The Defence Research and Development Organisation also known as DRDO is the popular premier agency that operates under the Department of Defence Research and Development in the Ministry of Defence. This Ministry is a critical part of the Government of India. The respective department is responsible for the Indian military’s research and development.

What is the full form of DRDO?

DRDO stands for Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Is GATE exam compulsory for DRDO?

It is crucial to have a valid GATE score in the respective subject associated with the specialization of the position of interest, if a candidate wants to achieve a successful selection in DRDO.

What is DRDO entry test?

DRDO conducts a DRDO entry test to recruit candidates into the vacancies for the technical assistant and technician vacancies at this prestigious organization. Most candidates confuse this exam with the SET exam. You must also know for your knowledge that DRDO conducts a specific entry test known as the Scientist Entry Test (SET) that aims to recruit deserving candidates for the role of Group B scientist post vacancies in this prestigious organization.

What GATE score is required for DRDO?

DRDO accepts candidates with a particular GATE score according to the respective year’s cut-off. It depends on the position for which you are applying at this respective organization. According to the latest reports, the interested candidate must score above 890 to secure selection at the prestigious organization. In the years 2017 and 2019, the GATE cut-off score for DRDO selection was 875 and 775 marks respectively. Therefore, you must understand that to achieve selection at the organization with one of the DRDO careers, you must score much above the specified scores in the respective entrance exam.

What is the salary of DRDO engineer?

The DRDO engineer salary is a decent one, due to which several candidates are eager to work hard and achieve their dream job goals during the selection process. For instance, the basic salary structure of the DRDO scientist B position starts from Rs. 56,100 according to the Level-10 pay structure. The other aspects associated with the basic DRDO salary of the engineers are dearness allowance, travel allowance, HRA, and professional update allowance. It makes the total starting DRDO engineer salary for this position Rs. 68,307 and ranges up to Rs. 85,553. The salary of DRDO scientist ranges up to Rs. 2,26,000 in terms of basic pay.

Is 1 year sufficient for GATE preparation?

Yes, 1 year is sufficient for GATE preparation.

What is the maximum marks in GATE?

GATE is of 100 marks. GATE scores are calculated out of 1000.

What is the maximum age to attempt GATE?

There is no upper age limit to attempt GATE.

GATE is jointly conducted by 7 IITs and IISc Bangalore every year.

When to start preparing for GATE?

Those candidates who are aspiring to attempt GATE should start their GATE preparation from the second year of engineering.

Why are mock tests important for GATE preparation?

They help you understand the exam pattern, manage time efficiently, revise the syllabus, and identify weak areas.

How many mock tests should I take before the GATE exam?

Start with 1 test a week initially, increasing to 4–5 tests per week in the final 2 months before the exam.

Are GATE mock tests available for all engineering streams?

Yes, reputed platforms offer mock tests for all major GATE streams like Mechanical, Civil, CSE, ECE, and more.

Where can I find reliable GATE mock tests?

You can find quality mock tests online on platforms like MADE EASY, which are known for accurate and well-designed test series.

Do mock tests follow the actual GATE syllabus?

Yes, good mock test series are aligned with the latest GATE syllabus and exam trends.

Can mock tests predict real GATE questions?

While exact questions may not repeat, many mock test questions are similar in pattern and difficulty to actual GATE questions.

What types of tests should a mock test series include?

A good series includes topic-wise, subject-wise, and full syllabus tests for comprehensive preparation.

Are GATE mock tests taken online or offline?

Most mock tests are taken online to match the actual GATE exam mode, though offline versions are also available.

How do mock tests help in managing exam stress?

Regular practice builds familiarity with the exam environment, reduces anxiety, and boosts self-confidence.

Which is more tough, GATE or ESE?

Both exams are challenging; it depends upon the aspirant which exam they are targeting and what their aim is. If prepared well, neither of the exams is tough.

What is the basic salary after clearing ESE?

The basic pay after clearing ESE is Rs. 56100 as per the 7th pay commission. Selected candidates get TA, DA, HRA and many other allowances along with the basic pay.

Is engineering services a gazetted post?

Yes, engineering services is a gazetted post.

Which PSUs accept GATE score card for recruitment?

PSUs like ONGC, IOCL, PGCIL and many others accept GATE score card for recruitment of engineering candidates for the post of MT/AEE.

What is the main difference between GATE and ESE?

GATE is online exam for candidates aspiring to pursue higher studies or join PSUs, whereas ESE is an offline recruitment exam for various engineering services under the Government of India.

Can a candidate appear for both GATE and ESE exams?

Yes, a candidate can appear in both GATE and ESE.

What is the age limit for GATE?

There is no age limit for GATE. Anyone can appear in GATE.

How to study for general aptitude for GATE?

Familiarize yourself with the syllabus well, practice PYQs, use of reliable study material, maintaining the consistency etc. are some of the useful tips to study for general aptitude for GATE.

What is the syllabus of general aptitude for GATE?

Verbal Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, Analytical Aptitude and Spatial Aptitude are the key topics of the general aptitude syllabus for GATE.

What is general aptitude for GATE weightage?

15% is the weightage of general aptitude for GATE.

Is general aptitude the same for all branches in the GATE?

General aptitude syllabus is the same for all the branches. Yet the questions may vary.

Can I crack the GATE in 1 year?

With the right strategic approaches, consistency, a strong foundation, and dedication, one can crack the GATE in 1 year.

What is the pattern of GATE 2026?

Total 65 questions will be asked with three patterns of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Numerical Answer Type (NAT) in total of 100 marks. To learn about the exam pattern visit: GATE 2026 exam pattern: https://www.madeeasy.in/gate