DRDO Scientist E, Scientist D, Scientist C Recruitment 2026 - 33 Vacancies

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), is hiring 33 Scientist C, Scientist D and Scientist E posts under Advertisement No. 157. RAC has extended online registration and form submission up to 30 June 2026 at 16:00 hrs. The advertisement closing date and eligibility cutoff remain 19 June 2026 at 16:00 hrs. Pay starts from Rs. 67,700 per month for Scientist C and goes up to Rs. 1,23,100 per month basic pay for Scientist E.

DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 - 33 Posts

DRDO RAC Advertisement No. 157 covers lateral recruitment of experienced scientists in the Defence Research and Development Service (DRDS). The recruitment includes regular DRDS posts and encadered DRDS posts across engineering, science, medical and allied technical disciplines. The official update changes the form-submission deadline only; vacancy count, age limits, fee and qualifications remain unchanged.

Vacancy Breakdown

• Regular DRDS posts: Scientist E - 1, Scientist D - 7, Scientist C - 17
• Encadered DRDS posts: Scientist E - 1, Scientist D - 4, Scientist C - 3
• Total vacancies: 33 posts
• Reservation note: The advertisement states that the mentioned vacancies are Unreserved, with specific PwD eligibility notes for marked posts.

Who Can Apply?

• Scientist E: You need a first-division relevant degree and about 11 years of required research, design or development experience for the advertised discipline.
• Scientist D: You need a first-division relevant degree and 7 years of required experience.
• Scientist C: You need a first-division relevant degree and 3 years of required experience.
• Academic rule: The notice accepts first-division B.E./B.Tech or relevant first-division master's degree as applicable to each post and discipline.
• Nationality: Only Indian nationals can apply.
• Eligibility cutoff: Age, qualification and experience are still counted as on 19 June 2026 at 16:00 hrs, even though form submission is extended to 30 June 2026.

Age Limit

• Scientist D / Scientist E: Maximum age is 45 years.
• Scientist C: Maximum age is 35 years.
• Relaxation: PwD candidates can get up to 10 years relaxation. Serving civilian Central Government employees can get up to 5 years relaxation where applicable. Ex-servicemen relaxation is as per rules.
• Upper cap: Maximum age must not exceed 56 years, including relaxation.

Salary

• 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.
• Selected candidates will also get allowances as admissible under Government of India rules.

Application Fee

• General / OBC / EWS male candidates: Rs. 100
• SC / ST / Divyang / Women candidates: No fee
• Payment mode: Online only

Selection Process

The official notice says selection will be done through screening and interview stages:

1. Administrative Screening: RAC checks identity, age, qualifications, experience and CCA declaration wherever applicable.
2. Technical Screening: Experts check whether your experience matches the advertised requirement. RAC may use more than one screening level.
3. Preliminary Online Interview: This may be used if the number of shortlisted candidates is large.
4. Final Personal Interview: Final interview is conducted in person at RAC, Delhi. Final merit is based on marks scored in this interview.

You must score at least 75 out of 100 in the final personal interview to be considered for selection.

How to Apply

1. Go to the RAC website at rac.gov.in.
2. Open Advertisement No. 157 under ongoing recruitment opportunities.
3. Register online and fill the application form for the relevant Scientist post.
4. Upload qualification, experience, age proof, photograph, signature and other required documents.
5. Pay the application fee online if applicable.
6. Submit the final form before 30 June 2026 at 16:00 hrs.

Important Dates

• Original advertisement closing date: 19 June 2026 at 16:00 hrs
• Eligibility cutoff date: 19 June 2026 at 16:00 hrs
• Extended online registration and form submission date: 30 June 2026 at 16:00 hrs
• RAC update date: 18 June 2026
• Interview date: To be announced on the RAC website

• Perform duties assigned for the notified post
• Maintain records and follow official instructions
• Attend selection, joining, and document verification steps as required