The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched its much-anticipated CEPTAM-11 Recruitment 2025 drive, offering a remarkable opportunity for technical aspirants across India to secure prestigious positions in one of the nation’s premier defence research organisations. This recruitment is conducted under the Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM) and includes 764 vacancies for the posts of Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B) and Technician-A (Tech-A). With cutting-edge research facilities, engaging technical roles, and excellent career prospects, this employment opportunity draws students and professionals eager to serve the nation’s defence ecosystem while gaining stable government employment. The online application window is active and invites eligible Indian candidates to apply before the deadline. In this comprehensive article, we’ll walk through every detail you need to know about the DRDO CEPTAM-11 Recruitment 2025 — from vacancies and eligibility to exam pattern, salary structure, selection process, and application procedures.

This year, DRDO has announced 764 vacancies, inviting candidates to apply for roles that require technical know-how and hands-on expertise. Aspirants with relevant technical qualifications stand to benefit from robust job security, attractive salary packages, allowances, and a chance to contribute to the nation’s defence and technological progress. Eligible candidates can apply online, and selection will be based on merit through a structured examination and evaluation process.

DRDO CEPTAM-11 Vacancy 2025 Details

The DRDO CEPTAM-11 Recruitment 2025 notification has confirmed a total of 764 vacancies distributed across two key positions — Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B) and Technician-A (Tech-A). The vacancies are allocated as follows:

Post NameTotal Posts
Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B)561
Technician-A (Tech-A)203
Total764

The distribution clearly indicates that the majority of posts are reserved for STA-B, which typically requires a higher level of technical qualification compared to Tech-A roles. Applicants should check post-specific eligibility before submitting their application.

Eligibility Criteria – Educational Qualifications

To ensure fairness and clarity for all aspirants, DRDO has outlined specific eligibility conditions for each post under the CEPTAM-11 drive. These criteria relate primarily to educational qualification, age, and nationality:

1. Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B)

  • Educational Qualification:

    • Diploma in Engineering/Technology from a recognized institution OR

    • Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in a relevant science discipline from a recognized university/institute.

  • Skill Requirements: Qualifications must be completed and results declared on or before the crucial date of eligibility — 01.01.2026.

  • Higher Qualifications: Candidates possessing qualifications higher than the specified ones (such as M.Sc., B.Tech, B.E., Ph.D., etc.) are NOT eligible for these posts.

  • Result Awaited: Candidates awaiting results are not eligible.

2. Technician-A (Tech-A)

  • Educational Qualification:

    • Class 10 pass from a recognized board AND

    • ITI Certificate in the relevant trade from a recognized institute.

  • Skill Requirements: Certificates must be valid and recognized as per the recruitment guidelines.

  • Result Awaited: Not permitted.

Nationality

  • Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.

Meeting these criteria is mandatory. Applicants who fail to satisfy the basic requirements will not be considered for further stages in the selection process.

Age Limit & Relaxation

DRDO sets standardized age criteria to ensure candidates are at an appropriate stage in their career for technical roles. The age limits are:

  • Minimum Age: 18 years

  • Maximum Age: 28 years as of 01.01.2026

Age Relaxation (As per Government of India Rules)

  • SC/ST Candidates: +5 years

  • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): +3 years

  • Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Up to +10/13/15 years (varies by category)

  • Ex-Servicemen: As per rules

  • Departmental Candidates: As per applicable norms

These relaxations make the recruitment inclusive and accessible to candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Salary & Pay Scale

One of the most attractive aspects of the DRDO CEPTAM-11 Recruitment is the salary and job benefits:

1. Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B)

  • Pay Level: Level 6 (7th CPC)

  • Salary Range: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 per month

  • Benefits:

    • Dearness Allowance (DA)

    • House Rent Allowance (HRA)

    • Transport Allowance

    • Medical facilities

    • Children’s education allowance

    • LTC, NPS/UPS and other perks

2. Technician-A (Tech-A)

  • Pay Level: Level 2 (7th CPC)

  • Salary Range: ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 per month

  • Benefits: Same government allowances as applicable

These pay scales, combined with allowances and government job security, make CEPTAM roles considerable stepping stones in a long-term technical career.

Selection Process – Detailed Stages

Selection for DRDO CEPTAM-11 is merit-based and involves multiple stages to assess candidates’ technical knowledge and practical skills:

1. Tier-I – Computer Based Test (CBT)

  • All applicants must appear for a CBT, covering topics relevant to their post.

  • Tier-I exam performance determines provisional selection for the next stage.

2. Tier-II – Trade/Skill Test or Comprehensive Test

  • Tech-A: A Trade/Skill Test (qualifying in nature) to evaluate hands-on abilities.

  • STA-B: A second CBT or Descriptive/Technical Test that evaluates deeper technical understanding.

3. Document Verification (DV)

Shortlisted candidates must present original documents for verification, including educational certificates, identity proofs, and category certificates (if applicable).

4. Medical Examination

Only medically fit candidates will be finally selected. Vision and health standards are strictly enforced—conditions like night blindness or color blindness can lead to disqualification.

Final selection is based on combined performance in Tier-I and Tier-II (where applicable), followed by DV and medical fitness.

Exam Pattern & Preparation Tips

While the detailed exam pattern will be released in the official notification PDF, here’s an overview based on past CEPTAM cycles and available information:

Tier-I CBT Overview

  • Multiple choice questions (MCQs)

  • Subject areas typically include:

    • General Intelligence & Reasoning

    • General Awareness

    • Relevant Technical subjects (post-specific)

    • Numerical Ability/Mathematics

Tier-II or Skill Test

  • STA-B: Focus on advanced technical concepts or descriptive format.

  • Tech-A: Practical trade/skill evaluation in relevant technical areas.

Preparation Tips:

  • Review fundamental technical subjects from your discipline.

  • Solve previous years’ CEPTAM papers and mock tests.

  • Focus on time management and accuracy.

  • Strengthen basics of reasoning, general awareness, and numerical ability for Tier-I.

Important Dates to Remember

EventDate
Notification Release02-12-2025
Online Application Begins11-12-2025
Online Application Deadline01-01-2026 (23:55 Hours)
Last Date for Fee Payment03-01-2026 (23:55 Hours)
Correction Window04-01-2026 – 06-01-2026
Tier-I Exam DateTo be announced on DRDO website

Candidates should plan well ahead to avoid last-minute rushes.

How to Apply Online – Step by Step Guide

Applying for the DRDO CEPTAM-11 Recruitment 2025 is fully online. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1 – Visit the Official Website

Go to the official DRDO portal: https://www.drdo.gov.in. 

Step 2 – Find the CEPTAM-11 Notification

Look for “DRDO CEPTAM-11 Online Application” or the recruitment link on the homepage or careers section.

Step 3 – Registration & Login

New users must register with basic details such as name, email, and phone number. After successful registration, log in to access the application form.

Step 4 – Fill in Personal & Educational Details

Enter correct educational qualifications, personal information, and contact details.

Step 5 – Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of:

  • Photograph

  • Signature

  • Educational certificates

  • ID proof

  • Category certificate (if applicable)

Step 6 – Pay Application Fee (if applicable)

Use online modes like net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.

Step 7 – Review & Submit

Review all entries carefully, then submit the form and take a printout for future reference.

Important Tips:

  • Only one application per candidate is allowed. Multiple applications will be rejected.

  • Ensure documents are uploaded in the prescribed size and format.