Drdo Ceptam Papers 2026
DRDO CEPTAM 2026 - Complete Exam Guide, Previous Papers & Preparation Strategy
Last Updated: March 2026
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM) examination is conducted for recruitment of technical and administrative staff in various DRDO laboratories across India. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to crack DRDO CEPTAM 2026.
Exam Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Centre for Personnel Talent Management |
| Conducting Body | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Job Categories | Technical (STA-B, Technician-A), Admin (A&A, Store Asst, etc.) |
| Job Type | Group 'B' and Group 'C' posts |
| Nature of Job | Defence Research and Development |
Important Dates (Tentative - CEPTAM 2026)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | June-July 2026 |
| Online Application Start | July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | August 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | September 2026 |
| Tier-I Examination | October-November 2026 |
| Tier-II Examination | January-February 2027 |
| Result Declaration | March-April 2027 |
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Citizen of India
- Subject of Nepal/Bhutan
- Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962
Age Limit
| Post | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| STA-B (Senior Technical Assistant) | 18-28 years |
| Technician-A | 18-25 years |
| Admin & Allied (A&A) | 18-27 years |
| Store Assistant | 18-27 years |
| Stenographer | 18-27 years |
Age Relaxation:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| PwD (General) | 10 years |
| PwD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per rules |
| Widows/Divorced Women | As per rules |
Educational Qualification
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| STA-B | B.Sc./Diploma in relevant Engg. (1st Class) |
| Technician-A | 10th + ITI in relevant trade |
| Admin & Allied | 10+2 or Graduation as per post |
| Store Assistant | 10+2 with Science/Commerce |
| Stenographer | 10+2 + Stenography certificate |
DRDO CEPTAM 2026 Exam Pattern
Tier-I (Screening Test)
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-I | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | |
| Part-II | General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| Part-III | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | |
| Part-IV | General Science (for Technical) / English (for Admin) | 50 | 50 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 Minutes |
Tier-II (Final Selection)
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 150 |
| II | General Awareness | 50 | 150 |
| III | Reasoning | 50 | 150 |
| IV | Concerned Subject/Trade | 100 | 300 |
| Total | 250 | 750 |
Marking Scheme
| Exam | Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| Tier-I | +1 mark | -0.25 marks |
| Tier-II | +3 marks | -1 mark |
CEPTAM 2026 Syllabus
Quantitative Aptitude
Number System
- Natural numbers, Integers
- Rational and Real numbers
- Decimal fractions
- LCM and HCF
- Square roots and Cube roots
- Number series
Algebra
- Basic algebraic identities
- Surds and indices
- Linear equations
- Quadratic equations
- Polynomials
Geometry and Mensuration
- Lines and angles
- Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles
- Area and perimeter
- Volume and surface area
- Coordinate geometry
Commercial Mathematics
- Percentage
- Ratio and proportion
- Average
- Profit and loss
- Simple and Compound interest
- Time and work
- Time and distance
- Mixture and allegation
Statistics
- Data interpretation (Tables, Graphs)
- Mean, Median, Mode
- Probability
General Awareness
Indian History
- Ancient, Medieval, Modern India
- Indian National Movement
- Freedom struggle
- Important historical events
Geography
- Physical geography of India
- Indian states and capitals
- Rivers, Mountains, Deserts
- Climate and natural resources
- World geography basics
Indian Polity
- Indian Constitution
- Fundamental rights and duties
- Parliament and state legislature
- Judiciary
- Panchayati Raj
Indian Economy
- Economic planning
- Five year plans
- Banking and finance
- Budget and taxation
- Important economic terms
Current Affairs
- National and international news
- Sports and awards
- Science and technology
- Defense and space
- Government schemes
Static GK
- Important days
- Books and authors
- Countries and capitals
- Awards and honors
- Organizations and their headquarters
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning
- Analogy
- Classification
- Series completion
- Coding-decoding
- Blood relations
- Direction sense
- Syllogism
- Statement and conclusion
- Venn diagrams
Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Pattern completion
- Figure matrix
- Mirror images
- Paper folding and cutting
- Embedded figures
Logical Reasoning
- Statement and assumptions
- Statement and arguments
- Statement and courses of action
- Cause and effect
- Decision making
General Science (For Technical Posts)
Physics
- Mechanics
- Heat and thermodynamics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Optics
- Modern physics
- Electronics
Chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Environmental chemistry
Biology
- Cell biology
- Genetics
- Human physiology
- Plant physiology
- Ecology and environment
English Language (For Admin Posts)
- Grammar (Parts of speech, Tenses, Voice, Narration)
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution)
- Comprehension passages
- Cloze test
- Error detection
- Sentence improvement
- Para jumbles
Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Solutions
Question 1: LCM and HCF
Problem: The LCM of two numbers is 495 and their HCF is 5. If the sum of the numbers is 100, find their difference.
