DRDO CEPTAM Exam Pattern 2026: Tier 1 & Tier 2 Marking Scheme for STA-B, Technician-A

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has released the CEPTAM Exam Pattern 2026 for Senior Technical Assistant-B and Technician-A posts in its official notification. Understanding the exam structure, marking scheme, and selection process is crucial for effective preparation.

The recruitment drive aims to fill 764 vacancies, and the selection process includes Tier I, Tier II, Trade Test, and Document Verification.

DRDO CEPTAM Exam Pattern 2026: Overview

STA-B Exam Pattern 2026

The STA-B exam consists of two tiers, both conducted in CBT mode.

Tier I (Screening Test)

Tier II (Provisional Selection)

Qualifying Marks:

• UR/OBC/EWS: 40%
• SC/ST/PwBD: 35%

Technician-A Exam Pattern 2026

The selection process includes Tier I, Tier II, and the Trade Test.

Tier I 

Same pattern as STA-B:

• 150 Questions (General Science, English, Maths, Reasoning)
• 150 Marks
• 120 minutes

Tier II (Shortlisting for Trade Test)

Trade Test (Qualifying)

• Based on the ITI-level syllabus
• Tests practical skills related to the trade
• Duration varies 

DRDO CEPTAM Marking Scheme 2026

• +1 mark for each correct answer
• -0.25 marks for each incorrect answer 
• No penalty for unattempted questions