DRDO Exam Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern In Detail

By vandana | Syllabus | Dec 09, 2025

The DRDO Exam is one of India’s most prestigious assessments for aspirants aiming to join the country’s premier defense research organization. Every year, thousands of candidates compete for technical and non-technical posts, making the exam highly competitive and rewarding. With the increasing demand for innovation in national security, understanding the DRDO Syllabus expands its research projects, the opportunities for skilled professionals also and exam structure is crucial for effective preparation. As DRDO grows. Aspirants preparing for DRDO 2026 must follow a strategic approach, focusing on conceptual clarity, smart revision, and time-bound practice. This guide covers the complete exam pattern, section-wise syllabus, important topics, and preparation tips to help you excel. Whether you are a graduate or a diploma holder, this comprehensive article provides everything you need to succeed in the DRDO Exam.

DRDO Exam Overview Table

The Defence Research and Development Organisation offers jobs in defence research for technical and science candidates. The DRDO 2026 syllabus includes reasoning, aptitude, general awareness, English, and technical subjects.

Category

Details

Exam Name

Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO)

Conducting Body

Defence Research & Development Organisation

Frequency

Annually

Mode

Online CBT

Posts

Technical & Non-Technical

Marking

Objective-based, no negative marking (varies by post)

Qualification

Diploma/Graduate/Engineering (Post-wise)

 

DRDO Exam Pattern

The pattern for DRDO 2026 mainly has two tiers: Tier-I with objective questions on reasoning, aptitude, English, general awareness, and basic technical topics from the DRDO syllabus, and Tier-II focused on core technical subjects for the applied post in DRDO.

Post Name

Exam Stage

Subjects Included

No. of Questions

Total Marks

Duration

Technician – A

Tier-I (CBT – Computer Based Test)

General Awareness, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Science + Trade-related topics

120

120

90 Minutes

Technician – A

Tier-II (Trade/Skill Test)

Practical Test based on trade

Qualifying only

As per trade

STA-B (Senior Technical Assistant-B)

Tier-I (Screening CBT)

General Awareness, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Science

120

120

90 Minutes

STA-B (Senior Technical Assistant-B)

Tier-II (Subject Test)

Subject-specific technical domain

100

100

90 Minutes

 

Subject-Wise Syllabus

The syllabus for the DRDO 2026 includes Maths, Reasoning, General Awareness with Science, English, and technical subjects. Maths and Reasoning cover most questions, while General Science and current affairs are also important. Technical topics are required for Tier-II in DRDO, especially for engineering and trade posts.

1. Quantitative Aptitude

Topic

Description

Number Systems

Basic math, LCM, HCF

Algebra

Linear & quadratic equations

Geometry

Lines, triangles, circles

Mensuration

2D & 3D shapes

Data Interpretation

Tables, charts

 
2. Logical Reasoning

Topic

Description

Verbal Reasoning

Coding-decoding, analogies

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Patterns, shapes

Analytical Reasoning

Puzzles, seating arrangement

 
3. General Awareness

Topic

Description

Current Affairs

National & international news

Defence Knowledge

Useful for territorial army background

Science & Technology

DRDO innovations

Indian Polity

Constitution, governance

History & Geography

Basic facts

 
4. Technical Subjects (for Engineering Posts)

Branch

Major Topics

Mechanical

Thermodynamics, SOM, Fluid mechanics

Electrical

Circuits, machines, power systems

Electronics

Digital electronics, microprocessors

Computer Science

Programming, OS, DBMS, networking

 

Important Topics and Weightage

The DRDO Exam mainly focuses on Maths, Reasoning, General Awareness/Science and English. Maths and Reasoning have the highest weightage in the DRDO syllabus. General Science and current affairs also carry good marks. For technical posts, Tier-II is fully technical, deciding final selection.