Solution: Let the numbers be 5a and 5b (since HCF is 5)
LCM × HCF = Product of numbers 495 × 5 = 5a × 5b 2475 = 25ab ab = 99
Also: 5a + 5b = 100 a + b = 20
We have: a + b = 20 and ab = 99 a and b are roots of: x² - 20x + 99 = 0 (x - 9)(x - 11) = 0 So a = 9, b = 11 (or vice versa)
Numbers are: 5×9 = 45 and 5×11 = 55 Difference = 55 - 45 = 10
Question 2: Compound Interest
Problem: A sum of money doubles itself in 8 years at compound interest. In how many years will it become four times?
Solution: If money doubles in 8 years: P becomes 2P in 8 years
To become 4 times: 2P becomes 4P in another 8 years
Total time = 8 + 8 = 16 years
Shortcut: Doubling time is constant in CI. To become 4 times (2²), it takes 2 × doubling time = 16 years.
Question 3: Ratio and Proportion
Problem: The ratio of ages of A and B is 4:5. After 6 years, the ratio becomes 6:7. Find the present age of A.
Solution: Let present ages be 4x and 5x
After 6 years: (4x + 6)/(5x + 6) = 6/7
Cross multiply: 7(4x + 6) = 6(5x + 6) 28x + 42 = 30x + 36 42 - 36 = 30x - 28x 6 = 2x x = 3
Present age of A = 4x = 4 × 3 = 12 years
Question 4: Time and Work
Problem: A, B, and C can complete a work in 10, 12, and 15 days respectively. If they work together, how many days will they take?
Solution: A's 1 day work = 1/10 B's 1 day work = 1/12 C's 1 day work = 1/15
(A + B + C)'s 1 day work = 1/10 + 1/12 + 1/15
LCM of 10, 12, 15 = 60 = 6/60 + 5/60 + 4/60 = 15/60 = 1/4
Days required = 4 days
Question 5: Mixture and Alligation
Problem: A mixture of 60 liters contains milk and water in the ratio 3:2. How much water must be added to make the ratio 1:1?
Solution: Milk in mixture = (3/5) × 60 = 36 liters Water in mixture = (2/5) × 60 = 24 liters
Let x liters of water be added. For ratio 1:1: 36/(24 + x) = 1/1 36 = 24 + x x = 12 liters
Question 6: Probability
Problem: Two dice are thrown simultaneously. Find the probability of getting a sum of 7.
Solution: Total outcomes = 6 × 6 = 36
Favorable outcomes for sum 7: (1,6), (2,5), (3,4), (4,3), (5,2), (6,1) Number of favorable outcomes = 6
Probability = 6/36 = 1/6
Question 7: Partnership
Problem: A, B, and C invest ₹50,000, ₹70,000, and ₹80,000 respectively. A is a working partner and gets 10% of the profit. The remaining profit is divided in the ratio of their investments. If the total profit is ₹72,000, find A's share.
Solution: A's working partner share = 10% of 72,000 = ₹7,200
Remaining profit = 72,000 - 7,200 = ₹64,800
Investment ratio: A:B:C = 50,000:70,000:80,000 = 5:7:8
A's share from investment = (5/20) × 64,800 = ₹16,200
Total share of A = 7,200 + 16,200 = ₹23,400
Question 8: Data Interpretation
Problem: Study the following table and answer:
| Year | Production (in tons) |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 200 |
| 2022 | 250 |
| 2023 | 300 |
| 2024 | 280 |
What is the average production?
Solution: Total production = 200 + 250 + 300 + 280 = 1030 tons Number of years = 4
Average = 1030/4 = 257.5 tons
Question 9: Surds and Indices
Problem: Simplify: (16)³/⁴
Solution: (16)³/⁴ = (2⁴)³/⁴ = 2^(4 × 3/4) = 2³ = 8
Question 10: Quadratic Equations
Problem: Find the roots of: x² - 7x + 12 = 0
Solution: x² - 7x + 12 = 0 x² - 4x - 3x + 12 = 0 x(x - 4) - 3(x - 4) = 0 (x - 4)(x - 3) = 0
Roots: x = 4 and x = 3
Question 11: Geometry
Problem: The diagonal of a square is 10√2 cm. Find its area.
