The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has released Advertisement No. 157 for the direct recruitment of Scientists under the Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC). Experienced engineers, scientists, researchers, and technologists can apply for Scientist C, Scientist D, and Scientist E positions across multiple disciplines. The recruitment offers attractive salaries, excellent career growth, and the opportunity to contribute to India’s defence technology ecosystem.
DRDO Scientist Recruitment 2026: Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Recruitment Authority | Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) |
| Advertisement No. | 157 |
| Post Name | Scientist C, Scientist D, Scientist E |
| Total Vacancies | 30 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 (4:00 PM) |
| Job Location | Across DRDO Laboratories in India |
| Official Website | rac.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
Scientist-wise Vacancy Distribution
| Post | Vacancies | Pay Level | Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist E | 2 | Level 13 | ₹1,23,100 |
| Scientist D | 11 | Level 12 | ₹78,800 |
| Scientist C | 17 | Level 11 | ₹67,700 |
| Total | 30 | — | — |
Source: DRDO RAC Recruitment Notification 2026.
Discipline-Wise Vacancies
| Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | 8+ |
| Computer Science & Engineering | 4 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 5 |
| Chemical Engineering | 3 |
| Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering | 2 |
| Physics & Radiation Physics | 3 |
| Mathematics & Computing | 1 |
| Oceanography | 1 |
| Electrical Engineering | 1 |
| Pharmacology | 1 |
| Physiology | 1 |
| Remote Sensing & GIS | 1 |
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess:
| Qualification Requirement |
|---|
| First Division Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology in relevant discipline |
| OR First Division Master’s Degree in relevant discipline |
| Degree must be from a recognized University/Institute |
| Minimum 60% marks or equivalent CGPA (where applicable) |
Eligibility requirements are specified in the official notification.
Experience Requirements
| Post | Required Experience |
|---|---|
| Scientist E | Minimum 11 Years |
| Scientist D | Minimum 7 Years |
| Scientist C | Minimum 3 Years |
Relevant experience should be in research, design, development, production, testing, simulation, AI/ML, communication systems, aerospace systems, software engineering, or related technical fields depending upon the post applied for.
Age Limit
| Post | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Scientist C | 35 Years |
| Scientist D | 45 Years |
| Scientist E | 45 Years |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| PwD Candidates | Up to 10 Years |
| Central Government Employees | Up to 5 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Government Rules |
Maximum age after all relaxations cannot exceed 56 years.
Salary Structure
One of the biggest attractions of DRDO jobs is the excellent pay package.
| Post | Basic Pay | Approximate Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist E | ₹1,23,100 | DA, HRA, TA, Medical Benefits |
| Scientist D | ₹78,800 | DA, HRA, TA, LTC, Pension Benefits |
| Scientist C | ₹67,700 | DA, HRA, Medical Facilities |
Additional government allowances are applicable as per Central Government rules.
Fields of Expertise Preferred by DRDO
DRDO is looking for professionals with expertise in:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Deep Learning
- Software Engineering
- Signal Processing
- VLSI Design
- FPGA Development
- Aerospace Engineering
- Communication Systems
- Radar Technologies
- Photonics
- Remote Sensing
- High Performance Computing
- Mathematical Modeling
- Power Electronics
- Chemical Process Engineering
Several Scientist C positions specifically seek AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Signal Processing, HPC, and Communication Engineering professionals.
Why Join DRDO?
Key Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| National Service | Work on critical defence technologies |
| Career Growth | Flexible Complementing Scheme (FCS) |
| Research Opportunities | Advanced laboratories and projects |
| Competitive Salary | Attractive government pay scales |
| Job Security | Central Government Service |
| Innovation Exposure | Missile, Aerospace, AI & Defence Research |
Selection Process
The selection process generally includes:
- Screening of Applications
- Shortlisting Based on Qualification & Experience
- Personal Interview
- Document Verification
- Final Merit List
Candidates must produce original certificates during the interview stage.
How to Apply?
Follow these simple steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit RAC Official Website |
| Step 2 | Register Online |
| Step 3 | Fill Application Form |
| Step 4 | Upload Documents |
| Step 5 | Verify Information |
| Step 6 | Submit Application |
| Step 7 | Save PDF Copy |
Candidates applying for multiple posts must submit separate applications for each post.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Released |
| Online Application Start | Ongoing |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Application Closing Time | 4:00 PM |
Final Words
DRDO Scientist Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for experienced professionals seeking a prestigious career in defence research and technology development. With 30 vacancies across multiple engineering and scientific disciplines, attractive salaries reaching ₹1.23 lakh basic pay, and outstanding career growth prospects, this recruitment drive is expected to attract some of India’s best scientific talent.
Interested candidates are advised to review the eligibility criteria carefully and submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid last-minute issues.
Application Deadline: 19 June 2026 (4:00 PM).
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