The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is gearing up to launch its much-anticipated CEPTAM 11 recruitment drive for the 2025-26 cycle. The official notification is expected to be published shortly on the organisation's primary portal, drdo.gov.in. This recruitment initiative is poised to unlock a significant number of opportunities for Indian citizens aspiring to build a career within the nation's premier defence research framework.
DRDO CEPTAM 11: Expected Vacancies and Post Details
The upcoming CEPTAM 11 notification is projected to follow the trends of previous cycles, announcing approximately 1,500 to 2,000 vacancies. This estimation is based on the previous CEPTAM 10 cycle, which had 1,901 openings. The recruitment will be conducted by the Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM), DRDO's dedicated wing for non-gazetted staff recruitment since 1995.
The vacancies will be spread across three major categories: Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B), Technician-A (Tech-A), and Admin & Allied (A&A). These positions fall under the 7th Pay Commission, with the pay scale offering a monthly salary ranging from ₹18,000 to ₹81,700, depending on the specific post and level. All applications must be submitted through the online mode once the application link is activated.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Prospective candidates must meet specific educational and age criteria to be eligible for DRDO CEPTAM 11. The age limit for all posts is generally between 18 and 28 years. However, relaxations are provided as per government norms: 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC, and up to 10 years for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) and Ex-servicemen.
The essential educational qualifications vary by post:
- Technician-A (Tech-A): Requires passing Class 10 plus an ITI certificate in the relevant trade.
- Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B): Requires a Diploma or a B.Sc. degree in Engineering or Science.
- Admin & Allied (A&A): Requires Class 12 or Graduation, along with specific skill certificates where applicable.
An application fee of ₹100 is applicable for General and OBC category candidates. Applicants from SC, ST, PwBD categories, all women, and Ex-servicemen are exempt from paying this fee.
Exam Pattern and Selection Strategy
The selection process for DRDO CEPTAM 11 will involve a two-tier computer-based examination with no negative marking. Question papers will be bilingual. Tier I acts as a screening test, comprising objective-type questions from sections like Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and General Science for technical posts. Candidates will have 90 to 120 minutes to answer 120 to 150 questions.
The qualifying marks for Tier I are set at 40% for General and OBC candidates and 35% for SC and ST candidates. Tier II is more specialised. For STA-B and Tech-A posts, it will include discipline-specific questions and trade or skill tests. For A&A posts, Tier II may involve skill tests in typing, stenography, or physical fitness, as required.
How to Apply for DRDO CEPTAM 11 Recruitment
Interested and eligible candidates should follow these steps once the notification is live:
- Visit the official DRDO website: https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/.
- Navigate to the 'Careers' section and find the CEPTAM recruitment page.
- Click on the active application link for 'CEPTAM 11' and complete the registration.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents, photograph, and signature in the prescribed format and size.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable), review the entire form carefully, and submit it.
Aspiring candidates are strongly advised to keep a close watch on the official DRDO website for the exact notification date, application window, and any detailed instructions released by CEPTAM. This recruitment drive presents a valuable opportunity to join one of India's most prestigious research and development organisations.
