DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026

📅 Important Dates Online Application Starts: May 30, 2026
Last Date to Apply: June 19, 2026 (by 4:00 PM sharp) Exam / Interview Date: To be announced later (shortlisted candidates will be informed via email/SMS).
💳 Application Fee General / OBC / EWS (Male Candidates): ₹100
SC / ST / PwD Candidates: Nil (Exempted)
Women (All Categories): Nil (Exempted)
🎓 Qualification & Experience All posts require an absolute First Division (minimum 60% marks or a CGPA of 6.75/10) in your primary qualifying degree. Because this is a lateral entry drive for experienced professionals, relevant work experience is mandatory: Scientist C: First Division B.E./B.Tech or Master’s in Science + Minimum 3 Years of post-qualification experience. Scientist D: First Division B.E./B.Tech or Master’s in Science + Minimum 7 Years of post-qualification experience. Scientist E: First Division B.E./B.Tech or Master’s in Science + Minimum 11 Years of post-qualification experience. Eligible Engineering & Science disciplines include Electronics & Communication, Computer Science, Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, and Physiology.
🎂 Age Limit (As of June 19, 2026) Scientist C: Maximum 35 years Scientist D: Maximum 45 years Scientist E: Maximum 45 years 👥 Age Relaxations: Reserved category candidates receive age relaxations according to Government rules (OBC gets 3 years, SC/ST gets 5 years, and PwD gets up to 10 years). The ultimate absolute age ceiling across all relaxations cannot exceed 56 years.
📥 Selection Process There is no massive written exam. The selection is handled entirely via profile screening followed by a Personal Interview at the RAC office in Delhi. You must score at least 75 out of 100 marks in the interview to be considered for final selection. You can apply directly through the official portal at rac.gov.in.
DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 Video
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated a prestigious lateral recruitment drive under Advertisement No. 157. Administered by the Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), this initiative seeks accomplished and highly experienced professionals for Scientist C, Scientist D, and Scientist E positions. Offering regular, stable government roles across a highly sought-after salary scale, this hiring drive targets experts in key engineering and science domains.

The online application process launched on May 30, 2026, and will close on June 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM (1600 hours IST) sharp. Because of the strict automated cutoff, candidates are advised to complete their submissions ahead of time to avoid server congestion.

💼 Vacancy, Pay Scale, and Age Limits
A total of 33 vacancies are open, structured across the following designations:

Scientist C (20 Vacancies): Offered at Pay Level 11 (7th CPC) with a starting monthly basic pay of ₹67,700. The maximum age limit is 35 years.

Scientist D (11 Vacancies): Offered at Pay Level 12 (7th CPC) with a starting monthly basic pay of ₹78,800. The maximum age limit is 45 years.

Scientist E (02 Vacancies): Offered at Pay Level 13 (7th CPC) with a starting monthly basic pay of ₹1,23,100. The maximum age limit is 45 years.

Note: Standard government relaxations apply (OBC gets 3 years, SC/ST gets 5 years, and PwD gets up to 10 years). The absolute maximum age ceiling with all relaxations cannot exceed 56 years.

🎓 Educational Qualifications & Mandatory Experience
A baseline requirement for all positions is a First Division degree (minimum 60% marks or an equivalent CGPA of 6.75/10). Eligible streams encompass Electronics & Communication, Computer Science, Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, and Physiology.

Because this is a lateral entry framework, post-qualification professional experience in relevant research, design, development, or testing is strictly mandatory:

Scientist C: Requires a minimum of 3 years of experience.

Scientist D: Requires a minimum of 7 years of experience.

Scientist E: Requires a minimum of 11 years of experience.

💳 Application Fees
An online fee of ₹100 applies exclusively to male applicants from the General, OBC, and EWS categories. All female candidates, alongside SC, ST, and PwD applicants, are completely exempted from the fee.

📝 Selection Process
Rather than standard nationwide written tests, selection relies on expert screening followed by a multi-stage evaluation:

Technical Screening: Applications are vetted based on advanced educational qualifications and domain-specific experience.

Preliminary Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates complete a brief, 10–15 minute technical interaction.

Final Personal Interview: Held at the RAC venue in Delhi, this is the main deciding factor. Candidates must secure at least 75 out of 100 marks to qualify for final selection.

Eligible candidates must register, upload certified credentials (including valid experience letters issued by organizational heads), and lock their submissions on the official portal at rac.gov.in.

1. DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 : Overview

The recruitment notification for DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 brings a massive opportunity for job seekers across the nation. This recruitment drive is aimed at filling essential vacancies, ensuring that eligible candidates get a chance to serve in a stable and prestigious sector.

2. Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualification

To apply for DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 , candidates must satisfy the specific eligibility criteria laid down by the authorities. This includes a minimum educational qualification, which typically involves a degree or diploma from a recognized board or university.

3. Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The selection process for this recruitment is designed to evaluate candidates on various parameters. Depending on the post, it may involve a written examination, a physical fitness test, a skill test, or a personal interview.

4. How to Apply & Important Preparation Tips

The application process for DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 is conducted online through the official portal. Ensure that all details entered in the application form are accurate to avoid disqualification. After submitting the form, download the confirmation copy for future reference.