DRDO CEPTAM 11 STA and Technician Tier-2 Admit Card

DRDO CEPTAM 11 (Centre for Personnel Talent Management) is a recruitment drive conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation for filling Scientific Technical Assistant (STA) and Technician posts across various DRDO laboratories and establishments pan-India. The Tier-2 exam is the second stage of selection after candidates clear the Tier-1 examination. This recruitment offers opportunities to work in cutting-edge defence research and development projects under the Ministry of Defence. Selected candidates will be posted in DRDO labs across India working on advanced technology development. The examination is conducted online at designated centres across the country.

Important Dates

Vacancy Breakdown (Typical / Indicative)

Note: Actual vacancy numbers vary by CEPTAM edition and are announced in the official notification. The above are indicative figures based on recent CEPTAM recruitments.

Educational Qualification

For STA-B Posts:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech) in relevant disciplines including Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, Electrical, Civil, Chemical Engineering or equivalent from a recognized university/institute
• Minimum 65% marks (60% for SC/ST) or equivalent CGPA

For Technician-A Posts:

• Diploma in Engineering/Technology in relevant streams (Mechanical, Electronics, Electrical, Computer Science, Civil etc.) from a recognized board/institute
• Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST) or equivalent CGPA
• ITI certificate holders with relevant National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) may also apply for certain posts

Age Limit

Age is calculated as on the closing date of online application. Central Government civilian employees are eligible for age relaxation up to 40 years (45 years for SC/ST) as per DoP&T orders.

Nationality

Applicants must be:

• A citizen of India, OR
• A subject of Nepal, OR
• A subject of Bhutan, OR
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, OR
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India

Candidates belonging to categories (2), (3), (4) and (5) must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

How to Apply

Note: Tier-2 application is NOT separate. Candidates who qualify Tier-1 examination are automatically eligible for Tier-2.

For Initial CEPTAM 11 Application (Tier-1):

1. Visit the official DRDO recruitment website at ceptam.drdo.in or www.drdo.gov.in
2. Click on 'Apply Online' link for CEPTAM 11 recruitment notification
3. Register as a new user by providing basic details (name, email ID, mobile number) and create login credentials
4. Login using Registration ID and Password generated after registration
5. Fill the online application form carefully with all required details including personal information, educational qualifications, category, choice of posts and exam centres
6. Upload scanned copies of recent photograph (50 KB, JPG format) and signature (20 KB, JPG format) as per specifications
7. Pay the application fee online through Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI
8. Submit the application form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference
9. Note down the Registration ID and Password for downloading admit card

Application Fee Structure:

Once Tier-1 fee is paid and application submitted, candidates qualifying Tier-1 need not pay any additional fee for appearing in Tier-2 examination.

Selection Process

The selection for DRDO CEPTAM 11 STA and Technician posts is conducted through the following stages:

1. Tier-1 Examination (Computer Based Test): An objective type online examination testing General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English/Hindi language skills. Candidates securing minimum qualifying marks are shortlisted for Tier-2 based on merit and vacancy.

1. Tier-2 Examination (Computer Based Test): A subject-specific technical examination covering topics related to the respective engineering/technical discipline for which the candidate has applied (Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, Civil, Electrical etc.). This carries higher weightage and tests domain knowledge in depth.

1. Document Verification: Candidates qualifying Tier-2 examination are called for verification of original certificates including educational qualifications, category certificate, age proof, experience certificate (if any), and other relevant documents. Candidates failing to produce original documents are disqualified.

1. Medical Examination: Shortlisted candidates undergo a medical fitness examination as per DRDO medical standards. Candidates must be physically and mentally fit to perform duties assigned in DRDO establishments.

1. Final Merit List: The final selection is based on the combined performance in Tier-1 and Tier-2 examinations (with higher weightage to Tier-2), subject to qualifying document verification and medical examination. Merit list is prepared category-wise and candidates are offered appointment based on their rank and preference of posting locations.

Exam Pattern

Tier-1 Examination Pattern

Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in Tier-1 examination.

Tier-2 Examination Pattern

Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in Tier-2 examination.

The Tier-2 paper contains questions from the specific engineering/technical discipline chosen by the candidate during application. Questions are of graduate/diploma level difficulty matching the educational qualification required for the post. Both examinations are conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode at designated centres across India.

Syllabus

Tier-1 Syllabus

#### General Intelligence & Reasoning

• Analogies and similarities
• Differences and classifications
• Spatial visualization and spatial orientation
• Visual memory and discrimination
• Observation, relationship concepts
• Arithmetical reasoning and figural classification
• Arithmetic number series
• Non-verbal series, coding and decoding
• Statement conclusion, syllogistic reasoning
• Problem solving, analysis and judgment
• Decision making, visual memory
• Discrimination, observation, relationship concepts

#### General Awareness

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

#### Quantitative Aptitude

• Number systems, decimals and fractions
• Percentage, ratio and proportion
• Average, profit and loss
• Simple and compound interest
• Time and work, time and distance
• Mensuration (area, volume, perimeter)
• Data interpretation (tables, bar graphs, pie charts)
• Basic algebra and geometry
• Trigonometry basics

#### English/Hindi Language

• Vocabulary and synonyms/antonyms
• Grammar (tenses, articles, prepositions)
• Sentence structure and correction
• Comprehension passages
• Idioms and phrases
• One word substitution
• Error spotting
• Fill in the blanks
• Active and passive voice

