How to join DRDO after 12th - A Complete Guide

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is a premier government agency under the Ministry of Defence. It is dedicated to military research, innovation of technologies, and weapon development to strengthen India’s defensive system to safeguard its citizens. DRDO operates in multiple domains, including aeronautics, life sciences, combat engineering, and electronics.

Many students wonder how to join DRDO after 12th, but the primary thing to note is that it requires clear planning and strategic effort. This article explores the career options available, eligibility criteria, job roles and selection process to help you understand how to join DRDO after 12th.

Can You Join DRDO After 12th?

Yes, for students with clear ambition and commitment, DRDO is an excellent career choice. Entry-level positions like technician A and assistant roles are available to candidates with 10th or 12th qualifications. However, higher technical and scientist positions typically need a bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science, followed by a GATE qualification.

Entry-Level Positions in DRDO After 12th

If you are seeking early employment opportunities right after the 12th in the government sector, the DRDO offers many entry-level positions. We have listed some of the best career opportunities students after 12th can pursue in DRDO.

Admin and Allied Posts (Direct Entry After 12th)

As a candidate with a 12th-level educational qualification, you can directly apply to various Admin and Allied posts. These roles are mainly responsible for clerical and logistical support.

Job roles include:

• Administrative Assistant ‘A’

• Store Assistant ‘A’

• Security Assistant ‘A’

• Vehicle Operator ‘A’

• Fire Engine Driver, Fireman

Eligibility:

• Class 12th is a must-have criterion for these roles

• Typing skills or a valid driving licence can be mandatory for some positions

Technical Positions (12th With ITI/Diploma/B.S.c)

Students with class 10 or 12 qualifications, along with a vocational or ITI certificate, can pursue Technician A positions at DRDO.

1. Technician ‘A’

Skilled candidates are welcome to apply for Tech-A, which involves maintaining and operating equipment in various DRDO labs

Eligibility:

• Passed Class 10 or equivalent from a recognised board.

• ITI certificate in a relevant trade(Example: Fitter, Electrician, Welder and more) from a recognised institute.

2. Senior Technical Assistant ‘B’

If you are looking for more advanced roles that come with higher pay and responsibilities, pursuing STA-B posts in the DRDO is a good choice. But, to be eligible for these positions, advanced educational qualifications are required.

Eligibility:

• Diploma in Engineering or Bachelor's degree in Science (relevant discipline) or B.S.c degree in a relevant science stream.

• Final year students can also apply, but they must fulfil all eligibility criteria before the final selection.

Dreaming Bigger? How to Become a Scientist in DRDO After 12th?

If your ambitions are bigger and you want to work as a DRDO scientist, it is important to strategically plan your academic steps early on. Here is the complete roadmap on how to become a DRDO scientist.

Step-by-Step Roadmap

Step 1: Choose PCM in Class 11–12

Choose Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as the core subjects in 11th and 12th. A solid understanding of these subjects is crucial for a scientist's career in DRDO.

Step 2: Earn a B.E./B.Tech or B.S.c Degree

You have to choose a discipline that is related to your future career in DRDO. Your chosen course can be Mechanical engineering, Computer science, Electrical engineering, Aerospace engineering or core sciences.

Step 3: Qualify GATE Exam

After the completion of a bachelor's degree, appear for the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam. Achieving excellent scores in this exam will help you to get shortlisted for DRDO Scientist B positions. This recruitment process is done through the Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC)

Also Read: Career options after 12th science PCM

DRDO Scientist Career Progression

The table below incorporates the eligibility criteria for various grades of scientists in DRDO. Read on to understand what the career progression as a scientist in DRDO looks like.

Selection Process

DRDO CETPAM Exam:

CEPTAM conducts recruitment for various posts for DRDO, including:

• Technician A

• Senior Technical Assistant B

• Administrative and Allied Categories

To apply for these positions, candidates must meet the mentioned eligibility criteria and also qualify for the Computer-Based Test (CBT). This exam includes multiple stages, such as a skill test and a physical test (for some roles).

See also: Check DRDO Syllabus for CBT 1 & 2, Exam Pattern

Age Criteria (General Category)

If you are an aspirant applying for DRDO posts like Technician 'A' after 12th, it is important to understand that there are some specific age requirements candidates are required to meet. The upper age limit varies according to categories.

Note: Age relaxation is provided for candidates from reserved categories like SC/ST/OBC and others as per the government guidelines.

DRDO Salary and Benefits (As per 7th CPC)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) offers attractive pay packages to its employees. The salary structure offered by DRDO is based on the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). This includes a fixed base pay along with several allowances and perks.

Your Mission Starts Now!

Many students wish to join DRDO after 12th, and it is possible through technical or assistant roles. However, if you want to pursue the role of a scientist in DRDO, enrolling in a Bachelor's degree followed by the GATE qualification is mandatory. By strategically planning your career path early, choosing the right courses, and gaining relevant qualifications, you can make your professional dream of joining DRDO come true.