DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2026: Check Eligibility, Steps to Apply, and Fees for Scientist
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering 2025 ( GATE )
Admit Card - 2 Jan '26
DRDO Recruitment Through GATE 2026: The Government of India, Ministry of Defence, Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO) has announced the recruitment notification for Scientist "B" in DRDO for the year 2026. The organisation will accept the GATE 2025 scores for the selection process. Read the article below to learn about the application form, dates, eligibility, and selection procedure for DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2025.
DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2026: The Defence Research and Development Organisation will soon start recruiting for the Scientist "B" position in DRDO. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recruits scientists mostly at entry level (Scientist 'B') through GATE every year. The direct recruitment to the scientist post "B" wil be done based on GATE scores, writtent test or interview for vacancies in the disciplines under GATE.
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Candidates will be selected based on their valid GATE 2026 scores, followed by a written test/interview for vacancies in the disciplines for which GATE 2026 is conducted. The Scientist "B" position will accept the test papers including, those under Life Sciences and under Humanities/Social Sciences. Candidates applying for recruitment in PSUs can refer to this article for detailed information related to DRDO recruitment through GATE 2026. The detailed notification will be available soon on the official website. Registrations are expected to begin in June/July 2026.
Yes, candidates having qualifying degree in B.Com can apply for GATE exam to get admission to the master's programmes in IITs and IISc. Candidates must go through the GATE information brochure carefully before applying. Also, students in 3rd year or final year in commerce are also eligible for GATE.
The GATE eligibility for architecture students are -
- Must have a bachelor's degree in architecture (5 years course)
- Naval architecture (4-years course) or
- Must have pursued B.Planning (4-year course)
Candidates must ensure that they go through the GATE eligibility criteria carefully before applying.
GATE 2026 will be conducted on February 7, 8, 14, and 15 in two shifts. The exam conducting authorities will release the GATE 2026 result on March 19, 2026 for all the candidates who appeared in the exam.
- About DRDO
- DRDO Recruitment through GATE: Number of Vacancies
- DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2026: Eligibility Criteria
- DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2026: Age Limit
- DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2026: Important Dates
- DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2026: Steps to fill the application form
- DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2026: Selection Process
- DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2026: Payscale
About DRDO
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DRDO is one of the nation’s leading military research and development organisations under the Government of India. It recruits competent and skilled scientists in technical service known as the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS). DRDO offers exhilarating and demanding career prospects in an extensive range of R&D at its more than 50 laboratories nationwide. A candidate can visit the official DRDO website for more information.
DRDO Recruitment through GATE: Number of Vacancies
It is expected that there will be around 160 vacancies. Candidates can check the details of vacancies (tentative) to be filled under DRDO recruitment through GATE 2026 below:
| Subjects/Disciplines |
No. of Vacancies |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gen |
OBC |
SC |
ST |
Total |
|
| Electronics and Communication |
18 |
11 |
7 |
4 |
40 |
| Mechanical Engineering |
20 |
8 |
5 |
2 |
35 |
| Computer Science and Engineering |
13 |
7 |
4 |
2 |
26 |
| Mathematics |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
| Electrical Engineering |
6 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
10 |
| Physics |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
| Aeronautical Engineering |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
| Chemical Engineering |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
9 |
| Chemistry |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
| Textile Engineering |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
| Civil Engineering |
4 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
8 |
| Material Science & Engineering/Metallurgical Engineering |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2026: Eligibility Criteria
- The nationality of the candidate must be Indian.
- Candidates must have scored at least 60% aggregate marks in the qualifying exam (graduation). In the case of CGPA/CPI (If the conversion formula is unavailable), 6.75 will be considered equivalent to 60%, per AICTE guidelines.
- Candidates aspiring to DRDO recruitment through GATE should know German, French, Russian, Japanese, or Chinese (desirable, but not mandatory).
- Aspirants should be no older than 28 years as of the date specified in the notification. Age Relaxation will be as per Government directions.
- Final-year students are also eligible to apply. The details regarding the eligibility will be published later.
