DRDO Careers : Defence Research and Development Organisation
All you need to know about DRDO
The Defence Research and Development Organization is the premier R&D agency of India. It works under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It was established in 1958 to make India self-reliant in the field of defense and to strengthen India’s defense capability. DRDO was founded by 3 organizations, viz., Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army, Directorate of Technical Development and Production (DTDP), and Defence Science Organization (DSO), along with the support of the Government of India. DRDO has been headed by many top personalities like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Currently, Dr. Samir V. Kamat is the head of DRDO.
DRDO envisions empowering India with cutting-edge defense technologies. With a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defense technologies and systems, DRDO equips the Indian armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment in accordance with the requirements laid down by the three services. DRDO has developed various self-reliant and successful indigenous developments, and the production of strategic systems and platforms has given a quantum jump to India’s military might.
Some of these developments include the following:
- Zorawar Light Tanks
- Agni 5 missiles
- Prithvi series of missiles
- Very Short Range Air Defense System
- Pinaka; Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher
- Akash air defense system, etc.
At present, DRDO is a network of more than 50 laboratories that are laboriously engaged in developing defense technologies covering various disciplines, like aeronautics, armaments, electronics, combat vehicles, engineering systems, instrumentation, missiles, advanced computing and simulation, special materials, naval systems, life sciences, training, information systems, and agriculture. Various DRDO projects are under development, like missiles, armaments, light combat aircraft, radars, electronic warfare systems, etc.
Before we learn about the important aspects associated with the DRDO projects and the selection of deserving candidates, let us find out the answers to some of the crucial questions linked to the DRDO.
What is DRDO?
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 for the technical assistant and technician vacancies at this prestigious organization. Most candidates confuse this exam with the SET exam. You must also know 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 the 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 a 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 ranges between Rs. 56,100/- to Rs. 1,00,000/‐ according to the 7th pay commission. The other aspects associated with the basic DRDO salary of the engineers are the dearness allowance, travel allowance, HRA, and professional update allowance.
Basic Pay of various posts under the DRDO recruitment:
| Posts | Basic Pay | Pay Matrix |
|---|---|---|
| DRDO scientist [B] | Rs 56,100 | 10 |
| DRDO scientist [C] | Rs 67,700 | 11 |
| DRDO scientist [D] | Rs 78,800 | 12 |
| DRDO scientist [E] | Rs 1,23,100 | 13 |
| DRDO scientist [F] | Rs 1,31,100 | 13A |
| DRDO Scientist [G] | Rs 1,44,200 | 14 |
| DRDO scientist [H] (Outstanding Scientist) | Rs 1,82,200 | 15 |
| Distinguished Scientist | Rs 2,05,400 | 16 |
| Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman | Rs 2,25,000 | 17 |
Some projects under the DRDO include the following:
| DRDO Expertise Area | Development |
|---|---|
| Aeronautics | Tapas BH 201 UAV, Rustom UAV, Nishant Drone, Lakshya Drone, LCA Tejas, NETRA , UAV Pawan etc. |
| Armaments and Combat Engineering Services | Small arms and light weapons: INSAS rifle, Ugram, ASMI Machine Pistol, Corner shot weapon system, 40 mm UBGL etc.
Explosives: HED, IM Class explosives, 500-kg Prefragmented bomb, Long range Glide Bomb (Gaurav) etc. Armaments and Combat Engineering System: Sarvatra multispan mobile bridge system, Arjun Catapult system, Armoured recovery vehicle, BHIM Self Propelled Howitzer (SPH), Bridge Layer Tank (BLT 72), Mobile Surveillance System etc. |
| Electronic and Communication System | Combat Net Radio, Dolphin II Submarine EW System SUJAV, AJANTA EW System, CATCH, COIN A, COIN B, GYPSY, Himshakti, Himraj, NAKSHATRA, SAMISHTI, VARUNA etc. |
| Naval Research and Development | Anti-Torpedo Decoy System (ATDS), Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Intergrated Anti-Submarine Warfare Complex, Multi Influence Ground Mines, Processor Based Exercise Mines, Processor Based Ground Mines, Submarine Fired Decoy (SFD), Varunastra, Tropedo Advanced Light (TAL), ABHAY, ALTASS, AIDSS, LFDS etc. |
| Missile Systems | ASTRA, Akash, Helina, QRSAM, Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile, Imaging Infra-red seeker system, Radio-Frequency Gimballed Seeker, Prithvi, Agni series, BrahMos, Nirbhay, Rudram Missiles, Nag Missiles, ASTA, Trishul etc. |
DRDO Labs
DRDO has multiple labs in the country for multiple technologies, some of which are mentioned in the table given below.
