Important: Always verify details on the official website before applying. Dates & eligibility may change.
Police / Defence Jobs Pan India

DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 33 Scientist C, Scientist D and More Posts

OrganizationDefence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi – 110054
Post NameScientist E (Basic Pay: Rs. 1,23,100/-, Level 13), Scientist D (Basic Pay: Rs. 78,800/-, Level 12), Scientist C (Basic Pay: Rs. 67,700/-, Level 11)
Application ModeOnline
Job LocationPan India
Notification No.Advt. No. 157
Last Updated01 Jun 2026
Vacancies
19 June 2026 (1600 hrs.)
Last Date
Online
Apply Mode
Pan India
Location
DRDO RAC is recruiting Scientists (Scientist E, D, and C) across multiple engineering and science disciplines on regular basis under Lateral Recruitment Scheme, closing date 19 June 2026.

Important Dates

Last Date to Apply19 June 2026 (1600 hrs.)
Interview DateTo be intimated through RAC website and Email/SMS
EventDate
Advertisement Published In Employment News30 May – 5 June 2026
Online Application OpensAvailable on https://rac.gov.in
Last Date To Apply19 June 2026 (1600 hrs.)
Eligibility Cut-Off Date19 June 2026 (Closing Date of Advertisement)

Application Fee

General / UR
SC
NIL (No application fee)
Application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, payable online only.

Age Limit

Maximum Age56 years (including all relaxations)
Age RelaxationAge limit is as on the closing date of advertisement (19 June 2026). Maximum age shall not exceed 56 years including any relaxation. For Scientist C (Encadered posts) – there is no age relaxation under reserved categories.

Qualification / Eligibility

Education QualificationAt least First Division Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Technology in the relevant discipline OR First Division Master's Degree in the relevant discipline from a recognized University. (As detailed post-wise above)
DetailsOnly Indian Nationals can apply. The date for determining the eligibility of all candidates in every respect shall be the prescribed Closing Date (19 June 2026). First Division means 60% marks; where CGPA/CPI of 6.75 on a 10-point scale will be taken as equivalent to 60% as per AICTE guidelines. No rounding off of marks is permitted.

Category-wise Vacancy

CategoryPosts
Subject/DisciplineElectronics & Communication Engineering / Mechanical Engineering@

Selection Process

1Screening of received applications will be carried out at multiple stages. Final
2Stage 1 – Administrative Screening: Verification of identity
3age
4essential & higher qualifications
5length of suitable experience and CCA Declaration (wherever applicable).
6Stage 2 – Technical Screening (Level-1): For all Administratively Eligible candi
7Stage 3 – Technical Screening (Level-2 / Preliminary Online Interview
8if required): If number shortlisted for Final Personal Interview is large
9further shortlisting via Preliminary Online Interview of short duration (10–15 m
10Stage 4 – Final Personal Interview (in-person at RAC
11Delhi): Final selection is purely on merit of marks scored. Candidates must scor
12Delhi on the scheduled date - no online/virtual interview will be considered.
13Note: If administrative screening does not result in minimum 6 eligible candidat
14the subsequent selection process for that vacancy may be cancelled. If technical
15the number of vacancies will be reduced accordingly.

Physical Eligibility

DetailsThe competition level for DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 is expected to be very high, particularly for Scientist C posts in Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering - disciplines with a large pool of eligible candidates and growing interest in DRDO's prestigious research environment. DRDO provides one of the best career growth structures for scientists under the Flexible Complimenting Scheme (FCS), making it a highly sought-after employer. | The multi-stage shortlisting process (Administrative → Technical Level-1 → Level-2/Preliminary Online Interview → Final Personal Interview in Delhi) is rigorous. Only up to 12 candidates per vacancy reach the Final Personal Interview, and even among those, a minimum of 75% marks in the interview is mandatory for selection. For Scientist D and E posts requiring 7–11 years of experience, the competition narrows to experienced professionals, but the specificity of required experience (e.g., Optics/Photonics, Radiation Physics, Chemical Engineering for underwater applications) naturally limits the eligible pool, making those posts relatively less competitive. Niche posts like Oceanography, Pharmacology, and Remote Sensing will see very limited candidates, improving selection chances for well-qualified applicants.

