What is DRDO CEPTAM-11 and why it matters
DRDO’s “CEPTAM” refers to the recruitment process handled by its recruitment wing Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM). In 2025, DRDO has launched a new drive under DRDO CEPTAM-11 Recruitment 2025. This drive aims to fill a total of 764 technical posts — offering a great opportunity for many aspirants across India.
For job-seekers who want stable employment, work in defence research, and the chances of working on cutting-edge projects, CEPTAM-11 represents a golden window.
Key facts: vacancies, posts, dates & pay
Here’s a quick snapshot of the main details:
- Total Vacancies: 764
- Posts:
- Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B): 561 posts
- Technician-A (Tech-A): 203 posts
- Pay Level (7th CPC):
- STA-B: Level 6 — ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 per month
- Tech-A: Level 2 — ₹19,900 to ₹63,200 per month
- Age Limit: 18 to 28 years (with age relaxations as per Government rules) for both posts.
- Application Start Date: 9 December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 8 January 2026 (fee payment deadline also 8 or 9 January — check detailed notice)
Important to note: This recruitment is completely via online mode.
Who can apply — eligibility
Eligibility depends on the post you’re eyeing:
- Technician-A (Tech-A): You should have completed Class 10 + ITI in relevant trade.
- Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B): You need a Diploma or B.Sc in Engineering or Science in relevant discipline.
Also note: As per past CEPTAM guidelines, only candidates who have completed their required qualification before the eligibility date can apply — those awaiting results usually aren’t eligible.
If you belong to reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen) — check official notice for age-relaxation, and possibly fee-concessions.
How to apply — step-by-step guide to filling the online form
Here’s a simple walkthrough:
- Visit the official website of DRDO: drdo.gov.in — go to the “Careers / CEPTAM Notice Board” section.
- Once the link becomes active (from 9 Dec 2025), click on “DRDO CEPTAM-11 Online Application.”
- Register by entering mobile number, email — create login credentials.
- Fill the application form with personal details, educational qualifications, trade/discipline etc.
- Upload documents: scanned photograph, signature, educational certificates, identity proof, reservation certificate (if applicable), etc. Make sure they are as per format & size instructions.
- Pay application fee (₹100 for General/OBC; SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen/Women may be exempt; but confirm via notice).
- Preview and submit the form — once submitted, download or print the confirmation page / application number for your record.
Important: Only applications submitted through the official DRDO portal will be accepted.
Also, once the detailed advertisement is out, read it carefully — it will have post-wise trade/discipline list, exact document requirements, age-relaxation criteria, and other instructions.
Selection Process — what to expect
The selection will follow two stages:
- Tier-1 (Screening / CBT): Objective-type exam. Questions will cover Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness & General Science — at roughly class 10–12 level.
- Tier-2 (Post–specific test): Depending on the post:
- For STA-B: engineering/ science-discipline-based questions.
- For Tech-A: trade-specific topics (as per ITI trade) / skill test / practical or trade test.
Candidates who clear Tier-1 will be shortlisted for Tier-2. Final merit will depend on combined performance (as per the detailed notice).
Why this opportunity is attractive
- Prestige & growth: Working under DRDO gives you access to India’s top defence-research environment — great for long-term career growth, exposure to advanced projects, and technical learning.
- Good pay scale: Especially for STA-B posts (Level 6) — starting salary is competitive for fresh recruits.
- Stability and government benefits: As a government job, it comes with employment security, allowances, and benefits that many private-sector jobs don’t offer.
- Widespread opportunities: With 764 vacancies, chances are high if you meet the eligibility — and many trades/disciplines are likely covered.
Practical tips — before you apply
- Get documents ready: Scan ID proof, certificates, photograph, signature — as per DRDO’s format requirements. Don’t wait for last minute.
- Check eligibility carefully: Especially educational qualification (ITI / Diploma / B.Sc) and age as per notice. If you’re awaiting final exam results, better wait until results are out.
- Don’t rely on memory — write it down: Post/trade, category, DOB as per certificate — fill exactly as the documents, avoid typos.
- Keep fee payment ready: For General/OBC candidates, ₹100 — keep payment details until final selection.
- Follow official DRDO website: Avoid rumours or unofficial links — only applications submitted via official portal will count.
What to do next (in short)
- Bookmark [drdo.gov.in → CEPTAM Notice Board] and keep checking regularly.
- As soon as the link goes live (from 9 Dec 2025), register and apply without delay.
- Prepare for upcoming exams: Brush up on basic maths, reasoning, science, and — if applying for Tech-A or STA-B — trade- or discipline-specific knowledge.
- Keep all documents and reservation certificates (if applicable) ready in scanned format.
- After submission, safely store confirmation printout or screenshot.
