The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through its Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) has announced recruitment for 2026. The drive is for Scientist C, Scientist D and Scientist E posts under Group ‘A’ Technical Service.
Eligibility depends on academic qualifications, research background and years of experience. Vacancies are divided by scientist level. The selection process includes shortlisting, interviews and review of academic and professional achievements.
DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) |
| Advertisement No. | Advt. No. 157 |
| Post Name | Scientist C, Scientist D and Scientist E |
| Total Vacancies | 33 Vacancies (25 Regular, 8 Encadered) |
| Job Location | Anywhere in India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://rac.gov.in |
DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment: Vacancy Details
Regular Posts in DRDS Cadre
| Post Name | Subject / Discipline | No. of Vacancies |
| Scientist ‘E’ | Electronics & Communication Engineering | 01 |
| Scientist ‘D’ | Computer Science & Engineering | 01 |
| Scientist ‘D’ | Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering | 01 |
| Scientist ‘D’ | Mechanical Engineering | 01 |
| Scientist ‘D’ | Physics / Photonics / Optics & Opto-Electronics / Engineering Physics | 01 |
| Scientist ‘D’ | Chemical Engineering (Item No. 6 & 7) | 02 |
| Scientist ‘D’ | Mechanical Engineering | 01 |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Electronics & Communication Engineering (Item No. 9, 10, 11, 14, 16) | 06 |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Computer Science & Engineering (Item No. 12 & 15) | 03 |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Electronics Engg / Electronics & Communication Engineering | 01 |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Oceanography / Physical Oceanography | 01 |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Mathematics / Mathematics & Computing / Applied Mathematics | 01 |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Chemical Engineering | 01 |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Physiology | 01 |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Electrical Engineering | 01 |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Pharmacology | 01 |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Remote Sensing / GIS / Geoinformatics / Geomatics / Civil | 01 |
Encadered Posts in DRDS Cadre
| Post Name | Subject / Discipline | No. of Vacancies |
| Scientist ‘E’ | Mechanical / Production / Industrial / Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering | 01 |
| Scientist ‘D’ | Mechanical / Production / Industrial / Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering | 01 |
| Scientist ‘D’ | Electronics & Telecommunication / Electronics & Communication Engineering | 01 |
| Scientist ‘D’ | Physics / Radiation Physics | 01 |
| Scientist ‘D’ | Mechanical Engineering | 01 |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Physics | 02 |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Electronics & Communication Engg / Mechanical Engineering | 01 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
| Post Name | Essential Qualification Requirements |
| Scientist ‘E’ & ‘D’ (Engineering Disciplines) | At least First Division Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in the relevant discipline from a recognized university or equivalent. |
| Scientist ‘D’ (Physics / Photonics / Optics) | At least First Division Master’s Degree in Physics / Photonics OR First Division Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Optics & Opto-Electronics / Engineering Physics. |
| Scientist ‘C’ (Engineering Disciplines) | At least First Division Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in the concerned specialty from a recognized university or equivalent. |
| Scientist ‘C’ (Science / Specialized Disciplines) | At least First Division Master’s Degree in Oceanography, Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Physiology, Pharmacology or Remote Sensing depending on the specific item code. |
Age Limit & Age Relaxation
| Position / Category | Maximum Age / Age Relaxation |
| Scientist ‘D’ / ‘E’ | 45 years |
| Scientist ‘C’ | 35 years |
| Divyang / PwD Candidates | Up to 10 years relaxation |
| Serving Civilian Central Government Employees | Up to 5 years relaxation |
| Ex-servicemen | As per government rules in vogue |
Note:
- The absolute maximum age after adding any relaxation benefits must not exceed 56 years.
- Category-based age relaxations (like OBC/SC/ST) do not apply to these posts as all vacancies are unreserved.
