DRDO SCIENTISTS Recruitment 2026 Out: Check Notification, Vacancies & Apply Online Link

DRDO invites applications for 33 scientist positions across grades C, D, and E via RAC portal until June 19, 2026.The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has started the application process for the recruitment of scientists in various grades. Candidates can apply online through the Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC) portal at rac.gov.in.The recruitment drive aims to fill 33 vacancies for the posts of Scientist C, Scientist D and Scientist E. The last date to submit the application form is June 19, 2026, till 4 pm.

DRDO SCIENTISTS Recruitment 2026 Highlights

Here is a quick look at the main highlights of the DRDO Scientist recruitment drive:

DRDO SCIENTISTS Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF

The official notification contains all the detailed rules, specific department vacancies, and guidelines for candidates. It was released on May 30, 2026. You must read through it to understand the requirements of your specific field.

• DRDO Scientist Notification PDF: You can download the complete Advertisement No. 157 directly from the official RAC portal at rac.gov.in under the active advertisements section

DRDO SCIENTISTS Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF

DRDO SCIENTISTS Recruitment 2026 Apply Link

The online registration window is currently active. Make sure to complete your application before the closing time to avoid last-minute website slow-downs.

DRDO SCIENTISTS Recruitment 2026 Apply Link

DRDO SCIENTISTS Recruitment 2026 Vacancy 

A total of 33 seats are available under this lateral recruitment drive. All announced vacancies fall under the Unreserved (UR) category. Here is how the posts are split:

How to apply for DRDO SCIENTISTS Recruitment 2026 pointwise

Applying for these posts is entirely online. Follow these straightforward steps to complete your submission:

1. Visit the Website: Go to the official website of the Recruitment and Assessment Centre at rac.gov.in.

2. New Registration: Click on the registration link. Provide a valid email ID and mobile number. Verify them using the OTP sent to you.

3. Log In: Use your new login details to sign into the portal and locate Advertisement No. 157.

4. Fill the Form: Carefully type in your personal details, educational scores, and details about your previous work experience.

5. Upload Documents: Upload clear scanned copies of your passport-size photo, signature, degree certificates, and official experience certificates.

6. Pay the Fee: Pay the application fee of ₹100 online (if applicable). General, OBC, and EWS male candidates need to pay this fee.

7. Submit and Save: Review your details one final time. Submit the application form before June 19, 2026 (4:00 PM) and print out the confirmation page for your records.

Note: Women candidates, SC, ST, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) are fully exempted from paying the application fee.

DRDO SCIENTISTS Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for these roles, you must fulfill three major conditions: nationality, education, and age/experience limits.

1. Nationality

• You must be a citizen of India.

2. Educational Qualification

• You must have a First Division degree (at least 60% marks or a CGPA of 6.75 out of 10) in a relevant field.

• Eligible fields include Electronics & Communication, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics.

3. Age Limit & Experience (As of June 19, 2026)

• Scientist C: Maximum age is 35 years. You must have at least 3 years of post-qualification research or industrial experience.

• Scientist D: Maximum age is 45 years. You must have at least 7 years of relevant experience.

• Scientist E: Maximum age is 45 years. You must have at least 11 years of relevant experience.

DRDO SCIENTISTS Recruitment 2026 Selection Process

Getting selected as a scientist in DRDO follows a multi-stage process to pick the best minds:

• Stage 1 (Administrative Screening): The authorities check your application form to verify your identity, age, qualifications, and exact length of experience.

• Stage 2 (Technical Screening Level I): A committee reviews your biodata and filters candidates based on deeper experience or higher qualifications (like holding a Master's or Ph.D.).

• Stage 3 (Technical Screening Level II): If there are too many applicants, a short preliminary online interview (around 10 to 15 minutes) is conducted to filter candidates further.

• Stage 4 (Final Personal Interview): Shortlisted candidates will face a final selection board in person at RAC, Delhi. To be selected, you must score at least 75 out of 100 marks in this interview.

DRDO SCIENTISTS Recruitment 2026 Salary & Job Profile

Working at DRDO provides both high financial rewards and immense professional respect. The selected candidates will receive a basic salary along with central government allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and medical transport benefits.

• Scientist C: Placed in Pay Level 11. The starting basic pay is ₹67,700 per month.

• Scientist D: Placed in Pay Level 12. The starting basic pay is ₹78,800 per month.

• Scientist E: Placed in Pay Level 13. The starting basic pay is ₹1,23,100 per month.

Job Profile

As a DRDO Scientist, you will work on cutting-edge defence technologies inside advanced laboratories. Your daily tasks will include designing equipment, conducting high-level research experiments, managing engineering projects, and collaborating with military experts to build systems that strengthen the nation's security.