Tentative — pending official notification verification.
Dates, vacancy count and other figures on this page are based on the previous cycle and standard recruitment patterns.
Our editorial team will update every field within 30 minutes of DRDO releasing the official 2026 notification PDF.
Always confirm details on the
official portal
before paying any application fee.
By
Hiteshi Thakur
, Tech & Engineering Recruitment Editor
Published
Important Dates
Important dates for DRDO RAC Scientist B 2026: Recruitment Notification, Vacancies, Apply Online
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
Application fee by category for DRDO RAC Scientist B 2026: Recruitment Notification, Vacancies, Apply Online
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
Vacancy details by post for DRDO RAC Scientist B 2026: Recruitment Notification, Vacancies, Apply Online
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
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
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.
Verify all details on the official portal before applying.
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.