DRDO Recruitment 2024: Eligibility, Selection Process, Steps to Apply and Documents Required

Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) will start taking applications for DRDO recruitment through GATE Exam at rac.gov.in. DRDO is the research and development wing of the Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India, with a vision to empower India with newly emerging defence technologies and a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems. DRDO conducts the recruitment process in search of suitable candidates for the post of Scientist ‘B’ in various disciplines such as Electronics & Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and more. 

Candidates seeking to join DRDO can do so by utilising their GATE scores. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering or GATE Exam is a nationwide entrance test that allows students to take admission in postgraduate and PhD programs in Engineering across various universities and institutes in India. Individuals fulfilling the GATE Eligibility Criteria can apply for the DRDO recruitment process. 

DRDO Recruitment 2024: Notification 

DRDO has not released an official notification indicating the eligiblity requirements or number of vacancies as of yet but candidates can check the official DRDO Recruitment Public Notice by clicking on the link below.

DRDO Recruitment 2024: Dates 

The schedule for DRDO Recruitment 2024 has not been announced as of yet. Based on past years’ trends, DRDO will release the recruitment process timeline soon on their official website, rac.gov.in. In the meanwhile, candidates can check the tentative DRDO recruitment through GATE 2024 schedule here.

DRDO recruitment through GATE: Eligibility

According to RAC, candidates who have appeared for the GATE Exam 2025 and fulfil the GATE Eligibility Criteria are eligible for participating in the recruitment process. However, there are some academic requirements as well as an age limit criteria that must be satisfied. 

• Candidates should possess a minimum Essential Qualification (EQ) along with a valid GATE Qualification. It is advised to check discipline-specific requirements of EQ and GATE Qualification for Part I and II in the official notice published by RAC on rac.gov.in.
• The Age limit differs for candidates based on their category and the department they are applying for. Check the Age Limit Criteria for DRDO Recruitment here. 

DRDO Recruitment: Selection Process

The Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) has distributed the vacancies into two parts, Part I and Part II, according to various disciplines. The shortlisted candidates on the basis of the GATE scores and/or Written Examination will be required to appear in the Personal Interview to be held at Delhi or any other place as decided by RAC/ DRDO.

• For Subjects/Disciplines under Part I

The final selection of the candidates will be purely on the basis of discipline wise category wise merit of aggregate of 80% weightage of marks in the Written Examination and 20% weightage of marks in Personal Interview.

• For Subjects/Disciplines under Part II

The final selection of the candidates will be purely on the basis of discipline wise category wise merit of aggregate of 80% weightage of GATE score and 20% weightage of marks in Personal Interview.

DRDO Application Form: Steps to apply 

Before starting the application process, candidates are required to register online at the RAC website, rac.gov.in. After successfully registering, follow the steps below before the deadline to participate in the DRDO Recruitment Process. 

• Visit rac.gov.in and look for the recruitment link.
• Click on DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2024 link.
• Fill personal details carefully and submit the necessary documents.
• Candidates must fill the application fee through the online payment gateway and click ‘Submit’. 
• Print or save the application form for future reference. 

The DRDO Application fee is non-refundable and varies for candidates depending on their category. Check the category wise application fee below. 

DRDO Recruitment Process: Documents to be submitted

Here’s a list of some documents that must be ready at the time of application.

• Self-attested Date of Birth certificate
• Both front and back side of degree qualification certificate
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• EWS status, Ex-serviceman, Disability, Employment in Central Govt. civilian posts
• A recent passport size coloured photograph
• Scanned copy of student’s signature
• Valid GATE 2024 score
• Intimation Letter (for candidates in Government Service or Govt owned organisations)
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), EWS certificate