| Technology | Labs |
|---|---|
| Naval System and Materials | 1. Defence lab Jodhpur
2. Defence Materials and Store Research and Development Establishment 3. Defence Metallurgical Research Lab 4. DRDO Young Scientist Lab-AI 5. DRDO Young Scientist Lab-Smart Materials 6. Naval Materials Research Lab 7. Naval Physical & Oceanographic Lab 8. Naval Science and Technological Lab |
| Aeronautical Systems | 1. Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment
2. Aeronautical Development Establishment 3. Centre for Airborne Systems 4. Gas Turbine Research Establishment |
| Armaments and Combat Engineering Services | 1. Armament Research and Development Establishment
2. Centre for Fire, Explosives and Environment Safety 3. Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment 4. High Energy Material Research Lab 5. Proof and Experimental Establishment 6. Research and Development Establishment 7. Vehicle Research and Development Establishment |
| Missiles and Strategic Systems | 1. Advanced System Lab
2. Defence Research and Development Lab 3. DRDO Young Scientist lab-Asymmetric Technologies 4. Research Centre Imarat 5. Terminal Ballistics Research Lab
|
| Electronics and Communication Systems | 1. Defence Electronics Application Lab
2. Defence Electronics Research Lab 3. DRDO Young Scientist Lab-Cognitive Technologies 4. Electronics and Radar Development Establishment 5. Instruments Research and Development Establishment |
| Soldier Support System | 1. Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Lab
2. Defence Food Research Lab 3. Defence Institute of High Altitude Research 4. Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Science 5. Defence Institute of Physiological Research 6. Defence Research and Development Establishment 7. Defence Research Lab 8. Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences |
| Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems & Cyber Systems | 1. Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robots
2. DRDO Young Scientist Lab-AI 3. DRDO Young Scientist Lab-Quantum Technologies 4. Institute for System Studies and Analysis 5. Scientific Analysis Group 6. Solid State Physics Lab
|
DRDO Recruitment
RAC [Recruitment and Assessment Centre, DRDO]
RAC, the Recruitment and Assessment Centre of DRDO was set up on 23 July 1985 after getting an exemption from the purview of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is situated at Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi.
In order to hire scientists in a variety of scientific and engineering fields relevant to DRDO Laboratories, RAC has implemented a number of recruitment programs. Through properly constituted Assessment Boards/Peer Committees, RAC has also evaluated the suitability of DRDO scientists for promotion to the next higher grade.
The primary responsibilities of RAC
- Recruitment of Scientists (Group ‘A’ Class 1 Gazetted Post) in DRDO
- Assessments of Scientists of DRDO for promotion to the next higher grades
- Selection of candidates for higher study courses (ME/ M. Tech/ MSc Engg) under the Research and Training Scheme of DRDO and the Post Graduate Training Scheme of the Army, Navy, and Air Force
- Any other assignment specified by the Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO.
Every year, DRDO releases notifications for the recruitment of candidates to various posts of DRDO.
*DRDO Job Notification for 2025 to hire scientist B
A brief about the vacancies along with the necessary information is given below:
- Scientist
Generally, every year, DRDO employs highly qualified and competent scientists and technologists who constitute the Group ‘A’ (Class I Gazetted) Service known as Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) on the basis of GATE score.
Eligible branches: Electronics & Comm. Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematics and various other. In the table below, we are providing the educational qualifications of some branches. Candidates can read the detailed notification for more information.
Educational Qualification:
| Main Branch | Educational Qualification | Eligible branches |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics & Comm. Engineering |
|
1. Electronics & Communication Engg
2. Electronics Engg 3. Electronics & Computer Engg 4. Electronics & Control Engg 5. Electronics & Communication System Engg 6. Electronics & Instrumentation Engg 7. Electronics & Tele- Communication Engg 8. Electronics & Telematics Engg 9. Industrial Electronics Engg 10. Tele Communication Engg 11. Telecommunication & Information Tech 12. Applied Electronics & Instrumentation Engg 13. Electronics & Electrical Communication Engg 14. Electrical with Communication Engg 15. Radio Physics & Electronics 16. Electrical Engg 17. Electrical & Electronics Engg 18. Electronics & Communication Engg (Avionics) 19. Any other relevant discipline with qualifying degree which mentions ‘Electronics’ as the main discipline |
| Mechanical Engineering |
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| Computer Science & Engineering |
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| Chemical Engineering |
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| Chemistry |
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| Mathematics |
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| Electrical Engineering |
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| Civil Engineering |
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| Material Science & Engineering/ Metallurgical Engineering |
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| Textile Engineering |
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Pay Scale
A candidate selected for the post of scientist B will get a basic pay INR 56,100 as per the 7th Pay commission along with other allowances. Total emoluments at the time of joining will be roughly INR 1,00,000/- per month in metro cities (likely to be revised as per the recommendations of central government).
All selected Scientists ‘B’ for DRDO may be requisite to go through Post Induction Training in the beginning. As per the Central Government rules, chosen applicants will have the responsibility to serve anywhere in India including distant/ field area locations.
