The Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced its recruitment for the year 2026. DRDO is a premier organisation under the Ministry of Defence, focusing on advanced defence science and technology projects. CEPTAM handles recruitment, testing, and evaluation for non-scientist posts.
For 2026, CEPTAM invites online applications for 764 vacancies in two main job categories — Senior Technical Assistant‑B (STA‑B) and Technician‑A (Tech‑A). This recruitment is a great opportunity for young professionals seeking a stable government job with a good salary and benefits. The positions are open to eligible candidates from all across India.
Overview Table
| Organisation | DRDO – Centre for Personnel Talent Management |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Name | CEPTAM‑11 (Recruitment 2026) |
| Total Vacancies | 764 |
| Job Type | Government Jobs (Technical & Skilled) |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | Written Exams, Trade/Skill Test, Document Verification |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Pay Scale | As per 7th CPC |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 11 December 2025 |
| Online Apply Start | 11 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 11 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Pay Fee | 13 January 2026 |
| Correction Window | 14–16 January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Exam Date | To be announced |
It is important for candidates to submit applications before the last date to avoid rejection.
Vacancy Table
| Post Name | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Senior Technical Assistant‑B (STA‑B) | 561 |
| Technician‑A (Tech‑A) | 203 |
| Total | 764 |
STA‑B posts cover various technical fields in science and engineering, while Tech‑A posts are primarily for skilled ITI trades.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements to apply.
Senior Technical Assistant‑B (STA‑B)
- Bachelor’s Degree (B.Sc.) in Science or
- Three-year Diploma in Engineering/Technology in relevant disciplines.
- The degree or diploma must be from a recognised institute or university.
Technician‑A (Tech‑A)
- 10th Class (Matriculation) pass certificate.
- ITI Certificate in the relevant trade from a recognised board.
General Requirements
- All educational certificates must be valid and recognised.
- Candidates waiting for final results are not eligible.
Age Limit
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General | 18 Years | 28 Years |
Age relaxation is provided as per government rules:
- SC/ST: +5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): +3 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities: +10 years
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: Rs. 100
- Women / SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen: Fee is exempted
Candidates must pay the fee by the last date. Keep the payment receipt safe until the recruitment process is complete.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of several stages:
- Tier-I Written Exam (CBT) – First stage to screen candidates.
- Tier-II Written Exam (CBT) – For further selection; discipline-specific.
- Trade/Skill Test – Only for Technician‑A candidates to assess practical skills.
- Document Verification – Verification of educational and identity documents.
- Medical Examination – Ensures the candidate is fit for the role.
Candidates must qualify in each stage to move forward, and the final merit list is prepared based on performance.
PST / PET (Physical Standards)
For this recruitment, Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET) are not mandatory. The main focus is on written exams and trade tests. Candidates should check the official notification when released for any updates regarding physical tests.
Salary
Selected candidates will receive salaries as per the 7th Central Pay Commission:
| Post | Pay Level | Approx. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Technical Assistant‑B | Level‑6 | Rs. 35,400 – Rs. 1,12,400 |
| Technician‑A | Level‑2 | Rs. 19,900 – Rs. 63,200 |
Other benefits include:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Medical facilities
- Pension and other government benefits
How to Apply
Steps to apply online:
- Visit the official DRDO website.
- Go to the Careers / Recruitment section.
- Read the CEPTAM‑11 recruitment notification carefully.
- Click on Apply Online.
- Fill in personal and educational details.
- Upload scanned photograph and signature as required.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
Ensure that all information is correct before submission, as changes may not be allowed after the correction window closes.