The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence, has released the CEPTAM-11 recruitment notification to fill 764 technical positions. This recruitment drive is a prime opportunity for Diploma, B.Sc., and ITI holders to join India’s premier R&D organization.
The application deadline has been extended to January 11, 2026, so you still have time to apply if you haven’t already.
DRDO CEPTAM 11 Recruitment 2026
Important Dates (Revised)
| Event | Date |
| Application Start Date | December 11, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (Extended) | January 11, 2026 (11:55 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | January 13, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | January 14 – 16, 2026 |
| Tier-I Exam Date | To be announced |
DRDO CEPTAM 11 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- For STA-B: Bachelor’s degree in Science (B.Sc.) or Diploma in Engineering (Technology) in specific disciplines (e.g., Computer Science, Mechanical, Electronics, Civil, Chemistry, etc.).
- For Tech-A: Class 10 pass from a recognized board and an ITI certificate in the relevant trade (e.g., Fitter, Electrician, COPA, Welder, etc.).
- Crucial Note: Candidates with higher qualifications like B.E./B.Tech. or M.Sc. are generally not eligible for these specific posts.
Recruitment Overview
| Post Category | Number of Vacancies | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Eligibility Highlights |
| Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B) | 561 | Level 6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) | B.Sc. or Diploma in Engineering |
| Technician-A (Tech-A) | 203 | Level 2 (₹19,900 – ₹63,200) | Class 10th + ITI Certificate |
| Total Vacancies | 764 |
1. Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B)
- Vacancies: 561
- Pay Scale: Level 6 (Rs\ 35,400 – 1,12,400)
- Age Limit: 18–28 years (as of Jan 1, 2026).
- Qualification: Diploma in Engineering or B.Sc. in relevant subjects (Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemistry, etc.).
2. DRDO CEPTAM 11 Salary and Pay Scale
- Vacancies: 203
- Pay Scale: Level 2 (Rs\ 19,900 – 63,200)
- Age Limit: 18–28 years (as of Jan 1, 2026).
- Qualification: Class 10 pass + ITI Certificate in relevant trade (Fitter, Electrician, COPA, etc.).
DRDO CEPTAM 11 Selection Process
The selection involves a multi-tier process designed to test both general aptitude and technical expertise.
- Tier-I (CBT): A Computer Based Test for screening. It covers Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, and English.
- Tier-II (CBT/Trade Test): * For STA-B, this is a discipline-specific technical exam used for final selection.
- For Tech-A, this is a practical Trade/Skill test which is qualifying in nature.
- Document Verification & Medical Exam: Final stage for provisionally selected candidates.
How to Apply
- Visit the official DRDO website: drdo.gov.in.
- Navigate to the ‘Message Board’ or ‘Careers’ section and select ‘CEPTAM-11’.
- Click on the “Apply Online” link.
- Complete the New Registration with your basic details.
- Fill out the application form, upload required documents (Photo, Signature, Certificates), and pay the application fee.
Application Fee:
- General/OBC/EWS: Rs\ 750 (STA-B) / Rs\ 600 (Tech-A) — Note: A portion is often refundable after appearing for Tier-I.
- SC/ST/PwBD/Women: Rs\ 500 (Refundable).
Selection Process & Exam Pattern For DRDO CEPTAM 11
DRDO CEPTAM 11 Last Date to Apply
STA-B (Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted)
- Tier-I (Screening): A Computer Based Test (CBT) with 120 objective questions covering Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, English, and General Science.
- Tier-II (Selection): A CBT consisting of 100 questions specifically from the candidate’s chosen technical discipline.
Technician-A (Group ‘C’)
- Tier-I (Selection): A CBT divided into two parts: Section A (40 questions on Aptitude) and Section B (80 questions on the specific ITI Trade).
- Tier-II (Trade Test): A practical skill test related to the relevant trade. This stage is qualifying only but mandatory.
IV. Salary and Benefits
Working at DRDO offers not just a competitive salary but also extensive central government perks:
- In-hand Salary (Approx): ₹48,000 – ₹56,000 for STA-B; ₹28,000 – ₹32,000 for Tech-A.
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and Children’s Education Allowance.
- Perks: Canteen Facilities (CSD), Medical facilities under CGHS, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and a Defined Contributory Pension.
