DRDO Careers : Defence Research and Development Organisation
All you need to know about DRDO
The R&D wing of the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, comes under the Government of India and envisions empowering India with cutting-edge defence technologies. With a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defence 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 development and the production of strategic systems and platforms have given a quantum jump to India’s military might. Some of these developments include the following:
- Agni and Prithvi series of missiles; light combat aircraft
- Tejas, a multi-barrel rocket launcher
- Pinaka; air defence system
- Akash; a wide range of radars and electronic warfare systems; etc.
At present, DRDO is a network of more than 50 laboratories that are laboriously engaged in developing defence 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.
Monthly salary of various posts under the DRDO recruitment:
| Posts | Basic salary | 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 |
The various projects under the DRDO include the following:
| DRDO expertise area | Development |
|---|---|
| Aeronautics |
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| Armaments and Combat Engineering Services (ACE) |
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Electronics and Computer Sciences |
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| Combat Vehicles and Engineering |
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| Naval Research and Development |
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| Missile Systems |
|
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 I Gazetted Post) in DRDO
- Assessments of Scientists of DRDO for promotion to the next higher grades
- Selection of candidates for higher study course (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.
*Job application for 2023 to hire scientist B for Grade ‘A’ is on the official website
A brief about the vacancies along with the necessary information is given below:
1. Scientist
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).
Eligible branches: Electronics & Comm. Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematics.
Educational Qualification:
| Main Branch | Educational Qualification | Eligible branches |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics & Comm. Engineering |
|
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| Mechanical Engineering |
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| Computer Science & Engineering |
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| Chemical Engineering | At least First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Chemical Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent. GATE Qualification: Valid GATE score in Chemical Engineering. |
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| Chemistry | At least First Class (condition of First Class does not apply to DST posts) Master’s Degree in Chemistry from a recognized university or equivalent. GATE Qualification: Valid GATE score in Chemistry |
|
| Mathematics | At least First Class Master’s Degree in Mathematics from a recognized university or equivalent |
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| Electrical Engineering | At least First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Electrical Engg from a recognized university or equivalent |
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| Civil Engineering | At least First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Civil Engg from a recognized university or equivalent |
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| Material Science & Engineering/ Metallurgical Engineering | At least First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Metallurgy (Material Science & Engg/Metallurgical Engg) from a recognized university or equivalent |
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| Textile Engineering | At least First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Textile Engg from a recognized university or equivalent |
|
Pay Scale
A candidate will get a salary of around INR 15600- 39100/- and grade pay of INR 5400/-. Total emoluments at the time of joining will be roughly INR 60,000/- per month at the present Delhi rate (likely to be revised as per the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission).
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 in DRDO must be 28 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.
2. 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) | Graduate degree in Engg/ Technology, Post Graduate degree in Science, or Post Graduate degree in Psychology; in first division wherever Division or equivalent grading is awarded. | 28 years | Rs. 31000/- + HRA |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | Degree in Medical Science (MBBS), or Dental Science/Surgery (BDS), or Post-Graduate degree in Engg/Technology; in First Division, both at the Graduate and Postgraduate levels, wherever Division or equivalent grading is awarded. | 32 years | Rs. 35000/- + HRA |
Research Associate (RA) | PhD in Science subjects, or MD/MS in Medical Science, or M.Tech. / ME with 02 years of experience in research and teaching. Design & Development. The degree should be in the First Division wherever Division or equivalent grading is awarded. | 35 years | Rs. 54000/- + HRA |
Research Fellows are also entitled to a Contingency grant up to a maximum of Rs. 15000 per annum for JRF and Rs. 20000 per annum in case of SRF & RA on a reimbursement basis.
3. 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 of the country, the job guarantees good pay and work-life balance. DRDO is one of the most sort after job 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 the best.
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