Candidates can check the branch-wise eligibility criteria for DRDO recruitment through 2026 below:
| Discipline |
Essential Qualifications |
GATE Paper code |
Equivalent Acceptable Subjects of Qualifying Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics and Communication Engineering |
Candidates must have a first-class bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology in Electronics and Communication Engineering from a recognised university or equivalent. |
Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) |
Electronics & Communication Engineering Electronics Engineering Electronics & Computer Engineering Electronics & Control Engineering Electronics & Communication System Engineering Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering Electronics & Tele Communication Engineering Electronics & Telematics Engineering Industrial Electronics Engineering Tele Communication Engineering Telecommunication & Information Technology Applied Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering Electronics & Electrical Communication Engineering Electrical with Communication Engineering |
| Mechanical Engineering |
At least First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Mechanical Engineering from a recognized university or Equivalent. |
Mechanical |
Mechanical Engineering Mechatronics Engineering Mechanical & Automation Engineering Mechanical & Production Engineering |
| Computer Science & Engineering |
At least First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Computer Science & Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent. |
Computer Science & Information Technology (CS) |
Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science /App Engineering/Technology Computer Science / Engineering and Information Technology Computer Science & System Engineering Computer Software Engineering Computer Science & Automation Engineering Computer Technology Computer Technology & Informatics Engineering Computer Technology & Information Engineering Information Science/ Technology Engineering Information Technology Engineering |
| Mathematics |
At least First Class Master’s Degree in Mathematics from a recognized University or equivalent |
Mathematics (MA) |
Mathematics Applied Mathematics |
| Electrical Engineering |
At least First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Electrical Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent |
Electrical Engineering (EE) |
Electrical Engineering Electrical Power System Engineering Electrical & Electronics Engineering Electrical & Renewable Energy Engineering Power Engineering Power Electronics Engineering Electronics & Electrical Communication Engineering Electrical with Communication Engineering |
| Physics |
At least First Class Master’s Degree in Physics from a recognized University or equivalent |
Physics (PH) |
Physics Applied Physics Physics (Electronics) Solid State Physics |
| Aeronautical Engineering |
At least First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Aeronautical Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent |
Aerospace Engineering (AE) |
Aeronautical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Avionics Engineering |
| Chemical Engineering |
At least First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Chemical Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent. |
Chemical Engineering (CH) |
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering / Chemical Technology Chemical Plant Engineering Applied Chemical and Polymer Technology Polymer Science & Chemical Technology |
| Chemistry |
At least First Class Master’s Degree in Chemistry from a recognized University or equivalent. |
Chemistry (CY) |
Chemistry Organic Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry Analytical Chemistry Physical Chemistry |
| Textile Engineering |
At least First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Textile Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent |
Textile Engineering & Fibre Science (TF) |
Textile Engineering Textile Chemistry Engineering Textile Technology |
| Civil Engineering |
At least First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Civil Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent |
Civil Engineering (CE) |
Civil Engineering Civil & Structural Engineering |
| Material Science & Engineering/ Metallurgical Engineering |
At least First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Metallurgy (Material Science & Engineering/Metallurgical Engineering) from a recognized university or equivalent |
Metallurgical Engineering (MT) |
Metallurgy and Material Technology Metallurgy/Metallurgical Engineering Materials Engineering |
No, applicants cannot opt for any paper from the combination list. Candidates can only select from the options provided by the GATE authorities in the GATE 2026 paper combination list. For example, a CS student has the free will to choose from the following set of exam papers: DA, EC, GE, MA, PH, and ST.
You can apply for two GATE papers (maximum). While filling out the GATE application form, you need to select the primary and secondary paper. The GATE secondary paper must be from the subject list prescribed by the GATE authorities. Before adding the paper, go through the subject combination list and GATE paper codes.
Candidates opting for two GATE papers will have to pay double the fees mentioned -
For example,
- If a general category candidate is applying for two GATE papers, then he/she has to pay a fee of INR 4000 (during the regular timeline) and INR 5000 (during the extended period).
- The same applies to the female, SC, ST, and PwD category candidates, INR 2000 (during the regular time period) and INR 3000 (during the extended period).
The eligible GATE 2026 two-paper combinations for XE, XH, and XL are as follows -
| GATE paper code | Eligible two paper combinations |
| XE | AE, CE, CH, CY, DA, ME, MT, PH, and PI |
| XH | ST |
| XL | BT, CY, and EY |
DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2026: Age Limit
The maximum age limit for candidates to be recruited as Scientist ‘B’ is 28 years as of the closing date. Age Relaxation for candidates belonging to the reserved category is as per the Government guidelines. Maximum relaxation in the upper age limit will be as under
- For SC/ST Category Candidates: Up to 5 years
- For OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Category Candidates: Up to 3 years
- For PWD Candidates: Up to 10 years
- For PWD (OBC) Candidates: Up to 13 years
- For PWD (SC/ST) Candidates: Up to 15 years
- Serving Central Civilian Government employees: Up to 05 years
DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2026: Important Dates
Candidates can check all the important dates related to DRDO recruitment through GATE 2026 below:
| Events |
Dates |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 Exam Dates |
February 7, 8, 14, and 15 |
| GATE 2026 Results |
March 19, 2026 |
| Availability of applications for DRDO Recruitment |
May 2026 |
| Last date to fill/submit the application form for DRDO Recruitment |
June/July 2026 |
| Written test |
July 2026 |
| Issue of Interview Call Letter |
July 2026 |
DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2026: Steps to fill the application form
- Registration - Candidates must register first before filling out the application form. They will have to enter their details, such as name, email, mobile number, etc. Once the registration is complete, candidates have to create a unique password of 8 to 15 digits - comprising special characters, one number, one uppercase alphabet, and one lowercase alphabet.
