Defence Research and Development Organisation Recruitment and Assessment Centre (DRDO RAC) has released the official Scientist Recruitment 2026 notification, inviting eligible Indian candidates to apply online for 33 vacancies for Scientist C, Scientist D, and other posts. This is a Central Government permanent job with a monthly salary of ₹67,700–₹2,08,700. The last date to submit the online application is 19 June 2026.
This DRDO RAC Scientist recruitment is a significant opportunity for individuals with a PhD in relevant fields seeking a challenging career in cutting-edge research and development. With a competitive salary and the prestige of working for a premier national organization, this recruitment attracts a large number of highly qualified applicants. The selection process is rigorous, ensuring only the most capable candidates are chosen to contribute to India's defense technological advancements.
The selection process for the DRDO RAC Scientist posts involves multiple stages, typically including a written examination or screening test followed by a personal interview. Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly for each stage. The entire recruitment cycle, from application to final selection, is designed to identify individuals with strong analytical skills, research aptitude, and a commitment to scientific excellence.
DRDO RAC Scientist 2026 — Important Highlights
- Recruiting Organization: Defence Research and Development Organisation Recruitment and Assessment Centre (DRDO RAC)
- Post Name(s): Scientist C, Scientist D, Scientist E, Scientist F, Scientist G
- Total Vacancies: 33 Posts
- Job Category: Central Government — Permanent
- Pay Level / Grade Pay: Pay Level 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 as per 7th CPC
- Gross Salary: ₹67,700–₹2,08,700 per month (approx.)
- Job Location: Across India (as per DRDO establishments)
- Mode of Application: Online
- Official Website: rac.gov.in
- Application Start Date: 30 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 19 June 2026
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 19 June 2026
DRDO RAC Scientist 2026 — Important Dates
| Event | Important Date |
|---|
| Official Notification Released | 30 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 30 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | 19 June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | To Be Announced |
| Admit Card Release Date | To Be Announced |
| Exam Date | To Be Announced |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced |
DRDO RAC Scientist 2026 — Vacancy Details
The total number of vacancies for DRDO RAC Scientist 2026 is 33 posts. The exact distribution across different scientist levels (Scientist C, D, E, F, G) and categories (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD) will be detailed in the official notification PDF.
| Post Name | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Total |
|---|
| Scientist C | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | [Number] |
| Scientist D | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | [Number] |
| Scientist E | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | [Number] |
| Scientist F | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | [Number] |
| Scientist G | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | [Number] |
| Total | As per notification | 33 |
[If state-wise or region-wise data exists, add a second table titled "State-Wise / Zone-Wise Vacancy Distribution"]
DRDO RAC Scientist 2026 — Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (As on 19 June 2026)
- Minimum Age: Not Specified (typically 18 years for government jobs)
- Maximum Age: 35 years for Scientist C, 40 years for Scientist D, 45 years for Scientist E, 50 years for Scientist F, 55 years for Scientist G. (Exact limits to be confirmed in official notification)
- Age Relaxation as per Government Rules:
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years additional
- SC / ST candidates: 5 years additional
- PwD (General): 10 years additional
- PwD (OBC): 13 years additional
- PwD (SC/ST): 15 years additional
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM): As per Central Government norms
- DRDO/Govt Servant: As per specific rules
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a PhD in a relevant discipline from a recognized university or equivalent. The specific disciplines will be detailed in the official notification. For example, for Scientist C posts, a PhD in Engineering/Technology or Physical Sciences or Mathematical Sciences or Computer Applications or Allied Sciences is generally required.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Nationality: Indian citizens. Candidates must be medically fit and of sound mind. Specific requirements related to work experience or publications might be mentioned for higher posts.
DRDO RAC Scientist 2026 — Salary, Pay Scale & Allowances
Candidates selected for DRDO RAC Scientist posts will be placed at different Pay Levels of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix, depending on the post:
- Scientist C: Pay Level 10: Basic Pay ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700 per month
- Scientist D: Pay Level 11: Basic Pay ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200 per month
- Scientist E: Pay Level 12: Basic Pay ₹1,18,500 – ₹2,14,100 per month
- Scientist F: Pay Level 13: Basic Pay ₹1,31,100 – ₹2,16,600 per month
- Scientist G: Pay Level 14: Basic Pay ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 per month
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), Medical Benefits, and other allowances as per Central Government rules.
