RAC DRDO Recruitment 2026 notification has been released by the Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), inviting online applications for Scientist C, Scientist D, and Scientist E vacancies under the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) cadre. This recruitment drive offers an excellent opportunity for experienced engineers, scientists, and researchers who wish to contribute to India’s defence technology and innovation sector.
According to the official notification, a total of 32 vacancies have been announced across various engineering and science disciplines. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official RAC website before 19 June 2026 (4:00 PM). The positions offer attractive salary packages under the 7th CPC pay matrix, along with excellent career growth opportunities under DRDO’s Flexible Complementing Scheme (FCS).
RAC DRDO Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Recruiting Authority | Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC) |
| Recruitment Name | RAC DRDO Recruitment 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | 157 |
| Post Name | Scientist C, Scientist D, Scientist E |
| Total Vacancies | 32 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 (4:00 PM) |
| Job Location | Anywhere in India |
| Official Website | rac.gov.in |
RAC DRDO Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
The recruitment includes vacancies in both DRDS cadre and encadred posts.
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Scientist E | 2 |
| Scientist D | 11 |
| Scientist C | 20 |
| Total | 32 |
The vacancies are available in disciplines such as:
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Physics
- Oceanography
- Mathematics
- Electrical Engineering
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Remote Sensing & GIS
- Geoinformatics
- Radiation Physics and more
RAC DRDO Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must possess the prescribed educational qualifications and relevant work experience as mentioned in the notification.
Educational Qualification
Applicants should have:
- First Division Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology in the relevant discipline, or
- First Division Master’s Degree in the relevant subject from a recognized university.
For institutions without a first division classification, 60% marks will be treated as equivalent to First Division.
Experience Requirement
| Post | Required Experience |
|---|---|
| Scientist E | Minimum 11 years |
| Scientist D | Minimum 7 years |
| Scientist C | Minimum 3 years |
The experience should be relevant to the discipline and position applied for.
Age Limit for RAC DRDO Recruitment 2026
The upper age limit as on the closing date is:
| Post | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Scientist E | 45 Years |
| Scientist D | 45 Years |
| Scientist C | 35 Years |
Age Relaxation
Age relaxation is available as per Government of India rules for:
- PwD candidates
- Central Government employees
- Ex-servicemen
However, reservation benefits are not applicable for these Scientist-level vacancies.
Salary Structure
One of the biggest attractions of this recruitment is the excellent salary package offered by DRDO.
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist E | Level 13 | ₹1,23,100 |
| Scientist D | Level 12 | ₹78,800 |
| Scientist C | Level 11 | ₹67,700 |
Apart from the basic pay, selected candidates will receive various allowances and benefits as per Central Government norms.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS Male | ₹100 |
| SC/ST | No Fee |
| Women Candidates | No Fee |
| PwD Candidates | No Fee |
The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online.
Selection Process for RAC DRDO Recruitment 2026
The selection process consists of multiple stages.
Administrative Screening
Applications will be checked for:
- Age eligibility
- Educational qualifications
- Experience requirements
- Supporting documents
Technical Screening
Eligible applications will undergo technical evaluation based on:
- Relevant work experience
- Higher qualifications
- Technical expertise
- Research achievements
Preliminary Online Interview
If required, DRDO may conduct a short online interview for further shortlisting.
Final Personal Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be called for a final in-person interview at RAC, Delhi.
Candidates must score at least 75 marks out of 100 in the final interview for selection consideration.
How to Apply for RAC DRDO Recruitment 2026
Candidates can follow the steps below to submit their applications:
- Visit the official RAC website.
- Complete the online registration process.
- Login using the generated credentials.
- Fill in personal, educational, and experience details.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Review all information carefully.
- Submit and lock the application form.
- Download and save the final application form for future reference.
Important Documents Required
Applicants should keep the following documents ready:
- Date of Birth proof
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Educational certificates and mark sheets
- Experience certificates
- Salary proofs
- Fellowship certificates (if applicable)
- NOC/CCA declaration (where applicable)
- Category certificate for fee exemption
- Identity proof
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Released |
| Online Application Start | Ongoing |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 (4:00 PM) |
| Interview Date | To be notified |
Why DRDO Scientist Jobs Are Highly Preferred
DRDO Scientist positions are among the most prestigious government research jobs in India. Employees get opportunities to work on cutting-edge defence technologies, missile systems, aerospace projects, artificial intelligence, communication systems, naval technologies, and strategic national programs.
The organization also provides structured career growth through the Flexible Complementing Scheme (FCS), allowing meritorious scientists to progress based on performance rather than vacancy availability.
FAQ
1. What is the last date to apply for RAC DRDO Recruitment 2026?
The last date for online application submission is 19 June 2026 up to 4:00 PM.
2. How many vacancies are available under RAC DRDO Recruitment 2026?
A total of 32 Scientist vacancies have been announced for Scientist C, Scientist D, and Scientist E posts.
3. What is the application fee for RAC DRDO Recruitment 2026?
General, OBC, and EWS male candidates need to pay ₹100, while SC, ST, Women, and PwD candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
4. What is the salary of a DRDO Scientist E?
A Scientist E officer receives a basic pay of ₹1,23,100 per month under Pay Level 13, along with applicable allowances.
5. Is prior work experience mandatory for RAC DRDO Scientist posts?
Yes, relevant post-qualification work experience is mandatory. Scientist C requires 3 years, Scientist D requires 7 years, and Scientist E requires 11 years of relevant experience.
Conclusion
RAC DRDO Recruitment 2026 presents an outstanding opportunity for experienced professionals seeking a rewarding career in India’s premier defence research organization. With 32 Scientist C, D, and E vacancies, attractive salaries, national-level research exposure, and strong career advancement prospects, this recruitment is expected to attract highly qualified candidates from engineering and science backgrounds. Interested applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria and complete their online application before 19 June 2026 to avoid missing this prestigious opportunity.
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Editor’s Note:
Written by Karmabandhan Editorial Team.
We encourage all aspirants to verify information from official sources and apply carefully.
Disclaimer: This is not an official government website. Candidates must verify details from the official notification.

I am Surojit Koiri, a professional content writer and digital publisher with over 5 years of experience in government job updates, recruitment analysis, and exam-related news. I am the chief editor of Karmabandhan.com, a dedicated platform that provides accurate and easy-to-understand information for job aspirants across India.