Solution: In a square, diagonal = side × √2 So, side = 10√2/√2 = 10 cm
Area = side² = 10² = 100 cm²
Question 12: Trigonometry
Problem: If tan θ = 4/3, find sin θ.
Solution: tan θ = opposite/adjacent = 4/3
Using Pythagoras: hypotenuse = √(4² + 3²) = √(16 + 9) = √25 = 5
sin θ = opposite/hypotenuse = 4/5
Question 13: Calendar
Problem: What day of the week was January 26, 1950 (Republic Day)?
Solution: Using odd days method:
- 1600 years: 0 odd days
- 300 years: 1 odd day (5 odd days per 100 years)
- 49 years: 37 ordinary + 12 leap = 49 + 12 = 61 odd days = 5 odd days
- Days till Jan 26, 1950: 26 days = 5 odd days
Total odd days = 0 + 1 + 5 + 5 = 11 = 4 odd days
4 odd days = Thursday
Question 14: Number Series
Problem: Find the missing number: 1, 8, 27, 64, 125, ?
Solution: Pattern: 1 = 1³ 8 = 2³ 27 = 3³ 64 = 4³ 125 = 5³
Next = 6³ = 216
Question 15: Boats and Streams
Problem: A boat can travel 20 km downstream in 2 hours and 12 km upstream in 3 hours. Find the speed of the boat in still water.
Solution: Downstream speed = 20/2 = 10 km/hr Upstream speed = 12/3 = 4 km/hr
Speed of boat in still water = (Downstream + Upstream)/2 = (10 + 4)/2 = 7 km/hr
Reasoning Questions with Solutions
Question 1: Series Completion
Problem: Find the next term: AZ, CX, EV, GT, ?
Solution: Pattern: First letters: A(+2)→C(+2)→E(+2)→G(+2)→I Second letters: Z(-2)→X(-2)→V(-2)→T(-2)→R
Question 2: Coding-Decoding
Problem: In a code language, 'DRDO' is written as 'ESFR'. How is 'CEPTAM' written?
Solution: Pattern: Each letter is shifted by +1, +2, +3, +4... alternately
D(+1)→E, R(+2)→T, D(+3)→G... Wait, let me recheck.
D→E (+1) R→S (+1) D→E (+1) O→P (+1)
Actually simple +1 pattern: D→E, R→S, D→E, O→P
Applying to CEPTAM: C→D, E→F, P→Q, T→U, A→B, M→N
Question 3: Analogy
Problem: Scientist : Laboratory :: Soldier : ?
Solution: A scientist works in a laboratory. Similarly, a soldier works in a barrack/cantonment.
Question 4: Blood Relations
Problem: Pointing to a photograph, a man said, "She is the daughter of my wife's mother-in-law." How is the woman related to the man?
Solution:
- Man's wife's mother-in-law = Man's mother
- Daughter of man's mother = Man's sister
Question 5: Direction Sense
Problem: A person walks 5 km North, turns East and walks 3 km, then turns South and walks 5 km. How far is he from the starting point?
Solution:
- Start (0,0), walk 5 km North → (0, 5)
- Walk 3 km East → (3, 5)
- Walk 5 km South → (3, 0)
Distance from origin = 3 km (East)
Question 6: Syllogism
Problem: Statements:
- All researchers are scientists.
- Some scientists are engineers.
Conclusions: I. Some researchers are engineers. II. Some engineers are scientists.
Solution: Conclusion I does not necessarily follow (researchers might not be among those scientists who are engineers). Conclusion II follows (since some scientists are engineers, some engineers are definitely scientists).
Question 7: Classification
Problem: Find the odd one out: Missile, Tank, Radar, Rifle
Solution: Missile, Tank, and Radar are defense equipment/systems developed by DRDO. Rifle is a general weapon, not specifically a DRDO product.
Question 8: Logical Reasoning
Problem: Statements:
- Some missiles are nuclear.
- All nuclear weapons are dangerous.
Conclusions: I. Some missiles are dangerous. II. All dangerous things are missiles.
Solution: I. Some missiles are dangerous - True (Some missiles → nuclear → dangerous) II. All dangerous things are missiles - False (Reverse is not true)
Question 9: Pattern Recognition
Problem: If 2 + 3 = 25, 4 + 5 = 81, 6 + 7 = 169, then 8 + 9 = ?
