DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 notification has been released by the Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation, one of India’s premier scientific research institutions. The organization is hiring experienced scientists across multiple disciplines, including Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and specialized fields like Oceanography and Pharmacology. This lateral recruitment drive is designed to strengthen DRDO’s scientific cadre with seasoned professionals who bring both academic excellence and substantial field experience.
The recruitment encompasses 33 vacancies distributed across Scientist E (2 posts), Scientist D (11 posts), and Scientist C (20 posts) in the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) cadre. The selection process is rigorous, involving administrative screening, technical evaluation by independent expert committees, and a final in-person interview at RAC headquarters in Delhi. Candidates interested in advancing their careers in India’s defence research sector should review the complete eligibility requirements before proceeding with their applications at https://rac.gov.in.
Note: All information is sourced from the official notification. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before applying.
Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Recruitment & Assessment Centre, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi – 110054 |
| Advertisement Number | Advt. No. 157 |
| Post Names | Scientist E, Scientist D, Scientist C |
| Total Vacancies | 33 (Regular + Encased posts combined) |
| Recruitment Type | Direct Recruitment on a regular basis under the Lateral Recruitment Scheme |
| Selection Mode | Administrative Screening → Technical Screening → Final Personal Interview |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Official Website | https://rac.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Published | 30 May – 5 June 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | As per the official website |
| Application Closing Date | 19 June 2026 (1600 hrs.) |
| Eligibility Cut-off Date | 19 June 2026 |
| Preliminary Online Interview / Final Personal Interview | To be notified through the website and email/SMS |
Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Scientist E | Not exceeding 45 years |
| Scientist D | Not exceeding 45 years |
| Scientist C | Not exceeding 35 years |
| Divyang / PwD Candidates | Relaxable up to 10 years |
| Civilian Central Government Employees (3+ years continuous regular service) | Relaxable up to 5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (including Ex SSCOs/ECOs) | Relaxable as per rules |
| Maximum Age Ceiling | 56 years (including all relaxations) |
Educational Qualifications
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Essential Academic Qualifications | At least First Division (60%) Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology OR First Division Master’s Degree in the relevant discipline from a recognized university |
| First Division Definition | 60% marks or CGPA/CPI of 6.75 on a 10-point scale (as per AICTE guidelines); no rounding off permitted |
| Experience (Post-Qualification) | Scientist E: 11 years; Scientist D: 7 years; Scientist C: 3 years (as on 19 June 2026). Experience below Pay Level 10 (7th CPC) will not be considered |
| Citizenship | Indian Nationals only |
| CCA Declaration | All serving Government/PSU employees must upload a signed CCA Declaration; NOC from Cadre Controlling Authority is mandatory at the Final Interview |
Vacancy Details and Job Profile
Section 1: Regular Posts in DRDS Cadre
Scientist E (Level 13, Basic Pay Rs. 1,23,100/-) – 1 Vacancy
| Post | Vacancies | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist E | 01 | Electronics & Communication Engineering |
Scientist D (Level 12, Basic Pay Rs. 78,800/-) – 7 Vacancies
| Post | Vacancies | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist D | 01 | Computer Science & Engineering |
| Scientist D | 01 | Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering |
| Scientist D | 01 | Mechanical Engineering |
| Scientist D | 01 | Physics / Photonics / Optics & Opto-Electronics |
| Scientist D | 01 | Chemical Engineering (Underwater Power Generation) |
| Scientist D | 01 | Chemical Engineering (Process Development) |
| Scientist D | 01 | Mechanical Engineering (Propulsion Systems) |
Scientist C (Level 11, Basic Pay Rs. 67,700/-) – 17 Vacancies
| Post | Vacancies | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist C | 01 | Electronics & Communication Engineering (Systems) |
| Scientist C | 01 | Electronics & Communication Engineering (Hardware & FPGA) |
| Scientist C | 01 | Electronics & Communication Engineering (Signal Processing) |
| Scientist C | 01 | Computer Science & Engineering (AI/ML) |
| Scientist C | 01 | Electronics Engineering (VLSI & Digital Design) |
| Scientist C | 01 | Electronics & Communication Engineering (Communications) |
| Scientist C | 02 | Computer Science & Engineering (HPC & Software) |
| Scientist C | 02 | Electronics Engineering (Antenna & RF Systems) |
| Scientist C | 01 | Oceanography / Physical Oceanography |
| Scientist C | 01 | Mathematics / Applied Mathematics |
| Scientist C | 01 | Chemical Engineering (High Energy Materials) |
| Scientist C | 01 | Physiology |
| Scientist C | 01 | Electrical Engineering |
