🧭 Introduction

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India’s premier research agency under the Ministry of Defence, engaged in the design, development and deployment of defence technologies and systems. Through its recruitment arm Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC), DRDO recruits technical personnel including Scientist/Engineer B, Project Scientists, Technical Assistants, and more. These positions are highly coveted by engineering graduates and researchers.

This article provides a detailed, up‑to‑date breakdown of the DRDO recruitment process, exam pattern, syllabus, final selection, practical preparation tips, and useful resources. The content is SEO‑optimized with keywords like “DRDO syllabus”, “DRDO exam pattern”, “DRDO preparation”.

✅ Selection Process

The selection process for DRDO technical posts (scientist, engineer, technical assistant etc.) generally includes the following stages:

Online Application & Screening – Candidates apply via RAC website and eligibility (qualification, age, discipline) is verified. rac.gov.in
Written Examination / Descriptive Paper or Valid GATE Score –
- For Scientist/Engineer ‘B’, there may be a descriptive examination (two papers) for certain disciplines.
- In many cases for Scientist/Engineer ‘B’ posts, a valid GATE score in the relevant discipline is required. rac.gov.in +1
Interview / Personal Interaction – Shortlisted candidates are called for interview/interaction to evaluate technical knowledge, research aptitude, and suitability.
Final Merit & Appointment – Based on performance in written test (if applicable), GATE score (if applicable) and interview, the final merit list is published and appointment issued.

📘 Exam Pattern

1. Scientist/Engineer ‘B’ (for engineering disciplines)

Stage	Details
Paper‑I	3 hours, 300 marks (descriptive)
Paper‑II	3 hours, 300 marks (descriptive)
Total	6 hours, 600 marks

The pattern varies by discipline and advertisement; candidates must check the specific advertisement.

2. Technical & Trade Posts (e.g., STA, Technician, CEPTAM)

Tier	Mode & Scope	Marks / Duration
Tier I	CBT – Quantitative Ability/Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, English, General Science FreshersNow+1	~150 marks (~150 questions) in ~120 minutes
Tier II	Trade/Discipline‑Specific subjects (for Technician/Trade posts)	As per post – ~100 marks in ~100 questions FreshersNow+1

Note: Negative marking rules are specified in the detailed advertisement for each post.

📚 Detailed Section‑wise Syllabus

Here is a generic but detailed framework of syllabus for major DRDO‑technical posts. For exact topics, refer to the pdf of your discipline (RAC website).

1. Engineering Discipline (Scientist/Engineer ‘B’)

a. Engineering Mathematics & Fundamental Engineering (for Paper‑I)

Linear Algebra: matrices, determinants, systems of equations, eigenvalues/eigenvectors. rac.gov.in +1
Calculus: limits, continuity, differentiation, integration, vector calculus. rac.gov.in
Probability & Statistics: distributions, random variables, standard deviation. rac.gov.in
Discrete Mathematics: sets, relations, logic, lattices. rac.gov.in

b. Discipline‑Specific Core Subjects (Examples)

Electrical / Mechanical / Electronics / Computer Science – topics will include core engineering subjects relevant to the branch (e.g., control systems, signals, thermodynamics, data structures, communication systems etc).
(Since topics differ by discipline, please download the specific pdf from RAC.)

2. Quantitative Ability / Aptitude & Reasoning (for trade/STA/Technician posts)

Number system, simplification, percentages, averages, ratio & proportion. FreshersNow+1
Time, speed & distance, work & time, profit & loss. FreshersNow
Reasoning: analogies, coding‑decoding, blood relations, number series. FreshersNow
General Intelligence: non‑verbal series, mirror images, embedded figures. FreshersNow
English/Hindi Language: vocabulary, grammar, comprehension. FreshersNow
General Awareness / General Science: current affairs, science & technology, Indian polity & history. FreshersNow

🔍 Final Selection & Marks Weightage

For Scientist/Engineer ‘B’: Final selection is based on combined performance in written test (if applicable) and interview. If recruitment is via GATE route, the GATE score + interview together determine merit.
For Technician / STA / Trade posts: Tier‑I (CBT) + Tier‑II (trade/discipline) and wherever applicable a skill/physical test.
The exact weightage (percentage) for written vs interview is specified in the advertisement and may vary; thus candidates must refer to the advertisement for “Item No.” of the post.

💡 Practical Preparation Tips

Download the official advertisement and syllabus from the RAC website (https://rac.gov.in) and highlight relevant topics for your discipline. rac.gov.in
Build concept clarity in core engineering subjects if you are applying for Scientist/Engineer ‘B’. Focus on fundamentals of your branch.
For trade/STA posts, strengthen quantitative aptitude, reasoning ability, English, general awareness as these form Tier I.
Attempt previous years’ papers under timed conditions—this helps in time‑management and exposes you to difficulty level.
Create a revision schedule and maintain summary notes (formulas, key concepts, shortcuts) for quick review.
Stay updated on science & technology developments, defence news, DRDO’s major programmes – can help in general awareness and interview.
Practise mock tests regularly and analyse errors—especially negative marking sections if applicable.
Ensure you are comfortable with the language of the exam and have good accuracy to avoid negative marking.
For interview rounds: be ready to explain your projects/work experience, branch‑specific applications, and why DRDO.
Keep track of age limit, application dates, eligibility conditions and ensure documents are ready well before deadlines.

🔗 Useful Resource Links

Official Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) for DRDO: https://rac.gov.in – for notifications, syllabus pdfs & application details
Syllabus PDF for Scientist ‘B’ (Computer Science) – available on RAC website.
Exam pattern & topics for CEPTAM/Technician level posts

🛡️ Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Scientist/Engineer ‘B’ & Other Technical Posts 2026 – Complete Syllabus, Pattern & Preparation Guide

🛡️ Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Scientist/Engineer ‘B’ & Other Technical Posts 2026 – Complete Syllabus, Pattern & Preparation Guide