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DRDO SAO 2026–27 Study Plan | 9 January 2027 Tentative RT Target

CRACKTARGET / DRDO SAO GRADE-II / UPDATED 21 OCTOBER 2026

DRDO SAO 2026–27 Study Plan

A focused, exam-oriented preparation roadmap for the UPSC Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II recruitment test. Our original 90-day plan is now reorganised into a 79-day dated sprint, running 22 October 2026 to 8 January 2027, ahead of the tentative recruitment-test calendar window.

Tentative planning target: 9 January 202711 full weeks + 2 final daysAll core subjects + PYQs + mock tests
View 79-day calendar ↗Explore specialised books
79Scheduled study days
11Complete weekly cycles
9Relevant books / editions
9 Jan2027 tentative RT target
PREPARE WITH A PLAN

From the fundamentals to exam readiness

The most effective approach is to study the notified syllabus first, use subject-wise notes to close gaps, practise objective questions, and improve performance through error analysis. The following phase divisions are CrackTarget’s study recommendations—not an official UPSC timetable or prescribed syllabus weightage.

PHASE 01

Core foundations

Public Administration, HRM, RTI, Marketing, Accounting and Financial Management. Build concise notes and solve topic tests.

22 Oct – 2 Dec 2026
PHASE 02

General Ability + integration

History, polity, Computer Applications, English, Reasoning, General Science, aptitude and regular current-affairs revision.

3 – 23 Dec 2026
PHASE 03

Mocks + final revision

Full-length mocks, weak-area repair, speed, accuracy, revisiting difficult questions and keeping exam documents ready.

24 Dec 2026 – 8 Jan 2027
PRINT-FRIENDLY • DATED • FREE

Your complete 79-day daily calendar

Open any week to view all seven daily assignments. Each topic day includes objective practice, current affairs and spaced revision. The final two days are reserved for consolidation. Use the latest official syllabus as the authority when prioritising any area.

W01Public Administration + HRM I22 Oct – 28 Oct 2026

Finish administrative foundations and build a clear HRM vocabulary.

DAY 1Thu, 22 Oct
Introduction to Public Administration: scope, evolution, Wilson and administrative principlesAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 2Fri, 23 Oct
Organisation theory: Weber, Fayol, Taylor and hierarchy; 25 applied MCQsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 3Sat, 24 Oct
POSDCORB, public management, accountability and administrative ethicsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 4Sun, 25 Oct
HRM foundations: scope, objectives, human resource planning and job designAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 5Mon, 26 Oct
Recruitment and selection: sources, methods, job analysis and interview processesAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 6Tue, 27 Oct
Governance, decentralisation, 73rd/74th Amendments, Panchayati Raj and policy implementationAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 7Wed, 28 Oct
Week 1 recap: revise summaries, attempt two sectional tests, update error notebookTest / revision + error-log review
W02HRM II + RTI Act29 Oct – 4 Nov 2026

Complete high-return personnel and RTI provisions with section-based revision.

DAY 8Thu, 29 Oct
Training and development, on-the-job vs off-the-job methods, training evaluationAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 9Fri, 30 Oct
Performance management: APAR, appraisal tools, MBO, 360-degree feedback and biasesAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 10Sat, 31 Oct
Compensation, motivation, employee relations and workplace grievance redressalAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 11Sun, 1 Nov
RTI Act scope and definitions; public authority, information and right to informationAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 12Mon, 2 Nov
RTI application process; duties of PIOs and deadlines—verify statutory exceptionsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 13Tue, 3 Nov
RTI exemptions, public interest tests, third-party information and severabilityAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 14Wed, 4 Nov
Weekly RTI/HRM sectional mock: analyse every incorrect responseTest / revision + error-log review
W03Marketing + Accounting I5 Nov – 11 Nov 2026

Establish conceptual coverage before financial numericals.

DAY 15Thu, 5 Nov
Marketing concepts, needs, wants, STP and marketing environmentAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 16Fri, 6 Nov
Marketing mix: product, price, place, promotion and extended services mixAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 17Sat, 7 Nov
Consumer behaviour, branding, product life cycle and new product developmentAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 18Sun, 8 Nov
Marketing research, digital marketing and ethics; practice statement MCQsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 19Mon, 9 Nov
Accounting principles, double-entry system, journal, ledger and trial balanceAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 20Tue, 10 Nov
Final accounts, depreciation and inventory valuation with small examplesAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 21Wed, 11 Nov
Week 3 cumulative review: marketing case questions and accounting problem drillTest / revision + error-log review
W04Financial Management + Accounting II12 Nov – 18 Nov 2026

Turn theory into calculations and quick decision rules.