| Scientist C | 01 | Pharmacology |
| Scientist C | 01 | Remote Sensing / Geoinformatics |
Section 2: Encadered Posts in DRDS Cadre
Scientist E (Encadered) (Level 13, Basic Pay Rs. 1,23,100/-) – 1 Vacancy
| Post | Vacancies | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist E (Encadered) | 01 | Mechanical/Production/Aeronautical Engineering |
Scientist D (Encadered) (Level 12, Basic Pay Rs. 78,800/-) – 4 Vacancies
| Post | Vacancies | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist D (Encadered) | 01 | Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering |
| Scientist D (Encadered) | 01 | Electronics & Communication Engineering |
| Scientist D (Encadered) | 01 | Physics / Radiation Physics |
| Scientist D (Encadered) | 01 | Mechanical Engineering (FE Analysis) |
Scientist C (Encadered) (Level 11, Basic Pay Rs. 67,700/-) – 3 Vacancies
| Post | Vacancies | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist C (Encadered) | 02 | Physics (Medical/Radiological Physics) |
| Scientist C (Encadered) | 01 | Electronics & Communication / Mechanical Engineering (Ballistics) |
Role and Responsibilities
DRDO scientists occupy a pivotal role in India’s defence innovation ecosystem, driving cutting-edge research and development in national security technologies. Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting advanced research, designing and prototyping systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams spanning academia and industry, and translating theoretical concepts into operational solutions for India’s defence forces. These positions demand strong technical expertise combined with problem-solving abilities in high-pressure environments where scientific contributions directly impact national security capabilities.
Scientists at DRDO work with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, specialized testing equipment, and access to classified research domains, requiring adaptability to evolving technologies and security protocols. Career progression is exceptionally strong compared to many research institutions, with scientists advancing through merit-based promotion under the Flexible Complimenting Scheme (FCS) without waiting for vacancy-linked advancement. Moreover, DRDO provides comprehensive professional development, international collaboration opportunities, and the distinction of serving India’s defence modernization agenda-a position that attracts the nation’s finest technical talent and offers genuine job security and intellectual fulfillment.
Salary Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientist E Basic Pay | Rs. 1,23,100/- (Level 13 as per 7th CPC) |
| Scientist D Basic Pay | Rs. 78,800/- (Level 12 as per 7th CPC) |
| Scientist C Basic Pay | Rs. 67,700/- (Level 11 as per 7th CPC) |
| Career Progression | Merit-based promotion under the Flexible Complimenting Scheme (FCS) without vacancy linkage |
| Additional Benefits | Standard Central Government employee benefits, including medical, pension, gratuity, and leave provisions |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male candidates) | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST / Divyang / Women candidates | Nil |
Selection Process
| Stage | Process |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: Administrative Screening | Verification of identity, age, qualifications, experience duration, and CCA Declaration (if applicable) |
| Stage 2: Technical Screening (Level-1) | Bio-data-based assessment by Technical Screening Committee (independent experts from industry/academia/DRDO). Evaluation criteria: experience relevance, desirable qualifications, and committee recommendations. Shortlist ratio: up to 24 candidates per 1 vacancy; up to 48 candidates per 2 vacancies |
| Stage 3: Technical Screening (Level-2 / Preliminary Online Interview) | Conduct if the shortlist exceeds the predefined ratio. Interview duration: 10-15 minutes. Shortlist ratio for Final Interview: up to 12 candidates per 1 vacancy; up to 24 candidates per 2 vacancies |
| Stage 4: Final Personal Interview | In-person interview at RAC, Delhi, before the Selection Board. Merit-based selection. Minimum 75% marks (75 out of 100) required for consideration. No online/virtual option available |
| Minimum Eligible Candidates | If fewer than 6 eligible candidates emerge from administrative screening for a vacancy, selection for that post may be cancelled. If technical screening yields fewer than 6 candidates per vacancy for the final interview, vacancies will be reduced |
Expert Insight
The competition for DRDO scientist posts is highly specialized and experience-driven rather than generalist. Unlike civil service exams, where coaching and memorization dominate, DRDO’s technical screening specifically evaluates the relevance and depth of your field experience. Candidates should meticulously document their project contributions, technologies handled, and measurable outcomes achieved in their work history. For niche specializations (Oceanography, Radiation Physics, Remote Sensing), the candidate pool is naturally smaller, significantly improving selection chances for well-qualified applicants. However, the mandatory 75% interview score threshold is genuinely demanding; candidates should prepare by studying DRDO’s published research, understanding India’s current defence technology gaps, and practising technical discussions on their specific research domain.
