DRDO CEPTAM-XI Vacancy Announcement 2026
DRDO CEPTAM-11 Recruitment 2026
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), one of India’s premier defence research agencies under the Ministry of Defence, has launched its much-anticipated CEPTAM-11 Recruitment 2026 drive to fill hundreds of technical and skill-based positions across laboratories and establishments throughout India.
This detailed explanation breaks down everything you need to know about the recruitment — including what CEPTAM is, the posts available, how to apply, eligibility, selection process, salary and benefits, important dates, and tips to maximize your chances of selection.
1. What Is DRDO CEPTAM-11 Recruitment?
DRDO CEPTAM-11 refers to the 11th recruitment cycle conducted by the Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM) — DRDO’s dedicated recruitment arm. The aim of CEPTAM is to attract and hire technically qualified professionals for various roles that are critical to supporting DRDO’s ongoing research, design, development, testing and production activities across defence technologies.
This recruitment drive covers posts under the technical cadre of DRDO, specifically:
- Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B)
- Technician-A (Tech-A)
Overall, the drive offers a large pool of entry and mid-level technical jobs — a significant opportunity for diploma, B.Sc. and ITI holders seeking stable government careers in defence research.
2. How Many Vacancies Are There?
The DRDO CEPTAM-11 Recruitment has notified a total of 764 vacancies distributed across two main posts:
| Post Name | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B) | 561 |
| Technician-A (Tech-A) | 203 |
| Total | 764 |
This distribution reflects DRDO’s strong focus on technical support roles — including engineering assistance and hands-on technical operations that are foundational to DRDO’s laboratories and projects nationwide.
3. What Do These Posts Mean?
Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B)
- Role: Assist in technical and engineering functions related to research, testing, calibration, documentation and technical coordination.
- Eligibility: Typically requires a Diploma (3-year) in Engineering or a B.Sc. degree in a relevant discipline.
- Nature: Group B, non-gazetted technical post.
Technician-A (Tech-A)
- Role: Hands-on technical execution, equipment operation, maintenance, workshop support and skill-based technical duties.
- Eligibility: Generally requires Class 10 pass + ITI certificate in relevant trade.
- Nature: Group C technical support post.
These roles are crucial for DRDO’s operations as they provide the backbone for conducting experiments, managing instruments, supporting scientists, and maintaining technical infrastructure.
4. Eligibility Criteria – Education & Age Limits
Educational Qualifications
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| STA-B | Diploma in Engineering or B.Sc in relevant technical/science field |
| Tech-A | 10th Class + ITI Certificate in relevant trade |
Important Note: Candidates with higher qualifications such as B.Tech, M.Sc, M.Tech, or Ph.D. may not be eligible for these specific posts if those higher qualifications exceed the essential prescribed criteria. Also, those whose results are not yet declared by the eligibility date are generally not eligible.
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 28 years
- Age relaxations apply as per Government of India rules for SC/ST, OBC, PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities), and ex-servicemen categories.
5. Application Window & Important Dates
The recruitment follows an official schedule with clearly announced dates:
- Start Date for Online Application: 11 December 2025
- Last Date to Apply Online: 11 January 2026 (extended from earlier)
- Last Date to Pay Application Fee: 13 January 2026
- Correction Window for Submitted Forms: Mid-January 2026
- Exam Dates: To be notified on the official DRDO website.
Candidates must ensure they complete the application before the specified deadline to avoid disqualification.
6. How to Apply for DRDO CEPTAM-11
The online registration process is simple but should be followed carefully:
- Visit official DRDO website
- Go to Careers / Recruitment section.
- Look for the CEPTAM-11 Recruitment link.
- Click Apply Online and register with your details.
- Fill out personal, educational, and contact information accurately.
- Upload scanned documents — photograph, signature, ID proof, certificates.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) through online modes like debit/credit card or net banking.
- Review and submit the application.
- Save or print the confirmation page for future reference.
Note: Only online applications are accepted — no offline or postal submissions.
7. Selection Process – Tier-wise Testing
The selection procedure is competitive and multi-stage:
Tier-I: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Objective type exam.
- Tests fundamentals in:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- General Awareness and Science
- Duration and number of questions vary by post.
