Embarking on a career as a Scientist ‘B’ with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is a prestigious opportunity for many engineering and science graduates. Understanding the selection process is crucial for aspirants aiming to secure this esteemed position.
Key Highlights ✨
- Organization Name: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Position: Scientist ‘B’
- Selection Stages:
- Shortlisting: Based on GATE scores and/or academic performance
- Written Examination: Descriptive type
- Personal Interview: Assessing technical and personal suitability
- Final Merit List: Combination of written exam and interview scores
- Application Mode: Online
- Eligibility: Engineering or Master’s degree in relevant disciplines
- Official Website: https://rac.gov.in/
Eligibility Criteria 📚
To be considered for the Scientist ‘B’ position, candidates must meet specific educational and age requirements:
- Educational Qualifications: A first-class Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology, or a Master’s degree in relevant science subjects from a recognized university. A valid GATE score in the corresponding discipline is essential. Notably, graduates from IITs and NITs with a minimum of 80% aggregate marks may be exempted from the GATE requirement.
- Age Limit: Generally, the upper age limit is 28 years for the Unreserved category. However, age relaxations apply for candidates from reserved categories as per government norms.
Application Process 📝
Aspiring candidates should follow these steps to apply:
- Online Registration: Visit the official Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC) website at https://rac.gov.in/ and complete the registration process by providing necessary personal details.
- Filling the Application Form: Log in with the registered credentials to fill out the application form, including educational qualifications and other relevant information.
- Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of required documents, such as educational certificates, a recent passport-sized photograph, and a valid GATE scorecard.
- Application Fee Payment: Pay the applicable fee online. Typically, a fee of ₹100 is charged for General and OBC male candidates, while SC/ST, PwD, and female candidates are exempted.
- Submission: Review the entered information and submit the application. It’s advisable to print a copy for future reference.
Selection Process Overview 🛡️
The selection process comprises multiple stages to assess the candidates comprehensively:
1. Shortlisting of Candidates 📋
- Based on GATE Scores: Candidates are shortlisted primarily on their valid GATE scores in the relevant discipline.
- For IIT/NIT Graduates: Candidates with a minimum of 80% aggregate marks may be directly shortlisted without a GATE score.
2. Written Examination 📝
Shortlisted candidates are invited to a descriptive examination designed to evaluate their understanding of the subject matter:
- Format: The exam consists of two papers, each lasting three hours and carrying 300 marks.
- Content: Questions are descriptive, focusing on the candidate’s core subject knowledge.
- Weightage: The written exam contributes significantly to the final merit list, with a weightage of 80%.
3. Personal Interview 🗣️
Candidates who perform well in the written examination are called for a personal interview:
- Objective: To assess technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and overall suitability for the role.
- Weightage: The interview accounts for 20% of the final merit score.
Final Merit List 🏅
The final selection is based on a composite score derived from both the written examination and the personal interview:
- Calculation: Combined weightage of 80% from the written exam and 20% from the interview.
- Offer of Appointment: Candidates ranking high on the merit list are extended appointment offers for the Scientist ‘B’ position.
Preparation Tips 📚
To excel in the selection process, candidates should consider the following strategies:
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly review the syllabus for the written examination and focus on core subjects.
- Regular Study Schedule: Allocate dedicated study hours daily to cover all topics systematically.
- Practice Previous Papers: Solve past examination papers to familiarize yourself with the question patterns and time management.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of the latest developments in your field of expertise and general scientific advancements.
- Mock Interviews: Participate in mock interviews to build confidence and improve communication skills.
Embarking on the journey to become a Scientist ‘B’ at DRDO requires dedication, strategic preparation, and a clear understanding of the selection process. With the right approach, aspirants can secure a position in this esteemed organization.