🛡️ DefenceCentral Government⚠️ CEPTAM 11 Notification: TBN

DRDO CEPTAM 2026 –
Complete Preparation Guide

DRDO CEPTAM 11 notification is awaited in 2026 with expected 1,000–3,000+ vacancies for Technician A, STA B, and Administrative posts across 50+ DRDO labs. 2-tier selection: CBT Tier I → Skill/Trade Test Tier II. Salary from ₹21,700 to ₹1,12,400/month based on post.

Expected Vacancies

1,000–3,000+

CEPTAM 11 (est.)

Tier I CBT Date

To Be Notified

(TBN – CEPTAM 11)

Min. Qualification

10th + ITI

for Technician A

Salary Range

₹21,700–₹1,12,400

per month (basic)

💡 2026 Update: DRDO CEPTAM 10 concluded in 2024–25 with ~3,117 vacancies. CEPTAM 11 notification has not been released as of May 2026. Monitor ceptam.drdo.gov.in for official updates.

What is DRDO CEPTAM 2026?

DRDO CEPTAM (Centre for Personnel Talent Management) is the dedicated recruitment wing of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) — India's premier defence R&D agency under the Ministry of Defence. DRDO operates 50+ laboratories and establishments across the country engaged in aerospace, missiles, electronics, naval systems, armaments, cybersecurity, and more.

CEPTAM conducts centralised, periodic recruitment for Group B (Gazetted) and Group C (Non-Gazetted) civilian scientific and technical posts. The major recruitment drives — called CEPTAM cycles — happen every 2–4 years and cover Technician A (Grade C), Senior Technical Assistant B (STA B), and various Administrative posts.

Working in DRDO means contributing directly to India's defence self-reliance — from Tejas fighter jets and Agni missiles to electronic warfare and CBRN protection systems. It offers permanent Central Government employment, excellent pay, research-stimulating work culture, and pan-India posting across iconic defence labs.

Conducting Body

DRDO – CEPTAM

Post Categories

Group B & Group C

Selection Process

Tier I CBT + Tier II Skill Test

Posting

Pan-India (50+ DRDO labs)

📅 DRDO CEPTAM 2026 Important Dates

⚠️ Note: CEPTAM 11 dates are not yet officially announced. The table below shows confirmed CEPTAM 10 (2023–25) dates and the upcoming CEPTAM 11 status. Always verify from ceptam.drdo.gov.in.

Event	Date	Status
DRDO CEPTAM 10 Notification Released	26 November 2023	✔ Done
CEPTAM 10 Online Application Opens	26 November 2023	✔ Done
CEPTAM 10 Application Last Date	22 January 2024	✔ Done
CEPTAM 10 Tier I CBT (Technician A)	August 2024	✔ Done
CEPTAM 10 Tier I CBT (STA B / Admin)	September 2024	✔ Done
CEPTAM 10 Tier II / Skill Test	November–December 2024	✔ Done
CEPTAM 10 Final Result	March 2025	✔ Done
🆕 DRDO CEPTAM 11 – Notification	To Be Notified (TBN)	⏳ TBN
CEPTAM 11 – Online Application	TBN	⏳ TBN
CEPTAM 11 – Tier I CBT	TBN	⏳ TBN
CEPTAM 11 – Tier II / Skill Test	TBN	⏳ TBN
CEPTAM 11 – Final Result	TBN	⏳ TBN

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

🪪 Nationality

Candidates must be a Citizen of India. Citizens of Nepal / Bhutan and Tibetan refugees settled in India before 1 January 1962 may also apply as per Government of India norms.

📋 Age Limit

Post	Min Age	Max Age
Technician A (Group C)	18 yrs	28 yrs
STA B / Admin (Group B)	18 yrs	28 yrs

Age relaxation: OBC +3 yrs | SC/ST +5 yrs | PwBD +10 yrs | Ex-Servicemen as per DoP&T rules. Age reckoned as on closing date of application.

🎓 Educational Qualification

✦

Technician A

10th Pass (Matriculation) + ITI (National Trade Certificate) in relevant trade. Minimum 50% in ITI for general; 45% for SC/ST.

✦

STA B (Science/Electronics/IT)

3-year Diploma in Engineering (relevant discipline) from a recognised Institution. Minimum 60% marks.

✦

STA B (Admin & Allied)

Graduate degree in relevant discipline OR Diploma as specified per post code. Check specific post requirements in the official notification.

💡 Tip: Qualifications vary by post code. Always cross-check your exact trade/discipline eligibility in the official CEPTAM notification PDF before applying.

Vacancy History

Cycle	Year	Vacancies	Posts Covered
CEPTAM 7	2013	~1,702	Technician A, STA B
CEPTAM 8	2018	~1,817	Technician A, STA B, Admin
CEPTAM 9	2021	~1,817	Technician A, STA B, Admin
CEPTAM 10	2023–24	~3,117	Technician A (2,007) + STA B / Admin (~1,110)
CEPTAM 11	2026 (Expected)	1,000–3,000+ (Est.)	Technician A, STA B, Admin

CEPTAM 11 vacancy numbers are an estimate based on historical trends. Official vacancies will be declared in the CEPTAM 11 notification.

