Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Recruitment & Assessment Centre (DRDO RAC) has announced the recruitment of 33 Scientists (Scientist E, D & C) under the DRDS cadre through its Lateral Recruitment Scheme. Candidates with a first‑division engineering or science degree and the requisite experience can apply online until 19 June 2026 4:00 PM.
Highlights
| Vacancies |
33 Scientist posts (E, D, C) |
| Qualification |
First Division B.E./B.Tech, M.Sc., M.Pharmacy, MBBS/MD or equivalent in relevant disciplines |
| Pay Scale |
Basic Pay from ₹67,700 (Scientist C) to ₹1,23,100 (Scientist E) – 7th CPC Pay Matrix |
| Selection Process |
Administrative Screening → Technical Screening → Personal Interview (minimum 75 % in interview) |
| Application Mode |
Online only via rac.gov.in |
| Last Date |
19 June 2026 (16:00 hrs) |
Post & Organization Details
| Organization |
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi – 110054 |
| Advertisement No. |
157 |
| Post Names & Pay |
- Scientist E – Basic Pay: ₹1,23,100, Level 13
- Scientist D – Basic Pay: ₹78,800, Level 12
- Scientist C – Basic Pay: ₹67,700, Level 11
|
| Recruitment Type |
Direct Recruitment on regular basis under Lateral Recruitment Scheme |
| Cadre |
DRDS (Defence Research & Development Service) cadre and Encadered posts |
| Selection Mode |
Administrative Screening → Technical Screening (Level‑1 & Level‑2 if required) → Final Personal Interview (in‑person at RAC, Delhi) |
| Minimum Interview Score |
75 % (75 out of 100) in the final personal interview |
| Official Website |
https://rac.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
Scientist E – 01 Vacancy
| Item No. |
No. of Vacancies |
Subject/Discipline |
Essential Qualifications & Experience |
Desirable |
| 1 |
01 |
Electronics & Communication Engineering |
- First Division Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology (Electronics & Communication) from a recognized university.
- Minimum 11 years of experience in research/design/development in digital communication and engineering.
|
- Knowledge of ground and space‑based communication systems and navigation.
- RTL design and verification.
- Experience with test & measurement equipment (signal generators, spectrum/network analyzers).
- Post‑Doctoral/Doctorate or Master’s in relevant engineering field.
- Knowledge of German, French, Russian, Japanese or Chinese.
- Three years’ experience in R&D management (project, material, resource or organisational development).
|
Scientist D – 07 Vacancies
| Item No. |
No. of Vacancies |
Subject/Discipline |
Essential Qualifications & Experience (Summary) |
| 2 |
01 |
Computer Science & Engineering* |
First Division BE/B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering + minimum 7 years experience in research/design/development in Software Engineering. Desirable: C, C++, MATLAB/Simulink; space‑simulation; Post‑Doctoral/Doctorate/Master’s; foreign language. |
| 3 |
01 |
Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering@ |
First Division BE/B.Tech in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering + minimum 7 years experience in aero‑configuration design & analysis & aero‑characterization. Desirable: Post‑Doctoral/Doctorate/Master’s; German/French/Russian/Japanese/Chinese. |
| 4 |
01 |
Mechanical Engineering@ |
First Division BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering + minimum 7 years experience in research/design/development of gas‑turbine engine systems (FEA, validation, testing). Desirable: Turbo‑machinery, structural/thermal/hydraulic/modal/shock/fatigue/composite analysis; noise‑vibration‑shock mitigation; Post‑Doctoral/Doctorate/Master’s; foreign language. |
| 5 |
01 |
Physics / Photonics / Optics & Opto‑Electronics / Engineering Physics* |
First Division Master’s in Physics/Photonics OR First Division BE/B.Tech in Optics & Opto‑Electronics/Engineering Physics + minimum 7 years experience in optics/photonics research/design/development (coherent/incoherent imaging, hyperspectral, polarimetric, quantum‑enhanced imaging, optical system design). Desirable: Post‑Doctoral/Doctorate/Master’s in optical/photonics fields; foreign language. |
| 6 |
01 |
Chemical Engineering@ |