Solution: Pattern: (a + b)² 2 + 3 = 5² = 25 ✓ 4 + 5 = 9² = 81 ✓ 6 + 7 = 13² = 169 ✓
8 + 9 = 17² = 289
Question 10: Seating Arrangement
Problem: A, B, C, D, and E are sitting in a row. B is between A and E. D is to the right of E. C is to the left of A. Who is in the middle?
Solution: From the clues:
- C ... A ... B ... E ... D
- B is between A and E
- D is right of E
- C is left of A
Arrangement: C - A - B - E - D
Middle position: B
General Knowledge Questions with Answers
DRDO and Defence
Q1. What is the full form of DRDO? Answer: Defence Research and Development Organisation
Q2. Where is the headquarters of DRDO located? Answer: New Delhi
Q3. When was DRDO established? Answer: 1958
Q4. Who is the current DRDO Chairman (as of 2026)? Answer: Dr. Samir V. Kamat
Q5. What is the name of India's indigenous aircraft carrier? Answer: INS Vikrant
DRDO Products and Achievements
Q6. What is the name of India's ballistic missile defense system? Answer: Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) and Advanced Air Defence (AAD)
Q7. Which is India's anti-tank guided missile? Answer: Nag Missile
Q8. What is the name of India's light combat aircraft? Answer: Tejas (LCA)
Q9. Which missile is called the "Fire and Forget" missile? Answer: Nag Missile (3rd generation ATGM)
Q10. What is the name of India's beyond visual range air-to-air missile? Answer: Astra
General Science
Q11. What is the chemical formula of laughing gas? Answer: N₂O (Nitrous Oxide)
Q12. Who discovered X-rays? Answer: Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen
Q13. What is the unit of electrical resistance? Answer: Ohm (Ω)
Q14. Which gas is used in fire extinguishers? Answer: Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
Q15. What is the hardest natural substance? Answer: Diamond
Indian History and Polity
Q16. When was the DRDO formed by merging different organizations? Answer: 1958 (by merging Technical Development Establishment and Directorate of Technical Development)
Q17. Which laboratory of DRDO developed the Tejas aircraft? Answer: Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
Q18. What does CEPTAM stand for? Answer: Centre for Personnel Talent Management
Q19. Which is the premier laboratory for missile development in DRDO? Answer: Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad
Q20. What is the name of India's Main Battle Tank developed by DRDO? Answer: Arjun MBT
English Questions with Solutions
Question 1: Spotting Error
Problem: Identify the error: "The number of candidates have increased this year."
Solution: "The number of" takes singular verb. "A number of" takes plural verb.
Correction: "The number of candidates has increased this year."
Question 2: Synonyms
Problem: Choose the synonym of "Innovation". (a) Imitation (b) Invention (c) Copy (d) Tradition
Solution: Innovation means introducing new ideas or methods. Invention is closest.
Question 3: Antonyms
Problem: Choose the antonym of "Advanced". (a) Modern (b) Primitive (c) Developed (d) Improved
Solution: Advanced means modern/developed. The opposite is primitive.
Question 4: One Word Substitution
Problem: A person who studies the science of weapons and warfare. (a) Biologist (b) Ordnance expert (c) Botanist (d) Astronomer
Solution: Ordnance expert deals with weapons and military equipment.
Question 5: Comprehension
Problem: Read and answer:
"DRDO is India's premier research and development organization for defense technologies. It develops state-of-the-art systems and technologies for the Indian Armed Forces. CEPTAM conducts recruitment for various technical and administrative posts in DRDO."
What does DRDO develop? (a) Consumer goods (b) Defense technologies (c) Educational content (d) Medical equipment
Solution: The passage states: "DRDO is India's premier research and development organization for defense technologies."
Previous Year Cutoff Marks
Tier-I Cutoff (Out of 200)
| Post | General | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STA-B | 130-140 | 120-130 | 110-120 | 100-110 |
| Technician-A | 125-135 | 115-125 | 105-115 | 95-105 |
| Admin & Allied | 120-130 | 110-120 | 100-110 | 90-100 |
Tier-II Cutoff (Out of 750)
| Post | General | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STA-B | 450-480 | 420-450 | 380-420 | 350-380 |
| Technician-A | 420-450 | 390-420 | 350-390 | 320-350 |
Note: Cutoff varies based on number of vacancies and difficulty level.
