Job Description
The Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has officially released the DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 Notification (Advertisement No. 157) for the recruitment of 33 scientist vacancies under the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) cadre.

This recruitment drive offers an excellent opportunity for experienced engineering and science professionals to work with one of India’s premier defense research organizations. Vacancies are available for Scientist C, Scientist D, and Scientist E positions across multiple disciplines, including Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Oceanography, Pharmacology, Remote Sensing, and more.
Job Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Recruitment Body | Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) |
| Advertisement No. | 157 |
| Post Name | Scientist C, Scientist D & Scientist E |
| Total Vacancies | 33 Posts |
| Job Type | Permanent Government Job |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Salary | ₹67,700 – ₹123,100 Basic Pay |
| Qualification | B.E./B.Tech, M.Sc., M.Pharmacy, MBBS/MD & Equivalents |
| Experience Required | 3 to 11 Years |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Official Website | rac.gov.in |
About DRDO RAC
The Defense Research and Development Organization is India’s premier defense research organization responsible for developing advanced technologies and defense systems for the armed forces.
The Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) conducts recruitment for scientist positions in DRDO laboratories and establishments. Working as a DRDO scientist offers opportunities to contribute to national defense projects, cutting-edge research, and technological innovation.
DRDO RAC Scientist Vacancy 2026
Scientist E
| Post | Vacancies | Basic Pay |
| Scientist E | 2 | ₹123,100 (Level 13) |
Scientist D
| Post | Vacancies | Basic Pay |
| Scientist D | 11 | ₹78,800 (Level 12) |
Scientist C
| Post | Vacancies | Basic Pay |
| Scientist C | 20 | ₹67,700 (Level 11) |
Disciplines Available
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Physics
- Oceanography
- Mathematics
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Remote Sensing & GIS
- Geoinformatics
- Radiation Physics
- Medical Physics
- Engineering Physics
- Optics & Photonics
- Production Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
Job Description
DRDO is seeking experienced scientists and engineers to contribute to advanced research, design, development, testing, and implementation of strategic defense technologies.
Selected candidates will work on highly specialized projects involving:
- Defense communication systems
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Missile technologies
- Radar and RF systems
- Aerospace technologies
- Advanced materials
- Power systems
- Oceanographic research
- Weapon systems
- Remote sensing technologies
- Military healthcare research
- High-performance computing
Scientists will be involved in research, system design, project management, testing, validation, and technology development activities supporting national security initiatives.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess:
Engineering Disciplines
- First Division B.E./B.Tech in relevant discipline
Science Disciplines
- First Division M.Sc. in relevant subject
Pharmacy
- First Class M.Pharmacy
Medical
- MBBS / MD in relevant specialization
Minimum Marks Requirement
- Minimum 60% marks in qualifying degree
- A CGPA of 6.75 on a 10-point scale considered equivalent to 60%
No rounding off of marks is allowed.
Experience Requirement
| Post | Experience Required |
| Scientist C | Minimum 3 Years |
| Scientist D | Minimum 7 Years |
| Scientist E | Minimum 11 Years |
Only post-qualification experience will be considered.
Age Limit
| Post | Maximum Age |
| Scientist C | 35 Years |
| Scientist D | 45 Years |
| Scientist E | 45 Years |
Age Relaxation
- PwD Candidates: Up to 10 Years
- Central Government Employees: Up to 5 Years
- Ex-Servicemen: As per Government Rules
The maximum age, including all relaxations, shall not exceed 56 years.
Salary Details
Scientist C
- Basic Pay: ₹67,700
- Pay Level: 11
Scientist D
- Basic Pay: ₹78,800
- Pay Level: 12
Scientist E
- Basic Pay: ₹123,100
- Pay Level: 13
Additional Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Medical Benefits
- Leave Travel Concession
- National Pension System
- Government Accommodation (Subject to Availability)
- Career Growth under Flexible Complementing Scheme (FCS)
Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of multiple stages:
Stage 1: Administrative Screening
- Qualification Verification
- Experience Verification
- Eligibility Check
Stage 2: Technical Screening
- Bio-data Assessment
- Experience Evaluation
- Technical Expertise Assessment
Stage 3: Preliminary Online Interview (If Required)
- Short Technical Interaction
- 10–15 Minutes’ Duration
Stage 4: Final Personal Interview
- Conducted at RAC, Delhi
- Face-to-Face Mode Only
Important Requirement
Candidates must secure:
Minimum 75 Marks out of 100 (75%)
in the final personal interview for selection.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS Male | ₹100 |
| SC / ST | No Fee |
| PwD Candidates | No Fee |
| Women Candidates | No Fee |
The application fee is non-refundable.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 30 May 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 30 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 (4:00 PM) |
| Interview Date | To Be Announced |
Required Documents
Candidates should prepare:
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- 10th Certificate (DOB Proof)
- Degree Certificate
- Mark Sheets
- Experience Certificates
- Salary Proof / Form 16A
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Category Certificate (If Applicable)
- PwD Certificate (If Applicable)
- NOC / CCA Declaration (Government Employees)
How to Apply
Step 1
Visit the official DRDO RAC recruitment portal.
Step 2
Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
Step 3
Complete the online application form.
Step 4
Upload all required documents.
Step 5
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Step 6
Preview the application carefully.
Step 7
Submit and lock the application before 19 June 2026.
Step 8
Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference.
Why Join DRDO?
- Prestigious Government Scientist Position
- Permanent Central Government Job
- Attractive Salary Structure
- Research & Development Career
- National Defense Contribution
- Merit-Based Promotions
- Advanced Technology Exposure
- Excellent Work-Life Balance
- Long-Term Career Security