UPSC DRDO Senior Administrative Officer
Grade-II (SAO) 2026
Complete Syllabus • Eligibility • Exam Pattern • Topic-wise Study Materials • 90-Day Strategy
Vacancy Details (Advt. 04/2026)
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 11 |
| EWS | 03 |
| OBC | 08 |
| SC | 04 |
| ST | 03 |
| Total | 29 |
* 1 vacancy reserved for PwBD candidates.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or Institution.
Experience (Essential)
Three (03) years’ experience of administration, establishment or accounts work.
Age Limit (as on closing date)
- UR / EWS → 35 years
- OBC → 38 years
- SC / ST → 40 years
- PwBD → Additional 10 years relaxation
Job Profile & Duties of DRDO SAO Grade-II
The Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II is a key Group ‘A’ officer responsible for the smooth administrative functioning of DRDO laboratories and establishments.
- Assist the Director in overall administrative management of the establishment
- Supervise recruitment, promotion, pay fixation and service matters
- Handle personnel administration, establishment and accounts related work
- Liaise with DRDO Headquarters on all administrative activities
- Implementation of government rules, RTI, conduct rules and welfare measures
- All India Service Liability – posting in any DRDO lab across India
Exam Pattern – DRDO SAO 2026
Based on the consistent pattern followed in 2022 & 2024 DRDO SAO examinations (most reliable blueprint for 2026).
| Component | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination (Objective) | 120 | 300 (2.5 marks each) | 2 Hours | 1/3rd |
| Interview / Personality Test | — | 100 | — | — |
Detailed Syllabus (Expected – 2022/2024 Pattern)
PART A – General English
To test the candidate’s understanding of English language and workmanlike use of words.
PART B – General Ability (10 Core Areas)
1. Principles of Human Resource Management (Highest Weightage)
HR Planning, Recruitment & Selection, Training & Development, Performance Appraisal, Compensation, Industrial Relations, Workers’ Participation, Motivation, Leadership, Organisational Behaviour.
2. Principles of Marketing Management
Marketing Mix (4Ps/7Ps), STP, Consumer Behaviour, Product Life Cycle, Pricing, Promotion, Services Marketing, Digital Marketing basics.
3. Principles of Accounting & Financial Management
Accounting Principles, Financial Statements, Ratio Analysis, Budgeting, Working Capital, Cost Accounting basics, Capital & Revenue items.
4. Right to Information Act, 2005 (Very High ROI)
Definitions, Obligations of Public Authorities, Process of Request, Exemptions (Section 8), Appeals, Penalties, 2019 Amendment, Landmark CIC & Supreme Court judgments.
5. Labour Laws, Industrial Relations & Social Security (Highly Relevant for SAO)
Although not always listed separately, questions from Labour Codes, Industrial Disputes, Trade Unions, Social Security and Employer-Employee relations frequently appear under HRM / Public Administration.
6. Public Administration & Development Issues
7. Freedom Movement & Indian Union
10. Current Events
Latest Current AffairsComplete Study Materials Hub for DRDO SAO 2026
All resources below are free / freemium and specially curated for the UPSC DRDO SAO examination.
Previous Year Syllabi & Pattern Analysis
Complete history of UPSC Admin Officer exams + what to expect in 2026
Complete Preparation Strategy
3-phase strategy + daily routine + interview guidance
90-Day Study Plan
Phase-wise detailed roadmap starting August 2026
DRDO SAO 2026 Test Series
20 Full Length Mocks + Video Solutions + Mentorship
Free Mock Test – UPSC SAO
Practice with detailed explanations
DRDO SAO 2024 PYQ (English Section)
Previous year questions with solutions
Ready to Crack DRDO SAO 2026?
Follow the structured 90-day plan, master the high-weightage subjects (HRM + RTI + Accounting + Marketing), and practice 20+ full-length mocks.