DRDO Eligibility Criteria 2025: Apprentice Age Limit, Qualification

Shubhangini Priyadarshi
Shubhangini Priyadarshi

Updated on - Oct 16, 2024

DRDO Eligibility Criteria 2025 states that a candidate requires a bachelor's degree in science or a 3-year Diploma in Technology, Engineering, Computer Science, or similar disciplines in the necessary field from a recognized institute.

Scientist B recruitment through the GATE Exam, the authorities have raised the upper age limit from 28 to 35 in DRDO eligibility criteria. DRDO qualification is a B. Tech/B.E in the relevant discipline and a valid GATE 2025 score.

DRDO 2025 age limit for candidates in the unreserved category is 35 years. The upper age limit age for OBC (non-creamy layer) candidates should be 38 years. Candidates in the SC/ST category should be at most 40 years old.

DRDO Apprentice Recruitment Eligibility 2025

The candidates wishing to apply for the Apprentice post must make sure to meet the minimum eligibility as detailed below. The following degree must be completed in the years 2023 or 2024 only.

Post Name Qualification
Category 1: Graduate Apprentice The applicants must have a First Class Engineering Degree (full-time course) in the respective discipline with at least 6.3 CGPA from a recognised Indian University/Institute (relaxed to a minimum of 5.3 CGPA for SC/ST/PwD candidates and relaxation applicable for reserved posts only).
Category 2: Technician Apprentice The applicants must have a First Class Diploma in Engineering obtained from the State Board of Technical Education/recognised Indian University (full-time course) in the respective discipline with 60% marks (relaxed to 50% marks for SC/ST/PwD candidates wherein relaxation is applicable for reserved candidates only)
Category 3: Trade Apprentice The applicants must be an ITI pass-out with an NCVT/SCVT in trades such as Fitter, Welder, Electrician, etc., with at least 60% marks.
DRDO Apprentice Age Limit 18-35 years

Don't Miss: How to Join DRDO 2025?

DRDO Gram Rojgar Sevak Jobs Eligibility

Candidates with 10th Pass, Degree, B.E/ B.Tech/ Diploma in Civil Engineering, ITI Pass, and PG qualifications are eligible to apply.

Name of the Posts Educational Qualification
Block Program Officer Degree, Post Graduation
Technical Assistant (Equivalent to Assistant Engineer) B.E/ B.Tech in Civil Engineering
Technical Assistant (Equivalent to Junior Engineer) Diploma in Civil Engineering
Account Assistant  B.Com
Computer Assistant B.Sc, BCA, PGDCA, B.Sc
Gram Rojgar Sevak 10th Pass, ITI Pass, Intermediate

Age Limit:

Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 35 as of Jan 1, 2025.

Selection Process:

The Written Test/Interview will be used to make the selection.

Pay Scale:

Selected candidates receive a monthly cumulative pay of INR 11100/- to INR 23140/-.

DRDO RAC 2025 Educational Qualification

Candidates must have a valid GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) score, including those in Life Sciences and Humanities/Social Sciences. In due course, the detailed advertisement, including eligibility, age limit, experience, remuneration, and other details, will be published in the employment news as well as on the RAC website.

DRDO RAC 2023 Educational Qualification

DRDO RAC Recruitment 2025: Max Age

  • Scientist F-50
  • Scientist E-50
  • Scientist D-50
  • Scientist C-40

DRDO Eligibility Criteria 2025

DRDO Candidates can check the age limit and other important eligibility information from the table below:

Particulars Details
Age Limit
  • 18 years – 27 years ( General category)
  • 35 years - 40  years - Reserved Category
Nationality Indian
Number of Attempts As long as candidates satisfy all the DRDO exam eligibility criteria
Important Points
  • For Graduate Apprentice/ Diploma Apprentice
  • For B.Tech/ B.E/ Diploma Apprentice Trainees ( General Stream): Candidates who passed their qualifying exam earlier than 2019 are not eligible to apply for the post.
  • Candidates with higher qualifications ( other than the mentioned qualifications ) are not eligible to apply.
  • ITI Apprentice Trainee candidates must have completed their ITI from the SCVT / NCVT Board.
  • Candidates who have already undergone any other Apprenticeship Training with any other organization or are presently working with some other organization are eligible to apply.
  • A Medical Fitness Certificate is mandatory to submit during the final selection procedure.

Also Read:

DRDO Recruitment Qualifications 2025

Candidates who wish to join the Apprenticeship Trainee program after passing the DRDO recruitment eligibility must have the following educational qualifications.

