DRDO Recruitment 2026 – Scientist, CEPTAM, Apprentice, JRF & Technician Vacancies
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India’s premier defence research agency under the Ministry of Defence. DRDO conducts recruitment throughout the year for various positions including Scientists, Engineers, Apprentices, Technicians, Junior Research Fellows (JRF), Research Associates (RA), and Administrative Staff. DRDO operates through more than 50 laboratories and establishments across India and provides excellent career opportunities for engineering, science, diploma, and ITI candidates.
DRDO Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Defence |
| Recruitment Year | 2026 |
| Job Type | Central Government |
| Application Mode | Online/Offline |
| Selection Process | Exam/Interview/Merit |
| Job Location | Across India |
Latest DRDO Recruitments in 2026
Several DRDO laboratories and the Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) have announced vacancies during 2026.
1. DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026
The Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) released Scientist C, D, and E recruitment for experienced professionals in various engineering and science disciplines. A total of 33 vacancies were announced.
Major Disciplines
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Physics
- Materials Science
2. DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2026
DRDO laboratories have announced apprenticeship opportunities for:
- Graduate Apprentices
- Diploma Apprentices
- ITI Apprentices
Several laboratories including DEAL Dehradun have announced apprenticeship programs. One recent notification included 77 apprenticeship vacancies.
3. DRDO Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) Recruitment 2026
DRDO laboratories regularly recruit Junior Research Fellows.
Recent recruitment:
- DRDO CVRDE announced 16 JRF vacancies
- Monthly fellowship: ₹37,000 + HRA
4. DRDO Internship Programme 2026
DRDO laboratories including LRDE Bengaluru announced internship programs.
LRDE Internship Highlights
- Total Vacancies: 75
- Duration: 6 Months
- Stipend: ₹5,000 per month
- Eligible: BE/BTech, ME/MTech, MSc students
DRDO Posts Available in 2026
Candidates can apply for various posts such as:
- Scientist B
- Scientist C
- Scientist D
- Scientist E
- Senior Technical Assistant
- Technician
- Administrative Assistant
- Junior Research Fellow
- Research Associate
- Graduate Apprentice
- Diploma Apprentice
- ITI Apprentice
- Project Assistant
- Technical Assistant
- Research Scientist
Educational Qualification
Scientist Posts
Candidates should possess:
- BE/BTech
- ME/MTech
- MSc
- PhD (for senior scientific posts)
Most scientist recruitments require a valid GATE score.
CEPTAM Technical Posts
Candidates should possess:
- Diploma in Engineering
- BSc Degree
- First Class qualification (generally 60%)
Apprenticeship Posts
Candidates should possess:
- ITI
- Diploma
- BE/BTech
- Graduation depending on the post.
Age Limit
| Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | 18–27 Years |
| Technician | 18–28 Years |
| Scientist B | Up to 35 Years |
| Scientist C/D/E | Up to 50 Years |
| JRF | Up to 28 Years |
Age relaxation is applicable as per Government of India rules.
Salary Structure
| Post | Salary |
|---|---|
| Scientist B | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Scientist C | ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700 |
| Scientist D | ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200 |
| Scientist E | ₹1,23,100 – ₹2,15,900 |
| JRF | ₹37,000 + HRA |
| Apprentice | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Technician | ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 |
DRDO CEPTAM Recruitment 2026
The Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM) conducts recruitment for:
- Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B)
- Technician-A
- Administrative & Allied Cadre
CEPTAM Eligibility
- Diploma holders
- BSc graduates
- ITI candidates
The age limit for CEPTAM posts is generally 18–28 years.
Selection Process
The selection process varies according to the post.
Scientist Recruitment
- GATE Score Shortlisting
- Personal Interview
- Final Merit List
CEPTAM Recruitment
- Tier-I Examination
- Tier-II Examination
- Skill Test
- Document Verification
Apprenticeship Recruitment
- Merit List
- Document Verification
JRF Recruitment
- Shortlisting
- Written Test (if applicable)
- Interview
Benefits of Working in DRDO
Working in DRDO offers several advantages:
✅ Central Government job security
✅ Attractive salary and allowances
✅ Defence research exposure
✅ Pension and retirement benefits
✅ Career growth opportunities
✅ Work on advanced defence technologies
✅ Opportunities for higher education and research
✅ Exposure to national security projects
Check Other Links
How to Apply for DRDO Recruitment 2026
Step 1
Visit the official DRDO recruitment website.
Step 2
Select the desired recruitment notification.
Step 3
Check eligibility criteria.
Step 4
Complete online registration.
Step 5
Upload required documents.
Step 6
Submit the application and save the confirmation page.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- SSLC/PUC Marks Card
- Degree/Diploma Certificates
- GATE Score Card (if applicable)
- Category Certificate
- Experience Certificate
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is DRDO a permanent government job?
Yes. Scientist and technical posts are permanent central government positions. Apprenticeships and internships are temporary training programs.
Is GATE compulsory for DRDO Scientist recruitment?
Yes, most Scientist B recruitments require a valid GATE score.
Is there a written exam for DRDO Scientist recruitment?
Generally, candidates are shortlisted through GATE scores and called for interviews.
Can ITI candidates apply for DRDO?
Yes. DRDO regularly recruits ITI candidates through CEPTAM and apprenticeship programs.
What is the salary of a DRDO Scientist?
The starting salary of a Scientist B officer is around ₹56,100 per month plus allowances.
Official Links
The DRDO Recruitment 2026 cycle offers excellent opportunities for engineers, scientists, diploma holders, ITI candidates, and graduates to build careers in India’s premier defence research organization and contribute to cutting-edge defence technologies.
About the Organization
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) develops defence technologies.
🔹 Posts
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
- Internship
🔹 Eligibility
- B.Tech / M.Tech / M.Sc
🔹 Age Limit
- Around 28 years
🔹 Selection Process
- Interview / Merit
🔹 Salary
- ₹31,000/month (JRF)
🔹 Job Role
- Research in missiles, AI, defence systems
- Lab-based work
🔗 Apply Here