DRDO Syllabus 2026: Are you preparing for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recruitment exams? Securing a job in India’s premier defense research agency is a dream for lakhs of aspirants. However, clearing the highly competitive DRDO selection process requires a strategic preparation plan, starting with a crystal-clear understanding of the DRDO Exam Syllabus and Exam Pattern.
Whether you are applying for CEPTAM Senior Technical Assistant (STA-B), Technician-A (Tech-A), Admin & Allied (A&A) cadres, or Scientist 'B' posts, this comprehensive guide covers the latest subject-wise syllabus, marking scheme, and selection process.
DRDO Recruitment Exam: Overview
Before diving into the detailed syllabus, let's take a quick look at the overview of the DRDO CEPTAM recruitment structure:
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Conducting Body | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Cadres | CEPTAM (STA-B, Tech-A, A&A), Scientist 'B' |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) - Online |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Negative Marking | Generally, No Negative Marking (Check official PDF for specific exceptions) |
| Language of Exam | Hindi & English |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
1. DRDO CEPTAM STA-B Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B) selection process consists of two tiers of Computer Based Tests (CBT).
Exam Pattern for STA-B
Tier-1 (Screening): Common to all subjects. It is qualifying in nature.
Tier-2 (Selection): Specific to the subject/discipline chosen by the candidate.
| Tier | Test Scope | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
| Tier-1 | Quantitative Ability, Reasoning, General Awareness, English, General Science | 120 | 120 | 90 Mins |
| Tier-2 | Test specific to the subject/discipline of post | 100 | 100 | 90 Mins |
Subject-Wise Syllabus for Tier-1 (Screening)
Quantitative Aptitude/Ability: Number System, Simplification, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Data Interpretation (DI), Algebra, Geometry, and Mensuration.
General Intelligence & Reasoning Ability: Analogies, Commonalities & Differences, Spatial Visualization, Spatial Orientation, Problem Solving, Analysis, Judgment, Decision Making, Visual Memory, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, and Syllogism.
General Awareness: Current Affairs (National & International), Indian History, Geography, Indian Polity & Constitution, Economy, Sports, Awards & Honors, Books & Authors, and Defence Sector News.
English Language: Basic English Grammar, Vocabulary, Synonyms & Antonyms, Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks, Idioms & Phrases, and Reading Comprehension.
General Science: Basic Physics, Chemistry, and Biology concepts based on CBSE Class 10th standard curriculum.
Tier-2 Syllabus (Discipline Specific)
The questions will test the core diploma/degree level knowledge of your chosen engineering branch or stream, including but not limited to:
Mechanical Engineering
Computer Science / Information Technology
Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Electronics & Communication Engineering
Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering / B.Sc Chemistry
Physics / Mathematics / Botany / Zoology
2. DRDO CEPTAM Technician-A (Tech-A) Syllabus & Exam Pattern
For ITI holders applying for Technician-A positions, the exam structure focuses heavily on trade-specific skills.
Exam Pattern for Tech-A
The exam comprises a CBT written test followed by a qualifying Trade Test.
| Section | Subject Areas | Questions | Marks | Total Time |
| Section A | Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, English Language | 40 | 40 | 90 Minutes (Total) |
| Section B | Trade-Specific Questions (ITI Syllabus) | 80 | 80 |
Note: Candidates who clear the CBT will be called for a practical Trade Test, which is qualifying in nature.
Trade-Specific Syllabus Topics (Section B)
Questions will be drafted from the standard NCVT/ITI syllabus corresponding to your trade:
Fitter / Machinist / Turner: Lathe machines, welding, cutting tools, precision measurement, safety protocols.
Electrician / Wireman: AC/DC motors, transformers, electrical circuits, earthing, wiring layouts, safety measures.
COPA (Computer Operator): Fundamental of Computers, MS Office, Networking, Internet, Basic HTML, Cyber Security.
Electronic Mechanic: Semiconductors, transistors, digital electronics, microprocessors, testing instruments.
3. DRDO CEPTAM Admin & Allied (A&A) Cadre Syllabus
The Admin & Allied cadre includes posts such as Stenographer, Administrative Assistant, Store Assistant, Security Assistant, and Fireman.
Exam Pattern for A&A Posts
| Posts | Subjects Covered | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
| Steno / Admin / Store Asst | Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, General English | 75 | 75 | 60 Mins |
| Vehicle Operator / Fireman | General Awareness, Reasoning, Arithmetical Ability, Driving/Fire Safety specific questions | 75 | 75 | 60 Mins |
Skill/Physical Test: Depending on the post, candidates must clear a Typing/Shorthand test or a Physical Fitness and Endurance Test (PET) following the written test.
4. DRDO Scientist 'B' Exam Syllabus
Recruitment for elite Scientist 'B' posts is generally handled by the Recruitment & Assessment Centre (RAC). Selection usually relies on a valid GATE Score followed by a Descriptive Written Exam and personal interview.
Syllabus Standard: The technical syllabus for the DRDO Scientist 'B' written exam aligns completely with the latest GATE Syllabus for branches like Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics, and Physics/Chemistry.
Expert Preparation Tips to Crack DRDO Exam 2026
Master the Basics: For technical posts (STA-B & Tech-A), build a rock-solid foundation in your core diploma or ITI subjects. Standard textbooks are your best friends.
Track Current Affairs Daily: Dedicate 30 minutes daily to reading national news, focusing explicitly on recent DRDO missile launches, defense deals, and technological innovations.
Practice Time Management: Since you have to solve 75 to 120 questions in 60–90 minutes, practice through online test series to improve your speed and accuracy.
No Negative Marking Advantage: Since most CEPTAM exams do not feature negative marking, develop a strategic approach to attempt all questions without blind guessing. Check your specific admit card instructions to verify this ruleset before starting the exam.
Download DRDO Syllabus PDF Link
Candidates are strongly encouraged to download the official PDF blueprint to track their progress. Click the link below to view or save the complete subject layout:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is there any negative marking in the DRDO CEPTAM exam? Ans: As per the official notification layouts, there is typically no negative marking for incorrect answers in DRDO CEPTAM exams. Always review your official exam hall ticket guidelines for the final declaration.
Q2. What is the qualification required for the DRDO STA-B post? Ans: Candidates must hold a recognized Diploma in Engineering or a Bachelor's Degree in Science (B.Sc) in the relevant discipline.
Q3. Can I prepare for the DRDO Technician-A exam using my ITI books? Ans: Yes, Section B of the Tech-A exam contains 80 out of 120 questions explicitly mapped to the standard NCVT/ITI trade syllabus. Revising your trade textbooks is highly effective.
Q4. Where can I check the latest DRDO exam notifications and result dates? Ans: You can get the fastest and most accurate real-time updates regarding job notifications, exam dates, and results on our home page:
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