DRDO Recruitment 2026: Apply for Chair, Fellowships
DRDO Recruitment 2026: Application Invited for Chair and Fellowships Positions
The Directorate of Human Resource & Vigilance (DHR&V), DRDO Headquarters has announced recruitment for various research and development positions. This opportunity is for retired officers from the Central Government or its autonomous bodies.
These positions are offered on a contractual basis, initially for one year, with the possibility of extension up to three years based on performance and annual renewal.
Job Highlights
| Organization | Directorate of Human Resource & Vigilance (DHR&V), DRDO Headquarters |
|---|---|
| Posts Available | DRDO Chair, DRDO Distinguished Fellowships, DRDO Fellowships |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Contract Period | Initial 1 year, extendable up to 3 years |
| Location | Anywhere in India, particularly cities with DRDO labs/establishments |
Important Dates
The closing date for applications is 21 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in newspapers.
Last Date to Apply: 21 days from advertisement publication date.
Vacancy Details
The Directorate of Human Resource & Vigilance (DHR&V) is recruiting for the following positions:
| S.No. | Position | No. of Positions (DRDO) | No. of Positions (Non-DRDO) | Total Positions | Area of R&D Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a) | DRDO Chair | 02 | 00 | 02 | Aeronautics, Armaments, Combat Vehicles, Communication Engg., Computer Sc./IT, Electronics, Life Science, Instrumentation, Material Science, Missiles, Naval Systems |
| b) | DRDO Distinguished Fellowships | 03 | 04 | 07 | Aeronautics, Armaments, Combat Vehicles, Communication Engg., Computer Sc./IT, Electronics, Life Science, Instrumentation, Material Science, Missiles, Naval Systems |
| c) | DRDO Fellowships | 03 | 03 | 06 | Aeronautics, Armaments, Combat Vehicles, Communication Engg., Computer Sc./IT, Electronics, Life Science, Instrumentation, Material Science, Missiles, Naval Systems |
| Total | 08 | 07 | 15 |
Non-DRDO includes Tri Services, Scientific and Academic Institutions of Central Government, and Autonomous Bodies under Central Government.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications are invited from eligible and willing officers who have retired or are due to retire by 30 November 2026 from Central Government or Central Government Autonomous Bodies.
Minimum Eligibility for Posts:- DRDO Chair: Scientists retired or due to retire from the post of Distinguished Scientists (DS) or equivalent from DRDO or other Scientific/Academic Institutions in Pay Level-16. Retired Lt. General or equivalent in Pay Level-16 can also be considered.
- DRDO Distinguished Fellowships: Scientists retired or due to retire from the post of Outstanding Scientists (OS) or equivalent from DRDO or other Scientific/Academic Institutions in Pay Level-15. Retired Lt. General or equivalent in Pay Level-15 can also be considered.
- DRDO Fellowships: Scientists retired or due to retire from the post of Scientist 'G' or equivalent from DRDO or other Scientific/Academic Institutions in Pay Level-14. Retired Major General or equivalent in Pay Level-14 can also be considered.
Retirement date for consideration is within three months from the date of advertisement on intranet, DRDO internet website, and national newspaper.
Age Limit
The age limit for DRDO Chairs, DRDO Distinguished Fellowships, and DRDO Fellowships shall be a maximum of 05 years after superannuation.
Salary / Pay Scale
The emoluments for the positions are as follows:
- DRDO Chair: Rs. 1,25,000/- per month
- DRDO Distinguished Fellowships: Rs. 1,00,000/- per month
- DRDO Fellowships: Rs. 80,000/- per month
Selection Process
Applications received will be examined by a screening committee. Names recommended by the screening committee will be submitted to the selection committee, which will then recommend the final list for approval by the Competent Authority.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates are required to submit their application in an A-4 size paper. The application should be neatly typed and sent to the following address:
The Director
Director of Human Resource & Vigilance (DHR&V)
DRDO, Ministry of Defence
Room No. 229 (DRDS-III)
DRDO Bhawan, Rajaji Marg
New Delhi-110011
Documents Required
The following documents must be attached with the application:
- Copy of PPO & Identity Card, issued at the time of superannuation or retirement.
- Copy of Aadhar Card & PAN Card.
- One passport size recent coloured photograph.
- Annexures as mentioned in the application format, as applicable.
Important Instructions
- The number of positions available may vary.
- Applicants must ensure their eligibility regarding discipline, experience, and pay level.
- Candidates are advised not to change their contact details (mobile number, e-mail address, residential address) as vital information will be communicated through these.
- Misrepresentation or falsification of facts detected at a later stage will lead to cancellation of candidature without notice.
- Candidates will be liable to serve anywhere in India, particularly in cities where DRDO labs/establishments are located and related to their R&D work areas. They will be required to attend the office on all working days.
FAQs
- Who can apply for these DRDO positions?
- Retired officers from Central Government or Central Government Autonomous Bodies who have retired or are due to retire by 30 November 2026 are eligible.
- What is the tenure of the contract?
- The contract is for an initial period of one year, extendable up to three years on an annual renewal basis, depending on performance.
- What is the last date to apply?
- The last date to apply is 21 days from the date of advertisement publication in newspapers.
- How will candidates be selected?
- Selection will be based on the examination of applications by a screening committee, followed by recommendations from a selection committee.
- Where will the selected candidates have to serve?
- Selected candidates will have to serve anywhere in India, especially in cities where DRDO labs/establishments are located and are related to their R&D work areas.
Official Notification and Links
Official Website: Click Here
Notification PDF: Click Here
Job Summary
| Board | Directorate of Human Resource & Vigilance (DRDO DHR&V) |
| State | All India |
| Qualification | Retired or due to retire officers from Central Government/Autonomous Body. |
| Salary | DRDO Chair: Rs. 1,25,000/- per month, DRDO Distinguished Fellowships: Rs. 1,00,000/- per month, DRDO Fellowships: Rs. 80,000/- per month. |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 16 Oct 2026 |
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Note: While every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, candidates are strongly advised to verify all details, including eligibility criteria, important dates, application procedures, and official notifications, from the respective official government websites before applying.