DRDO CEPTAM Mock Test Series 2026 (Tier 1 & Tier 2)

Senior Technical Assistant-B is a technical support position (Pay Level 6) in DRDO laboratories for holders of a B.Sc or 3-year Diploma in relevant disciplines like Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, Chemistry, Store Management and others. STA-B staff provide hands-on technical support to DRDO scientists and researchers.

Tier I is a screening test. Whether Tier I marks count in final merit depends on the specific CEPTAM notification — some cycles use only Tier II for merit, others use Tier I + Tier II combined. Always check the specific notification for the merit calculation method.

In DRDO laboratories and establishments across India. Major labs: DRDO HQ (New Delhi), DRDL (Hyderabad), LRDE (Bengaluru), VRDE (Ahmednagar), DMRL (Hyderabad), R&DE(E) (Pune), INMAS (Delhi), DESIDOC (Delhi), CFEES (Delhi), NRL (New Delhi) and 40+ other labs in Chennai, Chandigarh, Mussoorie, Jodhpur, Tezpur and other cities. Posting preference is taken during application.

Pay Level 6 (₹35,400 basic). With Central Government DA + HRA + transport allowance, in-hand salary is approximately ₹50,000-₹60,000 per month at most posting locations. DRDO labs also offer subsidised housing (where colony exists), canteen, CGHS/ECHS medical and LTC.

DRDO CEPTAM notifies large batches — the 10+1 cycle in 2023 had 1,901 STA-B and 635 Technician-A vacancies across 44 subjects. Vacancies vary by cycle — check ceptam.drdo.gov.in for the current notification.

Typically, candidates apply for one post/subject per application. Some CEPTAM notifications allow candidates to apply for multiple post codes. Read the instructions in the current notification carefully.

ITI trades like Electrician, Electronic Mechanic, Fitter, Turner, Machinist, Welder, Radio & TV Mechanic, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA), Draughtsman (Mechanical/Civil) and others, depending on the notification.

Candidates must be physically fit for government service. A medical examination is conducted before final joining. Candidates with physical disabilities must submit certificates. For labs handling explosives, chemicals or radiation, additional fitness criteria may apply.

Some DRDO labs maintain residential colonies for their staff. Availability depends on the specific lab and vacancy. Where government accommodation is not available, HRA (house rent allowance) is paid as part of the salary.

DRDO Scientists (recruited through SET/GATE/CEPTAM Scientist posts) are research and development officers at Group A level (Pay Level 10+). STA-B and Technician-A are technical support staff at Group B and C levels (Pay Level 6 and 2 respectively). Scientists lead research projects; STA-B staff support laboratory operations and experiments.