Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence
DRDO CEPTAM 11: 764 Vacancies (STA-B & Technician A) | Tier 2
Quick Information
| Post Name | Senior Technical Assistant B (STA-B), Technician A (Tech-A) |
| Total Vacancies | 764 |
| Salary | STA-B (Senior Technical Assistant Grade B): Pay Level 6 as per 7th CPC Pay Matrix — basic pay ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400. Estimated in-hand salary: ₹48,218 per month (new joinee in metro posting). Technician A: Pay Level 2 as per 7th CPC — basic pay ₹19,900 to ₹63,200. Estimated in-hand salary: ₹28,821 per month. Both grades receive: Dearness Allowance (central govt rate), HRA (8%/16%/24% based on city), Transport Allowance, Children's Education Allowance, Leave Travel Concession, Medical benefits (CGHS/DRDO dispensary), Canteen Stores Department (CSD) facilities. DRDO employees also get access to DRDO townships and research campus amenities. |
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence |
Important Dates
| Last Date | 11 January 2026 |
Selection Process
- 1**Tier 1 — CBT Screening Test (Completed March 23
- 22026)** For STA-B: Computer Based Test with General Science/Engineering + General Intelligence/Reasoning questions. For Tech-A: Similar CBT focussed on the relevant ITI trade and general aptitude. Both: 1.5 hours
- 3150 questions (1 mark each)
- 4negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. This is a screening test — candidates qualifying Tier 1 proceed to Tier 2. **Tier 2 — CBT Selection Test (June 15
- 52026)** For STA-B (all disciplines): Subject-specific technical questions from your discipline (Electronics
- 6Mechanical
- 7IT
- 8Civil
- 9Chemical etc.). More detailed and subject-deep than Tier 1. 2 hours
- 10150 questions. For Tech-A: Trade-specific written test. 2 hours. Negative marking: 0.25 per wrong answer in Tier 2 as well. **Trade Test / Skill Test (for Tech-A only
- 11after Tier 2)** Practical assessment in the relevant ITI trade. Qualifying in nature. **Final Merit:** Based on Tier 2 marks only. Tier 1 is only a filter — its marks are NOT added to the final merit score.
How to Apply
Official Links
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DRDO CEPTAM 11 — Tier 2 Exam is June 15, 2026
If you cleared DRDO CEPTAM 11 Tier 1 (held March 23, 2026), your Tier 2 examination is on June 15, 2026 — four days from today. Download your admit card from drdo.gov.in if you haven't already. City intimation slips were released earlier this week.
CEPTAM (Centre for Personnel Talent Management) is how DRDO recruits its technical workforce across all its laboratories and establishments nationwide. The 11th edition of CEPTAM has 764 vacancies — 561 for Senior Technical Assistant Grade B (STA-B) and 203 for Technician A (Tech-A).
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification | December 11, 2025 |
| Application Closes | January 11, 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam | March 23, 2026 — Completed |
| Tier 1 Result | Declared — qualified candidates notified |
| City Intimation (Tier 2) | Released |
| Tier 2 Admit Card | Expected on drdo.gov.in — download now |
| Tier 2 Exam | June 15, 2026 (Monday) |
| Trade Test (Tech-A only) | After Tier 2 result |
Two Posts — What They Do
STA-B (Senior Technical Assistant Grade B) — 561 Posts
These are technical laboratory posts within DRDO's 50+ research establishments. An STA-B works directly in the laboratory or technical unit — operating equipment, conducting tests, maintaining instruments, assisting scientists in experiments, and documenting technical data. The work is hands-on technical support for defence research.
Posts exist across disciplines: Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, IT & Computer Science, Civil, Chemical, Instrumentation, Automobile, Optical, and others.
Qualification: 3-year Engineering Diploma or Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline.
Pay Level 6: ₹35,400–₹1,12,400 | In-hand ~₹48,218/month
Technician A — 203 Posts
Workshop and field-level technical support. Operating machinery, maintenance tasks, fabrication, and hands-on trade work within DRDO labs.
Qualification: Class 10 + ITI (NTC) certificate in relevant trade (minimum 50% marks in trade; 45% for SC/ST).
