How to Join DRDO? Eligibility, Application Process, Salary

The basic eligibility criteria for candidates to get into DRDO is either a Bachelor's Degree in Science or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering/ Technology/ Computer Science/ Allied subjects in the required discipline or domain from a recognised Institute. 

Apart from that, the hiring process in DRDO is through an entrance exam known as the Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM), for interested candidates.

Among India's most distinguished organizations, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is one of them and securing a job here is a dream come true for many people. So, candidates asking how to join DRDO must check the eligibility criteria and qualify for the entrance test.

What is DRDO?

DRDO stands for 'Defence Research and Development Organisation,' an agency run by the Government of India that largely runs research and development efforts for the Indian military's technologies or equipment and plays into the assistance of the country's defence systems.

Because its purpose is so ingrained in defensive warfare, it's under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence. The organisation's headquarters are located in Delhi and there are a total of 52 laboratories across India.

But, of course, it doesn't stop at only defence systems; it also covers various fields wherein they could expand the technologies involved, such as;

• Aeronautics
• Land combat Engineering
• Life sciences
• Missiles and naval systems
• Armaments and materials

The rigorous iterative processes are made possible by the sheer volume of engineers, scientists, and everything in between working there; 5,000 scientists belonging to the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) and 25,000 employees filling scientific, technical, and support-related roles.

Also Read: Full Forms of ISRO, DRDO, HAL, IAF - Detailed Information

How to Apply to DRDO?

Joining the nation's reputed organization for military research and development is most people's dream. However, there are certain steps to follow to learn how to join DRDO. The steps are listed below:

• Step 1: Apply online through the official website of DRDO.
• Step 2: To fill out the DRDO online application form, candidates have to click on the advertisement tab.
• Step 3: Candidates have to enter their email ID and password.
• Step 4: Candidates are supposed to click on the recruitment JRP tab.
• Step 5: Now, candidates will be directed to the DRDO application form tab.
• Step 6: Candidates have to enter the following details carefully with no spelling errors in the application form - personal details, contact information etc. 
• Step 7: The candidates must attach all necessary documents while submitting the application form. 
• Step 8: Before clicking on the submit button, candidates need to review all the details.
• Step 9: Application fees of INR 100/- must be paid. (Online - General, Offline - Other categories)
• Step 10: The candidates must take the print of the application form to send it to the DRDO address in Bangalore.

Eligibility Criteria to Join DRDO

When learning how to get into DRDO, aspirants must fulfil certain DRDO eligibility criteria to obtain work at DRDO. There are a total of 4 levels of posts for scientists, Scientist 'B', Scientist 'C', Scientist' D', and Scientist 'E', which you can apply for based on the aspirant's eligibility.

Educational Qualification for Senior Technical Assistant under DRDO's Cadre of Technical Advisors

• Candidates must have either a Bachelor's Degree in Science or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering/Technology/Computer Science/allied subjects in the required discipline or domain from a recognized Institute.
• Candidates pursuing their final year degree in any stream are eligible to apply for DRDO 2024. However, candidates should ensure that they satisfy every factor of the eligibility criteria for DRDO. Otherwise, their candidature will be cancelled.

Educational Qualification for Technician 'A' under DRDO's Cadre of Technical Advisors

Candidates should have a pass certificate from their Class 10 board exam or an equivalent certificate issued by a recognized board or institute. Additionally, they must possess a certificate from a recognised Industrial Training Institute (ITI) branch.

If an ITI branch doesn't provide a certificate in that course, then candidates must have either one of the following:

• A minimum of a 1-year course certificate from a recognized institute.
• A National Trade certificate in the required discipline.
• A National Apprenticeship Certificate in the needed discipline.

Also Read: DRDO Recruitment Through GATE 2024: Dates, Vacancies, Notification

DRDO Job Post-wise Qualifications Required

DRDO is one of the esteemed agencies in India serving the country. Getting a job here is a dream for many. But there are several shoes to fill, such as those of scientists, technicians, assistant technicians, and even support staff.

Each of these roles requires different qualifications and experience, such as:

• Scientist B requires a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of first-class or above in engineering or technology.
• Scientist C requires a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of first-class or above in engineering or technology and also should have 3 years of experience in their respective fields.
• Scientist D requires a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of first-class or above in engineering or technology and also should have 7 years of work experience in their respective field.
• Scientist E requires a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of first-class or above in engineering or technology and also should have 10 years of work experience in their respective field.
• BSc graduates can also apply for the assistant technician post; the Centre recruits them for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM).
• Class 12 passed students can apply for the shop assistant post.

It's recommended that applicants apply for the shop assistant post after their B.Tech graduation if they wish to be a scientist and better pay. The candidates can also apply directly for Scientist B if they have scored high in the GATE exam.

Also Read: DRDO Vacancy 2024

DRDO Recruitment through GATE

Scientist B recruitment through the GATE Exam is conducted for candidates age must not be more than 28 years old. Anyone above this age is unsuitable for the DRDO exam. However, there are some relaxations on it, they are as follows:

• SC/ST candidates receive 5 years of relaxation; they must not exceed 33 years of age. This is only for Scientist 'B' Post.
• OBC (non-creamy layer) candidates receive 3 years of relaxation; they must not exceed 31 years of age. This is only for Scientist 'B' Post.
• For every other post, age limit relaxation is reserved as per the rules.
• The age limit is also relaxed for candidates who are from the Armed Forces as per the rules.
• Scientist 'D'/'E' Posts demand that the candidate's age should not exceed 45 years.
• Scientist 'C' Post demands that the candidate's age should not exceed 35 years.

How to Get an Internship in DRDO?

DRDO comprises different laboratories spread across the country. The laboratories have different research fields, development, core concepts, training policies, and whatnot.

This is why it's recommended that you reach out to the Director of the desired laboratory where you'd like to obtain the internship through the headmaster/chairperson/dean of your college or institute.

Steps to Get an Internship in DRDO

First of all, search for the internship you are looking for in your field of specialization.

Other steps for getting an internship at DRDO are:

• Search for the address of the laboratory.
• Contact the Director of the laboratory or HR. If you have any references, use them.
• Send your resume to the Director through email.
• If you are shortlisted, then you will be called for the interview.
• Prepare for the interview, and study in the laboratory.
• If selected for the internship, then you will receive a call letter through email.

Also Read: DRDO Reference Books 2024

DRDO Exam Pattern

As a paper-based rest, the DRDO exam, which is called the Scientist Entry Test (SET), is conducted once every year. SET is divided into two sections: Section A and Section B.

When put together, the duration of the paper is calculated to be 3 hours (or 180 minutes, to be exact). Both sections have negative markings; however, the amounts are different; Section A provides a 1-mark penalty for every wrong answer, and Section B deducts 0.5 marks.

As mentioned above, the exam does have an age limit, which ranges between 18-27 years of age (excluding relaxations), depending on the post the candidate is applying for. As for the total marks segregation, Section A takes the majority in that it contains 400 marks worth of content, and Section B gets the rest 100.

Read More: DRDO Exam Pattern and DRDO Syllabus

Salary of DRDO Employees

Now that the candidates have learnt how to get into DRDO let’s discuss DRDO salaries. The salaries for DRDO employees vary for different posts. In the table below, an average estimation of initial pay in DRDO is mentioned:

Also Read: DRDO Salary 2024