DRDO CEPTAM 11 STA and Technician Result 2026

DRDO CEPTAM 11 (Centre for Personnel Talent Management) conducts recruitment for Senior Technical Assistant (STA) and Technician posts across various DRDO laboratories and establishments throughout India. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) operates under the Ministry of Defence and is India's premier research organisation for developing defence technologies. This recruitment fills 764 positions across multiple technical disciplines including Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, and other engineering branches. Selected candidates will work in cutting-edge defence research facilities supporting scientists and engineers in research, development, and testing activities. CEPTAM exams are conducted periodically to maintain a pool of technical staff for DRDO's nationwide operations. The selection process involves a multi-tier examination system followed by document verification and medical examination.

Important Dates

Vacancy Distribution (Typical / Indicative)

Note: Vacancies distributed across STA (approximately 200-250 posts) and Technician (approximately 500-550 posts) positions in various disciplines including Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, Civil, Electrical, and other technical trades.

Educational Qualification

For Senior Technical Assistant (STA) Posts:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology (BE/BTech) in relevant discipline from a recognized university/institution
• Disciplines include: Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Computer Science, Electrical, Civil, Instrumentation, Chemical, Metallurgy, and other specialized branches as per post requirement

For Technician Posts:

• 3-year Diploma in Engineering/Technology in relevant discipline from a recognized board/institution
• Disciplines include: Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, Electrical, Civil, Instrumentation, and other technical trades
• OR ITI (2 years) with National Trade Certificate in relevant trade for specific positions

Age Limit

Age Relaxation:

Nationality

• Candidates must be citizens of India
• Certain posts may have security clearance requirements

How to Apply

1. Visit Official Website: Go to the DRDO CEPTAM official portal at ceptam.drdo.in or the recruitment portal notified in the official advertisement

1. New Registration: Click on 'New Registration' for CEPTAM 11 and provide basic details including name, email ID, mobile number, and date of birth to generate Registration ID and Password

1. Login: Use the Registration ID and Password received via email/SMS to login to the application portal

1. Fill Application Form: Complete all sections including Personal Details, Educational Qualifications, Category, Post Preference, Upload photograph and signature (scanned in prescribed format: Photo 20-50 KB JPG, Signature 10-30 KB JPG)

1. Select Post and Centre: Choose preferred post (STA/Technician), discipline/trade, and examination centre carefully as changes may not be permitted later

1. Pay Application Fee: Pay the application fee through online mode (Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI) and save the payment receipt

1. Submit Application: Review all filled details carefully, submit the application form, and download the system-generated application form for future reference

1. Save Documents: Take printout of the submitted application form and fee payment receipt for record purposes

Application Fee

Fee payment through online mode only. No other mode of payment accepted.

Selection Stages

1. Tier-I Examination (Screening Test): Computer-based objective type examination testing General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, General English, and Quantitative Aptitude/Mathematics. This is a screening test to shortlist candidates for Tier-II based on merit and vacancy ratio (typically 1:10 or 1:15). Marks obtained in Tier-I are not counted for final merit.

1. Tier-II Examination (Final Selection Test): Computer-based examination comprising two papers - Paper I tests subjects specific to the discipline/trade applied for (technical knowledge), while Paper II tests General Aptitude. Both papers are compulsory and marks obtained in Tier-II determine the final merit list. Candidates are shortlisted category-wise based on total marks in Tier-II.

1. Document Verification: Candidates shortlisted after Tier-II are called for document verification where original certificates of educational qualification, age proof, category certificate, and other relevant documents are verified. Candidates failing to produce required documents or found with discrepancies are disqualified.

1. Medical Examination: Shortlisted candidates undergo medical examination as per DRDO medical standards. Candidates must be medically fit for the post applied. PwBD candidates are assessed by a special medical board.

1. Final Merit List: Final selection is based on marks obtained in Tier-II examination (subject to qualifying Tier-I and clearing document verification and medical examination). Merit list is prepared category-wise and post-wise, and candidates are offered appointment based on their rank and preference.

Tier-I Examination Pattern

Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer

Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)

Tier-II Examination Pattern

Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in both papers

Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)

Note: Paper-I contains questions specific to the discipline/trade (Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, etc.) applied for. Both papers are conducted on the same day in two separate sessions.

Tier-I Syllabus

General Intelligence & Reasoning

• Analogies and similarities/differences
• Spatial visualization and spatial orientation
• Problem solving and analysis
• Decision making and judgement
• Visual memory, discrimination, observation
• Relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning
• Verbal and figure classification
• Abstract ideas and symbols, arithmetic number series
• Non-verbal series, coding and decoding
• Statement conclusion, syllogistic reasoning

General Awareness

• Current affairs of national and international importance
• Indian history, culture, geography, and economic scene
• General polity and Indian Constitution
• Scientific research and development
• Defence-related current events and organisations
• Sports, awards, and honours
• Books and authors
• Important days and events

General English

• Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution)
• Grammar (tenses, articles, prepositions, active-passive voice)
• Sentence structure and improvement
• Comprehension passages
• Fill in the blanks
• Error detection and correction
• Idioms and phrases
• Cloze test

