The Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released Advertisement No. 157 for the recruitment of Scientist ‘C’, Scientist ‘D’, and Scientist ‘E’ posts under the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) cadre. A total of 33 vacancies are available for experienced engineers, scientists, and researchers across various disciplines. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply online through the RAC website from 30 May 2026 to 19 June 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to work with India’s premier defence research organization and contribute to advanced defence technologies.
DRDO RAC Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Recruitment Authority | Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC) |
| Advertisement No. | 157 |
| Post Name | Scientist C, Scientist D & Scientist E |
| Total Vacancies | 33 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | www.rac.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Scientist E | 01 |
| Scientist D | 07 |
| Scientist C | 25 |
| Total | 33 |
The vacancies are available in disciplines including Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Oceanography, Remote Sensing, GIS, Electrical Engineering, Medical Physics, Pharmacology and related fields.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Scientist C: First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology, M.Sc., M.Pharm., MBBS or equivalent qualification in the relevant discipline along with minimum 3 years of experience.
- Scientist D: Relevant First Class Degree with minimum 7 years of post-qualification experience.
- Scientist E: Relevant First Class Degree with minimum 11 years of post-qualification experience.
Candidates should possess qualifications from recognized universities or institutions and satisfy the discipline-specific requirements mentioned in the official notification.
Age Limit
- Scientist C: Maximum 40 Years
- Scientist D: Maximum 45 Years
- Scientist E: Maximum 50 Years
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST Candidates: 5 Years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years
- PwBD Candidates: 10 Years
- Ex-Servicemen: As per Government Rules
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS (Male) | ₹100 |
| SC/ST/PwBD/Women Candidates | No Fee |
Salary / Pay Scale
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist C | Level-11 | ₹67,700 |
| Scientist D | Level-12 | ₹78,800 |
| Scientist E | Level-13 | ₹1,23,100 |
In addition to the basic pay, selected candidates will receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), Medical Facilities, and other Central Government benefits.
Selection Process
- Screening of Applications
- Shortlisting Based on Qualification and Experience
- Personal Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
The final selection will be based on the candidate’s performance in the interview and overall suitability for the post.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 30 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 30 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 (04:00 PM IST) |
| Eligibility Cut-off Date | 19 June 2026 |
| Interview Date | To Be Announced |
How to Apply for DRDO RAC Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official RAC website.
- Open Advertisement No. 157.
- Read the notification carefully.
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in personal, educational, and experience details.
- Upload required documents, photograph, and signature.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Review the application form carefully.
- Submit the application online.
- Download and print the submitted application form for future reference.
Important Links
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Advertisement No. 157 |
| Apply Online | https://rac.gov.in |
| Official Website | https://rac.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are available in DRDO RAC Recruitment 2026?
There are 33 vacancies for Scientist C, Scientist D and Scientist E posts.
2. What is the last date to apply online?
The last date to submit the online application is 19 June 2026 up to 04:00 PM IST.
3. What is the application fee?
General, OBC and EWS male candidates need to pay ₹100. SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates are exempted.
4. What is the salary of Scientist E?
Scientist E is placed in Pay Level-13 with a basic pay of ₹1,23,100 per month.
5. Is work experience mandatory?
Yes. This is a lateral recruitment drive and relevant post-qualification experience is mandatory for all posts.
Conclusion
DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for experienced professionals to join India’s leading defence research organization. With attractive salaries, excellent career growth, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge defence technologies, eligible candidates should submit their applications before 19 June 2026. Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully and apply well before the deadline.