Tier-2 Syllabus (Subject-Specific)

#### For Electronics & Communication Engineering

• Network theory and circuit analysis
• Electronic devices and circuits
• Analog and digital electronics
• Signals and systems
• Control systems
• Communication systems (analog and digital)
• Electromagnetic theory and transmission lines
• Microprocessors and microcontrollers
• Digital signal processing
• VLSI design basics
• Instrumentation and measurements

#### For Mechanical Engineering

• Engineering mechanics and strength of materials
• Theory of machines and machine design
• Thermodynamics and heat transfer
• Fluid mechanics and machinery
• Manufacturing processes and technology
• Industrial engineering and production planning
• Material science and metallurgy
• Engineering drawing and CAD
• Mechatronics and robotics basics
• Refrigeration and air conditioning

#### For Computer Science & IT

• Programming in C, C++, Java
• Data structures and algorithms
• Database management systems
• Operating systems concepts
• Computer networks and security
• Software engineering principles
• Web technologies and applications
• Digital logic and computer architecture
• Theory of computation
• Object-oriented programming
• Cloud computing and emerging technologies

#### For Electrical Engineering

• Circuit theory and networks
• Electromagnetic fields
• Electrical machines (DC and AC)
• Power systems analysis and protection
• Control systems and instrumentation
• Analog and digital electronics
• Power electronics and drives
• Measurements and measuring instruments
• Microprocessors and applications
• Electrical installation and maintenance

#### For Civil Engineering

• Building materials and construction technology
• Surveying and levelling
• Soil mechanics and foundation engineering
• Structural analysis and design
• Concrete technology and RCC design
• Steel structures
• Fluid mechanics and hydraulics
• Water resources engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Transportation engineering
• Estimation and costing

Syllabus for other trades (Instrumentation, Chemical, Aeronautical etc.) covers core subjects from respective engineering disciplines at diploma/degree level as per the qualification required.

Salary & Benefits (Typical / Indicative)

STA-B (Scientific Technical Assistant - B) Pay Structure

Technician-A Pay Structure

Additional Benefits:

• Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) medical facilities
• Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) and gratuity
• Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
• Annual increment as per 7th CPC norms
• Canteen facilities at subsidized rates
• Children education allowance
• Group insurance coverage

Salary figures are indicative and based on current DA rates. Actual in-hand salary may vary based on deductions (GPF, income tax, professional tax) and posting location HRA rates.

DRDO offers excellent career progression opportunities with regular promotions based on time-bound and performance-based assessments. STA-B officers can be promoted to STA-A (Level 7), Senior Technical Assistant (Level 8), and further to scientific officer cadres through departmental examinations and assessments. Technician-A staff can progress to Senior Technician (Level 5), Master Technician (Level 6), and higher technical grades through internal promotions and skill upgradation programmes. Employees also get opportunities to work on cutting-edge defence research projects, pursue higher education with study leave provisions, and receive specialized training in advanced technologies both within India and abroad.

The DRDO CEPTAM 11 Tier-2 admit card is released online approximately 10-15 days before the scheduled examination date on the official DRDO CEPTAM portal (ceptam.drdo.in). Candidates who qualify Tier-1 examination can download their Tier-2 admit card by logging into the application portal using their Registration ID and Password. The admit card contains important details including candidate's name, roll number, photograph, exam date, timing, reporting time, exam centre address, and important instructions. No physical admit card is dispatched by post; candidates must download and print it themselves. Carry the admit card along with a valid original photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Driving License, Passport, Voter ID) to the examination centre. Entry will not be permitted without a valid admit card and ID proof.

DRDO CEPTAM 11 Tier-2 examination results are typically declared 30-45 days after the conduct of the examination. Results are published online on the official DRDO CEPTAM website and candidates can check their scores using their Registration ID and Date of Birth. The result displays marks obtained in Tier-2, qualifying status, and merit position. Category-wise merit lists are prepared based on combined performance in Tier-1 and Tier-2 examinations (with higher weightage given to Tier-2 marks). Candidates securing marks above the cutoff and ranking within the vacancy limits are called for document verification. Result scorecards can be downloaded from the portal and saved for future reference during document verification and joining formalities.

DRDO CEPTAM Tier-2 cutoff marks vary significantly based on the difficulty level of the paper, number of candidates appeared, and category-wise vacancies. Typically, UR category candidates need to score 60-70% marks (60-70 out of 100) to qualify, while OBC candidates require 55-65%, SC candidates need 50-60%, and ST candidates require 45-55% marks for selection. The cutoff for STA posts is generally 5-10% higher than Technician posts due to higher qualification requirements. Final selection is based on combined Tier-1 and Tier-2 performance with Tier-2 carrying 60-70% weightage. Candidates scoring above qualifying marks are ranked category-wise, and those falling within vacancy limits are offered appointment after document verification and medical examination.

Examination Centres

DRDO CEPTAM 11 examinations are conducted across major cities in all Indian states and union territories:

North: Delhi NCR (Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurgaon), Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, Dehradun, Shimla, Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Agra, Meerut, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer

South: Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Mangaluru

East: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Patna, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad

West: Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Panaji (Goa)

Northeast: Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal, Agartala, Aizawl, Dibrugarh

Central: Raipur, Bilaspur, Jabalpur

Candidates can choose up to 3 preferred exam centres during online application. DRDO allots exam centre based on availability and preference order. The exact exam venue address is mentioned on the admit card.