Apart from the salary some welfare/ facilities are also offered by DRDO, which are:
- Dearness Allowance
- Perquisites and Allowance as per cafeteria
- Performance Related Pay
- Company Leased Accommodation / Company Quarters or HRA
- Reimbursement of monthly conveyance expenditure
- Mobile facility
- Short and Long Term Loans & Advances
- Medical facilities for self and dependents
- Group Insurance
- Provident Fund
- Gratuity
- Pension
DRDO Recruitment: Age Limit
The upper age of the candidate for recruitment as a scientist B in DRDO is 35 years. However, age relaxation is provided to certain categories of students based on government directions. The maximum relaxation in the upper age limit is as follows:
- For SC/ST Category Candidates: Upto 05 years
- For OBC (Non Creamy Layer) Category Candidates: Upto 03 years
- For PWD Candidates: Upto 10 years
- For PWD (OBC) Candidates: Upto 13 years
- For PWD (SC/ST) Candidates: Upto 15 years
- Serving Central Civilian Govt. employees: Upto 05 years
Selection Process:
The selection for the post of scientist is on the basis of GATE examination result. Once the result for the GATE examination is released, the candidates are called for the interview. The weightage for the two is as follows:
Part 1 Subjects: Written Test – 80% weightage + Personal Interview – 20% weightage
Part 2 Subjects: GATE – 80% weightage + Personal Interview – 20% weightage
Cut-off
Based on the GATE exam difficulty, and the amount of candidates who applied for the exam, the cut-off for DRDO is released every year.
- Junior Research Fellowship
Educational Qualifications:
- Graduate degree in professional course (B.E/B. Tech) in Electronics with first division from a recognised university with GATE Or
- Postgraduate degree in professional course (ME/M. Tech) in Electronics with first division from recognised university both at Graduate and Post Graduate level.
Age Limit: The upper age limit for the post is 28 years. However, some relaxation is offered to various categories of students.
The Upper age limit is relaxable by 5 years for SC/ ST candidates and by 3 years for OBC candidates.
DRDO LRDE Recruitment – Selection Process:
A screening committee shortlists the candidates based on their qualifications and other details mentioned in the form. Candidates shortlisted by the screening committee will be called for the interview.
Type of Fellowship offered by DRDO
DRDO offers various research fellowships, and the information regarding the same is as mentioned below.
| Type of Fellowship | Minimum Educational qualification | Upper age Limit | Emoluments (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow
(JRF) |
Post Graduate degree in Basic Science or Psychology in First Division with NET qualification.
or Graduate degree in professional course (B.E./B.Tech) in First Division with NET/GATE. or Post graduate degree in professional course (M.E./M.Tech) in First Division both at Graduate and Post graduate level. or Degree in medical Science (MBBS) or Dental Science (BDS), in First Division |
28 years | Rs. 31000/-
+ HRA |
| Senior Research Fellow
(SRF) |
Upgraded from JRF after two years on the basis of recommendation of Internal Assessment Committee constituted by Head of the Lab/Estt. | 32 years | Rs. 35000/-
+ HRA |
| Research Associate
(RA) |
PhD/MD/MS/MDS or equivalent degree or having 3 years of research, teaching or design and development experience after MSc/M.Pharm/ME/M.Tech with atleast one research paper in Science Citation indexed (SCI) Journal. | 35 years | Rs. 54000/-
+ HRA |
Research Fellows are also entitled to a Contingency grant up to a maximum of Rs. 15,000 per annum for JRF and Rs. 20,000 per annum in case of SRF & RA on a reimbursement basis.
- Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS)
Educational Qualification: Candidates should complete pass 10th class or equivalent from a recognized Board or Industrial Training Institute (ITI) pass.
Age Limit: The lower age limit is 18 and the upper age limit is 25 Years. Some relaxation is provided to various categories of students.
Selection Procedure: Selection will be made on the basis of Tier–I (Screening) and Tier-II (Final Selection)
| Exam | Topics | Marks/Ques | Duration |
| CBT (Screening) | General Intelligence & Reasoning Ability | 35 | 90 Minutes |
| General Awareness | 30 | ||
| Quantitative Aptitude & Numerical Ability | 35 | ||
| CBT (Final Selection) | General Science | 40 | 90 Minutes |
| General Math | 40 | ||
| General English | 20 |
Pay Scale: The salary of the candidates is Rs. 18,000- Rs. 56,900/-month.
DRDO, India’s largest and most diverse organization, is a great place to work. Along with a chance to work with the best minds in the country, the job guarantees good pay and work-life balance. DRDO is one of the most sort after jobs for engineers, as it provides a platform to grow and bring their knowledge to the best use. All the important information about the recruitment of DRDO has been mentioned above. The candidates can decide for themselves which they deem perfect for themselves and ally for the same.
We hope the information provided will help the students in shaping their future. If you have any more queries, please feel free to comment in the section below. We wish you all the very best for your future and hope for the best.
FAQs
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What is the main motto of DRDO?
Answer: Motto of DRDO is “Balasya Mulam Vigyanam”.
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Who is the chairman of DRDO?
Answer: Dr. Samir V. Kamat is the current chairman of DRDO.
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What are 7 clusters of DRDO?
Answer: Seven clusters of DRDO are: Naval System and Materials, Aeronautical Systems, Armaments and Combat Engineering Services, Electronics and Communication Systems, Soldier Support Systems, Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems & Cyber Systems, Missiles and Strategic Systems.
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What is the full form of DRDO?
Answer: DRDO stands for Defence Research and Development Organisation.