Pay Level 2: ₹19,900–₹63,200 | In-hand ~₹28,821/month
Eligibility
Age: 18 to 28 years (as on January 11, 2026)
Age relaxation:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC (NCL) | 3 years (up to 31) |
| SC / ST | 5 years (up to 33) |
| PwBD | 10 years (up to 38) |
| Ex-serviceman | 3 years after military service |
Exam Pattern
Tier 1 (Screening — Already Done)
150 questions, 1 mark each, 1.5 hours. 0.25 negative marking. Tests: General Science/Technical Aptitude + General Intelligence & Reasoning. This was a screening test — its marks do NOT count in final selection.
Tier 2 (Selection — June 15, 2026)
| Post | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| STA-B | 150 | 150 | 2 hours |
| Tech-A | 150 | 150 | 2 hours |
Negative marking: 0.25 per wrong answer — be accurate.
Tier 2 is deeper than Tier 1. For STA-B Electronics, expect questions on analog/digital circuits, microprocessors, communication systems, signal processing, and control systems — at diploma/degree level. For STA-B Mechanical, expect questions on thermodynamics, strength of materials, fluid mechanics, machine design. Match your preparation to your specific discipline.
Final selection merit is based entirely on Tier 2 marks. Tier 1 was only a filter.
What to Do Right Now (Tier 2 on June 15)
If you're a Tier 2 candidate:
- Download admit card from drdo.gov.in immediately — you need it to enter the exam hall
- Check your exam centre address — some DRDO centres are on research campuses outside city limits, requiring early departure
- Carry: Printed admit card + original photo ID (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport / Driving Licence)
- Revision focus: In the next 4 days, don't attempt new topics. Revise your core discipline formula sheets and previous DRDO technical papers
- Timing: Don't rush on negative marking questions — one wrong answer costs 0.25 marks; accuracy beats speed
Salary and DRDO Benefits
STA-B at Pay Level 6:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹35,400 |
| DA (~46%) | ₹16,284 |
| HRA (metro) | ₹8,496 |
| Transport | ₹3,600 |
| Estimated In-Hand | ₹48,000–₹52,000 |
Beyond salary, DRDO offers:
- Work environment: Research laboratories, not field postings or public-facing roles
- CSD canteen: Subsidised goods
- CGHS medical coverage: Self + dependents
- DRDO townships: Subsidised housing at many lab locations
- Stability: Central government permanent service — not contractual
- Promotion: STA-B → STA-A → Scientist pathway exists in DRDO's internal promotion structure
Posting Locations
DRDO has 50+ laboratories and establishments across India. Major ones:
- Delhi: DRDO HQ, INMAS, CFEES, SSPL, DMRL, DEBEL, etc.
- Hyderabad: DRDL, RCI, DLRL, NSTL, DMSRDE
- Bengaluru: ADE, GTRE, LRDE, CABS, CEMILAC
- Pune: ARDE, HEMRL, DRDE
- Chennai: CVRDE
- Chandigarh: TBRL, DEAL
- Other locations: Jodhpur, Agra, Dehradun, Haldwani, and many more
When you clear Tier 2 and receive an offer, you may request a preferred location. Posting depends on where vacancies exist in your discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My Tier 1 result showed "qualified" but I haven't received my Tier 2 admit card yet. What do I do? Check drdo.gov.in directly and your registered email. If the admit card is not available, contact the CEPTAM office through the official website. Admit cards for Tier 2 are issued online — there's no physical copy by post.
Q: Is there an interview after Tier 2? No. There is no interview for STA-B or Tech-A posts. Final merit is based entirely on Tier 2 CBT marks. Tech-A has an additional trade test (practical), but that's qualifying — not marks-based.
Q: Can STA-B get promoted to Scientist in DRDO? DRDO has a separate Scientist entry (through GATE-based RAC exam or DRDO SET). STA-B posts have their own technical cadre with promotion to STA-A and higher grades. The direct STA-B to Scientist lateral promotion is limited, but exceptional performers can be considered for Scientist entry after clearing relevant exams.
Disclaimer: All dates are verified from official DRDO notices. Tier 2 exam date (June 15, 2026) confirmed from drdo.gov.in announcements. Download admit card from the official DRDO portal only.