The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially released the recruitment notification for 2026 through its Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC). This presents an excellent opportunity for engineering and science professionals to join the Defence Research and Development Service (DRDS) cadre under the Lateral Recruitment Scheme.

With 33 vacancies available for the posts of Scientist 'C', 'D', and 'E', this recruitment drive is aimed at experienced individuals ready to contribute to India's national security and technological advancement. Detailed information, covering everything from eligibility criteria to the selection process, is provided below.

1. Overview of DRDO RAC Recruitment 2026

2. Important Dates to Remember

3. Detailed Vacancy Breakdown

4. Salary and Career Progression

5. Eligibility Criteria: Academics & Experience

6. Selection Process: The 4-Stage Rigour

7. How to Apply Online

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

10. Conclusion & Official Links

1. Overview of DRDO RAC Recruitment 2026 {#overview}

The DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 (Advt. No. 157) is designed to fill regular, permanent posts across various scientific and engineering disciplines. Unlike entry-level roles, this lateral recruitment seeks professionals with 3 to 11 years of post-qualification experience in niche areas like digital communication, satellite systems, aeroconfiguration, and photonics.

Key Details At a Glance:

Organisation: DRDO Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC).
Total Posts: 33.
Job Type: Regular permanent government job.
Selection Base: Merit of marks scored in the final personal interview (75% minimum required).

2. Important Dates to Remember {#dates}

Timely submission is critical, as the RAC portal will not accept applications or documents after the deadline.

Event	Date / Deadline
Notification Published (Employment News)	30 May - 5 June 2026
Online Application Opens	30 May 2026
Closing Date for Online Application	19 June 2026 (16:00 hrs.)
Eligibility Cut-off Date	19 June 2026
Final Interview Venue	RAC, Delhi (In-person only)

3. Detailed Vacancy Breakdown {#vacancies}

The 33 vacancies are divided into two sections: Regular Posts and Encadred Posts in the DRDS cadre. All currently announced vacancies are unreserved (UR).

Section 1: Regular Posts in DRDS

Scientist 'E': 01 Post (Electronics & Communication Engineering).
Scientist 'D': 07 Posts (Disciplines include computer science, aeronautical, mechanical, physics/photonics, and chemical engineering).
Scientist 'C': 17 Posts (Broad range including electronics, CS/AI, oceanography, mathematics, chemistry, physiology, electrical engineering, pharmacology, and remote sensing/GIS).

Section 2: Encumbered Posts in DRDS

Scientist 'E' (Encadered): 01 Post (Mechanical/Production/Aero).
Scientist 'D' (Encadered): 04 Posts (Mechanical, Electronics & Telecommunication, Physics/Radiation Physics).
Scientist 'C' (Encadered): 03 Posts (Medical Physics/Radiological Physics, Ballistics/Armament Technology).

4. Salary and Career Progression {#salary}

Candidates selected for these roles will enjoy competitive pay scales under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, along with standard government allowances.

Scientist 'E': Level 13 (Basic Pay: Rs. 123,100/-).
Scientist 'D': Level 12 (Basic Pay: Rs. 78,800/-).
Scientist 'C': Level 11 (Basic Pay: Rs. 67,700/-).

Career Growth: DRDO offers one of the best progression structures for scientists through the Flexible Complimenting Scheme (FCS). Promotions under FCS are merit-based and do not depend on the availability of a vacancy, allowing for a steady career trajectory.

5. Eligibility Criteria: Academics & Experience {#eligibility}

Academic Requirements

First Division: A minimum of 60% marks (or 6.75/10 CGPA) in the essential degree is mandatory. No rounding off is permitted (e.g., 59.9% is not eligible).
Degrees: BE/B.Tech., M.Sc., M.Pharmacy, or MBBS/MD in the relevant discipline, depending on the post.

Post-Qualification Experience

Experience is only counted after the essential qualification is obtained. Furthermore, experience gained below Pay Level 10 (7th CPC) or its equivalent is not considered.

Post Level	Required Experience (as of 19 June 2026)
Scientist 'E'	11 Years
Scientist 'D'	7 Years
Scientist 'C'	03 Years

Age Limit

The age limit is calculated as of the closing date, 19 June 2026.

Scientist 'D' / 'E': Max 45 years.
Scientist 'C': Max 35 years.
Relaxation: Up to 10 years for PwD, 5 years for central government employees, and as per rules for ex-servicemen. The absolute maximum age ceiling is 56 years.

6. Selection Process: The 4-Stage Rigour {#selection}

The selection process is multi-layered to ensure only the most qualified candidates reach the final stage.

1. Stage 1: Administrative Screening: Verification of age, identity, qualification, and experience documents.

2. Stage 2: Technical Screening (Level 1): An independent committee assesses the relevance of your experience and higher qualifications.

3. Stage 3: Technical Screening (Level 2): A preliminary online interview (10-15 minutes) may be conducted if there is a high volume of candidates.

4. Stage 4: Final Personal Interview: This is held in person at the RAC, Delhi.

o Crucial Rule: You must score at least 75% (75 out of 100) in this interview to be considered for selection.

7. How to Apply Online {#apply}

Applications must be submitted online only via the official portal.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Visit https://rac.gov.in.

2. Register with a valid email and mobile number (do not change these during the process).

3. Fill in the application, highlighting your desirable qualifications in the 'Justification' column.

4. Upload required documents (PDF/image format, max. 500 KB per certificate).

5. Application Fee: Rs. 100 for General/OBD/EWS male candidates. SC, ST, Divyang, and women candidates are exempt from the fee.

6. Preview and Lock: Only locked/finalised applications are considered.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid {#mistakes}

Many applications are rejected due to simple errors. Ensure you avoid the following:

Overlapping Periods: Do not count the time spent on a higher degree (like a PhD) as work experience if they overlap; RAC will deduct this period.
Experience Certificates: Certificates must be issued by the Head of Admin/HR/Director/Principal. Certificates from a professor or head of department are not acceptable.
Private Sector Proof: If coming from the private sector, you must provide proof of CTC, pay slips, and Form 16A.
Multiple Posts: If applying for more than one post, you must submit separate applications for each.
CCA Declaration: Serving government/PSU employees must upload a signed CCA Declaration during the online application.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) {#faqs}

Q1: Can I attend the final interview online?

No. The final personal interview is strictly in person at RAC, Delhi.

Q2: Is there a minimum percentage required for the degree?

Yes. You must have a first division (60% or 6.75 CGPA) in your essential degree.

Q3: Is the experience requirement only for government jobs?

No, but for the private sector, you must provide verifiable proof like Form 16A and salary slips. Experience must be at or above pay level 10 equivalents.

Q4: What is the deadline for the application?

The window closes on 19 June 2026 at 4:00 PM IST.

10. Conclusion & Official Links {#conclusion}

Joining DRDO as a scientist is a career-defining move that offers permanent stability and the chance to work on cutting-edge defence technology. Ensure your documentation is flawless and your experience perfectly matches the advertised disciplines.

Important Links: