Government Jobs
UPSC DRDO Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II Recruitment 2026: 29 Vacancies, Apply Online
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced recruitment for the post of Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II in the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO), Ministry of Defence. This is an excellent opportunity for qualified candidates across India as UPSC is inviting applications for 29 vacancies. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official UPSC portal before the last date.
The Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II position in DRDO offers a prestigious career opportunity in one of India's premier defence research organizations. This recruitment is conducted on an All India basis, allowing candidates from every state to apply for these positions under the Ministry of Defence.
Important Highlights
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Department | Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) |
| Post Name | Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II |
| Total Vacancies | 29 Posts |
| Salary | As per 7th Pay Commission norms |
| Last Date to Apply | 29 May 2026 |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
The Union Public Service Commission has notified a total of 29 vacancies for the position of Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II in DRDO. These positions are available across various DRDO establishments throughout India. The vacancy distribution across different categories will be announced in the detailed notification. Candidates are advised to check the official notification for the exact breakup of vacancies reserved for different categories including General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories as per government norms.
Since this is an All India service position under the Ministry of Defence, selected candidates may be posted at any DRDO establishment across the country. The reservation policy will be followed as per the Government of India guidelines.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
Candidates applying for the Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II post in DRDO must be between 18 to 35 years of age. The age limit is calculated as on the closing date of application submission.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General/EWS | No relaxation (18-35 years) |
| OBC | 3 years (18-38 years) |
| SC/ST | 5 years (18-40 years) |
| PwBD (General) | 10 years (18-45 years) |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years (18-48 years) |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years (18-50 years) |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Government rules |
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university or institution. Along with the educational qualification, candidates should have 3 years of experience in administration, establishment, or accounts work in any government department or reputed organization. The experience requirement is essential and candidates must provide proper documentary proof of their work experience at the time of application and document verification.
Other Requirements
Candidates should have sound knowledge of administrative procedures, establishment matters, and accounts work. Proficiency in computer applications and good communication skills in English and Hindi are desirable. Candidates must be Indian citizens and should fulfill all the conditions mentioned in the detailed recruitment notification issued by UPSC.
Salary and Pay Scale
The Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II position in DRDO comes with an attractive salary package as per the 7th Pay Commission norms. Selected candidates will be placed in the appropriate pay level as per the Government of India pay structure for Group 'A' or Group 'B' services.
The pay scale typically includes basic pay, Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and other applicable allowances as per government rules. The estimated in-hand salary would be substantial and varies based on the posting location and applicable allowances. Additionally, employees will be entitled to benefits such as medical facilities, leave travel concession, pension benefits, and other perks applicable to central government employees.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹25 |
| OBC | ₹25 |
| SC/ST | ₹0 (No Fee) |
| Women Candidates | ₹0 (No Fee) |
| PwBD Candidates | ₹0 (No Fee) |
The application fee must be paid online through Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI payment modes. SC/ST candidates, women candidates, and Persons with Benchmark Disability are exempted from paying the application fee.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II post in DRDO through UPSC involves the following stages:
- Written Examination: Candidates will have to appear for a written test conducted by UPSC. The exam will assess candidates' knowledge of administrative procedures, general awareness, reasoning ability, and subject-specific knowledge related to administration and accounts work.
- Document Verification: Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be called for document verification. All original certificates related to age, educational qualifications, experience, category certificate, and other relevant documents must be produced at this stage.
- Final Merit List: Based on the performance in the written examination and successful document verification, UPSC will prepare a final merit list. Candidates will be recommended for appointment based on their rank in the merit list and availability of vacancies in different categories.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | To be announced |
| Application Start Date | To be announced |
| Last Date to Apply | 29 May 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 29 May 2026 |
| Exam Date | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release Date | To be announced |
| Result Announcement | To be announced |
How to Apply Online
Candidates interested in applying for the UPSC DRDO Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II recruitment must follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official UPSC website at https://www.upsc.gov.in or the online application portal at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/.
- Find the Notification: Look for the recruitment advertisement for Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II in DRDO on the homepage or under the 'Recruitment' section.
- Read Carefully: Download and thoroughly read the detailed notification to understand all eligibility criteria, important instructions, and requirements.
- Click Apply Online: Click on the 'Apply Online' link available on the official portal. For new users, first complete the one-time registration process.
- Fill the Application Form: Complete the online application form with accurate personal details, educational qualifications, work experience, and other required information.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph, signature, and other required documents in the specified format and size.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the application fee through the available online payment methods. Take note of the transaction ID for future reference.
- Submit the Form: Review all entered information carefully and submit the application form online.
- Take Printout: After successful submission, take a printout of the application form and fee payment receipt for your records.
Required Documents
Candidates must keep the following documents ready in scanned format before starting the online application process:
- Recent passport-size color photograph (as per UPSC specifications)
- Scanned signature on white paper
- Class 10th certificate and mark sheet (for age proof)
- Bachelor's degree certificate and mark sheets
- Experience certificates proving 3 years of work experience in administration, establishment, or accounts
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) issued by competent authority
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile/Residence certificate
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar card/PAN card/Voter ID)
How to Prepare for UPSC DRDO SAO Grade-II Exam
Preparing for the UPSC examination for Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II requires a systematic and focused approach. Here are some effective preparation tips:
1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Start by thoroughly understanding the exam syllabus and pattern. The written test typically covers topics related to general awareness, administrative procedures, accounts and finance, reasoning ability, and English comprehension. Obtain previous year question papers if available to understand the question types and difficulty level.
2. Study Administrative Procedures: Since this is an administrative position, focus on studying administrative procedures, establishment rules, service rules, financial regulations, and government accounting systems. Read standard books on public administration and government accounting. Stay updated with recent changes in administrative policies and procedures.
3. Develop Time Management Skills: Practice solving mock tests and previous year papers within the stipulated time. Time management is crucial in UPSC examinations. Allocate specific time slots for different sections and practice adhering to them. Regular practice will improve your speed and accuracy.
4. Current Affairs and General Knowledge: Read newspapers daily and follow current affairs, especially related to defence, government policies, and administrative reforms. Make notes of important events, government schemes, and recent developments in the defence research sector. This will help you in the general awareness section of the examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the educational qualification required for DRDO Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university along with 3 years of experience in administration, establishment, or accounts work in any government department or reputed organization.
What is the age limit for applying to this UPSC DRDO recruitment?
The age limit is 18 to 35 years as on the closing date of application. Age relaxation is available for OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), and other reserved categories as per government norms.
How much is the application fee for the Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II post?
The application fee is ₹25 for General and OBC category candidates. SC/ST candidates, women candidates, and PwBD candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
What is the selection process for this DRDO recruitment through UPSC?
The selection process includes a Written Test conducted by UPSC, followed by Document Verification. The final merit list will be prepared based on the performance in the written examination.
Is this recruitment for a specific state or All India?
This is an All India recruitment, meaning candidates from all states of India can apply. Selected candidates may be posted at any DRDO establishment across the country based on organizational requirements.
The UPSC DRDO Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II recruitment 2026 offers an excellent career opportunity for graduates with relevant administrative experience. With 29 vacancies available across India, eligible candidates should not miss this chance to work in the prestigious Defence Research & Development Organization. Interested candidates must apply online through the official UPSC portal at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/ before 29 May 2026. Make sure to read the official notification carefully and verify all information from the official UPSC website before applying. This article is for informational purposes only, and candidates are advised to check the official notification for complete and accurate details.
This article was generated with AI assistance and verified by our editorial team.