DRDO Preparation Guide 2025-2026 | Complete Placement Strategy

This guide is for DRDO’s placement: a 90-minute written exam (technical discipline-specific + aptitude + general awareness + English) with negative marking (0.25 per wrong answer), followed by technical and HR rounds. DRDO is India’s premier defence R&D organisation. Eligibility is 65% / 6.5+ CGPA; freshers join as Scientist B (₹8–12 LPA). Focus on discipline fundamentals and defence technology awareness.

Key Topics for DRDO

Core Engineering (35%)

Aerospace: Aerodynamics, propulsion, structures. Electronics: Circuits, signals, communication, embedded. Mechanical: Thermodynamics, mechanics, design. CS: Algorithms, DSA, programming. Electrical: Power systems, control, machines. Discipline-specific weightage is high.

Defence Technology (25%)

Missile systems (guidance, propulsion), radar systems, weapon systems, DRDO projects (Agni, BrahMos, Akash, radars). Applications of your branch to defence.

Aptitude & Awareness (20% + 5%)

Quantitative, logical reasoning, verbal. General awareness: current affairs, defence news, DRDO achievements. English: grammar, comprehension.

Week-by-Week Preparation Plan

Week	Focus
1–2	Core engineering (your discipline) + start defence technology basics. Aptitude daily.
3	Defence technology in depth; general awareness (DRDO, defence). Practice previous year papers; manage negative marking.
4	Full-length mocks (90 min). Revise formulas; avoid guesswork. Prepare project summary and “Why DRDO?“
5–6	Mock tests + interview prep: technical explanations, defence applications, HR answers, research orientation.

DRDO-Specific Tips

• Negative marking: Do not guess blindly; attempt only when reasonably sure. Accuracy over attempt count.
• GATE-style technical: Questions are often at GATE level in your discipline; use standard textbooks and previous papers.
• Defence technology: Learn basics of missile systems, radar, and DRDO’s major projects; helps in both exam and interview.
• Technical interview: Expect deep discipline questions and project discussion; show research orientation and interest in defence.

Salary as Motivation

Freshers join as Scientist B (Level 10, 7th Pay Commission) with ₹8–12 LPA (including HRA, allowances). Scientist C and higher grades follow with experience. DRDO offers job security, research facilities, and a clear scientist hierarchy.

Related Resources

DRDO Interview Experience

Real candidate experiences

DRDO Coding Questions

Programming (CS roles)

DRDO 2025 Papers

Previous year papers

DRDO Main Page

Eligibility, process, salary

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Last updated: February 2026