DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 — 36 Vacancies for Scientist C/D/E, Apply by June 19 at rac.gov.in
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through its Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC) has released Advt. No. 157 for 36 Scientist vacancies (Scientist C, Scientist D, and Scientist E) in the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) cadre under the Lateral Recruitment Scheme. Applications are open at rac.gov.in from May 30 to June 19, 2026 (4:00 PM). This is a permanent central government appointment — not contractual.
| Detail | Information |
| Advertisement No. | 157 (Lateral Recruitment Scheme) |
| Total Vacancies | 36 (Scientist C, D, and E) |
| Application Start Date | May 30, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM |
| Apply Portal | rac.gov.in |
| Application Fee (General/OBC/EWS Male) | ₹100 |
| Application Fee (SC/ST/PwBD/Women) | NIL — fully exempted |
| Age Limit | Up to 35 years as on June 19, 2026 |
| Appointment Type | Regular permanent basis (not contractual) |
| Scientist C — Pay Level 11 | ₹67,700–₹2,08,700/month |
| Scientist D — Pay Level 12 | ₹78,800–₹2,09,200/month |
| Scientist E — Pay Level 13 | ₹1,23,100–₹2,15,900/month |
| Interview Location | RAC, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi — in person only |
| Minimum Interview Score | 75% marks mandatory for final selection |
Eligibility — experience is mandatory: This is a lateral recruitment — not a fresh graduate drive. Scientist C (Level 11): First Division B.E./B.Tech/M.Sc/M.Pharmacy/MBBS/MD in relevant discipline + minimum 3 years post-qualification experience. Scientist D (Level 12): Same qualification + minimum 6 years experience. Scientist E (Level 13): Same qualification + minimum 11 years experience. Candidates must apply separately for each post they wish to be considered for, mentioning their order of preference. All 36 vacancies are Unreserved (UR) category.
Selection process: Administrative Screening (document shortlisting) → Technical Screening (expert panel review of credentials and research work) → Personal Interview at RAC Delhi. The interview is strictly in-person — a preliminary online interview may be conducted if required but the final interview is always in-person at RAC, Timarpur, Delhi. Candidates must secure at least 75% marks in the final interview to be eligible for selection — a uniquely high bar that ensures only top-quality scientists are appointed.
Career under DRDO — why it's prestigious: DRDO scientists work on India's defence research programs — missiles, electronics warfare, aeronautics, materials science, naval systems, combat vehicles, and more. Career progression is under the Flexible Complimenting Scheme (FCS) — promotion to the next scientist grade is delinked from vacancies, meaning you can be promoted based on your own performance without waiting for a post to open. Central government benefits include DA, HRA, LTC, medical facilities for the entire family, and pension.
Disciplines covered: Based on Advt. No. 157, disciplines include Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, and others. The exact discipline-wise vacancy list is in the official notification PDF on rac.gov.in. Check the notification carefully — applying for a post outside your discipline leads to rejection. See our UPSC CSE guide for other prestigious central government career routes.
🔗 Official Links
💡Experienced Scientists Only — 3 to 11 Years Required
DRDO RAC Advt. 157 is a lateral recruitment for working professionals — not fresh graduates. Scientist C needs 3 years, Scientist D needs 6 years, Scientist E needs 11 years of post-qualification experience. If you qualify, this is one of the most prestigious permanent central government science positions available. Apply at rac.gov.in by June 19.
❓Frequently asked questions
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Published: 2026-05-31 • Source: Official government press releases and notifications.