Table Of Contents
DRDO RAC Scientist B 2026: Recruitment Notification, Vacancies, Apply Online — Highlights
| Recruiting Body | Defence Research and Development Organisation |
|---|---|
| Application Mode | Online |
| Eligibility |
|
| Age Limit | —–28 years (as on Date specified in the notification — typically last date of application) |
हिंदी में सारांश (Hindi Summary)
रक्षा अनुसंधान एवं विकास संगठन (DRDO) के रिक्रूटमेंट एंड असेसमेंट सेंटर (RAC) ने साइंटिस्ट "B" 2026 भर्ती अधिसूचना जारी की है। यह पद Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, Aeronautical, Chemical सहित 20+ इंजीनियरिंग और साइंस स्ट्रीम के लिए हैं। न्यूनतम योग्यता B.E./B.Tech (65% / CGPA 6.75) या M.Sc/M.E./M.Tech, आयु 28 वर्ष। चयन GATE स्कोर + इंटरव्यू के माध्यम से। पे स्केल Level 10। आवेदन rac.gov.in पर। रक्षा अनुसंधान में सीधी वैज्ञानिक नियुक्ति।
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Awaited (typically Q1–Q2 each cycle) |
| Application Window | Approx 3 weeks from notification |
| Written Test (CoT) | Approx 2 months after notification |
| Interview Shortlist | Approx 4–6 weeks after CoT |
| Personal Interview | Approx 6–10 weeks after shortlist |
| Final Result | Approx 4–6 weeks after interview |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| UR / OBC / EWS / Male candidates | ₹100 | Online via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card or UPI |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female candidates | ₹0 | Exempt |
Vacancy Details
Total Vacancies: TBA — pending official notification
| Post Name | Total |
|---|---|
| Scientist B — Engineering disciplines (CoT) | TBA |
| Scientist B — Specialised disciplines | TBA |
Eligibility & Age Limit
Age Limit: —–28 years as on Date specified in the notification — typically last date of application
OBC: +3 years; SC/ST: +5 years; PwBD: +10 years (UR), +13 years (OBC), +15 years (SC/ST). Departmental candidates with 3+ years' DRDO service get +5 years.
Educational Qualification:
- Engineering disciplines (CoT route): B.E./B.Tech in the relevant engineering discipline with first class (minimum 60% aggregate, or CGPA 6.75 / 10) — Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Computer Science, Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, Metallurgy, Chemical and allied branches as specified in the cycle notification.
- GATE-route alternative: A valid GATE score in the relevant discipline with the cut-off declared by RAC for the cycle. GATE score validity is typically 3 years.
- Specialised disciplines (tabulation): Master's degree (M.Sc / M.Tech / M.E) in the specialised area (materials, aerospace, life sciences) with first class — direct interview without written test.
Nationality: Indian citizens only.
Selection Process
- Written Test (CoT)
- Interview Shortlisting
- Personal Interview
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official portal of DRDO (linked in Important Links below).
- Register with a valid email and mobile number to generate login credentials.
- Fill the application form with personal, educational, and contact details exactly as on official documents.
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph and signature in the prescribed format and size.
- Pay the application fee through the prescribed payment mode (see Application Fee table above).
- Review all entries carefully, then submit the form.
- Download and print a copy of the submitted application for your records.
Resultpedia is independent and not affiliated with Defence Research and Development Organisation. The official application link is in the Important Links section at the bottom of this page — verify all details on the official portal before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for DRDO Scientist B posts?
B.E./B.Tech graduates in Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, Metallurgy or Chemical engineering with first class (60% aggregate or CGPA 6.75/10) are eligible for the engineering-discipline route. M.Sc/M.Tech postgraduates in materials science, aerospace, life sciences and other specialised areas can apply via the tabulation route — direct interview without written test.
Does DRDO accept GATE scores?
Yes. DRDO RAC accepts a valid GATE score (typically last 3 years) as an alternative to the Centralised Online Test (CoT) for engineering-discipline Scientist B posts. The cut-off varies by discipline and cycle. Candidates can choose either route — GATE-route applicants are merged into the same merit list as CoT applicants for interview shortlisting.
How does DRDO RAC differ from ISRO Scientist recruitment?
Both recruit B.E./B.Tech graduates at Pay Level 10 entry-level, but DRDO has broader discipline coverage (50+ labs across Aeronautical, Naval, Missiles, Electronics Warfare, Life Sciences) versus ISRO's focus on aerospace systems. DRDO accepts GATE scores; ISRO conducts its own descriptive written test. DRDO has more vacancies per cycle (200–300 vs ISRO's 60–110). Engineers often apply to both.
What is the salary of a DRDO Scientist B?
Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 starting basic) under the 7th CPC, with gross in-hand approximately ₹90,000–1,00,000/month in metro postings. Allowances include DA, HRA (24% X-class cities), Transport Allowance plus DRDO-specific Project Allowance (typically 25% of basic) on operational projects. Total CTC at entry level is approximately ₹13–15 lakh per annum.
Where are DRDO Scientist postings allocated?
DRDO has 50+ laboratories across India — Hyderabad (DRDL, ASL), Bengaluru (ADE, CABS, GTRE), Pune (ARDE, HEMRL, R&DE), Dehradun (DEAL, IRDE), Delhi (DIPAS, DRDE Gwalior nearby), Kanpur (CFEES) and many regional labs. Posting depends on lab vacancy, discipline match and the candidate's preference indicated during the application. Inter-lab transfer is possible after 3 years of service.
How can I prepare for the DRDO CoT written test?
The CoT engineering section mirrors GATE syllabus closely — so GATE preparation material works well. Focus on core engineering subjects (75% weightage) plus aptitude and general knowledge (25%). Use our syllabus hub for GATE-aligned topic weightage and previous papers for past CoT and GATE papers. Parallel PSU recruitments are tracked on the engineering jobs hub.