The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) has officially released Advertisement No. 157, launching a lateral recruitment drive for regular scientific positions.
If you are an experienced engineering or science professional looking to work in India’s premier defense research network, here is a breakdown of the vital updates, deadlines, and requirements you need to know.
📅 Key Dates to Remember
The application window is short, so make sure to submit everything before the server closes:
- Online Application Opened: May 30, 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: June 19, 2026 (by 4:00 PM IST)
💼 Vacancy Details & Pay Scales
A total of 33 vacancies have been announced across the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) cadre. Notably, all announced vacancies for this cycle fall under the Unreserved (UR) category.
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Minimum Post-Qualification Experience | Starting Basic Pay (7th CPC) | Maximum Age Limit |
| Scientist C | 20 | 3 Years | ₹67,700/month (Pay Level 11) | 35 Years |
| Scientist D | 11 | 7 Years | ₹78,800/month (Pay Level 12) | 45 Years |
| Scientist E | 02 | 11 Years | ₹1,23,100/month (Pay Level 13) | 45 Years |
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess a First Division degree (minimum 60% marks or a CGPA of 6.75 out of 10) from a recognized university in a relevant discipline. The primary eligible fields include:
- Computer Science & Engineering (AI/HPC/Embedded)
- Electronics & Communication Engineering (Antenna/5G/RF)
- Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering (High Energy Materials)
- Physics / Applied Physics / Mathematics
- Physiology / Pharmacology
Note on Higher Qualifications: If you possess an advanced degree, you can receive experience weightage equivalents: 2 years for a Master’s degree in Engineering, 3 years for a PhD in Science, and 4 years for a PhD in Engineering.
2. Age & Nationality
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
- Age Relaxations: Standard relaxations apply for specific categories (e.g., up to 10 years for Divyang/PwD candidates and up to 5 years for continuous Central Government employees).
🎯 Selection Process
Because this is a lateral entry drive for experienced individuals, the screening is highly comprehensive:
1.Administrative Screening:Phase 1.
Verification of all uploaded essential documents, experience certificates, and basic eligibility.
2.Technical Screening Level-I:Phase 2.
Bio-data-based technical evaluation assessing the relevance of your research, industrial experience, and higher qualifications.
3.Technical Screening Level-II:Phase 3.
A short preliminary online interview (typically lasting 10 to 15 minutes) to gauge fundamental technical alignment.
4.Final Personal Interview:Phase 4.
An in-depth in-person interview at the RAC center in Delhi. Final selection is strictly based on your performance in this interview.
📝 How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the official RAC Website.
- Register: Create a new user profile with your mobile number and email ID (verified via OTP).
- Fill Details: Fill out the forms under Advt. No. 157, documenting your exact employment timeline and academic history.
- Upload Documents: Attach scanned copies of your passport photo, signature, degree certificates, and official experience/NOC certificates.
- Application Fee: A nominal fee of ₹100 applies to General, OBC, and EWS male candidates. Women, SC, ST, and PwD candidates are completely exempted from paying this fee.
- Lock & Submit: Double-check all entries, as no correction window is permitted after locking your application.
For a deeper look into how the selection board evaluates applicants and a comprehensive review of the core eligibility standards, you can check out this DRDO RAC Scientist Notification Update Video. This video provides helpful insights into what to expect from the recruitment panel and outlines the typical interview structure used by India’s premier defense research organization.