- Minimum qualifying marks often differ by category.
Tier-II: Post-Specific Evaluation
- For STA-B: Discipline-based technical subjects in engineering/science.
- For Tech-A: Skill/Trade test relevant to ITI trade.
- May include practical tests or part-II CBT depending on role.
Final Stages
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates must qualify in each stage to move forward, and the difficulty level increases in Tier-II to assess job-specific competence.
8. Salary, Allowances & Benefits
Compensation is structured according to the 7th Central Pay Commission:
Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B)
- Pay Level-6: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 per month
- Additional allowances typically include:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Children Education and Leave Travel Concession
- Medical facilities
- CSD canteen benefits
- Pension benefits under National Pension System or equivalent.
Technician-A (Tech-A)
- Pay Level-2: ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 per month
- Similar allowances and benefits as per government norms.
The pay and benefits make these posts attractive for fresh graduates and technically skilled candidates looking for stable long-term government careers.
9. Why DRDO CEPTAM-11 Is Important
Career Growth and Stability
Being part of DRDO means serving in one of India’s most respected research establishments, with opportunities for career growth, training, and skill development.
Technical Exposure
Selected candidates get exposure to cutting-edge technologies in defence systems — from missiles and radar systems to materials science and electronics.
Nation-Building Role
Working at DRDO isn’t just a job — it contributes directly to India’s defence research capabilities and technological self-reliance.
Government Job Security
With attractive salaries, allowances, and pension benefits, these roles offer long-term job security unmatched by private sector jobs.
10. Tips for Aspirants
To succeed in this competitive recruitment:
Start Early
Begin preparation well before exam announcements. Focus on basics of maths, reasoning, science and technical subjects relevant to your post.
Understand the Syllabus
Check the official CEPTAM-11 syllabus and previous year papers if available. Official PDFs are often provided on drdo.gov.in.
Stay Updated
Regularly visit the official DRDO website for latest notifications, corrections, or schedule changes.
Document Readiness
Keep your certificates, ID proofs, and digital scans ready before applying.
Health and Fitness
Ensure physical fitness and medical fitness — especially for trade posts where practical tests might require good health.
11. Conclusion
The DRDO CEPTAM-11 Recruitment 2026 represents a major opportunity for technically qualified young Indians to secure government employment in one of the nation’s most prestigious, mission-oriented organisations. With 764 vacancies, a structured selection process, clear eligibility rules, and competitive pay scales, this recruitment drive has drawn significant interest from across the country.
By understanding the details — from eligibility to application, from exam pattern to career benefits — aspirants can plan their preparation strategically and increase their chances of securing a coveted position with DRDO.
| DRDO-Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC)DRDO CEPTAM-11 Recruitment 2026 | |||
| Important DatesApplication Start Date : 11 December 2025Last Date : 11 January 2026Fee Payment Last Date : 13 January 2026Form Correction Date : 14-16 January 2026Exam Date : Notify LaterAdmit Card : Before Exam | |||
| Application FeeGen / OBC / EWS / MSP : Rs. 750/- (For STA Post)Gen / OBC / EWS / MSP : Rs. 600/- (For Tech. A Post)SC / ST / PH / ESM / All Female : Rs. 500/- (For Both Posts) Fees Refund (After Tier-I Exam)General / OBC / EWS / MSP : Rs. 500/-SC / ST / PH / All Female : Rs. 500/-Candidates have to pay their Examination Fee Through Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI and Other Fee Payment Mode Only. |
| DRDO CEPTAM-11 Notification 2026 : Age LimitAge Limit As On Last DateMinimum Age : 18 YearMaximum Age : 28 YearAge Relaxation as per DRDO CEPTAM-11 Recruitment Rules. | |||
| DRDO CEPTAM-11 2026 : Vacancy DetailsTotal Posts : 764 PostsPost NameNo. of Post Senior Technician Assistant-B561Technician-A203 | |||
| DRDO CEPTAM-11 Recruitment 2026 : Educational QualificationPost NameEligibility Senior Technician Assistant-BB.Sc/ Diploma in Engineering in Relevant Trade.Technician-A10th Class Passed & ITI in the Related Trade. |