Apprenticeship Category Minimum DRDO Education Qualifications
Block Programme Officer, Technical Assistant, Computer Assistant and other Posts Candidate must have passed 10th and should possess ITI, Diploma Degree and PG from a recognized Institute.
DRDO Scientist B Eligibility Criteria B.E. / B.Tech Degree in Electronics & Communication / Mechanical / Computer Science & Engineering / Electrical / Metallurgy / Chemical / Aeronautical / Civil Engineering with Valid GATE score.Master’s Degree in Science in the subject/discipline of Physics / Mathematics
Scientist ‘C’ PG Degree in Nuclear Medicine with three years of practical and administrative experience in a related field.
Scientist ‘D’ PG Degree in Radiology with seven years of practical and administrative experience in a related field
Graduate Apprentice ( Engineering Stream or Equivalent) Candidate must possess a degree in Engineering or Technology (B.Tech or B.E or Equivalent disciplines) issued by a recognized university.
Diploma Apprentice Trainee Candidate should have a diploma degree in Engineering or Technology issued by the State Council of the Board of Technical Education under the State Government or by another recognized institution of the central government.OR Candidates undergoing the Sandwich course so that he/she may hold a diploma degree in technology/Engineering are also eligible to apply.
ITI Apprentice Trainees The candidate should have a certificate in a vocational course 2 years after completing the secondary stage of school education recognized by the AICTE. OR Candidates who are undergoing any Sandwich course hold a certificate in vocational education.
Graduate Apprentice ( General Stream) Candidate must possess a degree of graduation in any general stream like B.Com/ B.Sc/ B.A by a recognized university.

DRDO Preparation Links:

DRDO Syllabus 2025 DRDO Exam Pattern 2025

DRDO Recruitment Age Limit 2025

DRDO recruitment eligibility has set an age limit for all Apprenticeship categories. Interested candidates should be completely informed of the age limit for applying for the position.

The age limit for DRDO eligibility criteria 2025 is shown in the table below:

Apprenticeship Category DRDO Age limit
Block Programme Officer, Technical Assistant, Computer Assistant and other Posts Minimum Age- 18 years Maximum Age- 35 years
DRDO Scientist B Eligibility Criteria 28
Scientist C 35
Scientist D 45
Graduate Apprentice ( Engineering Stream) Minimum Age- 18 years Maximum Age- 27 years
Diploma Apprentice Trainees
ITI Apprentice Trainees
Graduate Apprentice Trainees ( General Stream)

DRDO Age Limit for Reserved Category

According to the Central Government Rule, age relaxation is also allowed in DRDO eligibility criteria 2025. The age relaxation on the upper limit is shown in the table below:

Apprenticeship Category Maximum Age limit Relaxation ( as of Mar 14, 2025.)

Block Programme Officer, Technical Assistant, Computer Assistant and other Posts


Unreserved Category: 27 years

OBC Category: 30 years

SC/ST Category: 32 years

PWD Category (Person with Disability): 37 years

Graduate Apprentice ( Engineering Stream)
Diploma Apprentice Trainees
ITI Apprentice Trainees
Graduate Apprentice Trainees ( General Stream)

Also Read: DRDO Reference Books 2025

DRDO Scientist B Eligibility Criteria 2025: Through GATE

According to the Central Government Rule, age relaxation is also allowed in DRDO eligibility criteria 2025. Candidates can check the branch-wise DRDO Scientist B eligibility criteria for recruitment through GATE 2025 below:

Discipline Essential DRDO Qualification through GATE Equivalent Acceptable Subjects of Qualifying Degree
Electronics and  Communication Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology in Electronics and Communication Engineering from a reputable university or equivalent is required.

Electronics & Communication Engineering

Electronics Engineering Electronics & Computer Engineering

Electronics & Control Engineering

Electronics & Communication System Engineering

Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering

Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering

Electronics & Telematics Engineering

Industrial Electronics Engineering

Tele Communication Engineering

Telecommunication & Information Technology

Applied Electronics & Instrumentation

Engineering

Electronics & Electrical Communication Engineering

Electrical with Communication Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Technology in Mechanical Engineering from a recognised university is required, or an equivalent qualification.

Mechatronics Engineering

Mechanical & Automation Engineering

Mechanical & Production Engineering

Computer Science & Engineering A bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology in computer science and engineering from a recognised university or equivalent is required.

Computer Science & Engineering

Computer Science /App Engineering/Technology Computer Science / Engineering and Information Technology

Computer Science & System Engineering

Computer Software Engineering

Computer Science & Automation Engineering

Computer Technology

Computer Technology & Informatics Engineering

Computer Technology & Information Engineering

Information Science/ Technology Engineering

Information Technology Engineering

Mathematics A Master's Degree in Mathematics from a recognised university or its equivalent is required.