Exam Pattern

Tier I – Computer Based Test (CBT)

All candidates appear for Tier I. The paper is objective-type (MCQ) with no negative marking. Duration: 90 minutes. Mode: Online CBT.

Technician A Posts (Group C)

Subject	Questions	Marks
General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	25
General Awareness	15	15
Quantitative Aptitude / Numerical Ability	15	15
English Language	10	10
General Science (for Technician A)	35	35
Total	100	100

STA B / Admin Posts (Group B)

Subject	Questions	Marks
General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	25
General Awareness	20	20
Quantitative Aptitude	15	15
English Language	20	20
Subject Knowledge (Science/CS/Admin)	20	20
Total	100	100

Tier II – Skill / Trade Test

Candidates shortlisted from Tier I (usually top 3–5× vacancies) appear for Tier II. The nature of Tier II depends on the post:

✦

Technician A: Practical/Skill Test in the relevant ITI trade (e.g., Fitter, Electrician, Electronics). Qualifying in nature for some posts; merit-based for others.

✦

STA B (Science/IT): Higher-level CBT or Written Test covering domain-specific advanced topics (Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, etc.).

✦

Admin Posts: Skill Test (Typing/Stenography/Data Entry) or a Written Test depending on the specific post code.

Final merit list is prepared based on Tier II performance (Tier I is only qualifying/shortlisting). No interview for Group C posts; Group B Admin posts may have a document verification stage.

Detailed Syllabus – DRDO CEPTAM 2026

General Intelligence & Reasoning

Analogy, Series (Number/Letter/Figure), Classification, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Sitting Arrangement, Venn Diagrams, Syllogism, Non-Verbal Reasoning (Mirror Images, Paper Folding), Embedded Figures, Pattern Completion

General Awareness / Current Affairs

Defence & DRDO milestones, National/International Current Affairs, Science & Technology news, Geography, History, Indian Polity & Constitution, Economy basics, Static GK (Books, Awards, Sports, Important Days)

Quantitative Aptitude / Numerical Ability

Number System, Simplification, HCF & LCM, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Time & Work, Speed-Distance-Time, Simple & Compound Interest, Basic Algebra, Geometry basics, Data Interpretation

English Language

Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms), Fill in the Blanks, Error Spotting, Sentence Rearrangement, Cloze Test, Phrase/Idiom Meaning, One-word Substitution

General Science (Technician A)

Physics: Motion, Force, Work/Energy, Light, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism. Chemistry: Matter, Acids/Bases/Salts, Chemical Reactions, Metals & Non-metals. Biology: Cell, Tissues, Life Processes, Human Systems. Plus trade-specific theory aligned to ITI syllabus (Fitter/Electrician/Electronics/Mechanical/IT etc.)

Subject Knowledge (STA B)

Engineering discipline-specific questions (Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, etc.) at Diploma/Graduate level. Syllabus is equivalent to the relevant 3-year Diploma or B.Sc/B.E curriculum.

💰 Salary & Pay Structure

Post	Pay Level (7th CPC)	Pay Band	Approx. Gross
Technician A	Pay Level 3	₹21,700 – ₹69,100	~₹30,000–35,000/month*
STA B (Science)	Pay Level 6	₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400	~₹50,000–55,000/month*
STA B (IT/Admin)	Pay Level 6	₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400	~₹50,000–55,000/month*
Admin & Allied (Group B)	Pay Level 6	₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400	~₹50,000–55,000/month*

Allowances & Benefits

Dearness Allowance (DA)

Revised periodically by GoI (~55% of Basic as of 2025)

House Rent Allowance (HRA)

8–27% of Basic (X/Y/Z city classification)

Transport Allowance

₹1,350–₹7,200/month + DA thereon

NPS (New Pension Scheme)

10% employee + 14% employer contribution

Medical Benefits

CGHS / DRDO dispensary coverage

8th Pay Commission

Recommendations expected 2026 — may revise all pay scales upward

*Gross salary is indicative for metro/X-class city posting. Actual in-hand varies by city, DA rate, and individual deductions. 8th Pay Commission recommendations are pending as of May 2026.

How to Apply for DRDO CEPTAM

Check Official Notification

Visit ceptam.drdo.gov.in or drdo.gov.in and download the CEPTAM 11 notification PDF. Read it fully — post codes, qualification, age, and fees differ per post.

Create a new account or log in at the CEPTAM recruitment portal. Keep your Aadhaar, mobile number, and email ready for OTR (One-Time Registration).

Fill Application Form Online

Enter personal details, educational qualifications, post code preference, and lab preferences. Double-check all entries before submission.

Upload Documents

Upload a recent passport-size photograph, signature, and mark sheets/certificates in the prescribed format and file size.

