The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially launched its CEPTAM 11 recruitment drive, announcing a total of 764 vacancies for technical positions within the prestigious organization. This presents a significant opportunity for candidates with diplomas, science degrees, or ITI certificates to build a career in India’s premier defense research establishment.
While a detailed notification is still awaited, this guide consolidates all the crucial information available from the short notice and past recruitment cycles to help you prepare effectively.
Recruitment at a Glance
Here is a quick overview of the key details for DRDO CEPTAM 11 Recruitment 2025.
Organization: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM)
Advertisement Number: CEPTAM 11
Total Vacancies: 764
Application Mode: Online only
Post-Wise Vacancy and Pay Scale
The 764 vacancies are distributed across two primary posts, each with an attractive pay structure as per the 7th Central Pay Commission.
- Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B)
- Number of Posts: 561
- Pay Level: Level 6
- Salary Range: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 per month
- Technician-A (Tech-A)
- Number of Posts: 203
- Pay Level: Level 2
- Salary Range: ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 per month
Important Dates (Tentative)
Candidates should regularly check the official DRDO website for updates on the following critical dates.
- Short Notification Release: 4th December 2025
- Detailed Notification: To be announced
- Online Application Start Date: Expected from 9th December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: To be announced
Eligibility Criteria
Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first and most critical step. Ensure you fulfill the following requirements before applying.
1. Age Limit (as on the crucial date to be notified)
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 28 years
- Age Relaxation: Applicable for candidates from SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, and Ex-Serviceman categories as per Government of India rules.
2. Educational Qualification
The required qualifications differ significantly for each post. The tables below list the essential disciplines and required certificates.
For Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B)
You must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Science OR a Diploma in Engineering/Technology/Computer Science or Allied Subjects from an institution recognized by AICTE. Eligible disciplines include:
Engineering/Technology Streams
- Automobile Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical & Electronics
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics & Instrumentation
- Electronics/ECE/ETE
- Instrumentation
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy
Science Streams
- Agriculture
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Library Science*
- Mathematics
- Medical Lab Technology (MLT)
- Photography
- Physics
- Printing Technology
- Psychology
- Textile
- Zoology
*(Requires a science degree plus a 1-year Diploma in Library Science)
For Technician-A (Tech-A)
You must have:
- Passed the 10th Class (or equivalent) from a recognized board.
- An ITI Certificate (or National Trade Certificate/NAC) in the relevant trade.
Eligible trades include:
- Automobile
- Carpenter
- CNC Operator
- COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant)
- Draughtsman (Mechanical)
- DTP Operator
- Electrician
- Electronics Mechanic
- Fitter
- Machinist
- Mechanic (Diesel)
- Motor Mechanic
- Painter
- Photographer
- Refrigeration & AC
- Turner
- Welder
Selection Process
The selection process is multi-stage and varies for the two posts.
- For Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B): Computer Based Test 1 (CBT 1) → Computer Based Test 2 (CBT 2) → Document Verification.
- For Technician-A (Tech-A): Computer Based Test (CBT) → Trade/Skill Test (Qualifying in nature) → Document Verification.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
A thorough understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus is key to strategic preparation.
1. Exam Pattern
There is no negative marking for wrong answers in the CBTs. The structure is as follows:
For Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B)
- Tier I (CBT 1 – Screening Test): 120 questions from general subjects, 120 marks, 90 minutes duration.
- Tier II (CBT 2 – Selection Test): 100 questions specific to your post/discipline, 100 marks, 90 minutes duration.
For Technician-A (Tech-A)
- Tier I (CBT – Selection Test): 120 questions, 120 marks, 90 minutes duration.
- Section A (General Subjects): 40 questions.
- Section B (Trade-Specific): 80 questions.
- Tier II (Trade Test): A practical skill test of 1-2 hours duration, qualifying in nature.
2. Detailed Syllabus
Tier I / CBT 1 Syllabus (Common & General Subjects)
This syllabus applies to the general section for both posts.
- English Language: Synonyms, Antonyms, Verb & Tenses, Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Error Correction, Fill in the Blanks, Idioms & Phrases.
- General Awareness: Current Affairs (National & International), Major Financial/Economic News, Sports, Awards, Books & Authors, Science – Inventions & Discoveries, Important Days, Abbreviations.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogy, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Number & Alphabet Series, Clocks & Calendars, Direction Sense, Puzzles, Non-Verbal Reasoning (Mirror Images, Cubes & Dice).
- Quantitative Aptitude / Mathematics: Number System, HCF & LCM, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest, Average, Data Interpretation.
- General Science: Basic principles and concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology up to the 10th standard level.
Tier II / Technical Syllabus (For STA-B & Tech-A Section-B)
For STA-B’s CBT 2 and Tech-A’s Section-B, you must focus on your specific engineering or trade subject. Here are the core topics for major streams:
- Mechanical Engineering: Engineering Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Theory of Machines, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Manufacturing Processes.
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Electric Circuits & Fields, Electrical Machines, Power Systems, Signals & Systems, Control Systems, Analog & Digital Electronics, Power Electronics.
- Computer Science: Fundamentals of Computers, Programming, Data Structures, Operating Systems, Networks, Database Management Systems.
- Civil Engineering: Engineering Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Structural Analysis, Concrete Technology, Surveying, Geotechnical Engineering.
- Technician Trades (ITI Level): Questions will be based on the standard ITI curriculum for your specific trade (e.g., Fitter, Electrician, Electronics Mechanic).
Application Process and Fee
- How to Apply: Applications will be accepted only online through the official DRDO website (
www.drdo.gov.in). - Application Fee:
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹100/-.
- SC/ST/PwBD/ESM & All Women Candidates: Exempted from fee payment.
- Documents Required: Keep scanned copies of your photograph, signature, 10th and 12th mark sheets, degree/diploma/ITI certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and a photo ID proof ready for upload.
Preparation and Next Steps
- Verify Official Notification: Treat this guide as a preparatory resource. The final authority on all criteria, dates, and patterns is the detailed official notification, which you must read thoroughly once it is published on
www.drdo.gov.in. - Start Preparing Early: Begin your studies with the syllabus provided. Focus on strengthening your basics in general subjects and delve deep into your core technical or trade subject.
- Practice with Mock Tests: Solve previous years’ question papers and take online mock tests to understand the exam pattern, manage time effectively, and identify your weak areas.
- Gather Documents: Ensure all your educational and personal documents are in order to avoid last-minute hassles during the application process.
This recruitment drive by DRDO is a golden opportunity to contribute to national defense technology. With focused preparation and timely application, you can successfully navigate the selection process.