| DRDO full form is Defense Research and Development Organization. Learn about the intriguing world of DRDO careers, DRDO Salary Per Month 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 |
Official website | https://www.drdo.gov.in/ |
Read more: How to Become a Scientist In India in 2025
Know more: Father of Indian Science, List of Top 5 Great Scientists and their Inventions
Must Read: What is the Difference Between Research, Invention and Discovery
What is DRDO Scientist Salary Per Month and Pay Structure 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 | DRDO Salary Per Month (₹) | Journey Highlighted |
Beginner phase | DRDO Scientist B Salary | 10 | 56,100 | Begin with innovation and gain practical and real-life experience. |
Embark on the next step | DRDO Scientist C Salary | 11 | 67,700 | Take accountability and strive for expertise. |
Increase pace | DRDO Scientist D Salary | 12 | 78,800 | Cultivate leadership abilities and perform well. |
Be a visionary leader | DRDO Scientist E Salary | 13 | 1,23,100 | Lead the projects to bring great results. |
Grow more | DRDO Scientist F Salary | 13A | 1,31,100 | Go for innovation and guide teams. |
Strive for Excellence | DRDO Scientist G Salary | 14 | 1,44,200 | Innovate as much as you can. |
Endeavor hard for extraordinary feats | DRDO Outstanding Scientist (Scientist H) Salary | 15 | 1,82,200 | Spearhead national level projects. |
Get expertise | DRDO Distinguished Scientist Salary | 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 Salary | 17 | 2,25,000 | Contribute to DRDO’s vision as a national leader in R&D. |
Get Insights from: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Recruitment Drive 2024
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. |
DRDO Salary Through GATE
For the position of Scientist 'B', DRDO conducts an recruitment process that is through Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). Details are tabulated below:
Salary Structure for Scientist B(DRDO) | |
Particulars | Details |
Pay Level | Level-10 |
Entry Level DRDO Scientist B Salary | INR 56,100 to INR 1,77,500/- (approx.) |
Dearness Allowance (DA) | INR 6,732/- (approx.) |
Travel Allowance (TA) | INR 3,600 to INR 7,200/- (approx.) |
HRA (In Case Government Accommodation is Not Available) | INR 13,400/- (approx.) |
Professional Update Allowance | INR 22,500/- (approx.) |
Gross DRDO Scientist B Salary Through GATE | INR 68,307 to INR 85,553 (approx.) |
Important Reads: GATE Exam Previous Year Question Papers
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 for Scientists
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.
DRDO Salary for Different Positions
DRDO salaries for different job positions and roles are tabulated below:
DRDO Job Profiles | Salary |
DRDO Chairman Salary | 2,25,000 per month |
DRDO Engineer Salary | INR 307,585 to INR 2,475,895 a year, depending upon profile and seniority |
DRDO Junior Engineer Salary | It ranges between 56,100/- to Rs. 1,00,000/‐ per month according to the 7th pay commission. |
DRDO Mechanical Engineer Salary | INR 9 Lakhs to INR 11.5 Lakhs per year. |
DRDO Salary for Diploma holders | Pay of DRDO CEPTAM 11 Technician A is Rs 19,900 and the maximum salary is Rs 30,000 per month. |
DRDO Salary for Freshers | Depends on profile. |
DRDO Salary ITI | DRDO Apprentice Salary: -Diploma Pass ₹8000/- PER MONTH |
DRDO Technician A Salary | Between INR 19900 to Rs. 63200 PER MONTH |
DRDO CEPTAM 11 STA-B Salary | Rs 35400-Rs 112400 PER MONTH |
DRDO CEPTAM 11 Tech A Salary | Rs 19900-Rs 63200 PER MONTH |
Design Engineer | 1 - 5 years → 1.5 - 5.4 LPA (Avg Annual Salary) |
Junior Research Fellow | 0 - 4 years → 3.5 - 6 LPA (Avg Annual Salary) |
Project Engineer | 0 - 5 years → 1.9 - 6 LPA (Avg Annual Salary) |
Senior Research Fellow | 2 - 6 years → 4 - 8LPA (Avg Annual Salary) |
Contract Engineer | 0 - 4 years → 1.5 - 4.1 LPA (Avg Annual Salary) |
CAD Engineer | 1 - 3 years → 2 - 4.4 LPA (Avg Annual Salary) |
Technical Officer | 3 - 20 years → 7 - 15 LPA (Avg Annual Salary) |
Senior Technical Assistant | 0 - 10 years → 7 - 12 LPA (Avg Annual Salary) |
Important Read: Leading ITI Colleges 2025
DRDO Careers
The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) gives multiple opportunities and avenues for aspiring candidates to show their expertise, skill and contribute to defense research. The table below highlights the details:
Position and Role | Eligibility | Selection |
Technical Staff | Diploma and ITI Courses Qualification | The selection of candidates for direct recruitment for Technicians and Senior Technical Assistants in DRDO is through Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM) |
Administrative & Allied Services | It depends upon grade. For some posts, it is 12th, and for some posts, it is Bachelor’s degree along with additional prerequisites like age limit and other academic requirements. | The selection of candidates for direct recruitment for Admin & Allied Cadre in DRDO is through Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM) |
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) | It also depends upon your educational background, academic discipline. Age limit is there and relaxation for OBC/SC/ST is also there. | The candidate is required to submit application. After that, applications are shortlisted. There is interview and eventually, selected candidates receive a fellowship offer to join a DRDO lab for research. |
Check: DRDO CEPTAM Syllabus
DRDO Recruitment
DRDO RAC, that is Recruitment and Assessment Centre was set up for it. It got exempted from the jurisdiction of UPSC.
