DRDO Scientist B Recruitment 2026 has been officially issued for 630 Candidates. The Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC) and the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) are responsible for issuing these latest notifications to hire a talented bunch of Scientists ‘B’ in DRDO, DST, and ADA.
💡 Quick Answer: The DRDO Scientist B Recruitment 2026 aims to fill 630 vacancies in DRDO, ADA, and DST. Candidates with a first-class B.E./B.Tech degree and a valid GATE 2024/2025/2026 score are eligible. The starting salary is approx. Rs. 90,000/- per month (Pay Level-10).
If you find yourself eligible for these prestigious vacancies, then you can easily apply online for the DRDO RAC Recruitment 2026 directly from the official portal at www.rac.gov.in.
In this blog, we have provided all the critical information related to the DRDO Scientist Recruitment 2026, including Mandatory GATE Qualifications, Age Limits, Descriptive Examination patterns, Salary structures, and the step-by-step process on how to apply online.
Overview!
| Conducting Body | Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) |
| Post Name | Scientist ‘B’ |
| Advt No. | 140/ 2025 (Updated for 2026-27 Cycle) |
| Total Number of Vacancies | 630 |
| Salary/ Pay Scale | Pay Level-10 (7th CPC); Approx. Rs. 90,000/- to Rs. 1,00,000/- per month |
| Job Location | All India |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
Vacancy Details & Engineering Disciplines
A total of 630 posts have been released. These roles are primarily categorized into two parts:
- Part I (Major Disciplines): Electronics & Communication (ECE), Mechanical (ME), and Computer Science (CSE). Selection involves GATE + Descriptive Exam + Interview.
- Part II (Other Disciplines): Electrical (EE), Physics, Chemistry, Chemical, Civil, and Aeronautical. Selection involves GATE + Interview.
Educational Qualification & GATE Requirements
To be considered for a Scientist ‘B’ role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Academic: A First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology (B.E./B.Tech) from a recognized university.
- GATE Score: You must possess a valid GATE score from 2024, 2025, or 2026 in the respective discipline.
- IIT/NIT Exemption: Graduates from IITs or NITs (ranked highly in NIRF 2025) with an aggregate of 80% or higher are eligible for direct shortlisting without a GATE score in specific categories.
Selection Process & Weightage
The path to becoming a DRDO Scientist involves a rigorous selection workflow:
- Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on their GATE score or 80% marks (for IIT/NIT grads).
- Written Test (Part I only): A Descriptive Examination (600 Marks) consisting of two papers of 300 marks each.
- Final Merit Calculation:
- For Part I: 80% Weightage to Written Test + 20% to Personal Interview.
- For Part II: 80% Weightage to GATE Score + 20% to Personal Interview.
Important Dates (2026 Cycle)
- Application Begin: 06/07/2026 (Expected)
- Last Date to Apply Online: July 2026 (Check RAC Portal for official closing)
- Pay Examination Fee: July 2026
- Descriptive Exam Date: October 2026 (Tentative)
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS (Male): 100/-
- SC / ST / PH / Female Candidates: 0/- (Exempted)
DRDO RAC Scientist B Age Limit (as on Closing Date)
- DRDO: Maximum 28 Years
- DST: Maximum 35 Years
- ADA: Maximum 30 Years
Note: Age relaxation of 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST is applicable as per rules.
How to Apply Online? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these steps to ensure your application is submitted correctly:
- Visit the official RAC recruitment portal at rac.gov.in.
- Registration: Register using your email ID and mobile number to generate a password.
- Details: Enter your personal, educational, and valid GATE scorecard details.
- Uploads: Upload scanned copies of your Passport Photo, Signature, Degree/Provisional Certificate, and GATE Scorecard.
- Fee Payment: Pay the Rs. 100 fee online (if applicable).
- Final Submit: Review your data and click submit. Print the acknowledgment for your records.
Salary & Benefits
Selected candidates are placed in Pay Level-10 of the 7th CPC. While the basic pay starts at Rs. 56,100/-, the gross monthly salary (including HRA, DA, and TA) is approximately Rs. 90,000/- to Rs. 1,00,000/- depending on the city. Additional perks include a Professional Update Allowance of Rs. 22,500/year and subsidized medical facilities.
For a detailed breakdown of the selection strategy, watch this helpful video:
Official Reference Links (E-E-A-T):
- RAC Official Recruitment Portal (rac.gov.in)
- DRDO Official Website (drdo.gov.in)
- Latest NIRF 2025 Engineering Rankings
- Reference Advertisement No. 140/2025 PDF
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