- Fill details - After successful registration, login using credentials and fill out the details, such as personal, academic qualification, and contact details. Candidates who have opted for the written test have to entre two exam centres from the cities listed.
- Uploading documents - After entering all details, upload documents as per the specifications mentioned below. Final year students must upload their provisional and degree certificate.
| Documents |
Specifications |
|---|---|
| Self-attested certificates/testimonials regarding Date of Birth (Matriculation /High School Certificate or Birth Certificate issued by an appropriate local authority) Higher qualification along with mark‐sheets, caste, EWS status, ex‐servicemen, employment, etc. |
The maximum file size of each attachment should not be more than 500KB. Image must be legible when a printout is taken Each certificate must be in PDF, jpeg or jpg formats. Files must NOT be password protected. |
| Recent passport size colour photograph |
Size should not be more than 30 KB Resolution: 110 x 140 pixels |
| Scanned sample of candidate’s signature |
Size should not be more than 30 KB Resolution: 110 x 140 pixels |
| Valid GATE scorecard |
It should be uploaded in PDF, jpeg or jpg format and file size should be less than 500 KB |
| Signed Declaration by candidates in Govt Service or Govt owned organisations |
As per the prescribed format. |
Fee Payment – Candidates belonging to the General/OBC category will need to pay Rs 100 online. SC/ST, PWD, and women candidates are exempted from fee payment.
Note: After successful submission of application form DRDO recruitment through GATE 2026, candidates will be informed about it through mail and SMS on their registered e-mail id and mobile numbers.
DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2026: Selection Process
The short-listed applicants on the basis of their GATE score and other criteria have to appear for a written test and a personal interview (PI). PI will be conducted at Delhi/ Bangalore/ Hyderabad/ Pune or any other place as decided by RAC/ DRDO. Personal Interviews may start in July 2026. Visit the official RAC website to download your interview call letter along with the date/location of PI and other
DRDO Recruitment through GATE 2026: Payscale
A candidate will get a salary of around Rs 15600 - 39100 with a Grade Pay of Rs 5400. Total Emoluments at the time of joining will be roughly Rs 60,000 per month.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 5 days ago
Yes, IIT Guwahati has extended the GATE 2026 registration date with late fees. The new GATE 2026 registration date is October 13.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 days ago
If you notice an error or discrepancy after submitting your GATE form, don't panic. Once the application correction window opens, log in via GOAPS using your credentials and make the corrections. Details like category, gender, exam city, paper choice, date of birth, etc., can often be edited — usual
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
The factors that determine the GATE cutoff are -
- Availability of seats (the total seat intake varies every year for NITs, IIITs, and IIT admission)
- Number of registered applicants
- The difficulty level of the examination - (GATE is conducted on multiple days, however, the paper difficulty varies for eve
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Based on the previous year's trends, the GATE 2026 expected cutoff for computer Science and engineering can be checked below-
- For General category it might go around 30 to 31.0
However, the GATE cutoff varies every year, depending on the difficulty level, number of applicants appearing for the exam,
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, a duplicate GATE 2026 admit card will not be provided at the test center. Candidates must carry their own admit card along with the mentioned documents and items to the GATE exam center. IIT Guwahati will release the GATE admit card on January 2.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Candidates will get only one scribble pad at a time. They must write their name and registration number before using it. If the rough sheet gets filled, then they can ask for another one scribble pad after returning the previous one to the invigilator. After the exam concludes, candidates must retur
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Yes, candidates will get a scribble pad in the GATE exam 2026 to do the rough work. Candidates have to write their name and registration number on the scribble pad before using it. However, the rough sheet must be returned after the completion of the exam.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The barcode present in the GATE admit card 2026 carries the candidate's information. It is required for a faster verification process and fraud prevention. So, make sure it does not get tampered. Carry multiple copies in case your GATE 2026 hall ticket is torn or tampered.
T
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Applicants must carry the following documents and items to the center along with the GATE 2026 admit card -
- Photo ID proof (as uploaded in the application form)
- Passport-size photograph
- Transparent water bottle
- Pen (blue or black)
It is advised to carry two to three copies of the GATE admit card to avoid
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Candidates must provide their enrollment ID and password (created at the time of registration) to download their GATE admit card. The admit card will be made available on the GOAPS portal at the GATE candidate login. The GATE 2026 hall ticket release date is January 2 as mentioned in the information
H
Contributor-Level 7
The GATE conducting authorities offer strict guidelines for the applicants who want to apply and appear for the GATE. So, if you want to attempt GATE exam this year, you need to go through the criteria first, as the acceptance of the application form entirely depends on it.
Here is a generic information about the GATE eligibility. However, regarding the educational qualifications, the criteria is different for each stream.