DRDO Chair, Distinguished Fellowships and Fellowships Recruitment 2026
Quick Info
- Vacancies
- Vacancies: 15
- Employment Type
- Employment Type: Contract
- Pay Scale
- Pay Scale: ₹80,000 - ₹125,000 per month
- Qualification
- Qualification: Candidates must be retired or retiring scientists (DS, OS, or Scientist G grades) or equivalent retired military officers (Lt. General or Major General) with background in BE, B.Tech, M.Sc, or PhD in relevant disciplines.
- Experience Required
- Experience Required: Experience requirements differ across posts, covering a mix of professional backgrounds and seniority levels. Candidates should review the official notification for the exact experience criteria before applying.
- Application Mode
- Application Mode: Apply Offline
- Deadline
- Deadline:
Vacancies under this Notification
This list may not include all posts.
Defence Research & Development Organisation under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, is seeking applications from highly qualified retired or retiring officers for DRDO Chairs, Distinguished Fellowships, and Fellowships on a contract basis. The engagement is intended for scientists or military officers of high standing to contribute their expertise across various R&D domains. Eligible candidates who are looking to continue contributing to cutting-edge defence technologies in India are encouraged to review the official notification for comprehensive criteria and submission directions.
- Open to retired scientists or officers, and those due to retire by 30 November 2026 from Central Government or Autonomous Bodies.
- The initial appointment is for 1 year, extendable up to 3 years on an annually renewable basis based on performance.
- Positions cover research and development activities in fields such as aeronautics, armaments, missiles, and naval systems.
- Requires endorsement from the director of the respective laboratory/establishment and Cluster DGs where services are to be rendered.
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Additional Salary Information
DRDO Chairs: Rs. 1,25,000/- per month; DRDO Distinguished Fellowships: Rs. 1,00,000/- per month; DRDO Fellowships: Rs. 80,000/- per month. The fixed monthly honorarium is subject to deduction of basic pension from the last basic pay drawn.
Important Dates
Selection Process
Screening by a Screening Committee to shortlist candidates.
The Selection Committee reviews the recommendations and proposes the final list.
Approval by the Competent Authority.
Application Fees
No Application Fee
Reservation
Positions are filled based on specialized eligibility and contractual suitability rules of DRDO.
How to Apply
- Prepare a neatly typed application on A-4 size paper.
- Ensure the application is endorsed by the concerned Lab/Estt. Director and Cluster DGs where you wish to render services.
- Attach required documents: PPO & Identity Card copy, Aadhar Card, PAN Card, and a recent photograph.
- Address envelope as 'Application for DRDO Chair/DRDO Fellow'.
- Post the physical application to: The Director, Directorate of Human Resource & Vigilance (DHR&V), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Room No. 229 (DRDS-III), DRDO Bhawan, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi-110011.
- Optionally, send an advance copy of the application via email to director-dhrv@gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligible applicants are retired or due to retire officers (by 30 November 2026) from Central Government or Central Government Autonomous Bodies holding positions of relevant scientific grades or equivalent military ranks.
The age limit for DRDO Chairs, DRDO Distinguished Fellowships, and DRDO Fellowships is a maximum of 5 years after superannuation.
Applicants must attach copies of their PPO & Identity Card (issued at retirement), Aadhar Card, PAN Card, a recent passport-sized coloured photograph, and relevant annexures as required.