How to Apply

  • 1Candidates shall apply online through the RAC website (https://rac.gov.in) for filling the online application form. Applications received through any other mode will not be entertained. On successful registration, candidates may login and submit the online application before the closing date to avoid last minute network congestion. Only locked/finalised applications in all respects shall be considered. No correction in the data/application will be allowed and no document will be accepted once the application is finally submitted/locked.
  • 2Candidates should retain a printout/copy of the online application (.pdf format) after submission.
  • 3Important: ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY DOCUMENTS INCLUDING PROOFS FOR DATE OF BIRTH / ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION / CCA DECLARATION (IF APPLICABLE) WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT ANY STAGE AFTER ADVERTISEMENT CLOSING DATE.
  • 4Documents Required at time of Interview (Originals + Copies):
  • 5Date of Birth (DOB) proof - Self attested Matriculation / High School certificate / Birth Certificate
  • 6A recent passport size colour photograph (not exceeding 30 KB)
  • 7Scanned sample of candidate's signature (not exceeding 30 KB)
  • 8Self-attested degree certificates/testimonials regarding Essential and Higher qualification along with mark-sheets
  • 9Fellowship proofs mentioning start date and end date of fellowship (if applicable)
  • 10Duly signed CCA Declaration (if applicable)
  • 11Notarized affidavit in support (if name mismatch in documents)
  • 12Notarized/certified transcript if documents are in language other than English or Hindi
  • 13All experience certificates (with start and end date) and salary Proofs / Appointment letter (with pay scale or CTC), Promotion letters (with revised scales or CTC), Form 16A and Salary slips (beginning and end of each employment)
  • 14Requisite caste / disability certificate (for SC/ST/Divyang – for fee waiver only)
  • 15Requisite Release certificate (if retired Armed Forces personnel)
  • 16CCA Declaration (applicable) and NOC at Final Personal Interview stage
  • 17Apply Online at: https://rac.gov.in
  • 18For queries: Phone 011-23889578 or email at [email protected] (for applying online); Phone 011-23889529 or email at [email protected] (for other queries).

Important Instructions

  • All candidates must apply online through https://rac.gov.in only. No other mode of application is accepted. Closing Date: 19 June 2026 (1600 hrs.) - facility for online application submission will remain available on RAC website only up to this time. Do not divulge any confidential information related to work experience of present or previous employer while filling the application; RAC shall not be held responsible for revelation of such information. Ensure candidate's name and parents' names are filled exactly as in Date of Birth proof; name mismatch requires notarized affidavit at time of filling the online application. For multiple posts - apply separately for each post and mention item numbers and order of preference in each application. Do not change registered mobile number or Email after application - vital information about eligibility/shortlisting/selection status will be intimated through Email/SMS only. Only locked/finalised applications shall be considered - no correction will be allowed after final submission. Preview application with all uploaded documents before final submission. The maximum file size of each document/certificate should not exceed 500 KB; uploaded documents must be legible/readable and not password protected. Final Personal Interview will be held in-person at RAC, Delhi only - no online/virtual interview mode will be considered under any circumstances. Candidates must score minimum 75% marks (75 out of 100) in Final Personal Interview for consideration for selection. Selected candidates will have liability to serve anywhere in India including remote/field area locations as per Central Government Rules. Canvassing in any form will disqualify the candidate. RAC does not request for any payment at any stage of recruitment process except the application fee. No such demand should be entertained. Any dispute will be subject to the Hon'ble Courts/Tribunals having jurisdiction over Delhi only. DRDO under DPDP Act 2023 declares that candidate's personal data received through online application will be processed for recruitment purpose only. Incomplete applications will be summarily rejected. The number of vacancies may vary; RAC reserves the right to modify the screening/shortlisting procedure depending upon availability of suitable candidates.

