Scientist B 2026 — Recruitment and Assessment Centre, the maximum age is 28 years, with relaxation available as: SC/ST: +5 yrs, OBC: +3 yrs, PwD: +10 yrs. Candidates must calculate their age accurately as on the specified cutoff date and ensure they are within the age limit before applying.