Overview of DRDO Recruitment
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducts one of India’s most prestigious recruitment drives for technical positions through its Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM). The Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B) and Technician-A (Tech-A) posts attract lakhs of aspirants every year because they offer high-quality technical work, excellent job security, and an opportunity to contribute to national defence research.
The 2025 recruitment cycle continues this legacy by opening vacancies across laboratories and establishments. This guide explains everything about the exam including eligibility, syllabus, age limit, important dates, and application procedure.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | November 2025 |
| Online Application Start | November 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 31 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 31 December 2025 |
| Correction Window | First week of January 2026 |
| Admit Card | February–March 2026 |
| Tier-1 Exam Date | March–April 2026 (Expected) |
| Tier-2 Exam Date | May 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 |
Post Details
DRDO recruitment includes two major technical posts:
Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B)
A Group-B, Non-Gazetted post responsible for assisting scientists in labs, performing experiments, and working in research-development processes.
Technician-A (Tech-A)
A Group-C technical role involving machine operation, laboratory maintenance, technical assistance, and workshop-based tasks.
Vacancy Structure
(Vacancies differ by discipline and category; the official notice gives exact figures.)
STA-B Major Disciplines
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics & Communication
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Instrumentation
- Metallurgy
- Library Science
- Medical Lab Technology
Tech-A Major Trades
- Fitter
- Turner
- Electronics Mechanic
- Electrician
- Draughtsman
- Welder
- Computer Operator
- Automotive Mechanic
- Laboratory Assistant
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
For Senior Technical Assistant-B
- Bachelor’s Degree in Science (B.Sc) in relevant discipline
OR - Diploma in Engineering/Technology (3 years) in relevant discipline
from a recognized institution.
Examples:
- B.Sc Physics/Chemistry/Biology
- Diploma Mechanical/Electrical/Computer Science/Electronics
- B.Sc Computer Science/IT
- B.Sc Agriculture (where applicable)
For Technician-A
- 10th Pass
- ITI Certificate in relevant trade issued by NCVT/SCVT
OR - National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC)
Accepted trades include Fitter, Turner, Electrician, Welder, Electronics Mechanic, Draughtsman, COPA, Laboratory Assistant etc.
Age Limit
| Category | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| General | 18–28 years |
| OBC | 3 years relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 years relaxation |
| PwD | Additional 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per govt rules |
Age is calculated as per the last date of application: 31 December 2025.
Nationality Requirements
Applicants must be:
- Indian citizens
- or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan
- or Tibetans who arrived in India before 1 January 1962
- or Indian-origin persons from listed countries
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹100 |
| SC/ST/PwD | No Fee |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
Fee is non-refundable.
Salary Structure
Senior Technical Assistant-B
- Pay Level 6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400)
- Added benefits:
- Transport allowance
- DA
- HRA
- Medical facilities
- Pension under NPS
Technician-A
- Pay Level 2 (₹19,900 – ₹63,200)
- Benefits include:
- Job security
- Uniform allowance
- TA, DA, HRA
- NPS-based pension
Selection Process
For STA-B
- Tier-1 (CBT): Screening Test
- 120 questions
- 90 minutes
- Questions from General English, General Awareness, Reasoning & Quantitative Aptitude
- Tier-2 (CBT): Subject-Specific Test
- Technical paper related to chosen discipline
- Final Merit based on Tier-2 only
For Technician-A
- Tier-1 (CBT)
- General Awareness
- General Science
- Mathematics
- Reasoning
- Tier-2 (Trade Test)
- Practical test evaluating workshop/lab skills
Final selection based on Tier-1 + Qualifying Trade Test.
Syllabus Overview
Common Subjects (STA-B & Tech-A)
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, puzzles, coding-decoding
- General Awareness: Current affairs, defence sector, science & technology
- Quantitative Aptitude: Arithmetic, algebra, mensuration
- English Language: Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary
Technical Syllabus for STA-B
- As per diploma/B.Sc courses
- Discipline-wise topics such as:
- Circuits, signals, machines (ECE/EE)
- Strength of materials, thermodynamics (Mech)
- Programming, OS, DBMS (CS)
- Organic/Inorganic/Physical Chemistry
- Physics (optics, mechanics, EM waves)
- Lab techniques & instrumentation
Technical Syllabus for Technician-A
- As per NCVT/SCVT ITI curriculum
- Safety rules, workshop practice, tools & equipment
Documents Required
- Aadhar Card
- 10th/12th Marksheet
- Diploma/B.Sc Certificate
- ITI Certificate (for Tech-A)
- Passport-size photo
- Signature
- Category certificate (if applicable)
How to Apply
- Visit the official CEPTAM portal.
- Click on the STA-B / Tech-A application link.
- Register using mobile number and email.
- Fill in personal, academic, and communication details.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit and download the confirmation page.
FAQs:
The application deadline is 31 December 2025. Candidates must submit the online form before this date.
2. What is the age limit for STA-B and Technician A posts?
Minimum Age: 18 years
Maximum Age: 28 years
Age relaxation is applicable for OBC, SC/ST, PwD, and Ex-Servicemen as per government rules.
3. What is the educational qualification required?
STA-B: B.Sc in relevant science discipline or Diploma in Engineering/Technology
Technician A: 10th pass with ITI Certificate in relevant trade
4. How can I apply for DRDO STA-B & Technician A?
Candidates must apply online through the official CEPTAM portal: https://www.drdo.gov.in. Fill the form, upload documents, and pay the application fee (if applicable).
5. What is the application fee?
General/OBC/EWS: ₹100
SC/ST/PwD/Female: No fee
6. What is the selection process for these posts?
STA-B: Tier-I CBT (Screening) → Tier-II CBT (Technical) → Document Verification → Medical
Technician A: Tier-I CBT (Screening) → Tier-II Trade Test (Practical) → Document Verification → Medical
7. What is the salary for STA-B and Technician A?
STA-B: Level 6 (₹35,400 basic), in-hand approx. ₹48,000–₹62,000/month
Technician A: Level 2 (₹19,900 basic), in-hand approx. ₹26,000–₹32,000/month
Both receive allowances like DA, HRA, transport, medical, and NPS pension benefits.
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