Learn about the intriguing world of DRDO careers and receive impressive salary packages in 2025! As India's premier defense research organization, DRDO offers competitive pay, great benefits, and growth avenues. Find out how a career with DRDO can push you toward exemplary success, recognition and national service. |
DRDO scientist salary differs for different grades and levels. The post determines the salary and the pay scale. A DRDO scientist salary ranges between INR 56,000/- to INR 2,26,000/- per month, depending upon seniority, experience and grade. Selected aspirants are required to serve for 2 years of the probationary period according to the norms and regulations set by the government. One must keep note that the DRDO officers get 0% Dearness Allowance (DA) when their start their journey. However, it grows and increases with time. Additionally, the salary of officers also increase substantially with work experience.
Personal Interview round of the candidates is conducted for the candidates for the post of DRDO Officer. Candidates who are selected in DRDO are in Group A service and the beginner level salary of nearly INR 56,000 a month is given to them, Besides the competitive salary, they also receive other benefits like HRA, DA, etc. Some of the important highlights are tabulated below:
Particulars | Highlights |
Exam Name | DRDO Recruitment 2025 |
Who conducts? | Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) |
Level of exam | State-level |
Frequency | Annually |
Location of job | India |
Mode of application | Online |
Exam mode | Offline |
How are candidates selected? | Prelims Exam |
Offical website | https://www.drdo.gov.in/ |
What is Salary Structure of DRDO in 2025?
DRDO officers enjoy a number of benefits and facilities. During to their rank, position and supremacy in the ladder of bureaucracy, there receive benefits are multiple levels for their service.
- Basic Pay, Dearness Allowances(DA), Transport Allowances(TA), House Rent Allowance(HRA), all these allowances are added to their monthly salary.
- DRDO officers get 0% Dearness Allowance (DA) when their start their journey. However, it grows and increases with time.
- 7th pay commission and its guidelines are followed in deciding their monthly salary.
The table below presents the salary, pay matrix, grade level and highlights under DRDO Recruitment.
Stage | Role | Grade Level | Basic Pay (₹) | Journey Highlighted |
Beginner phase | DRDO Scientist B | 10 | 56,100 | Begin with innovation and gain practical and real-life experience. |
Embark on the next step | Scientist C | 11 | 67,700 | Take accountability and strive for expertise. |
Increase pace | Scientist D | 12 | 78,800 | Cultivate leadership abilities and perform well. |
Be a visionary leader | Scientist E | 13 | 1,23,100 | Lead the projects to bring great results. |
Grow more | Scientist F | 13A | 1,31,100 | Go for innovation and guide teams. |
Strive for Excellence | Scientist G | 14 | 1,44,200 | Innovate as much as you can. |
Endeavor hard for extraordinary feats | Outstanding Scientist (Scientist H) | 15 | 1,82,200 | Spearhead national level projects. |
Get expertise | Distinguished Scientist | 16 | 2,05,400 | Bring about discoveries that are earth-shattering. |
Reach the zenith but don't stick to it | Secretary, Defence R&D and Chairman | 17 | 2,25,000 | Contribute to DRDO’s vision as a national leader in R&D. |
What are the DRDO Salary Allowances for 2025?
Some of the most common allowances that candidates receive are:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Travelling Allowance (TA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
As noted above, at the beginning of the career of DRDO officers, Dearness Allowance (DA) is 0% and it would grow with time. Let's go into the perks that they receive.
Type of Allowance | Addition in pay |
Dearness Allowance (DA) | 21% of your Basic Pay. |
House Rent Allowance (HRA) | The city decides this allowance. |
- Category X Cities: 24% boost
- Category Y Cities: 18% lift
- Category Z Cities: 8% increment |
| Traveling Allowance (TA) | Rewarding every step:
- ₹12/km traveled by foot
- Bonus: Increases by 25% if DA reaches 50%! |
Perks and Benefits with DRDO Salary
Beside allowances as noted above, there are many other benefits that are given to them. Some major perks are bulleted below:
- Travel concessions
- Medical facilities
- Advances for house building
- Newspapers and periodicals
- Group Insurance
- Subsidized Canteen
- Professional update allowance
- And Post-retirement benefits
DRDO scientists get professional update allowances. Details are tabulated below:
Level | Amount | Highlights |
Growing scientists in innovation | ₹22,500 | Scientist B, C, and D – making the pillar of revolutionary research. |
Great leaders | ₹45,000 | Scientist E and F – driving innovative projects to fruitful outcomes. |
Visionary leader doing groundbreaking projects | ₹67,500 | Scientist G and beyond – Setting parameters in defense technology and innovation. |
What is the Job Profile and Responsibilities in DRDO?
Candidates get multiple avenues through the DRDO exam. There are many roles and responsibilities in administration that they are accountable to perform.
- Work related to research and get conclusions for coming projects.
- Design and development and their management.
- Proving assistance to senior officers for efficiency and innovation.
- Coordination and cooperation with junior officers and colleagues.
- Communication and clarity in reporting to departments and senior officers.
Growth, Promotion and Career Progression
Seniority is an important factor when it comes to promotions. Departmental exams are also conducted. Promotion of officers is typically an expedite process. Various posts and levels are there under Defense, Research and Development Organization(DRDO) that one can get as one gets promoted.
- DRDO Scientist B
- DRDO Scientist C
- DRDO Scientist D
- DRDO Scientist E
- DRDO Scientist F
- DRDO Scientist G
- Outstanding Scientist
- Distinguished Scientist
- Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman
As directed by the government, the DRDO candidates who are chosen must complete a two-year probationary period. Candidates will be responsible for receiving benefits and perks after successfully completing the two-year probationary period. According to pay matrix 10, Scientist B's minimum wage is Rs. 56,100. The DRDO pay system, however, adheres to the 7th pay commission.