Pay Application Fee

General/OBC candidates pay ₹100 (fee may vary per notification). SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates are usually exempted. Pay online via Net Banking/Debit/Credit Card/UPI.

Submit & Download Confirmation

Submit the application and download/print the filled form and payment confirmation for your records. Admit cards are released separately on the portal before the exam.

🌐 Official Portal: ceptam.drdo.gov.in — bookmark this and check regularly for CEPTAM 11 notification.

3-Month Study Plan for DRDO CEPTAM

Month 1 – Foundation & Trade Subject

Build your basics in Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. Complete the ITI trade theory/General Science chapters — this is your strongest differentiator. Spend 70% of time on domain subject, 30% on aptitude.

Month 2 – GK + English + Full Syllabus Revision

Complete General Awareness and English sections. Cover important static GK (DRDO achievements, defence current affairs, science & tech news). Revise all aptitude and reasoning topics. Start attempting chapter-wise online mock tests.

Month 3 – Mock Tests, PYQs & Skill Test Prep

Solve at least 15–20 full-length mock tests simulating real CEPTAM exam conditions. Analyse every mistake. Simultaneously, start preparing for Tier II skill/trade test — do not leave it for after Tier I results.

Best Books for DRDO CEPTAM 2026

Book	Author	Subject	Buy
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning	R.S. Aggarwal	Reasoning	Buy
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations	R.S. Aggarwal	Quantitative Aptitude	Buy
Lucent's General Science	Lucent Publications	General Science	—
Objective General English	S.P. Bakshi	English	Buy
Manorama Year Book 2026	Manorama	General Awareness	—
DRDO CEPTAM Technician A Guide	Arihant Experts	ITI/Diploma Subjects	—

Free Resources

📺

DRDO CEPTAM Preparation – YouTube

Free video lectures on Reasoning, GS & Science

🌐

Official DRDO Website

drdo.gov.in – official notifications & admit cards

🌐

CEPTAM Official Portal

ceptam.drdo.gov.in – apply & track recruitment status

📱

Previous Year Papers – Telegram

DRDO CEPTAM PYQs & mock tests community

Expert Preparation Tips

Master ITI/Diploma Trade Subject First

For Technician A posts, your trade subject (Fitter, Electrician, Electronics, etc.) carries 35 marks in Tier I. A strong trade foundation can set you apart from competitors who focus only on GS.

Solve CEPTAM 9 & 10 PYQs Thoroughly

DRDO repeats question patterns across cycles. Solving CEPTAM 9 and CEPTAM 10 papers reveals the exact difficulty level and topics. Aim for at least 2 full mock tests per week in the final month.

Build a Current Affairs Habit for GK

The General Awareness section in Tier I covers science-related news, defence acquisitions, DRDO milestones, and national current affairs. Read a newspaper or a monthly GK digest daily — even 15 minutes counts.

Prepare for the Skill Test Alongside Tier I

Many candidates neglect the Tier II skill/trade test until Tier I results come out — losing weeks of preparation time. Start practising trade skills and workshop tasks in parallel with CBT prep.

Target DRDO Lab Preference Strategically

CEPTAM allows you to indicate lab/city preferences during application. Research labs relevant to your trade (e.g., DRDL for missiles, CAIR for AI, ISRO-adjacent labs) and align preferences with your long-term career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DRDO CEPTAM and what posts does it recruit for?

DRDO CEPTAM (Centre for Personnel Talent Management) is the centralised recruitment body of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). It conducts recruitment for Technician A (Group C), Senior Technical Assistant B (STA B, Group B), and Administrative posts across 50+ DRDO labs and establishments spread across India.

What is the age limit for DRDO CEPTAM 2026?

For Technician A posts: 18–28 years. For STA B (Science/IT/Admin) posts: 18–28 years. Age relaxation: OBC +3 years, SC/ST +5 years, PwBD +10 years, Ex-Servicemen as per rules. Age is calculated as on the closing date of the online application.

What qualifications are needed for DRDO CEPTAM?

Technician A posts require a 10th Pass + ITI certificate (National Trade Certificate) in the relevant trade. STA B (Science/IT) posts require a 3-year Diploma in the relevant Engineering/Science discipline. Administrative STA B posts typically require a Graduate degree. Always verify the exact qualification for the specific post code in the official notification.

How many stages are there in DRDO CEPTAM selection?

DRDO CEPTAM follows a 2-tier selection: Tier I is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) covering General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English, and domain/science subjects. Shortlisted candidates appear for Tier II — which is a Skill/Trade Test or a higher-level CBT depending on the post. Final merit is based on Tier II performance.

What is the salary for DRDO CEPTAM Technician A?

DRDO Technician A is a Group C post in Pay Level 3 (₹21,700 – ₹69,100 per month as basic pay). With DA (Dearness Allowance), HRA (House Rent Allowance), and other allowances, the gross in-hand salary is approximately ₹30,000–₹35,000 per month depending on the posting city. The 8th Pay Commission recommendations (expected 2026) may further revise this.

DRDO CEPTAM 2026 – Complete Preparation Guide