DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC), has released Advertisement No. 157 inviting online applications from eligible candidates for direct recruitment of 33 Scientists across Scientist C, Scientist D, and Scientist E grades under the Lateral Recruitment Scheme. These are regular posts in the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) cadre.
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official RAC website at rac.gov.in. The online application portal opened on 30th May 2026, and the closing date for submission is 19th June 2026 at 1600 hrs.
DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 Notification Out
The official DRDO RAC Advertisement No. 157, dated 30th May 2026, has been published on the RAC website https://rac.gov.in. The notification contains complete details about post-wise vacancies, discipline-wise qualifications, experience requirements, age limits, selection process, and application instructions. Candidates are strongly advised to read the full notification carefully before submitting their online application.
Click to Download DRDO RAC Advertisement No
Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Recruiting Body | Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) |
| Advertisement No. | 157 |
| Post Names | Scientist C, Scientist D, Scientist E |
| Total Vacancies | 33 |
| Recruitment Type | Lateral Recruitment (Regular Basis) |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Registration Available From | 30th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19th June 2026 (1600 hrs.) |
| Job Location | Anywhere in India |
| Official Website | https://rac.gov.in |
Important Dates
The DRDO RAC Scientist Advertisement No. 157 was released on 30th May 2026. The online application window closes on 19th June 2026 at 1600 hrs. sharp.
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release / Application Opens | 30th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19th June 2026 (1600 hrs.) |
| Eligibility Cut-off Date | 19th June 2026 |
DRDO RAC Vacancy 2026 – Post-wise Details
DRDO RAC has announced a total of 33 vacancies across three scientist grades. The post-wise breakdown is as follows:
| Post | No. of Vacancies | Min. Experience | Basic Pay (7th CPC) | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist E | 02 | 11 Years | ₹1,23,100/- (Level 13) | 45 Years |
| Scientist D | 11 | 07 Years | ₹78,800/- (Level 12) | 45 Years |
| Scientist C | 20 | 03 Years | ₹67,700/- (Level 11) | 35 Years |
DRDO RAC Vacancy 2026 – Discipline-wise Breakdown
The 33 vacancies of DRDO RAC Scientist span a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines across both regular DRDS cadre posts and Encadered posts:
Scientist E
| Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | 01 |
| Mechanical/Production/Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering (Encadered) | 01 |
Scientist D
| Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Computer Science & Engineering | 01 |
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering | 01 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 01 |
| Physics/Photonics/Optics & Opto-Electronics/Engineering Physics | 01 |
| Chemical Engineering (Process/Fuel Cell) | 01 |
| Chemical Engineering (Metallurgical Processes) | 01 |
| Mechanical Engineering (Solid Propulsion) | 01 |
| Mechanical/Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering (Encadered) | 01 |
| Electronics & Telecommunication/Communication Engineering (Encadered) | 01 |
| Physics/Radiation Physics (Encadered) | 01 |
| Mechanical Engineering – FE Analysis (Encadered) | 01 |
Scientist C
| Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Electronics & Communication Engineering (Satellite Systems) | 01 |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering (FPGA/Signal Processing) | 01 |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering (Signal/Image/RF) | 01 |
| Computer Science & Engineering (AI/ML/Deep Learning) | 01 |
| Electronics Engineering (Digital Hardware/FPGA/VLSI) | 01 |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering (Communication Engg.) | 01 |
| Computer Science & Engineering (AI/HPC/Embedded) | 02 |
| Electronics Engineering (Antenna/5G/RF) | 02 |
| Oceanography/Physical Oceanography | 01 |
| Mathematics/Applied Mathematics | 01 |
| Chemical Engineering (High Energy Materials) | 01 |
| Physiology | 01 |
| Electrical Engineering | 01 |
| Pharmacology | 01 |
| Remote Sensing/GIS/Geoinformatics/Civil Engineering | 01 |
| Physics/Radiological Physics (Encadered) | 02 |
| Electronics & Communication/Mechanical Engineering – Ballistics (Encadered) | 01 |
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all essential eligibility requirements. Applications found ineligible at any stage will be summarily rejected.
Educational Qualification
A minimum First Division (at least 60% marks) Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology in the relevant discipline, or a First Division Master’s Degree in the relevant science discipline, from a recognized university is mandatory for all posts. Candidates with CGPA scores should note that a CGPA of 6.75 on a 10-point scale is treated as equivalent to 60% as per AICTE guidelines. No rounding off of marks is permitted.
Candidates possessing higher qualifications may receive weightage equivalent to experience as follows:
- Post Graduate Degree in Engineering: 2 years
- Post Graduate Degree in Medicine/Physiology (medical posts only): 3 years
- Doctorate in Science: 3 years
- Doctorate in Pharmacy: 3 years
- Doctorate in Engineering: 4 years
Age Limit
| Post | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Scientist E | Not exceeding 45 years |
| Scientist D | Not exceeding 45 years |
| Scientist C | Not exceeding 35 years |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Divyang/PwD candidates | Up to 10 years |
| Serving Central Govt. Civilian Employees (3+ years continuous service) | Up to 5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (including Ex SSCOs/ECOs) | As per rules in vogue |
DRDO RAC Apply Online 2026
The DRDO RAC Scientist online application link is active on the RAC website https://rac.gov.in from 30th May 2026. Candidates must first register on the RAC portal, then log in to fill and submit the application before 19th June 2026 at 1600 hrs. Candidates applying for more than one post must submit separate applications for each post code. Once the application is locked/finalized, no corrections or modifications will be permitted under any circumstances.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹100/- (Non-refundable) |
| SC / ST | Exempted |
| Divyang/PwD | Exempted |
| Women (all categories) | Exempted |
Payment must be made online only. No other mode of payment will be accepted.
Selection Process
Selection for DRDO RAC Scientist all posts will be carried out through a multi-stage screening process followed by a Final Personal Interview.
Stage 1 – Administrative Screening: Verification of identity, age, essential qualifications, experience length, and CCA Declaration (wherever applicable).
Stage 2 – Technical Screening Level 1 (Biodata-based): Shortlisting based on relevance of experience, desirable/higher qualifications, and other criteria recommended by the Technical Screening Committee.
Stage 3 – Technical Screening Level 2 (Preliminary Online Interview, if required): A short online interview of 10–15 minutes if the number of Level 1 shortlisted candidates is large. Up to 24 candidates per vacancy are called for this stage.
Stage 4 – Final Personal Interview: Held in-person at RAC, Delhi only. No online mode will be accepted. Up to 12 candidates per vacancy are called. Candidates must score a minimum of 75 out of 100 marks in the Final Personal Interview for consideration for final selection.
FAQs
What is the total number of vacancies in DRDO RAC Advertisement No. 157?
DRDO RAC has announced a total of 33 vacancies — 2 for Scientist E, 11 for Scientist D, and 20 for Scientist C — across various scientific and engineering disciplines under the Lateral Recruitment Scheme.
What is the last date to apply for DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026?
The closing date for online submission of applications is 19th June 2026 at 1600 hrs. (4:00 PM). No applications will be accepted after this deadline.
Is there any reservation for SC/ST/OBC candidates in DRDO RAC Advt. 157?
All 33 vacancies are Unreserved (UR). Category reservation does not apply to Scientist C and above posts. However, SC/ST and Divyang/PwD candidates are exempt from the application fee.
What is the minimum marks required in the Final Personal Interview for selection?Candidates must score a minimum of 75 out of 100 marks in the Final Personal Interview to be considered for final selection.
Where can I apply for DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates can register and apply online at the official RAC website https://rac.gov.in on or before 19th June 2026 at 1600 hrs.