First Division BE/B.Tech in Chemical Engineering + minimum 7 years experimental research in process‑chemical plant design for underwater power generation, modeling, simulation, fuel‑cell energy modules. Desirable: Post‑Doctoral/Doctorate/Master’s; foreign language. |
| 7 |
01 |
Chemical Engineering@ |
First Division BE/B.Tech in Chemical Engineering + minimum 7 years experience in R&D of process development/reactor design, thermodynamics & kinetics modeling, metallurgical processes, scale‑up. Desirable: Metallurgical extraction, process safety, risk assessment; Post‑Doctoral/Doctorate/Master’s; foreign language. |
| 8 |
01 |
Mechanical Engineering@ |
First Division BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering + minimum 7 years experience in solid propulsion system integration & testing, mechanical systems assembly, composites pressure vessels & nozzles, QA/NDT. Desirable: Post‑Doctoral/Doctorate/Master’s; foreign language. |
Scientist C – 17 Vacancies (Partial List)
| Item No. |
No. of Vacancies |
Subject/Discipline |
Essential Qualifications & Experience (Summary) |
| 9 |
01 |
Electronics & Communication Engineering@ |
First Division BE/B.Tech in E&C Engineering + minimum 3 years experience in research/design/development of electronics & communication systems. Desirable: MATLAB/Simulink simulation for communication, etc. |
Eligibility Criteria
- Age Limit: Not specified in the notification (relaxations, if any, will follow government norms).
- Educational Qualification: First Division B.E./B.Tech, M.Sc., M.Pharmacy, MBBS/MD or equivalent in the relevant discipline as mentioned for each post.
- Experience: Varies by post – from 3 years (Scientist C) to 11 years (Scientist E) of relevant research/design/development experience.
Pay Scale & Salary
| Post |
Basic Pay (7th CPC) |
Pay Level |
| Scientist E |
₹1,23,100 per month |
Level 13 |
| Scientist D |
₹78,800 per month |
Level 12 |
| Scientist C |
₹67,700 per month |
Level 11 |
Applicable allowances as per DRDO rules will be added to the basic pay.
Application Fee
The official notification does not specify any application fee. Candidates should verify the fee details (if any) on the RAC portal during the online application process.
Important Dates
| Event |
Date |
| Advertisement Published in Employment News |
30 May – 5 June 2026 |
| Online Application Opens |
Available on rac.gov.in |
| Closing Date for Online Application |
19 June 2026 (16:00 hrs) |
| Eligibility Cut‑off Date |
19 June 2026 |
| Preliminary Online Interview / Final Personal Interview |
To be intimated through RAC website and Email/SMS |
Selection Process
- Administrative Screening of applications.
- Technical Screening (Level‑1 and, if required, Level‑2).
- Final Personal Interview (in‑person at RAC, Delhi). Candidates must secure at least 75 % marks.
How to Apply
- Visit the official RAC portal: https://rac.gov.in.
- Register using a valid email address and create a password.
- Log in and fill in the online application form with personal, educational and professional details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents (photograph, signature, certificates, experience letters, etc.).
- Pay the application fee (if any) through the online payment gateway.
- Review the entered information carefully and submit the application before the deadline 19 June 2026 16:00 hrs.
- Download and save the confirmation receipt for future reference.
Important Links
FAQ’s
- What is the last date to submit the online application?
The online application must be submitted on or before 19 June 2026 16:00 hrs.
- How many vacancies are there for Scientist E?
There is 1 vacancy for Scientist E in Electronics & Communication Engineering.
- Is there any age limit for the posts?
The notification does not mention a specific age limit; candidates should refer to the general government age norms and any relaxations applicable.
- What is the minimum qualifying score in the final interview?
Candidates must obtain at least 75 % (75 out of 100) in the final personal interview.
- Are there any application fees?
The official notification does not specify an application fee. Verify any fee details on the RAC portal during the application process.
- Can I apply for more than one discipline?
An applicant can apply only for the post(s) for which he/she meets the essential qualifications and experience criteria.