DAY 22Thu, 12 Nov
Financial statements: balance sheet, profit and loss account and cash flow conceptsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 23Fri, 13 Nov
Financial ratio analysis: liquidity, profitability, solvency and efficiencyAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 24Sat, 14 Nov
Time value of money: present value, future value and annuitiesAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 25Sun, 15 Nov
Capital budgeting: NPV, IRR, payback and profitability indexAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 26Mon, 16 Nov
Cost of capital, leverage, capital structure and dividend decisionsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 27Tue, 17 Nov
Working capital, cash conversion cycle, inventory and receivables managementAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 28Wed, 18 Nov
Combined finance/accounting timed mock; rebuild formulas from memoryTest / revision + error-log review
W05History + Polity + Governance19 Nov – 25 Nov 2026

Cover general-ability concepts and connect them with public administration.

DAY 29Thu, 19 Nov
1857 uprising, socio-religious movements and early nationalismAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 30Fri, 20 Nov
INC, moderates, extremists, Swadeshi and Home Rule movementsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 31Sat, 21 Nov
Gandhian movements: Champaran, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience and Quit IndiaAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 32Sun, 22 Nov
Constituent Assembly, independence and integration of the Indian UnionAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 33Mon, 23 Nov
Preamble, fundamental rights, DPSP, duties and constitutional bodiesAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 34Tue, 24 Nov
Government structure, Parliament, administrative reforms and major committeesAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 35Wed, 25 Nov
Weekly mixed mock: history, governance and current affairsTest / revision + error-log review
W06Computer + General Science26 Nov – 2 Dec 2026

Strengthen conceptual science and practical computer fundamentals.

DAY 36Thu, 26 Nov
Computer generations, hardware, software, memory hierarchy and storageAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 37Fri, 27 Nov
Operating systems, MS Office basics, spreadsheets and shortcutsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 38Sat, 28 Nov
Networking, internet, OSI/TCP-IP basics, cyber hygiene and securityAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 39Sun, 29 Nov
DBMS, database keys, cloud, e-governance and AI fundamentalsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 40Mon, 30 Nov
General Science: motion, energy, heat, electricity and common applicationsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 41Tue, 1 Dec
General Science: cell biology, human systems, genetics, chemistry in daily lifeAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 42Wed, 2 Dec
Computer + science sectionals; update one-page formula and fact sheetsTest / revision + error-log review
W07English + Aptitude + Integration3 Dec – 9 Dec 2026

Improve speed and avoid preventable qualifying errors.

DAY 43Thu, 3 Dec
English grammar: agreement, tenses, articles, prepositions and modifiersAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 44Fri, 4 Dec
Error detection, sentence improvement and active/passive practiceAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 45Sat, 5 Dec
Reading comprehension, cloze tests and paragraph sequencingAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 46Sun, 6 Dec
Vocabulary, idioms, synonyms/antonyms and contextual usageAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 47Mon, 7 Dec
Numerical aptitude: ratios, percentages, profit/loss, averages and DIAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 48Tue, 8 Dec
Logical reasoning: syllogisms, series, coding, ordering and analytical questionsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 49Wed, 9 Dec
Mixed mini-mock with full review: record time by question typeTest / revision + error-log review
W08Full Syllabus Revision I10 Dec – 16 Dec 2026

Complete second reading of all core texts and fix known weak points.

DAY 50Thu, 10 Dec
Public Administration revision: one-page theories and administrative contrastsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 51Fri, 11 Dec
HRM revision: recruitment through industrial relations; 100 rapid-fire checksAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 52Sat, 12 Dec
Marketing revision: STP, mix, behaviour and digital marketingAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 53Sun, 13 Dec
RTI: redraw chapter maps, sections, exceptions, appeals and penaltiesAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 54Mon, 14 Dec
Accounting: final accounts, ratios and depreciation practice setAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 55Tue, 15 Dec
Finance: NPV, IRR, leverage, working capital and costing drillsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 56Wed, 16 Dec
Full mock 1; complete 90-minute post-test error analysisTest / revision + error-log review
W09Mock Intensive I17 Dec – 23 Dec 2026

Shift from syllabus completion to evidence-led test practice.