Work Experience
| Post Name | Minimum Experience required | Core Specialization Fields |
| Scientist ‘E’ | Minimum 11 Years | Research, design, development, or fabrication in the fields of digital communication, mechanical, or aero systems. |
| Scientist ‘D’ | Minimum 7 Years | Research, design, development, production, or testing in software engineering, aerospace configuration, mechanical engineering, optics, or chemical plant systems. |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Minimum 3 Years | Research, design, development, production, or clinical laboratory experience in electronics, computer systems, oceanography, physiology, high-energy materials, or electrical power units. |
Salary and Benefits
| Position | Level (7th CPC) | Basic Pay (per month) |
| Scientist ‘E’ | Level 13 | ₹1,23,100/- |
| Scientist ‘D’ | Level 12 | ₹78,800/- |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Level 11 | ₹67,700/- |
Benefits and Career Perks
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Medical facilities
- Transport benefits
- Travel allowances
- Leave encashment privileges
- Pensions and provident fund systems
Selection Process
Stage 1: Administrative Screening: Initial verification of basic eligibility parameters including nationality, age parameters, educational documents and correct application form formatting.
Stage 2: Technical Screening (Level 1): Evaluation of the depth and relevance of your post-qualification job experience or higher qualifications by an independent expert panel.
Stage 3: Technical Screening (Level 2 – Preliminary Online Interview): Conducted if the number of shortlisted candidates is exceptionally large. This short interview lasts around 10 to 15 minutes to narrow down choices.
Stage 4: Final Personal Interview: Shortlisted applicants must appear in person before the final selection board at RAC, Delhi. Candidates must score at least 75% marks in this personal interview round to qualify for the final merit list.
Exam / Screening Call Pattern
| Screening Stage | Evaluation Mode | Ratio of Candidates Called | Minimum Qualification Marks |
| Level-2 Technical Screening | Preliminary Online Interview | Up to 24 candidates per single vacancy post | Based on expert scoring benchmarks |
| Final Selection Round | In-Person Personal Interview at RAC Delhi | Up to 12 candidates per single vacancy post | Minimum of 75% marks (75 out of 100) |
Documents Required
Candidates need to keep legible, unencrypted scanned copies (maximum size of 500 KB per file) ready for upload:
- Matriculation / High School / Birth Certificate containing the clear date of birth.
- Recent color passport-size photograph (maximum size 30 KB).
- Scanned signature specimen (maximum size 30 KB).
- Self-attested Degree Certificates along with consolidated final semester mark-sheets.
- Official, stamped Experience Certificates issued by competent authorities (Admin/HR Head/Director) containing job tenure, pay details and areas of work.
- Salary slips, Form 16A and appointment/promotion letters validating the claimed CTC or pay scale.
- Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) Declaration & NOC for candidates currently serving in Government or PSU sectors.
- Caste or Disability certificate, if applicable for availing fee exemptions.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
| Male Candidates belonging to General, OBC, and EWS categories | ₹100/- (Rupees One Hundred Only) |
| SC, ST, Divyang (PwD), and all Women Candidates | Exempted (No fee required) |
How to Apply Online
Step 1: Visit the official registration link on the RAC website homepage: https://rac.gov.in.
Step 2: Complete the initial registration form to establish your login credentials.
Step 3: Log into the portal and fill out your personal profile information accurately, ensuring the name matches your official 10th standard certificate.
Step 4: Carefully input academic scores and experience timelines making sure to avoid confidential employer information.
Step 5: Upload all requested documents, certificates, photographs and signatures into their respective sections.
Step 6: Preview your complete application form to double-check entries before finalizing, as modifications are blocked after locking.
Step 7: Pay the ₹100/- application fee online if you belong to the unreserved male categories.
Step 8: Submit and lock the application, then download a PDF copy of the confirmation form for your personal records.
| Apply Online Link | Click Here to Register & Apply |
| Official Notification | Download Official Notification PDF |
| Official Website | Visit RAC DRDO Official Portal |
Important Dates
| Recruitment Event Activity | Timeline Schedule |
| Online Application Process | Available Now |
| Closing Date for Submission | June 19, 2026 (Till 1600 Hrs) |
| Deadline for Fee Payment | June 19, 2026 (1600 Hrs) |
| Document Verification & Final Interview Dates | Will be announced on the website later |
Final Thoughts
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through its Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) has announced the Scientist Recruitment 2026 for Scientist C, Scientist D and Scientist E posts in Group ‘A’ Technical Service.
This is a strong opportunity for experienced engineers and researchers to join India’s defense research system. The roles offer competitive pay, central allowances and a merit‑based promotion scheme for career growth.
All experience certificates must be signed by authorized HR or administrative officers. In screening and interviews, applicants should focus on their technical expertise and research work.
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