3-Month Preparation Strategy
Month 1: Foundation Building
Week 1-2: Quantitative Aptitude
- Number system and HCF/LCM
- Percentage and profit-loss
- Simple equations
Week 3-4: Reasoning
- Series and analogy
- Coding-decoding
- Blood relations
- Direction sense
Daily Schedule:
- 3 hours: Quantitative Aptitude
- 2 hours: Reasoning
- 1 hour: GK reading
Month 2: Advanced Topics and Practice
Week 5-6: Advanced Math and GK
- Geometry and mensuration
- Indian History and Polity
- Geography and Economy
Week 7-8: Mock Tests
- Full-length tests
- Previous year papers
- Error analysis
Daily Schedule:
- 2 hours: Mathematics
- 2 hours: Reasoning
- 2 hours: General Awareness
- 1 hour: Mock test
Month 3: Revision and Final Preparation
Week 9-10: Subject Revision
- Quick formula revision
- Important GK topics
- Current Affairs (last 6 months)
Week 11-12: Intensive Mock Tests
- 1-2 full tests daily
- Time management practice
- Weak area focus
Subject-wise Tips
Quantitative Aptitude:
- Focus on calculation speed
- Practice shortcuts and tricks
- Learn squares up to 30 and cubes up to 20
- Focus on data interpretation
Reasoning:
- Practice different types of series
- Learn coding-decoding patterns
- Focus on syllogism rules
- Practice seating arrangements
General Awareness:
- Read newspaper daily
- Focus on defense news
- DRDO achievements and products
- Government schemes
English (for Admin posts):
- Improve vocabulary
- Practice comprehension
- Learn grammar rules
Best Books and Resources
Quantitative Aptitude
| Book | Author | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal | Comprehensive practice |
| Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma | Speed techniques |
| Magical Book on Quicker Maths | M. Tyra | Shortcuts and tricks |
Reasoning
| Book | Author | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| A Modern Approach to Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | All reasoning topics |
| Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey | Advanced reasoning |
General Awareness
| Book | Author | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent | Basic GK |
| Manorama Yearbook 2026 | - | Current Affairs |
| General Knowledge 2026 | Arihant | Exam-focused |
General Science
| Book | Author | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| NCERT Science (Class 9-12) | NCERT | Concepts |
| General Science | Lucent | Quick revision |
Online Resources
- Official Website: www.drdo.gov.in
- Recruitment Portal: www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/CEPTAM/English/index.jsp
- Practice Tests: Testbook, Gradeup, Oliveboard
- YouTube Channels:
- Examपुर
- WifiStudy
- Unacademy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the salary structure for DRDO CEPTAM posts?
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| STA-B | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ₹55,000 - ₹65,000 |
| Technician-A | Level 2 | ₹19,900 | ₹32,000 - ₹38,000 |
| Admin & Allied | Level 4-5 | ₹25,500 | ₹40,000 - ₹50,000 |
Additional benefits:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Medical facilities
- Leave Travel Concession
- Pension benefits (NPS)
Q2. Is there any interview in DRDO CEPTAM selection?
- Tier-I (Computer Based Test) - Screening
- Tier-II (Computer Based Test) - Final selection
- Document verification
- Medical examination
The final merit list is prepared based on Tier-II marks.
Q3. What is the job profile of STA-B and Technician-A?
STA-B (Senior Technical Assistant-B):
- Assisting scientists in R&D activities
- Operating and maintaining scientific equipment
- Technical documentation
- Laboratory management
- Supporting prototype development
Technician-A:
- Technical support in laboratories
- Equipment maintenance
- Assisting in experiments and tests
- Workshop activities
- Inventory management
Both posts offer excellent exposure to cutting-edge defense technologies.
Q4. Can final year students apply for CEPTAM?
Q5. What is the probation period for CEPTAM recruits?
| Post | Probation Period |
|---|---|
| STA-B | 2 years |
| Technician-A | 2 years |
| Admin & Allied | 2 years |
During probation:
- Candidates undergo training
- Performance is evaluated
- After successful completion, confirmed in service
- Full benefits applicable after confirmation
Important Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
| CEPTAM Portal | ceptam.drdo.in |
| Headquarters | DRDO Bhawan, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi - 110011 |
| Helpline | Check official notification |
Final Tips for Success
- Focus on Basics - DRDO exam tests fundamental concepts
- Practice Regularly - Consistency is key
- Stay Updated with defense and science news
- Learn DRDO Products - Know about missiles, radars, aircraft
- Time Management - 200 questions in 120 minutes
- Avoid Guesswork - Due to negative marking
- Attempt Mock Tests - Simulate exam conditions
- Revise Formulas - Keep a formula sheet handy
- Stay Healthy - Physical fitness for medical test
- Be Patient - Selection process takes time
Best wishes for your DRDO CEPTAM 2026 preparation!
Last Updated: March 2026