- Gross Monthly Salary (Approx.): ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000+ depending on the post and location.
DRDO RAC Scientist 2026 — Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST / PwD / Women Candidates | Free |
| Accepted Payment Modes | Online (Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI) |
DRDO RAC Scientist 2026 — Selection Process
The selection of candidates for DRDO RAC Scientist posts will be based on the following stages:
- Stage 1 — Screening Test / Written Examination: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their performance in a screening test or written examination, which will cover subjects relevant to the post.
- Stage 2 — Personal Interview: Candidates who qualify in the screening test/written examination will be called for a personal interview. The interview will assess the candidate's knowledge, aptitude, and suitability for the role.
Final selection will be based on the aggregate marks obtained in the screening test/written examination and the personal interview. Candidates are advised to check the official notification for detailed weightage of each stage.
[INCLUDE ONLY IF SYLLABUS DATA EXISTS IN SOURCE:]
DRDO RAC Scientist 2026 — Exam Pattern
| Section / Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|
| [Subject 1] | [Number] | [Number] | [Time] | Yes/No |
| [Subject 2] | [Number] | [Number] | [Time] | Yes/No |
| Total | [Total Questions] | [Total Marks] | [Total Duration] | |
How to Apply Online for DRDO RAC Scientist 2026
Follow these steps to fill the DRDO RAC Scientist 2026 online application form before the last date:
- Visit the official website of DRDO RAC: rac.gov.in
- Find and click the link for "DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 — Apply Online" on the homepage or the recruitment section.
- Click on "New Registration" and fill in the required details like name, email ID, mobile number, and password to create your login credentials.
- Log in using your registration number and password. Fill in the application form with accurate personal details, educational qualifications, experience, and other required information.
- Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph (dimensions: [e.g., 150x200 pixels], size: [e.g., 20-50 KB], format: JPEG) and signature (dimensions: [e.g., 100x150 pixels], size: [e.g., 10-20 KB], format: JPEG).
- Pay the application fee online through the available payment gateway (Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI).
- Carefully review all the details filled in the application form before final submission.
- Click on the "Final Submit" button. Download and save the filled application form and payment receipt for future reference.
⚠️ Pro Tip from our experts: Apply well in advance of the deadline. Government recruitment portals often experience high traffic and technical glitches in the last few days, which can hinder the application process.
Documents Required for DRDO RAC Scientist 2026
Keep the following documents ready (scanned copies in JPEG/PDF format) before you start the application:
- PhD Degree Certificate and Mark Sheets
- Master's Degree Certificate and Mark Sheets
- Bachelor's Degree Certificate and Mark Sheets
- Caste Certificate (OBC-NCL / SC / ST) — in the Central Government format
- EWS Income and Asset Certificate (if applicable)
- PwD Certificate with disability percentage (if applicable)
- Discharge Certificate for Ex-Servicemen (if applicable)
- Proof of Identity (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, etc.)
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background, clear face)
- Scanned signature on plain white paper (black ink)
- Any other supporting documents as specified in the official notification.
Important Tips for DRDO RAC Scientist 2026 Applicants
- 🔔 Set deadline reminders: Mark the application deadline (19 June 2026) in your calendar with multiple reminders to avoid missing out.
- ✅ Verify eligibility thoroughly: Ensure you meet all the educational qualification and age limit criteria before paying the application fee, as it is generally non-refundable.
- 📸 Adhere to photo/signature specs: Strictly follow the prescribed dimensions, file size, and format for photograph and signature uploads to prevent application rejection.
- 🖨️ Save application copy: Download and print the submitted application form and payment confirmation. This is crucial for the document verification stage.
- 📧 Maintain active communication channels: Keep your registered email ID and mobile number active, as all future communications, including admit card and result notifications, will be sent there.
- 📚 Prepare for the interview: Research DRDO's work, your specific field of expertise, and current scientific advancements to perform well in the interview.
