Are you gearing up for the DRDO CEPTAM Exam Pattern 2026 and wondering how to crack this gateway to a prestigious career in India’s defense research? With the DRDO CEPTAM 11 notification expected soon, thousands of aspirants are eyeing roles like Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B), Technician-A (Tech-A), and Admin & Allied (A&A) positions. Understanding the DRDO CEPTAM exam pattern 2026 is your first step toward success—it’s multi-tiered, objective-based, and designed to test both aptitude and technical skills.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll decode the DRDO CEPTAM 2026 exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility, and proven strategies to help you prepare effectively. Whether you’re a diploma holder or ITI graduate, this post has everything you need to stay ahead. Let’s dive in!
What is DRDO CEPTAM?
The Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM) is DRDO’s dedicated wing for recruiting non-gazetted staff across its 50+ labs and establishments. Established in 1995 as PEACE (Personnel Assessment Centre), CEPTAM handles recruitment for technical (DRTC cadre) and administrative roles. The DRDO CEPTAM 2026 cycle—likely CEPTAM 11—will offer opportunities in defense R&D, with salaries under the 7th Pay Commission ranging from ₹18,000 to ₹81,700.
Key Highlights for DRDO CEPTAM 2026:
- Notification Release: Expected in late 2025 or early 2026 (based on CEPTAM 10 trends).
- Application Mode: Online via drdo.gov.in.
- Exam Dates: Tier 1 in mid-2026; Tier 2 in late 2026 (exact dates in official notification).
- Vacancies: Anticipated 1,500–2,000+ (similar to CEPTAM 10’s 1,901 posts).
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT), bilingual (English/Hindi), no negative marking.
Stay updated by subscribing to DRDO alerts or following their official channels.
DRDO CEPTAM Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before applying, ensure you meet the DRDO CEPTAM eligibility 2026. Criteria vary by post:
| Post Category | Educational Qualification | Age Limit (as of closing date) |
|---|---|---|
| Technician-A (Tech-A) | 10th pass + ITI in relevant trade | 18–28 years |
| Senior Technical Assistant-B (STA-B) | Diploma/B.Sc. in Engineering/Science (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Civil) | 18–28 years |
| Admin & Allied (A&A) (e.g., Stenographer, Admin Assistant) | 12th pass/Graduation + Typing/Skill certification where required | 18–28 years |
- Age Relaxation: SC/ST: 5 years; OBC: 3 years; PwBD/ESM: Up to 10 years.
- Nationality: Indian citizens only.
- Application Fee: ₹100 (General/OBC); Exempt for SC/ST/PwBD/Women/ESM.
Verify details in the official notification, as they may vary slightly.
DRDO CEPTAM Exam Pattern 2026: Tier-Wise Breakdown
The DRDO CEPTAM exam pattern 2026 is a two-tier process: Tier 1 (screening) and Tier 2 (merit/qualifying). All exams are objective MCQs (4 options, 1 correct) in CBT mode. No negative marking—attempt freely!
Tier 1 Exam Pattern (Common Screening for All Posts)
Tier 1 qualifies candidates for Tier 2. Duration: 90–120 minutes (post-specific).
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude/Numerical Ability | 20–25 | 20–25 | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20–25 | 20–25 | Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Series, Puzzles |
| General Awareness | 20–25 | 20–25 | Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy |
| General Science (for Tech posts) | 50–60 | 50–60 | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (10th–12th level) |
| Total | 120–150 | 120–150 | – |
- Duration: 90 minutes (STA-B/Tech-A); 120 minutes (A&A).
- Qualifying Marks: 40% (UR/OBC); 35% (SC/ST).
- Purpose: Screening; shortlists 80–90% candidates for Tier 2.
Tier 2 Exam Pattern (Post-Specific)
Tier 2 decides merit. It includes trade/skill tests for technical posts.
For STA-B & Tech-A (Technical Cadre)
- CBT Component: 100 questions (100 marks) on discipline-specific topics (e.g., Mechanical Engineering for Mech trade). Duration: 90 minutes (STA-B) or 1–2 hours (trade test for Tech-A).
