Introduction
The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is one of the premier organizations in India dedicated to the development of cutting-edge technology for the defence sector. DRDO Senior Administrative Officer holds immense significance in facilitating the smooth functioning of administrative tasks. Let’s delve into the details of this position, including the job profile, study material, preparation strategy, etc.
Job Profile of DRDO Senior Administrative Officer
As a Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II in DRDO, the primary responsibility revolves around managing administrative tasks efficiently to support the organization’s objectives. The job profile includes overseeing various administrative functions such as human resources management, finance management, procurement, logistics, and general administration. This role requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask effectively. Senior Administrative Officers Grade-II also play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with government regulations and organizational policies.
Eligibility
The above abstract is taken from the official notification by UPSC. As can be seen from above, the post is Gazetted Group-A post and all the graduates are eligible to apply for this exam. the other important condition is that the applicant should have an experience of 3 years in the field of administration or establishment or accounts work.
Pattern of Exam
The exam for the DRDO Senior Administrative Officer-Grade-II is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) consisting of only two stages – Preliminary and Interview. So, it is one such prestigious exam which involves only two stages.
Prelims is an objective-type examination consisting of two parts – Part-A English and Part-B as General Ability. So, the candidates who clear the prelims are only called for the interviews. since, the notification is for very less vacancies, generally the candidates shortlisted for interview are around 5-6times of the vacancy. So many would ask the role of luck. Well, it is an exam of accuracy and if you commit some blunders by virtue of anything(confusion, shortage of time, skipping the question, silly mistakes, etc) then you are automatically out of the race.
Preliminary Exam
Since the UPSC DRDO Senior Administrative Officer exam is only of two stages, thus the preparation for preliminary exam becomes very important. The image on the right is taken from the official notification by UPSC. It clearly states that the exam will consists the questions based on workmanlike words and English and other topics such as Principles of HRM, Principles of Marketing, Principles of Accounting, RTI, etc.
The test will have 120 questions with total marks of 300. There will be negative marking for the wrong answers. the only option to be shortlisted for interview is to attempt as many questions as possible and then taking the most near guess for the doubtful questions.
Interview
The people shortlisted for interview are called to appear at UPSC office at New Delhi. The panel conducts the interview by asking various questions covering various aspect of administrative role such as rules and provisions of salary, appointment, dismissal/suspension, government orders, vigilance, etc. The panel also asks questions about the organization i.e DRDO. So the candidates appearing for interview should definitely prepare about the DRDO, latest news about DRDO, international partnerships, etc.
Strategy
- Understanding the Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly understanding the syllabus and exam pattern prescribed for the recruitment process. Familiarize yourself with topics related to general administration, finance management, human resources, procurement, and logistics.
- Reference Books: Refer to standard textbooks and reference materials covering topics such as public administration, financial management, organizational behaviour, and relevant laws and regulations. Some recommended books include “Public Administration” by M. Laxmikanth, “Financial Management” by Prasanna Chandra, and “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth.
- Previous Year Question Papers: Practice solving previous year question papers and mock tests to get acquainted with the exam pattern and improve time management skills. Analyze your performance and focus on areas that require further attention.
- Current Affairs and General Knowledge: Stay updated with current affairs, general knowledge, and developments in the defence sector. Regularly read newspapers, magazines, and online resources to enhance your awareness of national and international events.
- Mock Interviews and Group Discussions: Prepare for interview rounds by participating in mock interviews and group discussions. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, demonstrating leadership qualities, and showcasing your problem-solving abilities.
Study Material for DRDO Senior Administrative Officer
- You need to understand the syllabus by analyzing the previous year questions. In all the Previous exams, the UPSC has almost distributed the questions equally among the topics. So if the trend continues, you don’t have much syllabus to leave.
- Highlight your strengths and weaknesses. Questions on English, Quantitative aptitude, Reasoning, Computer, RTI, General Science should necessarily be correctly attempted. You can follow our website to study. We’ll be launching a full-fledged course for DRDO SAO exam shortly.
- Topics such as Principles of HRM, Principles of Marketing, Principles of Accounting,etc needs proper coverage by standard books.
- Keep yourself updated about the current happenings in India and around the world.