How to Apply for DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official RAC website at https://rac.gov.in.
- Locate the registration portal and create your account by providing your email address and mobile number.
- Complete the online registration process and receive your login credentials via email.
- Log in to your account and proceed to fill out the application form with personal, educational, and professional details.
- Upload your photograph (not exceeding 30 KB) and signature (not exceeding 30 KB) in the specified format.
- Attach scanned copies of all relevant certificates, including degrees, experience proof, and CCA Declaration (if applicable).
- Review all information and uploaded documents carefully before final submission.
- Pay the application fee online through available payment gateways (if applicable to your category).
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page in PDF format for your records.
- Retain a printed copy of the submitted application and payment receipt for future reference.
💡 Expert Tip: Ensure all document uploads are in legible PDF or image format with file sizes not exceeding 500 KB each. DRDO’s system does not accept password-protected files. Many applications are rejected due to illegible scans of certificates. Use a good scanner or mobile scanning app to create clear, high-contrast documents. Save your username and password securely, and do not change your registered mobile number or email address after submission, as all official communications regarding eligibility and interview schedules will be sent to these registered contact details.
Documents Required
Candidates must keep the following documents ready before applying. Essential documents must be uploaded at the time of online application:
At Time of Online Application (Mandatory):
- Matriculation or High School certificate for date of birth verification
- Essential qualifying degree certificate and marksheet (First Division proof required)
- All higher qualification certificates and transcripts (if applicable)
- Experience certificates from each employer specifying position, date of joining, and relieving date
- Pay scale or Cost to Company (CTC) documentation for each employment period
- CCA Declaration (duly signed) for candidates currently serving in Government/PSU organizations
At Time of Final Personal Interview (Originals + Photocopies):
- Date of Birth proof, self-attested High School or Matriculation certificate, or Birth Certificate
- Passport-sized colour photograph (recent, not exceeding 30 KB)
- Scanned sample of candidate’s signature (not exceeding 30 KB)
- Self-attested degree certificates and testimonials regarding essential and higher qualifications
- Marksheets for all educational qualifications
- All experience certificates clearly indicate the employment start date and end date
- Salary slips, appointment letters, promotion letters, and Form 16A covering the entire claimed experience period
- CGPA to percentage conversion certificate from the university (if applicable)
- Fellowship proofs with start and end dates (if applicable)
- Caste certificate (for SC/ST applicants claiming fee waiver)
- Disability certificate (for Divyang/PwD applicants claiming fee waiver)
- Release certificate (if retired Armed Forces personnel)
- CCA Declaration and NOC from Cadre Controlling Authority (for serving Government/PSU employees)
- Notarized affidavit (if name differs across documents)
- Notarized or certified English/Hindi translation (if any document is in another language)
Important Instructions
- Submit applications exclusively through the official RAC portal at https://rac.gov.in-no alternative submission methods are accepted.
- Observe the final deadline of 19 June 2026 at 1600 hours; the online submission facility will not remain accessible beyond this time.
- Candidates applying for multiple posts must submit separate applications for each position and specify item numbers and preference order in each submission.
- Ensure personal details match exactly with your Date of Birth proof; any discrepancies require a notarized affidavit submitted at the time of online application.
- Do not disclose confidential information belonging to your current or previous employer in the application form; RAC will not assume responsibility for any such disclosure.
- Preserve your registered mobile number and email address after submission-all critical communications regarding eligibility status, shortlisting results, and interview schedules will be transmitted exclusively to these registered contact points.
- Complete the application form and verify all entries along with the uploaded documents before final submission. Once locked, no corrections or document substitutions are permitted.
- Individual document file sizes must not exceed 500 KB; all uploaded materials must be legible, readable, and free from password protection.