- RAC has programs and roadmap to hire and recruit scientists and engineers, depending upon its relevance to DRDO Laboratories.
- Assessment Boards and Peer Committees have been established for that.
- Depending upon seniority, grade and experience, DRDO tracks the growth and promotions of its employees.
- Recruitment of Scientists and their promotions is one of the fundamental duties.
- Eligible candidates are also selected for higher courses under Research and Training Scheme of DRDO.
- It is also responsible to execute the orders and directions of Chairman of DRDO.
Note: DRDO shares notifications about job posts for the hiring and recruitment of candidates.
Age Criteria and Selection of Candidates at DRDO
There is an age limit for the selection of scientists. The upper age limit for DRDO scientist recruitment is 28 years. However, there are relaxations for categories. For example, for SC/ST categories, the relaxation is of 5 years. For OBC, it is upto 3 years. For PWD candidates, it can go upto 10 years.
Particulars | Highlights |
Selection | GATE Exam Result |
Part 1 Subjects | Written test is of 80% weightage, Interview has 20% weightage. |
Part 1 Subjects | GATE is of 80% weightage, Interview has 20% weightage. |
Cut off | It depends upon factors such as number of applications, vacancies, difficulty of GATE exam. |
Know everything about: GATE Exam Pattern
Stay Updated: GATE 2025 Important Dates
Is GATE Mandatory for DRDO Job?
Important takeaways:
- GATE Exam is compulsory for Scientist ‘B’ recruitment in most cases.
- GATE is NOT required for technical, assistant, and administrative posts.
- DRDO CEPTAM exams are held for various non-scientist positions.
How Much to Score in GATE to be on the Safer Side for DRDO Job?
Candidates aiming to land a Scientist 'B' job at the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) need a valid GATE score. The required GATE score changes each year. This change depends on things like job openings how many people apply, and how tough the GATE exam is. Let's look at some examples. In 2017, for Mechanical Engineering, the GATE Score Cut-offs were:
- General category: 875
- OBC: 824
- SC: 705
- ST: 578
In 2019, the cut-off for the same field was 775 for the General category.
Keep in mind that DRDO now says that all candidates must have a valid GATE score to apply for Scientist 'B' jobs. This rule applies to everyone even students from IITs and NITs. It covers all fields where GATE happens, including Life Sciences and Humanities/Social Sciences. With these differences in mind, shooting for a GATE score over 800 can boost your odds of getting shortlisted for DRDO jobs. But keep in mind, the exact cut-off marks might shift each year depending on the factors we talked about earlier.
DRDO Salary Comparison with Other Organizations
The DRDO salary is often compared with other organizations. Some majors highlights and comparisons are bulleted below:
- In comparison to Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and private defense companies, DRDO salary structure focuses more on steady, long-term benefits.
- ISRO Scientist Salary provides additional bonuses for mission-critical projects. DRDO is more future oriented.
- ISRO often rewards exceptional performers more frequently, whereas DRDO maintains a steady growth model.
- Private companies pay significantly more, with competitive annual salaries , depending on expertise and leadership roles.
- The main contrasts between these organizations are in job security and what they expect from employees. DRDO gives top-notch job security and long-term perks like pensions.
- Private firms, on the other hand, respond to market needs and pay more, but this comes with added stress and less stability.
- DRDO also shines when it comes to work-life balance making it a top pick for people looking for a steady career path.
DRDO, ISRO, and private defense firms each appeal to different career goals and values. DRDO is known for its job security, benefits, and work-life balance, while ISRO tends to provide slightly better performance incentives. In contrast, private companies are suited for individuals looking for quick advancement and higher pay in a fast-paced setting. Ultimately, the decision hinges on personal priorities, such as the significance of stability, salary, and career growth.