DAY 57Thu, 17 Dec
Full mock 2 plus subject-wise score auditAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 58Fri, 18 Dec
Targeted correction: weakest two conceptual areas from mock 2Add 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 59Sat, 19 Dec
Full mock 3 plus difficult/guessed-question reviewAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 60Sun, 20 Dec
English, reasoning and aptitude speed session; read editorial current affairsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 61Mon, 21 Dec
Full mock 4 plus Public Administration/HRM flashcardsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 62Tue, 22 Dec
Full mock 5 plus RTI and finance quick testsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 63Wed, 23 Dec
Cumulative recap: correct persistent traps, revise facts and formulasTest / revision + error-log review
W10Mock Intensive II24 Dec – 30 Dec 2026

Build consistency and refine section order under timed conditions.

DAY 64Thu, 24 Dec
Full mock 6; estimate avoidable error rateAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 65Fri, 25 Dec
Revise marketing, accounting and finance with worked examplesAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 66Sat, 26 Dec
Full mock 7; compare weak areas with previous testsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 67Sun, 27 Dec
RTI/Polity/General Science sprint and active recallAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 68Mon, 28 Dec
Full mock 8; practise skipping time-consuming questionsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 69Tue, 29 Dec
Full mock 9; revisit all negative-marking traps where applicableAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 70Wed, 30 Dec
Cumulative revision: 200 mixed questions across the syllabusTest / revision + error-log review
W11Final Revision + Exam Readiness31 Dec 2026 – 6 Jan 2027

Use short revision cycles; stop chasing new source material.

DAY 71Thu, 31 Dec
Core notes revision: Public Administration and governanceAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 72Fri, 1 Jan
Core notes revision: HRM and marketingAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 73Sat, 2 Jan
Accounting and finance master formulas + worked problemsAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 74Sun, 3 Jan
RTI sections, timelines, exemptions and appeals quick revisionAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 75Mon, 4 Jan
Full mock 10 under strict exam-like conditions and immediate reviewAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 76Tue, 5 Jan
History, computer, science, English and current affairs consolidationAdd 20–30 MCQs, 20 minutes current affairs and 10 minutes spaced recall
DAY 77Wed, 6 Jan
One full revision of the error notebook; organise exam-day checklistTest / revision + error-log review
FINFinal two days • Consolidate, don’t cram7 – 8 Jan 2027+

Do not add unfamiliar topics. Keep the day before the assumed test free of unnecessary stress.

DAY 78Thu, 7 Jan
Final day 1: revise only the formula sheet, RTI section chart, HRM frameworks and weak-area flashcards.Short, low-stress session • No new books or topics
DAY 79Fri, 8 Jan
Final day 2: light mixed revision, verify admit card/instructions if released, organise documents and rest.Short, low-stress session • No new books or topics
CURATED CRACKTARGET LIBRARY

Relevant books for DRDO SAO preparation

Choose books by your syllabus coverage and weak areas. Core titles are subject-specific; supplementary resources are useful only where your notified syllabus and preparation gaps justify them. Both digital and print Computer Applications books cover the same broad subject—choose a format rather than buying both by default. Pricing and availability are shown on each product page.

Public Administration & Development Issues CrackTarget book cover
Core

Public Administration & Development Issues

Administrative theory, governance, decentralisation and development administration.

View book details →
Human Resource Management CrackTarget book cover
Core

Human Resource Management

Personnel planning, recruitment, training, appraisal, service administration and IR.

View book details →
Principles of Marketing Management CrackTarget book cover
Core

Principles of Marketing Management

Marketing fundamentals, segmentation, 4Ps/7Ps, consumer behaviour and research.

View book details →
Accounting & Financial Management CrackTarget book cover
Core

Accounting & Financial Management

Accounting concepts, statements, ratios, capital budgeting and working capital.

View book details →
RTI Act 2005 Study Manual CrackTarget book cover
Core

RTI Act 2005 Study Manual

Sections, exemptions, appeals, penalties and exam-oriented MCQs.

View book details →
Fundamentals of Computer Applications — Digital CrackTarget book cover
Core

Fundamentals of Computer Applications — Digital

Computer fundamentals, office applications, DBMS, networks and cybersecurity.