Quantitative Aptitude/Mathematics

• Number systems and simplification
• Decimal fractions, LCM and HCF
• Ratio and proportion, percentage
• Average, profit and loss
• Simple and compound interest
• Time and work, time and distance
• Mensuration (area, volume)
• Data interpretation (tables, bar graphs, pie charts)
• Algebra (basic equations)
• Geometry and trigonometry basics

Tier-II Syllabus

Paper-I: Subject/Trade Specific (Discipline-wise)

For Electronics & Communication Engineering (STA/Technician):

• Electronic devices and circuits (diodes, transistors, amplifiers)
• Digital electronics and microprocessors
• Communication systems (analog and digital)
• Network theory and electromagnetic theory
• Control systems and signals
• Measurement and instrumentation
• Integrated circuits and applications
• Antenna and wave propagation

For Mechanical Engineering (STA/Technician):

• Engineering mechanics and strength of materials
• Theory of machines and machine design
• Thermodynamics and heat transfer
• Fluid mechanics and hydraulic machines
• Manufacturing processes and production engineering
• Metrology and quality control
• Industrial engineering and management
• Material science and metallurgy

For Computer Science (STA/Technician):

• Programming in C, C++, Java
• Data structures and algorithms
• Database management systems
• Operating systems and computer networks
• Computer organization and architecture
• Software engineering and web technologies
• Digital logic and microprocessors
• Information security basics

For Electrical Engineering (STA/Technician):

• Basic electrical engineering and circuit theory
• Electrical machines (DC/AC motors, transformers)
• Power systems and power electronics
• Control systems and measurements
• Analog and digital electronics
• Electromagnetic fields
• Electrical installation and safety

For Civil Engineering (STA/Technician):

• Building materials and construction technology
• Surveying and levelling
• Strength of materials and structural analysis
• Concrete technology and RCC design
• Soil mechanics and foundation engineering
• Environmental engineering and water resources
• Transportation engineering
• Estimation and costing

Note: Similar detailed syllabi exist for other disciplines like Instrumentation, Chemical, Metallurgy, etc. based on specific trade requirements

Paper-II: General Aptitude

• Numerical aptitude (arithmetic, data interpretation)
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• General mental ability
• Basic computer knowledge
• Work-related scenarios and problem-solving

Salary Structure (Typical / Indicative as per 7th CPC)

Additional Benefits:

• New Pension Scheme (NPS) with employer contribution
• Medical facilities for self and dependents at DRDO/CGHS hospitals
• Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
• Children Education Allowance
• Annual increment as per service rules
• Performance Related Pay (PRP) where applicable
• Residential accommodation (subject to availability) or HRA

Note: DA rates are revised twice yearly based on All India Consumer Price Index. Actual in-hand salary varies based on city of posting, deductions (GPF, NPS, professional tax), and allowances applicable.

DRDO offers structured career progression for technical staff with promotion opportunities based on performance and time-bound advancement. Technicians can progress to Senior Technician and subsequently to Technical Superintendent levels (up to Level 7), while STAs advance to Junior Research Fellow, Research Associate, and Scientist positions through departmental promotions and limited departmental competitive examinations. Regular skill development programs, training opportunities in specialized defence technologies, and exposure to cutting-edge research projects enhance professional growth, with some exceptionally talented staff members transitioning to scientist cadre through internal selection processes.

Admit cards for DRDO CEPTAM 11 Tier-I examination are typically released 7-10 days before the scheduled exam date on the official CEPTAM portal (ceptam.drdo.in). Candidates must login using their Registration ID and Password to download the admit card, which contains examination centre details, reporting time, and important instructions. No physical admit card is dispatched by post; candidates must carry a printed copy of the downloaded admit card along with a valid original photo ID proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Driving License) to the examination centre for entry.

DRDO CEPTAM 11 Tier-I results are declared approximately 4-6 weeks after the examination, published on the official website with category-wise cut-off marks and the list of candidates shortlisted for Tier-II. The final result after Tier-II examination is announced within 3-4 weeks, containing the merit list of selected candidates along with their roll numbers and scores. Candidates can check their results by logging into the portal using their credentials; scorecards are downloadable from the candidate's login section, and no physical result documents are sent by post.

DRDO CEPTAM cutoff marks vary significantly based on post category (STA vs Technician), discipline, exam difficulty level, and number of applicants. Typical Tier-I cutoffs range from 30-40 marks out of 80 for UR category, 25-35 for OBC, 20-30 for SC/ST in recent CEPTAM cycles, though actual cutoffs for CEPTAM 11 will depend on 2026 exam difficulty. Tier-II cutoffs are generally higher, with UR candidates typically needing 60-70% marks for final selection in popular disciplines like Electronics and Computer Science, while cutoffs for specialized trades may be comparatively lower based on competition levels.

Examination Centres

DRDO CEPTAM 11 examinations are conducted across major cities throughout India:

North: Delhi/NCR, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Dehradun, Jammu, Shimla

South: Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Mysuru, Visakhapatnam, Kochi

East: Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati

West: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Indore, Surat

Central: Bhopal, Raipur

Northeast: Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal

Candidates can choose their preferred examination centre during application, subject to availability. DRDO reserves the right to add/delete centres or change the centre of any candidate based on administrative requirements.