What is the two-tier structure of the DRDO CEPTAM exam?

The DRDO CEPTAM selection has two tiers. Tier 1 is an objective CBT of 150 questions covering Basic Science & Technical Subject, Reasoning, and English & General Awareness, on which final merit is based. Tier 2 is a descriptor/qualifying test that assesses specific technical trade skills and is of pass/fail nature. Candidates who clear the Tier 2 qualifying threshold proceed to document verification and medical examination. The final merit list is based solely on Tier 1 marks.

What is the salary for DRDO CEPTAM Technician-A?

DRDO Technician-A posts are in the Pay Level 2 (7th CPC) with a starting basic pay of Rs. 19,900 per month. The total CTC including Dearness Allowance, HRA, and Transport Allowance is approximately Rs. 3–4.5 lakh per annum. Employees posted to DRDO labs in high-cost cities receive higher HRA. As central government employees, Technician-A staff also benefit from GPF, CGHS, LTC, and pension under NPS.

What are the posting locations and work environment in DRDO?

DRDO has over 50 laboratories and establishments across India, including DRDL (Hyderabad), CAIR (Bengaluru), DMRL (Hyderabad), SSPL (Delhi), SAC (Ahmedabad), and DRDE (Gwalior). Technician-A staff support scientists and engineers in lab activities, equipment operation, prototype fabrication, and testing. Posting locations depend on the post applied for and the lab requirement. Transfers between DRDO labs are possible after completing the initial posting tenure.

Is there a bond period for DRDO CEPTAM selected candidates?

Unlike PSU Engineer Trainee posts, DRDO CEPTAM Technician-A posts are regular Central Government positions and do not typically have a financial bond. However, after appointment, candidates must complete a probation period of two years during which confirmation is subject to satisfactory performance. Resignation during probation or within the initial service period may require serving notice or facing other service rule consequences as per CCS (Conduct) Rules.

What career growth is available for DRDO Technician-A employees?

DRDO Technician-A staff can grow through ACP/MACP scheme to Technician-B and Technician-C grades. With additional qualifications (diploma upgrade to degree), employees can appear for internal promotions to Scientific/Technical cadre. DRDO also encourages technicians to pursue higher education through sponsored schemes. For technically outstanding performers, there are avenues to move into the DRTC (DRDO Research and Technical Cadre) and eventually contribute to national defence research programmes.

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DRDO CEPTAM 10 Tech A Preparation Guide

DRDO — Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM)

Your Complete Preparation Guide for DRDO CEPTAM 10 Tech A 2027 — strategy, study plan, tips & more.

DifficultyHard

Total Marks150

Duration120 min

Start Practising Now →Free Mock Tests

Exam Overview

Mode

Online CBT (Two Tiers)

Frequency

Irregular — issued in large batches; CEPTAM-10 covered multiple posts

Next Exam Date

To be announced (CEPTAM-11 expected)

EEligibility Criteria

ITI/Diploma in relevant trade/discipline with minimum 50% marks; age 18–28 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC as per rules)

ANumber of Attempts

No cap on attempts within age limit

Study Plan by Subject

Basic Science & Technical Subject (90 Questions)

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Reasoning Ability (30 Questions)

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

English & General Awareness (30 Questions)

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Expert Preparation Tips

The basic science section (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) is at ITI/Diploma level; cover NCERT Class 10–12 science thoroughly as it forms the backbone of these questions.

The technical subject section focuses on your specific trade (e.g., Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, IT); use your diploma/ITI trade textbooks and NCVT syllabus as the reference.

Reasoning ability section has standard questions — number series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, and analogies; solve these daily using standard RS Aggarwal or similar books.

General Awareness for DRDO CEPTAM should include defence news, DRDO achievements, recent missile tests, and technology developments; read 15–20 minutes of current affairs daily from March to the exam date.

Exam Pattern at a Glance

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration (est.)
Basic Science & Technical Subject (90 Questions)	50	50	40 min
Reasoning Ability (30 Questions)	50	50	40 min
English & General Awareness (30 Questions)	50	50	40 min
Total	150	150	120 min

Important Dates

Registration Opens

To be announced

Next Exam Date

To be announced (CEPTAM-11 expected)

Conducted By

DRDO — Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM)

Frequently Asked Questions

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