DRDO Scientist salary analysis

Stable to growing — DRDO's approved budget crossed ₹23,800 crore in 2024-25, the highest ever; 25%+ of defence capital is now earmarked for domestic procurement under Positive Indigenisation Lists, driving demand for system-integration and user-trial scientists. Long-term scientist headcount constraint (DRDO has ~5,000 Scientist-grade posts against a sanctioned strength of ~7,500) means vacancies remain open. Newer programmes — AMCA (advanced medium combat aircraft), QRSAM, Tejas Mk2, Rustom-2 MALE UAV, naval BRAHMOS and hypersonic HSTDV successors — will require fresh scientist inductions through the 2030s.

130000