Mathematics

Applied Mathematics

Electrical Engineering Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Technology in Electrical Engineering from a recognised university or its equivalent is required.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Power System Engineering

Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Electrical & Renewable Energy Engineering

Power Engineering

Power Electronics Engineering

Electronics & Electrical Communication Engineering

Electrical with Communication Engineering

Physics A Master's Degree in Physics from a recognised university or equivalent is required.

Physics

Applied Physics

Physics (Electronics)

Solid State Physics

Aeronautical Engineering Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Technology in Aeronautical Engineering from a recognised university or equivalent is required.

Aeronautical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Avionics Engineering

Chemical Engineering A Bachelor of Engineering or Technology in Chemical Engineering from a recognised university or equivalent is required.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering / Chemical Technology

Chemical Plant Engineering

Applied Chemical and Polymer Technology

Polymer Science & Chemical Technology

Chemistry A Master's Degree in Chemistry from a recognised university or equivalent is required.

Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry

Physical Chemistry

Textile Engineering A Bachelor of Engineering or Technology in Textile Engineering from a recognised university or equivalent is required.

Textile Engineering

Textile Chemistry Engineering

Textile Technology

Civil Engineering A bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Technology from a recognised university or equivalent is required.

Civil Engineering

Civil & Structural Engineering

Material Science & Engineering/ Metallurgical Engineering Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Technology in Metallurgy (Material Science & Engineering/Metallurgical Engineering) from a recognized university or its equivalent is required.

Metallurgy and Material Technology

Metallurgy/Metallurgical Engineering

Materials Engineering

DRDO Eligibility Criteria 2025: Through GATE

The DRDO Scientist B eligibility criteria is shown below:

The applicant must be an Indian National

Candidates must have received at least 60% in the qualifying test (graduation). According to AICTE standards, 6.75 shall be equivalent to 60% in the case of CGPA/CPI (if the conversion formula is not provided).

Candidates interested in DRDO scientist B eligibility criteria through GATE should be fluent in German, French, Russian, Japanese, or Chinese (but this is not required).

Aspirants must be no older than 28 on the date indicated in the notification. Age relaxation will take place following government directives.

Final-year students may also apply if they submit their final grade sheet by Aug 10, 2025.

DRDO Scientist B Age Limit 2025

As of the closing date, DRDO Scientist B's age limit restriction for candidates is 28 years. DRDO Scientist B eligibility age relaxation is granted to candidates from the reserved category following government norms. The maximum DRDO age limit relaxation will be as follows:

Up to 5 years for candidates from the SC/ST categories

Candidates from the DRDO age limit for OBC (non-creamy layer): Up to 3 years

For the Disabled Candidates: 10 years or more

Candidates with Disabilities (OBC): 13 years and older

Candidates with Disabilities (SC/ST): a maximum of 15 years

Employees of the Central Civilian Government: Up to a maximum of 05 years

DRDO Recruitment Eligibility Qualifications

DRDO exam eligibility criteria for the Scientist 'B' post are mentioned below:

Part I Part II

Category I: Must possess the required Essential Qualification (EQ) as well as a valid GATE qualification.
Or

Category II: Must have the requisite Essential Qualification (EQ) from an IIT/NIT with a minimum aggregate of 80%.

Candidates must possess the requisite Essential Qualification (EQ) as well as a valid GATE DRDO qualification.

DRDO Eligibility Criteria 2025 for Research Associate

DRDO qualification 2025 for Research Associate has been listed below:

Subject/Discipline DRDO Qualification
Mechanical Engineering B.E/B.Tech, M.E/M.Tech, & PhD
Physics Post-Graduation & PhD

DRDO Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025 for Scientist 'C' Post

DRDO exam eligibility criteria 2025 for Scientist 'C' post are mentioned below:

Electronics & Communication Engineering

DRDO qualification for the Scientist C post is given below:

Bachelor's degree in Communication or Electronics & Instrumentation or Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent.

Candidate should have a minimum of 3 years experience in Research/Development/Design/Production in the field of Smart Embedded Devices & Emerging Technology (IoTs)

DRDO 2025 Eligibility - Scientist C
Subject/Discipline Equivalent acceptable subjects of Qualifying Degree
Electronics &
Communication
Engineering

Electronics Engineering

Electronics & Computer Engineering

Electronics & Control Engineering

Electronics & Communication System Engineering

Electronics & Telematics Engineering

Industrial Electronics Engineering

Telecommunication Engineering

Telecommunication & InformationTech

Applied Electronics &Instrumentation Engineering

Electronics & Electrical Communication Engineering

Electrical with Communication Engineering

Computer Science & Engineering/ Information & Technology

DRDO qualification for the Scientist C post is given below:

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Computer Science &
Engineering/Information & Technology from a recognized university. 

