The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has officially released an advertisement number CEPTAM-11 through the Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM). This 2026 recruitment drive aims to fill 764 Group-B and Group-C positions, offering a prestigious opportunity for graduates, diploma holders, and ITI-certified candidates to serve in India's premier defence research agency.

Below is everything you need to know about the DRDO CEPTAM-11 recruitment, including eligibility criteria, vacancy details, and the application process.

1. Recruitment Highlights

2. Vacancy Details by Post

3. Eligibility Criteria

4. Salary and Pay Scale

5. Selection Process

6. Important Dates

7. How to Apply Online

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Recruitment Highlights of DRDO CEPTAM-11 2026

Feature	Details
Organization	Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) - CEPTAM
Advertisement No.	CEPTAM-11
Total Vacancies	764
Post Name	Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B) & Technician-A (Tech-A)
Job Location	All India (DRDO Labs/Establishments)
Application Mode	Online

Vacancy Details by Post

The 764 vacancies are distributed across two primary categories and multiple disciplines:

1. Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B) - 561 Vacancies

Major disciplines include:

Computer Science & Engineering: 160 posts
Mechanical Engineering: 127 posts
Electronics/ECE/E&T Engineering: 111 posts
Electrical Engineering: 47 posts
Chemistry: 22 posts
Other disciplines: physics, civil, chemical, automobile, library science, and more.

2. Technician-A (Tech-A) - 203 Vacancies

Major trades include:

COPA (Computer): 52 posts
Electronics: 31 posts
Electrician: 30 posts
Fitter: 25 posts
Other trades: welder, machinist, motor vehicle mechanic, carpenter, and more.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit:

Candidates must be between 18 and 28 years old.
Age Relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC (NCL), and 10 years for PwBD candidates.

Educational Qualifications:

STA-B: Requires a B.Sc. degree or a diploma in engineering/technology/science in the specified discipline.
Tech-A: Requires a 10th Class (High School) pass along with an ITI Certificate in the relevant trade.

Salary and Pay Scale

Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B): Level-6 (₹35,400 - ₹112,400).
Technician-A (Tech-A): Level-2 (₹19,900 - ₹63,200).

Selection Process

The recruitment follows a rigorous multi-stage selection process:

1. Tier-I: Computer-Based Test (CBT) for Screening.

2. Tier-II: Computer-Based Test (CBT) for Final Selection.

3. Trade/Skill Test: Required only for Technician-A candidates.

4. Document Verification: The final step for all successful candidates.

Important Dates

Online Application Start Date: 11th December 2025.
Closing Date for Application: 1st January 2026 (23:55 Hours).
Last Date for Fee Payment: 3rd January 2026.
Application Edit Window: 4th January to 6th January 2026.
Tier-I CBT Exam Date: To be notified.

How to Apply Online

Follow these steps to complete your application through the official DRDO portal:

1. Registration: Visit the official portal and register with your personal and contact details to receive a User ID and Password via email/SMS.

2. Login & Fill Details: Re-login to enter academic, communication and additional details.

3. Upload Documents: Upload a live photo, signature, EQR certificate, and other required documents.

4. Pay Application Fee: Pay ₹100/- (for UR/OBC/EWS). Note: SC/ST/PwBD/Women/ESM candidates are exempted from the fee.

5. Final Submission: Review and submit your application before the deadline.

Official Links:

DRDO Official Website: drdo.gov.in
CEPTAM Portal: ceptam.drdo.gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the total number of vacancies in DRDO CEPTAM-11?

There are a total of 764 vacancies, with 561 for STA-B and 203 for Tech-A.

Q2: Can I apply for the STA-B post with a degree in engineering?

The eligibility for STA-B specifies a B.Sc. degree or a 3-year diploma in engineering/technology. Please refer to the detailed notification for specific degree equivalencies.

Q3: Is there a fee for female candidates?

No, women candidates are exempt from paying the application fee.

Q4: When is the last date to apply?

The last date for submission is 1st January 2026.

Analogy for Understanding: Think of the Tier-I CBT as a sieve that separates the larger group from those with the right basic skills. The Tier-II CBT and Trade Tests act as a microscope, focusing deeply on your specific technical expertise to ensure only the most precise "tools" (candidates) are selected for the high-precision environment of DRDO.