DIO Program Management Team Recruitment 2026

Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) is hiring 6 professionals for its iDEX Project Management Team as Individual Consultants on a full-time contract basis. Open posts are Program Director (2), Deputy Program Director (1), Program Executive (2), and Deputy Program Executive (1). If you have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Science, Management, or Technology with relevant experience, you can apply online at idex.gov.in. The last date to apply is 10 August 2026. Consultancy fees range from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 2,40,000 per month depending on the post.

Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) Program Management Team Recruitment 2026 - 6 Posts

Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), the Section-8 company set up by defence PSUs HAL and BEL to run the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework, has released a notification to hire 6 Individual Consultants for its Project Management Team. iDEX supports start-ups, MSMEs, individual innovators, and R&D institutes working on defence and aerospace technology by giving them grants and other support. No written exam is required — selection is through skill tests, personal interviews, and group discussions. This is a good opportunity for professionals with a background in innovation, program management, or startup ecosystems who want to work on India's defence innovation mission. The iDEX framework was launched in April 2018 to build an ecosystem for innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, and R&D institutes and academia, and by providing them grants and other support.

Vacancy Breakdown by Post

Who Can Apply?

For Program Director (PD) - Rs. 1,80,000-2,40,000/month:

• Master's Degree in Science/Management/Technology or equivalent with 10 years of post-qualification experience, OR
• Bachelor's Degree in Science/Management/Technology or equivalent with 12 years of post-qualification experience

For Deputy Program Director (DPD) - Rs. 1,40,000-1,80,000/month:

• Master's Degree with 6 years of experience, OR Bachelor's Degree with 8 years of experience

For Program Executive (PE) - Rs. 80,000-1,20,000/month:

• Master's Degree with 2 years of experience, OR Bachelor's Degree with 4 years of experience

For Deputy Program Executive (DPE) - Rs. 40,000-80,000/month:

• Master's Degree (no experience required), OR Bachelor's Degree with 1 year of experience

For all posts, you need relevant experience in at least one of these areas: Innovation and Entrepreneurship, business development, program or grant management, consulting and partner management, communications and outreach, product management, IT operations, or finance and accounting.

Age Limit

• Program Director: below 55 years as on 10 August 2026
• Deputy Program Director: below 40 years as on 10 August 2026
• Program Executive: below 30 years as on 10 August 2026
• Deputy Program Executive: below 26 years as on 10 August 2026

Salary

• You will get a consolidated monthly consultancy fee ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 2,40,000, depending on the post, inclusive of all taxes.
• There is an annual increment of up to 10% of your existing fee, based on your annual performance appraisal.
• GST paid on your consultancy fee is reimbursed by DIO.

Selection Process

DIO will select candidates in the following stages:

1. Shortlisting: Based on your application, shortlisted candidates will be notified by email.
2. Skill Test and Interview: You may be called for an in-person interview in New Delhi or through video conferencing. This can include skill tests, a personal interview, and group discussions or quizzes.

No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview. The Selection Committee's decision is final, and DIO reserves the right to select fewer candidates than advertised, or none at all, if no candidate is found suitable.

How to Apply

1. Go to the iDEX portal at idex.gov.in.
2. Click on the Career section.
3. Fill in the online application form for your chosen post.
4. Upload all required documents merged into a single PDF file.
5. Submit your application before 5:00 PM on 10 August 2026.

Applications received through any other mode will not be considered. The consultancy contract is initially for 3 years, extendable up to 2 more years, and in exceptional cases up to 5 years with approval of the DIO Board. During any extension or annual increment, your monthly consultancy fee will not exceed 1.80 times your initial fee, and engagement can continue up to the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 8 July 2026
• Application Start Date: 8 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 10 August 2026 (5:00 PM)

• Manage assigned projects under the iDEX framework from planning to execution
• Build and maintain partnerships with incubators, start-ups, and R&D institutes
• Support the design and rollout of innovation challenges and hackathons under the SPARK framework
• Track and manage the fund disbursement process for grant awardees
• Create and maintain platforms for monitoring iDEX projects
• Promote iDEX activities through social media and other outreach channels
• Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget
• Take up additional assignments as directed by the COO or other senior DIO officials