View book details →
Fundamentals of Computer Applications — Print CrackTarget book cover
Format option

Fundamentals of Computer Applications — Print

Physical-book alternative to the digital computer applications edition.

View book details →
Basics of Financial Aptitude CrackTarget book cover
Supplementary

Basics of Financial Aptitude

Targeted arithmetic and financial aptitude practice for recruitment tests.

View book details →
Materials Management CrackTarget book cover
Supplementary

Materials Management

Procurement, inventory, GeM, GFR and stores; use where relevant to the notified syllabus.

View book details →

CrackTarget is an independent publisher of competitive-exam materials, not an official DRDO or UPSC publication. Compare editions and contents before purchase.

EXAM SIMULATION

Practice with the DRDO SAO mock test series

20 full-length mock tests — CrackTarget

Use full tests only after sufficient topic coverage. For each mock, record accuracy, topics causing errors, careless mistakes and time spent. Reattempt difficult questions after 48–72 hours rather than chasing test counts.

BE CONSISTENT

How to use this schedule effectively

Daily routine: full-time aspirants

  • 90 minutes — main core subject.
  • 75 minutes — second subject or problem-solving.
  • 45 minutes — PYQs and timed MCQs.
  • 30 minutes — English / Reasoning / Computer rotation.
  • 20 minutes — current affairs relevant to the syllabus.
  • 20 minutes — error notebook and spaced recall.

Daily routine: working professionals

  • 60 minutes — core theory before or after work.
  • 40 minutes — targeted MCQs with explanations.
  • 20 minutes — current-affairs review.
  • 10 minutes — flashcards or error log.
  • Weekends — 4–5 hours for revision and one sectional/full mock as appropriate.
  • Do not sacrifice mock analysis merely to increase mock count.

The book-to-score method

Read → summarise → solve → analyse → re-solve. For each chapter, prepare a one-page summary and make a list of repeated mistakes. Use CrackTarget subject notes for depth and official legislation, guidelines and notifications wherever legal provisions or syllabus details may have changed.

Four objective checkpoints

2 Dec: finish core subjects. 23 Dec: complete broad-syllabus coverage. 6 Jan: finish serious mock practice. 7–8 Jan: short recall and exam readiness. These are personal preparation milestones, not official UPSC events.

CLEAR ANSWERS

Frequently asked questions

Is DRDO SAO fixed for 9 January 2027?+

No. The UPSC 2027 annual calendar reserves 9 January 2027 for a recruitment test/examination window, but does not specify DRDO SAO against that date. This page uses it only as a tentative planning deadline; confirm the actual date from the recruitment-test notice and admit card.

Why is this called a 90-day plan if the countdown is 79 days?+

This is the updated edition of CrackTarget’s original 90-day page. As of 21 October 2026, it provides a 79-day accelerated programme for 22 October–8 January. Aspirants starting earlier can spread the blocks across a full 90 days.

Which CrackTarget books should I prioritise?+

Start with Public Administration, HRM, Marketing, Accounting & Financial Management, RTI and Computer Applications. Use the Financial Aptitude and Materials Management guides selectively according to the syllabus and your individual weaknesses. You do not need to purchase every format or duplicate book.

How should a working professional follow this schedule?+

Aim for two hours on weekdays and four to five hours on weekends. Keep one core subject daily, 20–30 practice questions, quick current affairs and a weekly mock. Move any unfinished daily task to the next available study slot.

Are all resources free?+

Free notes and tests are linked where available. Some book and mock-test product pages are paid; check the current listing and format before purchasing. The daily schedule on this page is free to read.

What should change after a new official notice?+

Replace the tentative target date, reallocate the final revision days, and follow the notification’s exact syllabus, RT pattern, reporting instructions and permitted materials. Past-cycle patterns are useful guides, not guarantees.

One timetable. Your next focused study session.

Start with the current week’s checklist, keep a visible error notebook and use topic-specific books only when they add value. Use this plan as a working document and adapt immediately when UPSC publishes a post-specific examination date.

Go to daily scheduleExplore the CrackTarget shop

Updated: 21 October 2026 · Tentative preparation target: 9 January 2027 · Independent CrackTarget study resource. No exam date, selection or result is guaranteed. For final instructions consult UPSC.

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