Min 3 years experience in Research or Design development or production in the field of Big Data Analysis/Assembly Language Debugging/Advanced Persistent Threat Analysis/Application Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing/Smart Embedded Devices & emerging Technology (IoTs).

DRDO 2025 Eligibility - Scientist C
Subject/Discipline Equivalent acceptable subjects of Qualifying Degree
Computer
Science & Engineering/
Information &
Technology

Computer Science/Engineering/Technology2. Computer Science and Engineering/Technology

Computer Science/Engineering &Info Tech

Computer Science & System Engineering

Software Engineering/Technology

Computer Science & Automation Engineering/Technology

Information Technology

Computer Science/Technology &Informatics Engineering

Information Science & Engineering/Technology

Computer & Communication Engineering

Computer Networking

DRDO Eligibility Criteria 2025 for Scientist 'D' Post

The candidates willing to apply for Scientist 'D' post in DRDO eligibility criteria 2025 must fulfil the given criteria:

Computer Science & Engineering/ Information & Technology

DRDO qualification for the Scientist D post is given below:

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Computer Science & Engineering/Information & Technology from a recognized university.

Min 7 years experience in research design development or production in the field of
Big Data Analysis/Assembly Language Debugging/Advanced Persistent Threat Analysis/Application Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing/Smart Embedded Devices
& emerging Technology (IoTs).

DRDO 2025 Eligibility - Scientist D
Subject/Discipline Equivalent acceptable subjects of Qualifying Degree
Computer
Science & Engineering/
Information &
Technology

Computer Science Engineering/Technology

Computer Science and Engineering/Technology

Computer Science/Engineering &Info Tech

Computer Science & System Engineering

Software Engineering/Technology

Computer Science & AutomationEngineering/Technology

Information Technology

Computer Science/Technology &Informatics Engineering

Information Science & Engineering/Technology

Computer & Communication Engineering

Computer Networking

DRDO Eligibility 2025 for Scientist 'E' Post

DRDO eligibility criteria 2025 for Scientist 'E' post are as follows:

Computer Science & Engineering/ Information & Technology

DRDO educational qualification for the Scientist E post is given below:

DRDO 2025 Eligibility - Scientist E
Subject/Discipline Equivalent acceptable subjects of Qualifying Degree
Computer
Science & Engineering/
Information &
Technology

Computer Science Engineering/Technology

Computer Science and Engineering/Technology

Computer Science/Engineering &Info Tech

Computer Science & System Engineering

Software Engineering/Technology

Computer Science & AutomationEngineering/Technology

Information Technology

Computer Science/Technology & Informatics Engineering

Information Science & Engineering/Technology

Computer & Communication Engineering

Computer Networking

FAQs on DRDO Recruitment Eligibility Criteria

Q: Who is eligible for DRDO exam 2024?

A: The educational qualification mandates a B. Tech/B.E in the respective discipline, alongside a valid GATE score.

Q: What is the age limit for DRDO 2024?

A: DRDO Recruitment 2024 age limit for the unreserved category candidates is 35 years. For OBC (Non-creamy layer) the maximum age of the candidates should be 38 years. For SC/ST category the maximum age of the candidates should be 40 years.

Q: What is DRDO qualification 2024?

A: Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in science or a three-year diploma in technology, engineering, computer science, or related topics in the required discipline or domain from a recognized institute. This bachelor's degree in the required field will help answer how to join DRDO after 12 science.

Q: What are DRDO Scientist B eligibility criteria 2024?

A: Candidates must have received at least 60% in the qualifying test (graduation). According to AICTE standards, 6.75 shall be equivalent to 60% in the case of CGPA/CPI (if the conversion formula is not provided). Candidates interested in DRDO scientist B eligibility criteria through GATE should be fluent in German, French, Russian, Japanese, or Chinese (but this is not required). Aspirants must be no older than 28 on the date indicated in the notification. Final-year students may also apply if they submit their final grade sheet by Aug 10, 2023.

Q: What are DRDO Scientist C eligibility criteria 2024?

A: A first-class Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Technology in a relevant field from a recognized university/institution. Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience after completing their degree. The age of the candidate should be a maximum 35 years.

Q: What are DRDO Scientist d eligibility criteria 2024?

A: The candidates should be First Class BE/B. Tech in relevant field. For Scientist 'C', D and E, the candidates should have 3 Years, 7 years and 10 years relevant experience, respectively.

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