FAQs

Q1. What is the last date to apply?
The online application window closes on 19 June 2026 at 1600 hrs (IST).
Q2. How do I apply?
Apply online only via the RAC website: https://rac.gov.in. Applications by any other mode will not be accepted.
Q3. Which posts are advertised?
Direct recruitment for Scientist E (Level 13), Scientist D (Level 12) and Scientist C (Level 11) in DRDS cadre and encadered posts under the Lateral Recruitment Scheme. See notification for discipline-wise item numbers.
Q4. What are the essential academic requirements?
First Division (60% or equivalent) in the prescribed degree: BE/B.Tech/First Division M.Sc. or equivalent as specified for each post. CGPA/CPI conversions must be supported by university rules (6.75/10 = 60%).
Q5. What is the required post-qualification experience?
Scientist E: 11 years; Scientist D: 7 years; Scientist C: 3 years — experience counted only after the essential qualification and as on 19 June 2026. Experience below Pay Level 10 (7th CPC) is not counted.
Q6. Is there an application fee?
Yes. General/OBC/EWS (male) candidates pay Rs. 100 online. SC/ST/Divyang/Women candidates are exempt.
Q7. What is the selection process?
Multi-stage: Administrative screening → Technical Screening (Level‑1) → Technical Screening Level‑2/Preliminary Online Interview (if needed) → Final Personal Interview (in-person at RAC, Delhi). Final selection is based on interview marks; minimum 75/100 required in the Final Personal Interview.
Q8. Can serving government/PSU employees apply?
Yes, but they must upload a signed CCA Declaration during online submission and produce NOC from Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) at the Final Personal Interview stage.
Q9. Are online/virtual interviews allowed for the final stage?
No. The Final Personal Interview is strictly in-person at RAC, Delhi; no online/virtual final interviews are permitted.
Q10. What common mistakes should I avoid before submitting the application?
Applying without First Division (60%) in the essential degree. Including overlapping PhD/study periods as work experience. Not providing required pay/CTC proof for private-sector experience. Failing to upload signed CCA Declaration (where applicable). Submitting documents in other languages without notarized English/Hindi transcripts. Changing registered email/phone after submission (all communications will use registered contacts).
What is the last date to apply?
The online application window closes on 19 June 2026 at 1600 hrs (IST).
How do I apply?
Apply online only via the RAC website: https://rac.gov.in. Applications by any other mode will not be accepted.
Which posts are advertised?
Direct recruitment for Scientist E (Level 13), Scientist D (Level 12) and Scientist C (Level 11) in DRDS cadre and encadered posts under the Lateral Recruitment Scheme. See notification for discipline-wise item numbers.
What are the essential academic requirements?
First Division (60% or equivalent) in the prescribed degree: BE/B.Tech/First Division M.Sc. or equivalent as specified for each post. CGPA/CPI conversions must be supported by university rules (6.75/10 = 60%).
What is the required post-qualification experience?
Scientist E: 11 years; Scientist D: 7 years; Scientist C: 3 years — experience counted only after the essential qualification and as on 19 June 2026. Experience below Pay Level 10 (7th CPC) is not counted.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. General/OBC/EWS (male) candidates pay Rs. 100 online. SC/ST/Divyang/Women candidates are exempt.
What is the selection process?
Multi-stage: Administrative screening → Technical Screening (Level‑1) → Technical Screening Level‑2/Preliminary Online Interview (if needed) → Final Personal Interview (in-person at RAC, Delhi). Final selection is based on interview marks; minimum 75/100 required in the Final Personal Interview.
Can serving government/PSU employees apply?
Yes, but they must upload a signed CCA Declaration during online submission and produce NOC from Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) at the Final Personal Interview stage.
Are online/virtual interviews allowed for the final stage?
No. The Final Personal Interview is strictly in-person at RAC, Delhi; no online/virtual final interviews are permitted.
What common mistakes should I avoid before submitting the application?
Applying without First Division (60%) in the essential degree.Including overlapping PhD/study periods as work experience.Not providing required pay/CTC proof for private-sector experience.Failing to upload signed CCA Declaration (where applicable).Submitting documents in other languages without notarized English/Hindi transcripts.Changing registered email/phone after submission (all communications will use registered contacts).