The Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially announced Advt. No. 157 inviting online applications for the direct recruitment of Scientists (Group A) in the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) cadre. This is a golden opportunity for qualified engineers and scientists to serve India's national defence through cutting-edge research and development.
Recruitment is under the Lateral Recruitment Scheme for Scientist C, Scientist D, and Scientist E posts across multiple disciplines. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official RAC website before 19 June 2026 at 1600 hrs.
DRDO RAC Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | DRDO – Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) |
| Advertisement No. | 157 |
| Post Names | Scientist E, Scientist D, Scientist C |
| Service Cadre | Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS), Group A |
| Recruitment Mode | Lateral Recruitment Scheme (Direct Recruitment) |
| Application Mode | Online (rac.gov.in) |
| Closing Date | 19 June 2026 (16:00 hrs) |
| Notification Published | Employment News, 30 May – 5 June 2026 |
| Job Type | Central Government (Regular/Permanent) |
| Job Location | Anywhere in India (including remote/field areas) |
DRDO RAC 2026 – Post-Wise Vacancies & Salary
| Post | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Basic Pay | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist E | Level 13 | ₹1,23,100/- | 02 |
| Scientist D | Level 12 | ₹78,800/- | 11 |
| Scientist C | Level 10 | ₹56,100/- | 19 |
Note: The number of vacancies is subject to change. Refer to the official advertisement for the latest figures.
Disciplines / Subjects Available
DRDO RAC Advt. No. 157 covers vacancies across various engineering and science disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Electronics Engineering / Electronics & Electrical Engineering
- Telecommunication Engineering / Telematics Engineering
- Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering
- Computer Science & Engineering / Information Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering
- Material Science / Metallurgical Engineering
- Physics / Applied Physics
- Chemistry / Applied Chemistry
- And several other allied disciplines as per the official notification
Candidates are advised to download the full official advertisement from rac.gov.in to check the discipline-wise vacancy list.
Eligibility Criteria for DRDO Scientist Posts 2026
Educational Qualification
- Scientist E & D: At least First Division Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Technology in the relevant discipline from a recognised university.
- Scientist C: First Division B.E./B.Tech in the relevant discipline from a recognised university.
- Candidates with a Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Engineering/Technology in a relevant field may be given additional experience weightage.
Work Experience Requirements
| Post | Minimum Experience Required | Pay Level of Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist E | Minimum 11 years in Research, Design or Development | Level 12 or equivalent |
| Scientist D | Minimum 6–7 years (varies by vacancy) | Level 10 or equivalent |
| Scientist C | Minimum 2–3 years (varies by vacancy) | Level 7 or equivalent (min. Level 10 overall) |
Age Limit (as on closing date)
- Scientist D & E: Not exceeding 45 years
- Scientist C: Not exceeding 35 years
- Age relaxation of up to 10 years for Divyang/PWD candidates
- Relaxation of up to 5 years for serving Central Government employees with at least 3 years of continuous service
- Age relaxation for Ex-Servicemen as per government rules
- Maximum age including all relaxations: 56 years
Nationality
Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply.
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS (Male candidates): ₹100/- (non-refundable, online payment only)
- SC / ST / Divyang / Women candidates: No application fee
Click here to read Notification
Selection Process – Step by Step
- Administrative Screening: Verification of identity, age, qualifications, and experience from uploaded documents. Serving government employees must upload a signed CCA Declaration.
- Technical Screening – Level 1 (Bio-data Based): An independent Technical Screening Committee evaluates the relevance of the candidate's experience against advertised requirements, desirable qualifications, and other criteria.
- Technical Screening – Level 2 (Preliminary Online Interview): If the shortlist from Level 1 is large, a short online interview of 10–15 minutes will be held. Typically, up to 24 candidates per vacancy are called at this stage.
- Final Personal Interview (In-Person, at RAC Delhi): Held in-person only before the Selection Board at RAC, Delhi. Up to 12 candidates per vacancy are called. Minimum qualifying marks: 75 out of 100.
How to Apply for DRDO RAC Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official RAC website: https://rac.gov.in
- Click on the relevant recruitment link for Advt. No. 157
- Register and fill in the online application form carefully
- Upload all required documents: educational certificates, experience certificates (with salary proof/CTC/Form 16A), date of birth proof, CCA Declaration (if applicable)
- Pay the application fee online (if applicable)
- Submit the application before 19 June 2026 at 1600 hrs
- Save and print the confirmation for future reference
Documents Required for Application
- Scanned photograph and signature
- Date of Birth proof (10th certificate or equivalent)
- Essential qualification certificates (B.E./B.Tech/M.Tech/Ph.D.)
- Experience certificates/letters with designation, salary, and date of joining/leaving
- Salary slips / Form 16A / CTC revision documents for private sector experience
- Pay equivalence proof (for Government sector other than Central Government CDA scales)
- Caste/Category certificate (if applicable – SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD)
- CCA Declaration (for serving Government employees)
- NOC (required at interview stage for serving Government employees)
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Career Growth at DRDO – Why Apply?
DRDO is India's premier defence research organisation operating under the Department of Defence Research & Development, Ministry of Defence. Working as a Scientist in DRDO is not just a job — it is a career in nation-building through science and technology.
- Flexible Complementing Scheme (FCS): Promotions are merit-based and delinked from vacancy availability, enabling fast-track career growth for high performers.
- World-Class Research Environment: Work on cutting-edge projects in areas like defence electronics, space systems, aerospace, materials science, and cybersecurity.
- Job Security & Government Benefits: Regular Central Government employment with full benefits including HRA, TA, medical, leave, and pension.
- National Impact: Directly contribute to India's self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for DRDO RAC Advt. No. 157?
The last date for online application is 19 June 2026 at 4:00 PM (1600 hrs).
Q2. Is the final interview online or offline?
The Final Personal Interview is conducted in-person only at RAC, Delhi. No online mode is available for the final interview.
Q3. Will experience as a Project Assistant or Research Assistant be counted?
No. Experience as a Project Assistant, Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Trainee, or on daily wages/part-time basis will NOT be counted towards the required experience.
Q4. What is the minimum score required to qualify the Final Personal Interview?
Candidates must score a minimum of 75 out of 100 marks in the Final Personal Interview to be considered for selection.
Q5. Can candidates already working in DRDO apply?
Yes, but they must obtain an NOC from their Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) through DOP, DRDO HQ before the Final Personal Interview stage.
Q6. What is the official website to apply?
Applications must be submitted online at https://rac.gov.in.
Final Summary
The DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 (Advt. No. 157) is a prestigious opportunity for experienced engineers and scientists to join India's top defence research organisation. With excellent pay scales, merit-based career progression under FCS, and the chance to work on nationally important projects, this is a highly sought-after opportunity.
Make sure to apply well before the deadline of 19 June 2026, carefully upload all required experience and salary documents, and review the official notification at rac.gov.in for complete details.
Apply at: https://rac.gov.in
Disclaimer: This article is based on the official DRDO RAC Employment News notification dated 30 May 2026. Always verify details from the official RAC website before applying.