- The Final Personal Interview will be conducted exclusively in-person at RAC headquarters in Delhi; virtual or online interview modes are not available under any circumstances.
- A minimum score of 75% (75 out of 100) in the Final Personal Interview is mandatory for inclusion in the selection merit list.
- Selected candidates must be prepared to serve in any location across India, including remote and field postings, as per Central Government service rules.
- Engaging in any form of canvassing will result in immediate disqualification from the recruitment process.
- DRDO does not request monetary payments at any recruitment stage except the prescribed application fee; any such demand outside official channels should be reported immediately.
- Under the Data Protection and Personal Data Act 2023, DRDO will process candidate personal information exclusively for recruitment purposes.
- Applications missing mandatory information or documents will be rejected without further notification or correspondence.
- RAC reserves the authority to modify vacancies and alter screening procedures based on the availability of appropriately qualified candidates.
- Any disputes arising from this recruitment will fall under the jurisdiction of courts and tribunals operating in Delhi only.
Who Should NOT Apply
Candidates falling into any of the following categories are strongly advised not to submit applications, as they will be rejected at the administrative screening stage:
- Lacking First Division (60% or above) in the essential qualifying degree-this is a non-negotiable requirement, and fractional marks below 60% cannot be rounded up for qualification.
- Possessing work experience rated below Pay Level 10 (7th CPC) or its equivalent, such as employment periods, will not count toward the required experience duration for the advertised post.
- Having overlapping periods between higher qualification studies (such as PhD or M.Tech) and work experience claims-overlapping months will be deducted from total experience calculation.
- Unemployed for more than one consecutive year if applying for Scientist D or E positions-continuous unemployment exceeding 12 months disqualifies the application.
- Serving in Government or PSU organizations without uploading a signed CCA Declaration-this declaration is mandatory, and its absence will result in immediate rejection.
- From the Private Sector, unable to furnish CTC, pay drawn documentation, or Form 16A for claimed experience periods, these documents are the sole proof for validating private sector experience.
- Exceeding age limits-35 years (Scientist C), 45 years (Scientist D/E), or 56 years when including all relaxations-no exceptions are permitted.
- Unable or unwilling to attend the Final Personal Interview in person at RAC, Delhi, this stage has no alternative delivery mechanism.
- Lacking the specific work experience fields detailed in the advertised qualifications for their chosen post, Technical Screening Committees conduct strict relevance assessments.
- Applying for Scientist C Encadered positions from the Reserved categories,s expecting age relaxation, no age concessions apply to Scientist C Encadered recruits from Reserved categories.
Frequent Errors to Avoid Before Applying
- Failing to confirm that your work experience is classified at Pay Level 10 (7th CPC) or higher, or experience below this classification will be discarded entirely and not credited toward your total experience years.
- Miscalculating experience duration by combining the period of higher qualification (such as PhD completion) with work experience,ce without removing overlap months of study pursued concurrently with employment, will be subtracted from your total experience.
- Submitting a single application while expecting consideration for multiple posts, candidates must file separate applications for each post and list the item numbers of other applied posts in order of preference within each form.
- Neglecting to list desirable qualifications and additional experience in the designated “Other Section” or “Justification” column of the online form, the Technical Screening Committee depends on this section to assess your profile comprehensively.
- Providing vague or inconsistent employment history-experience documentation must contain verifiable details, including exact joining dates, employment end dates, associated pay scales or CTC figures, and corresponding supporting documents.
- Submitting experience certificates from subordinate department officials (Group Heads, Division Heads, Project Leads, Department Heads, or Professors)-only certificates authorized by senior positions such as Admin Officer, HR Head, Director, Principal, Dean, Registrar, or other Competent Authority are acceptable.
- Submitting educational transcripts with CGPA without providing the conversion formula certificate from your institution, CGPAA/CPI scores of 6.75 on a 10-point scale equal 60%; you must produce the university’s official conversion certificate.
- Altering your registered mobile number or email after application submission, the system will not accept changes, and you will lose communication about eligibility determination and interview notifications sent to your original contact information.
- Finalizing or locking the application without thoroughly reviewing it alongside all attached documents, once submitted, no data corrections, document removals, or substitutions are permissible.
- If uploading certificates in languages other than English or Hindi without attaching notarized or certified translations, the system will reject applications with untranslated foreign-language documentation.
