How to join DRDO after 12th - A Complete Guide
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India’s leading agency under the Ministry of Defence, responsible for military research, developing advanced technologies, weapons and systems to strengthen India’s national security. DRDO works in multiple fields like aeronautics, life sciences, combat engineering, and electronics.
Many students are passionate about exploring how to join DRDO after 12th. The answer is with clear planning and strategic effort. If you are ambitious about finding opportunities in defence and science, then a career in DRDO would be perfect for you. This article will help you understand the DRDO eligibility criteria, exams and career options in DRDO after 12th.
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. However, higher technical and scientific positions typically need a bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science, followed by a valid DRDO eligibility criterion as a GATE qualification.
Entry-Level Positions in DRDO After 12th
If you are seeking early employment opportunities right after the 12th in the government sector, the DRDO offers many entry-level positions. We have listed some of the best career options after 12th science PCM that students can pursue in DRDO.
Admin and Allied Posts (Direct Entry After 12th)
As a candidate with a 12th-level educational qualification, you can directly apply to various Admin and Allied posts. These roles are mainly responsible for clerical and logistical support. To qualify, applicants must meet the DRDO eligibility requirements specified in the recruitment notification.
Job roles include:
Administrative Assistant ‘A’
Store Assistant ‘A’
Security Assistant ‘A’
Vehicle Operator ‘A’
Fire Engine Driver, Fireman
Eligibility:
Class 12th is a must-have criterion for these roles
Typing skills or a valid driving licence can be mandatory for some positions
Technical Positions (12th With ITI/Diploma/B.S.c)
Are you wondering how to get job in DRDO in technical positions? Students with class 10 or 12 qualifications, along with a vocational or ITI certificate, can pursue Technician A positions at DRDO.
1. Technician ‘A’
Skilled candidates are welcome to apply for Tech-A, which involves maintaining and operating equipment in various DRDO labs
Eligibility:
Passed Class 10 or equivalent from a recognised board.
ITI certificate in a relevant trade(Example: Fitter, Electrician, Welder and more) from a recognised institute.
2. Senior Technical Assistant ‘B’
If you are looking for more advanced roles that come with higher pay and responsibilities, pursuing STA-B posts in the DRDO is a good choice. But, to be eligible for these positions, advanced educational qualifications are required.
Eligibility:
Diploma in Engineering or Bachelor's degree in Science (relevant discipline) or B.S.c degree in a relevant science stream.
Final year students can also apply, but they must fulfil all DRDO eligibility criteria before the final selection.
Dreaming Bigger? How to Become a Scientist in DRDO After 12th?
If your ambitions are bigger and you want to work as a DRDO scientist, it is important to strategically plan your academic steps early on. Here is the complete roadmap on how to get job in DRDO as a scientist.
Step-by-Step Roadmap
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's career in DRDO.
Step 2: Earn a B.E./B.Tech or B.S.c Degree
You have to choose a discipline that is related to your future career in DRDO. Your chosen course can be Mechanical engineering, Computer science, Electrical engineering, Aerospace engineering or core sciences.
Step 3: Qualify GATE Exam
After the completion of a bachelor's degree, appear for the GATE exam (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering). Achieving excellent scores in this exam will help you to get shortlisted for DRDO Scientist B positions. This recruitment process is done through the Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC). Meeting all DRDO eligibility criteria and scoring well in GATE can highly improve your chances of securing this role.
DRDO Scientist Career Progression
The table below incorporates the DRDO eligibility criteria for various grades of scientists in DRDO. Read on to understand what the career progression as a scientist in DRDO looks like.
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 |
Selection Process
DRDO CETPAM Exam:
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 for the Computer-Based Test (CBT). This exam includes multiple stages, such as a skill test and a physical test (for some roles). Applicants should read the DRDO CETPAM exam syllabus thoroughly to prepare well for the exam.
These roles are great for candidates who are exploring how to get job in DRDO.
Age Criteria (General Category)
If you are seeking how to get job in DRDO in 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.
Post | Age Limit |
Technician A/ STA-B | 18-28 years |
Admin and Allied | 18-27 years |
Scientist B | Up to 28 years |
Scientist C | Up to 35 years |
Scientist D | Up to 45 years |
Scientist E | Up to 50 years |
Note: Age relaxation is provided for candidates from reserved categories like SC/ST/OBC and others as per the government guidelines.
DRDO Salary and Benefits (As per 7th CPC)
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 | Senior Technical Assistant ‘B’ | Level 6 | Rs 35,400 |
Technician ‘A’ | Level 2 | Rs 19,900 | |
Admin and Allied | Admin/Store Assistant ‘A’ and others | Level 2 | Rs 19,900 |
Multi-Tasking Staff | MTS | Level 1 | Rs 18,000 |
Your Mission Starts Now!
Many students wish to understand how to get job in 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 Bachelor's degree followed by the GATE qualification is mandatory. By strategically planning your career path early, choosing the right courses, and gaining relevant qualifications, you can make your professional dream of joining DRDO come true.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To answer how to find job in DRDO after B.Tech, candidates must qualify the GATE exam. Apply through the Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC) for the post Scientist ‘B’.
A DRDO job includes designing and developing advanced technologies to secure India’s national security. You can find opportunities in DRDO in fields such as aeronautics, life sciences, combat engineering, and electronics.
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.
The full form of DRDO is the Defence Research and Development Organisation.