The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced its much-awaited CEPTAM-11 recruitment drive for the year 2025. Starting December 9, 2025, the Organisation will open its online application window for a total of 764 vacancies across Senior Technical Assistant-B and Technician-A posts. In this detailed guide, we cover everything you need—vacancy breakdown, eligibility norms, exam pattern (Tier-1 and Tier-2), syllabus highlights, step-by-step application instructions and preparation tips aligned with UPSC, SSC and Bank exam trends. By the end, you’ll be ready to navigate the DRDO CEPTAM-11 process with confidence.
Overview of DRDO CEPTAM-11 Recruitment
The Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM) functions as the recruitment arm of DRDO, tasked with sourcing technical and administrative talent. CEPTAM-11 invites online applications for two key posts:
- Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B): Engineering diploma or B.Sc. graduates
- Technician-A (TECH-A): Matriculation plus ITI in a relevant trade
Interested candidates can access the detailed recruitment advertisement on the official DRDO website (drdo.gov.in) once it goes live. The selection process follows a two-tier exam structure designed to evaluate both general aptitude and post-specific technical skills.
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Vacancy and Pay Scale Details
| Post Name | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Age Limit | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B) | Level 6 (₹35,400–1,12,400) | 18–28 years | 561 |
| Technician-A (TECH-A) | Level 2 (₹19,900–63,200) | 18–28 years | 203 |
| Total Vacancies | 764 | ||
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be Indian citizens and meet the following educational and age requirements:
- Technician-A: Matriculation (Class 10) + ITI in the relevant trade; 18–28 years
- Senior Technical Assistant-B: Diploma or B.Sc. in Engineering/Science; 18–28 years
Age relaxations apply as per Government of India rules: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, up to 10 years for PwBD and Ex-servicemen. Application fee is ₹100 for General/OBC; SC/ST/PwBD/Women/Ex-servicemen are exempt.
Exam Pattern: Tier 1 & Tier 2
Tier 1 (Screening Test)
- Objective type (MCQs)
- Duration: 90–120 minutes (post-dependent)
- 120–150 questions covering:
- Quantitative Aptitude (Class 10–12 level)
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- General Awareness & Science
- Qualifying marks: 40% for General/OBC, 35% for SC/ST
Tier 2 (Post-Specific Test)
- STA-B: Discipline-based engineering subjects (Thermodynamics, Circuits, Surveying, etc.)
- TECH-A: ITI trade-specific topics + skill test
- Admin & Allied (rare vacancies): Typing/Stenography/Physical Fitness tests
- Duration & marks vary by post; refer to detailed advertisement
Syllabus Overview
While Tier 1 tests common aptitude topics seen across UPSC prelims, SSC CGL and Bank PO exams, Tier 2 demands deeper technical knowledge. Here is a quick breakdown:
- Tier 1: Arithmetic (Percentage, Ratio, Time & Work), Reasoning (Seating, Puzzles), General Science (Basic Physics, Chemistry), Current Affairs (National & Defence)
- Tier 2 – STA-B: Engineering disciplines—Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Civil (as per stream)
- Tier 2 – TECH-A: Trade theory and practical tasks aligned with ITI curriculum
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step
- Visit the official DRDO website at drdo.gov.in.
- Navigate to Careers > CEPTAM section and locate Advertisement CEPTAM-11.
- Click on the “Apply Online” link and fill in personal details.
- Upload scanned photograph and signature in prescribed dimensions.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) through the available gateway.
- Review the application preview, submit, and note down the registration number.
- Download the confirmation page and keep it for future reference.
Important Dates
- Online Registration Opens: December 9, 2025
- Last Date to Apply: (To be announced in detailed advertisement)
- Tier 1 Exam: Likely February–March 2026
- Tier 2 Exam: Following Tier 1 results, April–May 2026
Preparation Tips
- Follow a fixed study schedule balancing Tier 1 aptitude topics with your core engineering/trade subjects.
- Practice previous year CEPTAM question papers and model papers for time management.
- Use online mock tests for Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning to build speed and accuracy.
- Stay updated on defence-related news and scientific developments for General Awareness.
- Revise basic concepts from Class 10–12 science and mathematics, as these form Tier 1 foundations.
Why This Article Helps for UPSC, SSC & Bank Exams
Although DRDO CEPTAM focuses on technical roles, its Tier 1 exam shares common ground with:
- UPSC Prelims: General Studies includes quantitative aptitude, basic science and current affairs.
- SSC CGL Tier 1: Reasoning, General Awareness and Quantitative Aptitude at the Class 10–12 level.
- Bank PO Exams: Focus on reasoning, numerical ability and general awareness.
By following the syllabus overview, exam pattern analysis and preparation strategy outlined here, aspirants can strengthen their conceptual base and test-taking skills across multiple competitive exams.
Conclusion
DRDO’s CEPTAM-11 recruitment presents a rare chance to join India’s premier defence R&D setup. A methodical approach—understanding the exam pattern, aligning study material with UPSC/SSC/Bank formats and rigorous practice—will be key to success. Bookmark the official DRDO site for advertisement updates, adhere to deadlines and begin your preparation early. Good luck!
