Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) has released the Scientist Recruitment 2026 notification (Advt. No. 157) for a total of 33 vacancies across Scientist E, Scientist D and Scientist C posts. The recruitment is conducted under the Lateral Recruitment Scheme and offers attractive pay scales under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC), Delhi |
| Advertisement No. | 157 |
| Post(s) Offered | Scientist E, Scientist D, Scientist C |
| Total Vacancies | 33 |
| Application Mode | Online only via https://rac.gov.in |
| Last Date for Application | 19 June 2026 (4:00 PM) |
Post & Organization Details
- Organization Name: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi – 110054
- Cadre: DRDS (Defence Research & Development Service) cadre and Encadered posts
- Recruitment Type: Direct Recruitment on Regular basis under Lateral Recruitment Scheme
- Career Progression: Flexible Complimenting Scheme (FCS) with merit‑based promotion
Vacancy Details
| Post | Basic Pay (Level) | No. of Vacancies | Subject / Discipline | Essential Qualification & Experience | Desirable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist E | ₹1,23,100 (Level 13) | 01 | Electronics & Communication Engineering | First Division B.E./B.Tech in ECE Minimum 11 years’ experience in research/design/development (digital communication) |
Knowledge of ground & space communication, RTL design, test & measurement equipment, post‑doctoral/doctorate, foreign language skills |
| Scientist D | ₹78,800 (Level 12) | 07 | Various (see below) | Computer Science & Engineering*: First Division B.E./B.Tech + 7 years’ experience in software engineering. Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering@: First Division B.E./B.Tech + 7 years’ experience in aero‑configuration design. Mechanical Engineering@: First Division B.E./B.Tech + 7 years’ experience in gas‑turbine engine design. Physics / Photonics / Optics & Opto‑Electronic*: First Division M.Sc. or B.E./B.Tech + 7 years’ experience in optics/photonics. Chemical Engineering@ (2 posts): First Division B.E./B.Tech + 7 years’ experience in process/chemical research. Mechanical Engineering (additional): First Division B.E./B.Tech + 7 years’ experience in solid propulsion systems. |
|
Eligibility Criteria
- Age Limit: Not specified in the notification.
- Educational Qualification: First Division B.E./B.Tech, M.Sc., M.Pharmacy, MBBS/MD or equivalent in relevant disciplines.
- Experience: Minimum 7 years for Scientist D posts; minimum 11 years for Scientist E post, in research/design/development as per discipline.
- Category Relaxations: Posts marked “@” are open to Acid Attack Victims and Dwarfism candidates; posts marked “*” are open to all Divyang/PwD categories except Blindness, low vision, Autism, Intellectual disability, Specific Learning disability and Mental Illness.
Pay Scale & Salary
- Scientist C – Basic Pay: ₹67,700 (Level 11)
- Scientist D – Basic Pay: ₹78,800 (Level 12)
- Scientist E – Basic Pay: ₹1,23,100 (Level 13)
- All posts are governed by the 7th CPC Pay Matrix and include applicable allowances.
Application Fee
The official notification does not mention any application fee. Candidates should verify on the RAC portal if any fee is required at the time of submission.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Published in Employment News | 30 May – 5 June 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | Available on https://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
- Technical Screening (Level‑1 & Level‑2 if required)
- Final Personal Interview (in‑person at RAC, Delhi)
Candidates must secure a minimum of 75 % marks in the final interview for selection.
How to Apply
- Visit the official RAC portal: https://rac.gov.in.
- Register using a valid email address and mobile number.
- Log in with the generated credentials.
- Fill in the online application form with personal, educational and professional details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents (photograph, signature, certificates, experience letters, etc.).
- Review the entered information carefully.
- Submit the application before 19 June 2026, 4:00 PM.
- Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference.
Important Links
FAQ’s
- What is the total number of vacancies?
There are 33 vacancies across Scientist E, D and C posts. - What is the last date to submit the online application?
The online application must be submitted by 19 June 2026 (4:00 PM). - Is there any application fee?
The notification does not specify any application fee; candidates should check the RAC portal for any updates. - What is the minimum qualifying score in the final interview?
A candidate must obtain at least 75 % marks in the final personal interview. - Which posts are reserved for PwD candidates?
Posts marked “@” are reserved for Acid Attack Victims and Dwarfism candidates; posts marked “*” are open to all PwD categories except Blindness, low vision, Autism, Intellectual disability, Specific Learning disability and Mental Illness. - What are the basic pay ranges for the posts?
Scientist C: ₹67,700; Scientist D: ₹78,800; Scientist E: ₹1,23,100 (all per month, Level 11‑13).