DRDO Scientist Selection Process 2025: Written Exam, Interview & Final Merit List

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:

1. 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.
2. Filling the Application Form: Log in with the registered credentials to fill out the application form, including educational qualifications and other relevant information.
3. Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of required documents, such as educational certificates, a recent passport-sized photograph, and a valid GATE scorecard.
4. 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.
5. 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.