Career Growth Of DRDO Scientists And Technical Staff
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), established by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, is responsible for the production of weapon systems and technologies used by our armed forces. The defence sector of our country is dominated by government participation. In this article, we will briefly discuss the career trajectory of scientists working at DRDO.
DRDO plays a crucial role in designing and developing advanced defence technologies, from missiles to cutting-edge electronics. It contributes significantly to strengthening India's defence capabilities focusing on innovation and security
DRDO offers job opportunities in three roles.
Scientist
The defence sector of our country is moving towards being more self-sufficient. To achieve this motto the sector needs to be technologically and scientifically up to date. DRDO appoints capable scientists across nine grades, where Scientist 'B' junior scientist and Scientist 'H' are senior scientist, then there is Distinguished Scientist (DS) and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D (Research and Development).
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Qualification And Appointment Procedure
To become ‘Scientist 'B’ at DRDO you have to either qualify for the ‘Scientist Entry Test’ (SET) or can even be directly appointed through the Recruitment and Assessment Centre (RAC). RAC is the primary body set-up for appointments and testing of scientists at different levels of DRDO.
To be eligible for the SET exam, candidates must possess a first-class bachelor's degree with a minimum of 60 per cent marks in fields like engineering, technology, electronics, communication, mechanical engineering, or computer science.
In case of a direct entry for the position of ‘Scientist B’ the candidates are shortlisted on the basis of their GATE score, followed by an interview. The scientist appointed at this also moves up in the hierarchy through the merit-based assessment process.
Some scientists are also appointed by lateral entry for middle and senior positions (from Scientist 'C' to Scientist 'H') based on their qualifications and experience in specialised fields related to DRDO.
Promotion Through Assessment
The assessment process for scientists in DRDO, particularly for promotion from grades ‘B/C/D/E’ to the next higher grade, is a rigorous and thorough evaluation. Each assessment board is led by the Chairman of RAC or a co-chairperson, alongside a panel of esteemed scientists and technologists. This diverse panel assesses both academic foundations and applied research and development.
The interview process involves a presentation made by the scientist. During the presentation, the scientist focuses on personal achievements and future plans. Subsequently, board members interact with the scientist, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation. The scientists are further promoted on the basis of their calibre.
For higher grades ('F' to 'G' and 'G' to 'H'), promotions are based on the Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) evaluation, peer committee assessment, and residency requirements. Scientists with consistent exceptional performance may receive special pay.
The ‘peer committee’ considers attributes like research quality, task completion, leadership, and managerial skills for promotions to higher grades. This same committee also assesses 'G' grade scientists for 'H' and recommends the title of Distinguished Scientist.
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Training
After recruiting personnel for the position of “Scientist B”, DRDO provides training programmes for personnel development through the Institute of Technology Management (ITM), DIAT Pune and also goes in collaboration with institutions like IITs and IISc. Annually, ITM conducts around 35 training programs, benefitting 1000 professionals. Opportunities for foreign training and presentations are also available.
A career trajectory as a scientist in DRDO offers not only a chance to contribute to India's defence capabilities but also personal growth and professional development. Scientists at DRDO are at the forefront of innovation and research, driving advancements in defence technology and national security. If someone is looking for a career that's dynamic and offers a clear trajectory for growth, DRDO could be a perfect option.
Along with scientists, there are three more positions that DRDO hires including:
Technical Staff at DRDO
The selection of candidates for direct recruitment of Technicians and Senior Technical Assistants in DRDO is through the Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM).
The laboratories of DRDO inform CEPTAM about the respective vacancies in the organisation. CEPTAM accordingly advertises the vacancies in the newspaper. After advertising it is also involved in screening and shortlisting candidates. They are also accountable for preparing questions if any. CEPTAM finally recommends the candidates list to DRDO authorities who further carry on the final appointment procedure.
All DRDO laboratories and establishments report their job vacancies to CEPTAM, providing details including reservation quotas. CEPTAM then handles various tasks, such as obtaining clearance from the relevant Division for Retraining and Redeployment within the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pension. They advertise these positions in Employment News, national and regional newspapers, and liaise with local employment exchanges when necessary.
Admin Allied Posts
The admin and allied posts of the DRDO are conducted by the DRDO. However, there are few positions available that are filled by the deputation and absorption method. Deputation here means someone from another department appointed for the post who will return to his department after completion of work and absorption means a person who doesn't typically belong to a certain role or group is regularly given that role.
DRDO has a programme to give research opportunities to smart and young individuals. They can use these opportunities to do research and get higher qualifications or more experience in research. These opportunities are only for a short time, and they don't guarantee a permanent job at DRDO.
The selection of these research fellows is done by the directors of DRDO laboratories and establishments.
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The paragraph starts with sentence C, which introduces the idea that inventors are challenging to define and are often described by what they are not. It is followed by sentence A, which provides an example to illustrate the relationship between invention, science, and engineering, emphasising that an inventor is distinct from a scientist or engineer, followed by sentence D, which contrasts inventors with scientists, explaining the role of a scientist as a discoverer who explains things that already exist in nature. The paragraph concludes with sentence B, which contrasts inventors with engineers, highlighting the difference in their roles and the creative aspect of an inventor.
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