- Trade/Skill Test: Practical (qualifying; 30–60 minutes). Tests hands-on skills like wiring (Electrical) or machining (Mechanical).
- Total Marks: CBT + Trade (merit based on CBT).
For Admin & Allied (A&A) Posts
- CBT Component: Similar to Tier 1 but with added English/Hindi (50 questions, 50 marks). Duration: 120 minutes.
- Skill Test: Typing (35 WPM English/30 WPM Hindi), Stenography (80–100 WPM), or Physical Fitness (for Security/Fireman posts).
- Qualifying Nature: Pass/Fail for skills; merit on CBT.
Pro Tip: Download the official syllabus PDF from drdo.gov.in once released for post-wise variations.
DRDO CEPTAM Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Topics
The DRDO CEPTAM syllabus 2026 aligns with 10th–12th standards for Tier 1 and diploma-level for Tier 2. Focus on NCERT books for basics.
Tier 1 Syllabus (Common)
- Quantitative Aptitude: Number Systems, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Mensuration, Simplification.
- Reasoning: Verbal/Non-Verbal (Syllogism, Blood Relations, Directions, Clock/Calendar).
- General Awareness: Sports, Books & Authors, Awards, Science & Tech, Environment.
- General Science: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Organic Chemistry, Human Anatomy (CBSE Class 10–12).
Tier 2 Syllabus (Post-Specific Highlights)
- STA-B (Engineering Disciplines):
- Mechanical: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Strength of Materials.
- Electrical: Circuits, Machines, Power Systems.
- Civil: Building Materials, Surveying, RCC Design.
- Tech-A (Trades): ITI-level (e.g., Fitter: Tools, Safety; Electronics: Circuits, Components).
- A&A: English Grammar, Comprehension; Hindi Vyakaran; Basic Computer Knowledge.
For a full PDF, refer to previous notifications and adapt for 2026 updates.
How to Prepare for DRDO CEPTAM 2026 Exam
Cracking DRDO CEPTAM 2026 requires a 6–12 month plan. Here’s your roadmap:
- Understand & Analyze: Study the pattern; solve 5–10 previous papers to spot trends.
- Build Basics: Use NCERT for Science/Math; RS Aggarwal for Quant/Reasoning.
- Daily Practice: 2 hours/section; mock tests weekly (aim 80%+ accuracy).
- Technical Focus: For STA-B/Tech-A, revise diploma notes; practice trade simulations.
- Current Affairs: Read The Hindu/PIB daily; apps like Adda247 for quizzes.
- Time Management: Simulate exam conditions; prioritize weak areas.
- Health & Revision: Sleep 7 hours; revise formulas weekly.
Recommended Books:
- Quant/Reasoning: RS Aggarwal, Arihant.
- General Awareness: Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook.
- Technical: RK Jain (Mechanical), JB Gupta (Electrical).
- Mocks: Testbook/Embibe series.
Expected Cut-Offs (Based on CEPTAM 10): UR: 60–70 marks (Tier 1); varies by post.
DRDO CEPTAM 2026 Application Process & Important Dates
- Apply Online: Visit drdo.gov.in > Careers > CEPTAM; upload docs (photo, signature).
- Tentative Timeline:
- Notification: Dec 2025–Jan 2026.
- Application Window: 20–30 days post-notification.
- Tier 1 Exam: June–July 2026.
- Results: 1–2 months post-exam.
Download admit cards 10–15 days before; carry ID proof.
Final Thoughts: Secure Your DRDO Future Today
The DRDO CEPTAM exam pattern 2026 is your ticket to a stable, impactful career in defense innovation. With consistent preparation and this guide, you’re set to outperform the competition. Start today—bookmark this page, download resources, and track official updates.
Hi, I’m Varun Pathak, the founder of TheSarkariNaukri.com—a dedicated platform for the latest updates on government jobs (Sarkari Naukri) in India. With years of experience curating reliable information on job vacancies, admit cards, exam results, and preparation strategies, I help thousands of aspirants navigate the competitive world of public sector opportunities. Passionate about job security, career growth, and empowering freshers for roles like IAS, IPS, and PSU positions, I update the site regularly with actionable insights for 2025 and beyond. Let’s connect to turn your career dreams into reality!