DRDO Scientist Recruitment 2026 — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through its Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) has released Advertisement No. 157 for 33 vacancies across Scientist C, D, and E posts in the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) cadre. This is a lateral recruitment for experienced engineers and scientists from industry, academia, and government. Apply online at rac.gov.in before 19 June 2026 (4:00 PM). Salary: ₹67,700 to ₹1,23,100 per month.
About DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)
DRDO is India’s premier defence research agency under the Ministry of Defence, with 50+ laboratories across the country working on missiles, electronics, armaments, combat vehicles, advanced computing, and materials science. Advertisement No. 157 is a lateral recruitment — a direct entry route for experienced scientists and engineers from private industry, academia, PSUs, and government organizations. Unlike GATE-based Scientist B recruitment, this drive targets Scientist C, D, and E grades for senior technical positions. Selection involves no written exam — purely on interview performance (minimum 75% required).
DRDO Scientist 2026 Important Dates
DRDO Scientist 2026 Post Details & Salary
All posts are reserved for Unreserved (UR) category only — no reservation applies at Scientist C and above.
DRDO Scientist 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Key disciplines: Electronics & Communication, Computer Science/IT, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Oceanography, Materials Science, Aeronautics. See official notification for discipline-wise list.
Application Fee
Selection Process
- Administrative Screening — Application checked for age, qualification, and experience
- Technical Screening — Biodata evaluated by expert committee based on research profile
- Preliminary Online Interview — Only if very large number of candidates shortlisted
- Final Personal Interview — Before DRDO Selection Board at RAC, Delhi
- Minimum 75% marks in Final Interview required for selection
⚠️ No written exam. No GATE requirement. Purely interview-based selection.
Important Instructions
- →You can apply for multiple posts under Advt. 157. Submit a separate application for each post and mention item numbers of other posts applied for in order of preference.
- →PhD gives a maximum of 4 years experience weightage — but relevance of PhD to the specific post is assessed independently by RAC.
- →All 33 vacancies are Unreserved (UR). No category reservation applies at Scientist C and above — OBC/EWS age relaxation does not apply either.
- →Government employees must upload the CCA Declaration form signed by their competent authority before the closing date — no documents accepted after 4 PM on 19 June.
- →Experience certificates must be issued by Admin/HR Head, Director, or Principal Investigator — supervisor-only signatures are not accepted.
How to Apply for DRDO Scientist Recruitment 2026
- 1Visit official RAC portal at rac.gov.in
- 2Register as a new user with valid email ID and mobile number — verify via OTP
- 3Log in and open Advertisement No. 157
- 4Select the specific Scientist grade and discipline/item number(s) you are applying for
- 5Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and complete experience history with CTC/pay details
- 6Upload photograph, signature, experience certificates, degree certificates, and CCA declaration (if govt employee)
- 7Pay ₹100 fee online (NIL for SC/ST/PwBD/Women) through RAC payment gateway
- 8Submit before 19 June 2026 at 4:00 PM — no corrections after submission
Eligibility Quick Check
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Official Website
https://rac.gov.in (DRDO Recruitment & Assessment Centre)
⚠️ Only 5 days left! Apply for DRDO Scientist Recruitment 2026 before 19 June 2026 at 4:00 PM.
🔬 Apply Online — rac.gov.in