How to join DRDO after 12th - A Complete Guide
The Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is a premier government agency under the Ministry of Defence. It is dedicated to military research, innovation of technologies, and weapon development to strengthen India’s defensive system to safeguard its citizens. DRDO is a prominent Indian organisation in charge of multiple domains, including naval systems, aeronautics, life sciences, land combat engineering, and weaponry.
Many students aspire to join DRDO after 12th, but it requires clear planning and strategic effort. This guide explores how to join DRDO after 12th, along with the eligibility criteria, job roles and selection process.
Can You Join DRDO After 12th?
Yes, for students with clear ambition and commitment, DRDO is an excellent career choice. Entry-level positions like technician A and assistant roles are available to candidates with 10th or 12th qualifications, in addition to required technical or vocational qualifications. To attain the position of a scientist in DRDO, typically a bachelors degree in Engineering or Science followed by GATE is necessary.
Entry-Level Positions in DRDO After 12th
If you are seeking early employment opportunities right after 12th in the government sector, the DRDO offers many entry level positions. We have listed some of the best career opportunities students after 12th can pursue in DRDO.
1. Technician A through CEPTAM
Students with class 10 or 12 qualifications along with a vocational or ITI certificate can pursue Technician A positions at DRDO. The recruitment process for this entry-level position is done through the Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM).
Eligibility:
Passed Class 10 or equivalent from a recognized board.
ITI certificate in a relevant trade from a recognized institute.
OR
One of the following in the relevant discipline:
One-year course certificate
National Trade Certificate (NTC)
National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC)
2. Senior Technical Assistant (STA)
If you are an aspirant with a Diploma in Engineering, B. Sc, or equivalent technical qualification, you can apply for STA-B positions.
Eligibility:
Diploma in Engineering or Bachelor's degree in Science (relevant discipline)
Final year students can also apply, but they must fulfill all eligibility criteria before the final selection.
3. Assistant Roles (Administrative and Technical)
Assistant roles involve some administrative duties, clerical duties and basic technical support. Students interested in these positions at DRDO can apply for assistant roles after class 12th.
How to Become a Scientist in DRDO After 12th?
Are you an aspirant confused about how to become a scientist in DRDO after 12th? Read further to clear your concerns and queries. Here is the complete roadmap for becoming a DRDO scientist.
Step 1: Choose PCM in Class 11–12
Choose Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as the core subjects in 11th and 12th. A solid understanding of these subjects is crucial for a scientist career in DRDO.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
You can go for a B.E./B.Tech in a relevant engineering discipline or B.Sc. in science subjects to build a career in engineering and science.
Step 3: Qualify GATE Exam
After the completion of bachelors degree, appear for the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam. Achieving excellent scores in this exam will enable you to get shortlisted for DRDO Scientist B positions.
Also Read: Career options after 12th science PCM
DRDO Scientist Eligibility Criteria
To become a scientist at DRDO, aspirants must meet the following qualifications which are dependent upon the level of post. DRDO mainly recruits candidates through Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC), considering qualifications such as B.E./B.Tech, GATE scores, and relevant work experience. The table below incorporates the eligibility criteria for various grades of scientist in DRDO.
Post | Minimum Qualification | Experience Required |
Scientist B | B.E./B. Tech with First Class or equivalent | None |
Scientist C | B.E./B.Tech with First Class + 3 years of relevant experience | 3 years |
Scientist D | B.E./B.Tech with First Class + 7 years of experience | 7 years |
Scientist E | B.E./B.Tech with First Class + 10 years of experience | 10 years |
Other Entry Routes in DRDO After 12th
B.Sc graduates are also eligible to apply for the assistant technician position, which is offered by the Centre's Personnel Talent Management department (CEPTAM).
Students who have completed class 12 are eligible to apply for the position of shop assistant.
Learn how to enter DRDO after 12th, as well as the eligibility requirements, selection process, and other important details through this article.
Also Read:
DRDO Recruitment Through CEPTAM
CEPTAM conducts recruitment for various posts for DRDO including:
Technician A
Senior Technical Assistant B
Administrative and Allied Categories
To apply for these positions, candidates must meet the mentioned eligibility criteria and also qualify the Computer Based Test (CBT).
See also: Check DRDO Syllabus for CBT 1 & 2, Exam Pattern
Age Limit and Relaxation
If you are an aspirant applying for DRDO posts like Technician A after 12th, it is important to understand that there are some specific age requirements candidates are required to meet. The upper age limit varies according to categories.
Category | Maximum Age Limit (Scientist B) |
General | 28 years |
OBC (Non-creamy) | 31 years |
SC/ST | 33 years |
Armed Forces | Relaxation as per rules |
To apply for higher positions such as Scientist C, D, and E, candidates must be above 45 years, which can also be dependent on the role and experience level.
DRDO Salary
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) offers attractive pay packages to its employees. The salary structure offered by DRDO is based on the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). This includes a fixed base pay along with several allowances and perks.
Post Category | Post Name | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Starting Basic Pay |
Technical Cadre | Technician A | Level 2 | Rs 19,900 |
Admin and Allied | Administrative Assistant A | Level 2 | Rs 19,900 |
Store Assistant A | Level 2 | Rs 19,900 | |
Security Assistant A | Level 2 | Rs 19,900 | |
Vehicle Operator A | Level 2 | Rs 19,900 | |
Fire Engine Driver A | Level 2 | Rs 19,900 | |
Fireman | Level 2 | Rs 19,900 | |
Multi-Tasking Staff | MTS | Level 1 | Rs 18,900 |
Many students wish to join DRDO after 12th, and it is possible through technical or assistant roles. However, if you want to pursue the role of a scientist in DRDO, enrolling in a Bachelors degree followed by GATE qualification is mandatory.
By strategically planning your career path early and choosing the right courses and gaming relevant qualifications you can make your professional dream come true.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
DRDO stands for "Defense Research and Development Organization," and it is a government of India organization. It is dedicated to military research and development to apply new technologies or weaponry that will assist the government in developing a stronger defensive system to safeguard its citizens.
Students must take PCM (physics, chemistry, and mathematics) during their secondary school years (10+2) to answer how to enter DRDO after 12th.
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in science or a three-year diploma in technology, engineering, computer science, or related topics in the required discipline or domain from a recognized institute.
Starting salary starts at Rs 56,100/- per month and can go up to Rs 2,25,000 per month for higher posts.
The DRDO test, known as the Scientist Entry Test (SET), is held once a year as a paper-based exam. Section A and Section B are the two sections of SET. The duration of the paper is estimated to be 3 hours (or 180 minutes, to be exact). Both parts feature negative markings, however, the amounts vary: Section A deducts 1 mark for each incorrect answer, while Section B deducts 0.5 marks.