Section / Subject

Typical Topics (Common for Tier-1)

Approx. Share of Questions*

Quantitative Aptitude / Arithmetic

Number-System, Fractions & Decimals, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Speed & Distance, Mensuration, Data Interpretation, Algebra, Simplification 

~ 25–30%

General Intelligence & Reasoning

Coding–Decoding, Series (Number/Alphabet/Logical), Blood Relations, Directions, Clocks & Calendars, Puzzles, Syllogisms, Analogy, Classification, Input–Output, Logical & Non-verbal Reasoning 

~ 20–25%

General Awareness / General Knowledge + General Science

Static GK (History, Geography, Polity, Environment, Economy, Indian facts), Current Affairs (National & International), Science & Tech basics, Awards & Events, Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology — class 10–12 level) 

~ 20%

English Language (Basic)

Grammar (Tenses, Articles, Prepositions), Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution), Error Detection, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Rearrangement, Cloze Test, Reading Comprehension 

~ 15–20%

 

Conclusion

Aspirants preparing for the DRDO while planning a career in DRDO can achieve great success with a disciplined and strategic approach. Understanding the DRDO Exam, analysing past papers, and regularly revising the DRDO syllabus help build a strong conceptual base. Consistent practice, time management, and mock tests further enhance accuracy and confidence.Staying updated about opportunities like DRDO 2026 allows aspirants to plan their preparation effectively. With focused effort, smart planning, and continuous revision, achieving a high score in the DRDO Exam becomes fully attainable, guiding candidates toward a prestigious and impactful career in DRDO alongside territorial army preparation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is the DRDO Exam?
The  Exam is conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation to recruit candidates for technical and scientific roles in India.

Q What is the Syllabus for DRDO?
The Syllabus for DRDO includes Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, English, and technical or trade-specific subjects.

Q Who is eligible for the Exam?
Eligibility for the Exam depends on the post — candidates with ITI, Diploma, Graduation, or Engineering can apply.

Q How many stages are there in the  Exam?
DRDO will likely include Tier-I (CBT) and Tier-II (Skill/Subject Test) depending on the post.

Q Is there negative marking in DRDO?
No, it does not have negative marking, but candidates should check the official notification for DRDO.

Q What is the exam pattern for DRDO ?
The DRDO pattern 2026 includes 120 objective-type questions in Tier-I, followed by a technical or skill test for shortlisted candidates.

Q How should I prepare for the DRDO ?
To crack the Exam, focus on important sections of the DRDO and solve mock tests and previous year papers regularly.

Q What are the important topics in the DRDO Syllabus?
Aptitude, Reasoning, General Science, Current Affairs, and English are key topics in the DRDO.

Q Where can I find DRDO 2026 notifications?
Updates for DRDO are posted on the official DRDO career portal when positions are available.

Q What are the popular posts under the DRDO?
Popular DRDO posts include Technician-A, Senior Technical Assistant (STA-B), and Admin & Allied roles.

Q What is CEPTAM in DRDO?
CEPTAM is DRDO’s recruitment wing that conducts the DRDO Exam and manages the selection process.

Q Is the DRDO Exam bilingual?
Yes, the Exam is usually conducted in both English and Hindi (except language-based sections).

Q What is the age limit for the DRDO ?
For most posts in DRDO, candidates should be between 18–28 years, with age relaxation for reserved categories.

Q Does DRDO release official books or syllabus PDFs?
 The official Syllabus PDF is released with each notification — aspirants should download it from the official DRDO website.

Q How competitive is the DRDO Exam?
 The Exam is highly competitive, so early preparation and complete knowledge of the DRDO Syllabus is essential for DRDO success.

For more Details you can visit Education Masters


सरकारी नौकरियों, जीके अपडेट्स और करेंट अफेयर्स की ताज़ा जानकारी सबसे पहले पाने के लिए:

banner ad
vandana

Vandana

Share this Post

(इस पोस्ट को अपने दोस्तों के साथ शेयर करना ना भूले)

Posts in Other Categories

Get Latest Update(like G.K, Latest Job, Exam Alert, Study Material, Previous year papers etc) on your Email and Whatsapp
×
Subscribe now

for Latest Updates

Articles, Jobs, MCQ and many more!