DRDO Consultant Recruitment 2026

DRDO has released a notification for 1 Consultant post at the Directorate of Planning & Coordination (DP&C), DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. Retired government employees with a Diploma in Engineering or Degree in Sciences/Engineering can apply. Last date to apply is 01 May 2026. This is a contract position for 1 year, extendable as per norms. Monthly remuneration ranges from Rs 53,000 to Rs 65,000 (including conveyance allowance).

DRDO Consultant (Retired Government Employees) Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence, has invited applications from retired government employees for engagement as Consultant on contract basis. This post is at the Directorate of Planning & Coordination (DP&C), which is DRDO's nodal directorate responsible for coordinating with other ministries and managing project formulation. The consultant will work on DRDO Lab Reviews, Economic Impact Analysis, monthly updates on 100 Projects, and DRDO Roadmap (2025-34). Only officers who retired at Pay Level 11 or 12 from Central/State Government, PSUs, Autonomous Bodies, or Universities are eligible.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need a Diploma in Engineering or a Degree in Sciences or Engineering.
• Service Background: You must be a retired officer/official from Central Government, State Government, PSU, Autonomous Body, University, or Government R&D Organisation.
• Pay Level at Retirement: You should have retired at Pay Level 11 or 12 as per the 7th Central Pay Commission.
• Experience: You need practical knowledge and experience in the relevant field as per the Terms of Reference (Admin category).
• Preferred: Candidates with experience of working with DRDO will get preference during selection. Experience in DAP-2020, DAC/DPB approvals, and formulating QRs & trial directives is desirable.
• Skills: Strong communication skills (both oral and written) and good interpersonal skills are required.
• Gap Limit: There should not be a gap of more than 15 days between your retirement and appointment as consultant.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 63 years as on the closing date of application (01 May 2026).
• This age limit applies to all categories of retired government employees.

Salary

• For Pensioners: A fixed monthly amount calculated by deducting the basic pension from the last basic pay drawn at the time of retirement. This amount stays the same throughout the contract — no annual increments.
• For Non-Pensioners (from PSUs):
  • Pay Level 11 (Pay Scale Rs 70,000 - Rs 2,00,000): Remuneration Rs 50,000/month + Conveyance Rs 3,000/month = Rs 53,000 total
  • Pay Level 12 (Pay Scale Rs 80,000 - Rs 2,20,000): Remuneration Rs 60,000/month + Conveyance Rs 5,000/month = Rs 65,000 total
• For NPS Employees: 30% of last basic pay is deducted from the last basic pay, and the remaining amount is your monthly remuneration, plus conveyance allowance.
• Note: No other allowances like DA, HRA, Transport Facility, Residential Accommodation, Personal Staff, CGHS, or Medical Reimbursement are provided. However, TA/DA for official travel is allowed at the rate applicable to your retired Grade Pay/Pay Level.
• You can continue to draw pension and dearness relief during the engagement period.

Application Fee

• No application fee is mentioned in the notification.

Selection Process

Selection will be based on the following:

1. Screening of Applications: Your application and documents will be screened for eligibility and relevant experience.
2. Selection/Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be called for selection. Preference will be given to candidates with DRDO experience.
3. Document Verification: All original documents will be verified before final engagement.

Note: Incomplete or ineligible applications and those received after the closing date will be rejected automatically without any intimation.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form (Appendix-A) from the DRDO website at drdo.gov.in.
2. Fill in the application form in the prescribed format.
3. Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
4. Also fill and sign the Declaration form (Appendix-B).
5. Send the application by post to: Directorate of Planning and Coordination, Room No. 514, DRDO Bhawan, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi-110011.
6. You can also apply by email to dgrm.hqr@gov.in with the subject line "Application for Consultant".
7. Make sure your application reaches before 01 May 2026.

Applications sent to any other address or received after the closing date will be rejected.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 10 April 2026
• Application Start Date: 10 April 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 01 May 2026 (21 days from notification)

• Coordinate with DRDO Labs and Clusters and provide support and assistance
• Assist in DRDO Lab Review processes and preparations
• Work on Economic Impact Analysis of DRDO projects and programmes
• Prepare monthly updates on DRDO's 100 Projects under RM oversight
• Assist in developing and updating the DRDO Roadmap (2025-34)
• Organise meetings, collect and analyse data for reports and documents
• Generate and print official reports, documents, and reprints as required