Home Articles DRDO Salary in 2025: Pay Scale, Benefits, and Allowances Explained

DRDO Salary in 2025: Pay Scale, Benefits, and Allowances Explained

General

Suman Saurav
Suman Saurav
DRDO Salary in 2025: Pay Scale, Benefits, and Allowances Explained
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
Mains Exam
Interview

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary of DRDO per month?

DRDO scientist salary varies depending upon job position, rank and levels. It begins with approximately 56,100 per month for beginners.

Is DRDO a government job?

DRDO is the Research and Development wing of Ministry of Defence, Govt of India, with a vision to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies and self-reliance.

What is the highest post in DRDO?

The highest post in DRDO is Secretary, Defence R&D and Chairman.

Who is eligible for DRDO exam?

A first-class master's degree in science or a first-class graduate degree in engineering is the prerequisite for admission to DRDO. However, applicants for the Scientist 'B' post may also have an M.A. in mathematics, statistics, operational research, or p

Which degree is best for DRDO?

BSc in Science or B. Tech in Engineering or higher degree like MTech from a recognized institution with first division in GATE/NET are some of common qualifications.

Is working in DRDO a good job?

Most of the people working in DRDO appreciate the work environment and benefits.

Is DRDO a permanent job?

It ultimately depend on your performance. 12 months is the probation period for DRDO Apprentices. One can get permanently employed of one does a satisfactory job.

Show More
Check Eligibility Apply Now