Additional Information
Pay Equivalence for Private Sector Candidates
Candidates employed in the private sector must furnish valid proof of monthly salary or Cost to Company (CTC) throughout the experience period claimed. Acceptable proof includes salary slips, appointment letters, CTC revision documents, Form 16A, or audited financial statements. Pay drawn, or CTC figures, form the sole basis for establishing experience validity from private sector employment. Detailed Pay Equivalence Criteria are published on the RAC website. Candidates must review these criteria before applying.
Weightage for Higher Qualifications
Higher qualifications earned in the relevant discipline and acquired before the closing date are credited as additional experience months:
- Post Graduate Qualification in Engineering: 24 months
- Post Graduate Degree in Medicine/Physiology (Medical Posts only): 36 months
- Doctorate Degree in Science: 36 months
- PhD in Pharmacy: 36 months
- PhD in Engineering: 48 months
The period of study for these higher qualifications must not overlap with the work experience period claimed.
PwD / Divyang Candidate Information
Posts marked with the (@) symbol allow applicants from specific Divyang categories: Acid Attack Victims and Dwarfism only. Posts marked with the (*) symbol permit candidates from all Divyang categories except those with Blindness, Low Vision, Autism, Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disability, or Mental Illness. Divyang candidates receive age relaxation of up to 10 years. Application fee is waived for all Divyang applicants, and a valid disability certificate issued by a competent medical authority is required at the interview stage.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Apply Here |
| View Notification PDF | Download Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026, and who is eligible?
Ans. DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 is a lateral recruitment drive for experienced scientists across multiple engineering and science disciplines in the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) cadre. Eligible candidates must hold at least First Division (60%+) in relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, possess the required years of post-qualification experience (11 years for Scientist E, 7 years for Scientist D, 3 years for Scientist C), and be Indian Nationals below the specified age limits.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The closing date for online application submission is 19 June 2026 at 1600 hours (4:00 PM). Applications must be submitted through the official RAC website at https://rac.gov.in before this deadline; no extensions or late submissions are entertained.
Q3. How many total vacancies are available in the DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026?
Ans. There are 33 total vacancies comprising Scientist E (2 posts), Scientist D (11 posts), and Scientist C (20 posts) distributed across regular and encadered positions in the DRDS cadre, spanning multiple disciplines including Electronics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, and specialized fields.
Q4. What is the application fee for DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The application fee is Rs. 100/- (non-refundable and non-transferable) for General, OBC, and EWS male candidates, payable online only. SC, ST, Divyang/PwD, and women candidates are exempt from paying any application fee.
Q5. What is the selection process for DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The selection process comprises four stages: (1) Administrative Screening to verify eligibility documents and qualifications, (2) Technical Screening (Level-1) by an independent Technical Screening Committee using bio-data evaluation, (3) Technical Screening (Level-2) or Preliminary Online Interview (if required) for further shortlisting, and (4) Final Personal Interview conducted in-person at RAC, Delhi, where candidates must score a minimum of 75% marks for selection consideration.
Q6. Is there any age relaxation for DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026?
Ans. Yes, age relaxation is available for eligible categories. Divyang/PwD candidates receive relaxation up to 10 years. Civilian Central Government employees with at least 3 years of continuous regular service in the same or allied cadres receive up to 5 years of relaxation. Ex-Servicemen receive relaxation as per applicable rules. However, the absolute maximum age ceiling is 56 years, including all relaxations, and no age relaxation applies to Scientist C Encadered posts for Reserved category candidates.
Q7. Can candidates apply for multiple posts in the DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026?
Ans. Yes, candidates can apply for multiple posts, but they must submit separate applications for each post with all required details. Each application must mention the item numbers of other posts applied for and indicate the preference order. Candidates must ensure they meet the specific eligibility criteria (including discipline and experience requirements) for each post they apply for.
Q8. What documents are mandatory to upload at the time of applying for the DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026?
Ans. Mandatory documents to upload during online application include date of birth proof (High School certificate), essential degree certificate with marksheet showing First Division, higher qualification certificates (if applicable), experience certificates from all employers with joining and relieving dates, pay scale or CTC documentation, and CCA Declaration (if serving in Government/PSU). All documents must be legible, scanned clearly, and not exceed 500 KB per file.
