{"id":571272,"date":"2023-06-03T10:50:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-03T05:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leverageedu.com\/blog\/?p=571272"},"modified":"2026-04-18T18:49:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T13:19:40","slug":"how-to-join-drdo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leverageedu.com\/blog\/how-to-join-drdo\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Join DRDO: A Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Are you a student dreaming of working with India\u2019s top defence research organization? The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) offers exciting career opportunities for those interested in science, technology, and serving the nation. In this blog, we bring you a complete guide on how to join DRDO, including eligibility, top courses, exams like CEPTAM and GATE, job roles, and step-by-step details for students from Class 10 onwards. Whether you\u2019re from a science, engineering, or diploma background, this guide will help you understand the right path to start your DRDO journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
What is DRDO?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India\u2019s leading defence R&D agency, working under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It was established in 1958 and plays a crucial role in developing defence technologies to support the Indian Armed Forces. As of 2025, DRDO operates with over 52 laboratories across the country and employs more than 30,000 personnel, including over 5,000 scientists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DRDO works on a wide range of cutting-edge defence projects such as missile systems (like Agni and Akash), fighter aircraft (like Tejas), drones, radars, electronic warfare systems, tanks (like Arjun), and cybersecurity tools. Its aim is to make India self-reliant in critical military technologies under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parameter<\/strong><\/td>
Details<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Founded<\/strong><\/td>
1958<\/td><\/tr>
Headquarters<\/strong><\/td>
New Delhi<\/td><\/tr>
Works under<\/strong><\/td>
Ministry of Defence<\/td><\/tr>
Employees (2025)<\/strong><\/td>
Approx. 30,000+ (including scientists, engineers, and technical staff)<\/td><\/tr>
Focus on AI-enabled defence systems, hypersonic missiles, unmanned platforms<\/td><\/tr>
Motto<\/strong><\/td>
\u201cBalasya Mulam Vigyanam\u201d \u2013 Strength\u2019s Origin is in Science<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Eligibility Criteria for DRDO 2025<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To be eligible to operate at the DRDO, you must meet certain qualifications or specifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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You must be an Indian citizen to apply for any DRDO post.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
You need a first-class degree (60% or more) in Engineering (B.E.\/B.Tech) or Science (M.Sc.) in a relevant subject.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
GATE score is compulsory\u2014you must have a valid GATE score from 2023, 2024, or 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
For Clinical Psychology posts, you also need RCI registration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Final year students can apply, but you must submit your degree\/provisional certificate by July 31, 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Maximum age is 35 years for General category; relaxation is given for OBC (up to 38 years), SC\/ST (up to 40 years), and PwBD (extra 10 years).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Central Government employees get an additional 5-year age relaxation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
You need a valid category certificate if applying under OBC, SC, ST, or EWS (must be issued after April 1, 2025).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Foreign degree holders must provide an AIU equivalence certificate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The application fee is \u20b9100 for General\/OBC\/EWS (male) candidates; it\u2019s free for women, SC\/ST, and PwBD candidates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to Join DRDO as Senior Technical Assistant (STA-B)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here are the 10 simple steps to join DRDO as a Senior Technical Assistant (STA-B) under the DRDO Technical Cadre (DRTC):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Be an Indian citizen and make sure your age is between 18 to 28 years (age relaxation is given for reserved categories).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
You must have a Bachelor\u2019s degree in Science (B.Sc.) or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering or Technology in a relevant subject from a recognized institute.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Eligible subjects include Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Library Science, Psychology, and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Make sure you complete your qualification before the last date mentioned in the official notification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
You must be physically and medically fit to perform technical duties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re working in a government or public sector job, you must get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer before applying.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The application fee is \u20b9100 for General\/OBC\/EWS male candidates, while SC\/ST, women, PwBD, and ex-servicemen are exempted from the fee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The selection process includes two exams: Tier I<\/strong> (CBT \u2013 General Awareness, Reasoning, English, Science, etc.) and Tier II<\/strong> (Subject-specific test \u2013 qualifying only)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
After clearing exams, you must go through document verification and meet all eligibility requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Once selected, you\u2019ll be posted as STA-B with a Level-6 Pay Scale (\u20b935,400 \u2013 \u20b91,12,400), along with allowances and other benefits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to Join DRDO as Technician \u2018A\u2019 under DRDO Technical Cadre<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here are 10 points to help you understand how to join DRDO as Technician \u2018A\u2019 under the DRDO Technical Cadre (DRTC):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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You must be an Indian citizen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Age should typically be between 18 and 28 years, with relaxations for reserved categories (SC\/ST\/OBC\/EWS\/PwBD) and ex-servicemen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
You need a 10th pass with science and maths, plus a 2-year ITI certificate in a relevant trade from an NCVT-affiliated institute.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Ensure your ITI certificate is awarded before the last date specified in the DRDO CEPTAM notification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
You must be medically and physically fit per DRDO\u2019s medical standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
If employed in a government\/PSU body, secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before applying.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
A \u20b9100 fee is payable by General\/OBC\/EWS male candidates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Fee waivers are available for SC\/ST, women, PwBD, and ex-servicemen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Computer-based exam covering General Awareness, Reasoning, Numerical Ability, Trade-specific subjects, and English comprehension.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
You must attend a practical exam focused on your ITI trade. This is a qualifying test and part of the final assessment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Qualifying Tier I and Tier II? You\u2019ll undergo document verification (ITI certificate, age proof, category certificate, medical fitness).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Once verified, you\u2019ll be appointed as Technician \u2018A\u2019, joining DRDO\u2019s Technical Cadre at Level-3 Pay Scale (\u20b921,700 \u2013 \u20b969,100) along with allowances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n