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In pursuit of self-reliance in critical technologies relevant to national security, DRDO formulates and executes programmes of scientific research, design, development, testing, and evaluation of various systems, subsystems, devices, and products required for the defense of the nation. DRDO employs highly qualified and competent scientists and technologists who constitute the Group 'A' (Class I Gazetted) Service known as Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS). The emoluments of DRDS Scientists as per the 7th Central Pay Commission are as follows in INR:
| Grade | Level in Pay Matrix | Initial Pay in Pay Matrix (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist 'B' | Level 10 | 56,100/- |
| Scientist 'C' | Level 11 | 67,700/- |
| Scientist 'D' | Level 12 | 78,800/- |
| Scientist 'E' | Level 13 | 1,23,100/- |
| Scientist 'F' | Level 13A | 1,31,100/- |
| Scientist 'G' | Level 14 | 1,44,200/- |
| Scientist 'H' (Outstanding Scientist) | Level 15 | 1,82,200/- |
| Distinguished Scientist (DS) | Level 16 | 2,05,400/- |
| Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO | Level 17 | 2,25,000/- |
Salient Features of DRDS
DRDO takes utmost care of the career advancement of its scientists and operates a merit-based promotion scheme under the Flexible Complementing Scheme (FCS) up to the level of Scientist 'H'. Promotions are purely based on merit through an assessment board/Peer Committee.
In addition to the basic pay, DRDS scientists are entitled to House Rent Allowance (HRA) up to 24% of the basic pay in case of non-availability of government accommodation, and other allowances such as DA, Transport Allowance, and DA on it, as admissible to Central Government employees.
Perquisites like Leave Travel Concession, Medical facilities, Advances for PCs/House Building are also admissible. A Professional Update Allowance of ₹22,500 for Scientist 'B', 'C', and 'D'; ₹45,000 for Scientist 'E' and 'F'; ₹67,500 for Scientist 'G' and above per annum is also applicable. Reimbursement for expenditures on newspapers/periodicals is provided in accordance with relevant rules.
Facility for Higher Qualification & Training
DRDO emphasizes Human Resource Development and offers training opportunities for its personnel at prestigious academic institutions like IITs, IISc Bangalore, and DIAT Pune. Opportunities for foreign deputations are also available for training and specific assignments.
Recruitment of Scientists in DRDO
The Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC) of DRDO undertakes various recruitment programmes to induct scientists each year in scientific and engineering disciplines relevant to DRDO Laboratories. For details, visit the RAC website: https://rac.gov.in
The selection of candidates for direct recruitment for Technicians and Senior Technical Assistants in DRDO is managed through the Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM), located in Metcalfe House Complex, Delhi.
CEPTAM is responsible for all activities related to recruitment including advertising vacancies, receipt and scrutiny of applications, preparing question papers, conducting written tests (CBT), trade tests, and forming selection committees. The final select list of candidates is recommended to the respective authorities for appointment.
An application fee of ₹100 is charged through online payment methods, except for those exempted by the Government of India.
The selection process for Admin & Allied positions in DRDO is similar to that for Technical Staff, and the recruitment is also carried out by CEPTAM. The same procedure is followed for advertising, scrutinizing applications, conducting tests, and issuing appointment letters.
An application fee of ₹100 is charged through online payment methods unless exempted by the Government of India.
The Scheme of Research Fellowships in DRDO
DRDO offers Research Fellowships to young talents for research work leading to higher qualifications or acquiring research experience. Fellowships are offered at three levels: JRF, SRF, and RA. Selection is based on an interview, and candidates with NET/UGC/GATE qualifications are given preference.
| Type of Fellowships | Minimum Educational Qualification | Upper Age Limit | Emoluments (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Post Graduate degree in Basic Science or Psychology with NET qualification, or BE/B.Tech in First Division with NET/GATE | 28 years | ₹31,000 + HRA |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | BE/B.Tech/M.Sc (First Class) with 2 years experience or M.Tech | 32 years | ₹35,000 + HRA |
| Research Associate (RA) | PhD in relevant subject with first class or equivalent with postdoctoral experience | 35 years | ₹47,000 + HRA |
Important Points
For detailed information about recruitment and eligibility for fellowships, please visit the DRDO website or the RAC portal for the latest updates.
The recruitment rules and regulations for the posts in DRDO can be found in the official recruitment notifications available on the RAC website.
Scheme of Internship of Students to DRDO Labs/Estts for Project Training
Scheme of Internship of student to DRDO Labs/Estts is to provide an opportunity and exposure to the would be Graduates/Post Graduates in Engineering/General Sciences to the Research and Development activities carried out by DRDO in state of art technology in the fields relevant to defence sector.
Salient Features of the scheme are as under:-
- Internship Training is provided in the areas relevant to DRDO.
- Provide opportunity to interns to be associated with projects.
- The students to make correspondence with concerned Lab/Estts as per their discipline through their Institute/College
- Provisions of Apprentices Act 1961 do not apply to this scheme.
- Internship Training will be permitted subject to vacancies at Labs and approval by Lab Director.
- Interns will be permitted only to UNCLASSIFIED areas of DRDO Labs/Establishments.
- DRDO will in no way be obliged to offer employment to the students on completion of their training.
- DRDO will not be liable for any compensation in case of personal injury caused by accident arising out of and in the course of the students' attachment to DRDO Labs/Establishments.
- The period of training generally is 4 weeks to 6 Months, depending upon the type of course. However, it will be at the discretion of Lab Director.
