This document is crucial for thousands of aspirants across India to calculate their estimated scores and understand their standing before the final results are declared.
As a premier R&D organization under the Ministry of Defence, DRDO maintains a transparent selection process. The release of the answer key allows candidates to cross-verify their responses and raise objections if they find any discrepancies in the official solutions provided by the Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM).
DRDO CEPTAM-11 Answer Key 2026: Exam Overview
| Information | Details |
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Exam Name | CEPTAM-11 (STA-B & Tech-A) |
| Total Vacancies | Various (Engineering, Science, and ITI Trades) |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Answer Key Release | Expected April 2026 |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
Post Title: DRDO CEPTAM-11 Answer Key 2026 Out Soon: Download PDF for STA-B & Tech-A β Check Response Sheet & Raise Objections
Introduction:
The DRDO CEPTAM-11 examination is a gateway to one of the most prestigious scientific careers in India. Following the Tier-I exams for various technical cadres, the next logical step is the publication of the provisional answer key. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to download the PDF, the process of calculating marks using the marking scheme, and the step-by-step procedure to challenge the answer key if you encounter errors.
How to Download DRDO CEPTAM-11 Answer Key PDF
Candidates can access their response sheets and the official answer key only through the official DRDO website. Follow these steps:
- Visit Official Portal: Go to www.drdo.gov.in and navigate to the “Message Board” or “Careers” section.
- Locate CEPTAM-11 Link: Look for the link titled “Download Provisional Answer Key for CEPTAM-11 (STA-B/Tech-A)”.
- Login Credentials: You will be redirected to a login page. Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth/Password as per your admit card.
- Access Dashboard: Once logged in, click on the “Question Paper and Response Sheet” tab.
- Download PDF: Save the PDF file to your device. This file will show the question, the correct option chosen by DRDO, and the option you selected during the exam.
How to Calculate Estimated Scores
Since there is no negative marking in the DRDO CEPTAM-11 recruitment for these technical posts, calculating your score is straightforward.
- For STA-B (Tier-I): There are 120 questions. Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
- For Tech-A (Tier-I): There are 120 questions (Section A: 40, Section B: 80). Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
Formula:
Total Estimated Score = (Number of Correct Answers Γ 1)
Compare your response sheet with the “Final Correct Option” provided in the key. If your chosen option matches the official one, add one mark. Do not deduct any marks for incorrect or unattempted questions.
Challenging the DRDO Answer Key (Objection Management)
DRDO provides a window (usually 3 to 5 days) for candidates to challenge the provisional answer key. If you believe a correct answer has been marked incorrectly or a question is technically flawed, you can raise an objection.
Steps to Raise Objections:
- Log in to the objection portal using your credentials.
- Select the Question ID you wish to challenge.
- Upload supporting documentary evidence (Standard textbooks, official research papers, or scientific data). Hand-written notes are generally not accepted.
- Pay the Objection Fee (usually βΉ100 per question). If the objection is found valid, the fee is often refunded.
- Submit and save the acknowledgment.
DRDO CEPTAM-11 Expected Cut-Off Marks 2026
The cut-off varies significantly based on the discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, etc.) and the category of the candidate.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying % | Expected Cut-Off (Out of 120) |
| General / EWS / OBC | 40% | 85 β 95 |
| SC / ST | 35% | 75 β 82 |
Note: The actual cut-off depends on the difficulty level of the shift and the number of vacancies in that specific trade.
What Happens After the Answer Key?
Once all objections are reviewed by a panel of subject experts, DRDO will release the Final Answer Key. No further changes can be made after this.
- Normalization: If the exam was conducted in multiple shifts, scores will be normalized using a standard formula.
- Tier-I Result: Candidates will be shortlisted in a 1:8 ratio for the next stage.
- Tier-II (STA-B): Descriptive/Subject-specific CBT.
- Trade Test (Tech-A): Qualifying practical skill test.
Frequently Asked Questions (F&Q)
- Q: When will the DRDO CEPTAM-11 Answer Key be released?
- A: It is expected to be released in the first or second week of April 2026, approximately 15 days after the exam conclusion.
- Q: Is there any negative marking in CEPTAM-11?
- A: No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Q: Can I download the answer key without a login?
- A: No, candidates must log in with their specific credentials to see their personalized response sheets.
- Q: Will DRDO send the answer key by post?
- A: No, it is only available in online mode on the official website.
- Q: What if I miss the objection window?
- A: Once the link is disabled, no further requests for corrections will be entertained by CEPTAM.
π Stay Connected with different social platforms of AapkaJobAlert! Because itβs not possible to place all job at one place as a Scientist and my team puts information at different platforms for big private company/ experience jobs / PSU/ Government Jobs/ internship/Scholarship. In larger Private company Application forms date, Interview date etc they give very less so Aspirants regret of not applying because of missing last date.
βNever miss an important job update. Follow us across all our official platforms to stay ahead in your career!!
βπ Official Website:
https://aapkajobalert.com
βπ± Join our Telegram:
https://t.me/aapkajobalert
ββ
WhatsApp Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7r39y8V0tkZGH3Q60k
βπΈ Follow on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/aapkajobalert?igsh=NGU4NWVoc25mZWw1
βπ¦ Follow on X (Twitter):
https://x.com/AapkaJobAlert
βπ€ Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DaHpCqsrp/
βπ§ General Inquiries:
info.aapkajobalert@gmail.com
βπ§ Business Inquiries:
info@aapkajobalert.com
β#AapkaJobAlert #GovtJobs #JobUpdates #CareerNews #Hiring2026 #JobSearch #EmploymentNews
Important Links
| Link Description | Direct Link |
| Official DRDO Website | drdo.gov.in |
| CEPTAM-11 Notice Board | Check Here |
| Answer Key Login Portal | Download PDF |


