ICMR Additional Director General Recruitment 2026

ICMR is hiring an Additional Director General to head its Intramural Research wing at ICMR Headquarters, New Delhi. If you have an MD/MS degree (or a PhD in Biomedical Sciences with MBBS/Master's) and 17 years of relevant experience, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 31 August 2026. Salary is at Pay Level 15 (Rs. 1,82,200 to Rs. 2,24,100 per month).

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Additional Director General (Intramural Research) Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), an autonomous body under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, has released a vacancy circular for an Additional Director General to lead its Intramural Research wing at Headquarters in New Delhi. ICMR carries out biomedical and health research through 28 institutes and centres across the country, and this senior post oversees in-house research programmes, multi-centric projects, and scientist teams. Both Direct Recruitment and Deputation routes are open for this appointment, with a tenure of 3 years, extendable by up to 2 years, or till superannuation, whichever is earlier.

Who Can Apply?

Path 1 - Medical Degree Route:

• MD/MS or an equivalent degree recognised by MCI/NMC, with 17 years of experience (5 years in a managerial role handling R&D projects independently, or 3 years of regular service in Pay Matrix Level-14 or equivalent); OR
• MBBS or an equivalent degree recognised by MCI/NMC, with an MPH from a recognised university, plus the same 17-year experience requirement

Path 2 - Biomedical Sciences Route:

• Master's Degree in a subject related to Biomedical Sciences, or MBBS/equivalent with a PhD in a Biomedical Sciences subject from a recognised university, along with the same 17-year experience requirement

How Experience Is Counted:

• A PhD counts as 4 years of experience
• An MD/MS counts as 3 years of experience
• An MVSc counts as 2 years of experience
• MPH/M.Tech/ME are not counted as experience
• R&D experience in Biomedical Sciences from Government, public sector, or private institutions is admissible

Deputation Route:

• Scientists from Central/State Government, recognised autonomous organisations, Research Institutes, or Universities holding an analogous post, or with the same qualifications and experience as direct recruits, can apply
• ICMR's own Scientists are not eligible for the deputation route and must apply under Direct Recruitment.

Age Limit

• For Direct Recruitment, the upper age limit is 60 years as on the last date of application, relaxable as per Government of India rules.
• For Deputation, the upper age limit is 58 years as on the last date of application.
• Age Relaxation: Exceptionally meritorious candidates may get age relaxation with the approval of the President, Governing Council, ICMR.

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a salary of Rs. 1,82,200 to Rs. 2,24,100 per month under Level 15 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
• You will also get usual allowances as admissible to ICMR employees.

Application Fee

• General / OBC (Male): Rs. 1,500 (non-refundable)
• SC / ST / Women / PwBD / EWS: No fee
• Payment mode: Online, through the link given in the application form

Selection Process

ICMR selects candidates through the following stages:

1. Shortlisting: ICMR shortlists candidates who meet the minimum age, qualification, and experience criteria. If the number of shortlisted candidates is high, ICMR may apply further shortlisting based on higher experience or qualification.
2. Personal Discussion/Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal discussion. If you work in Government, a PSU, or a research body, bring a No Objection Certificate from your employer.

How to Apply

1. Go to the ICMR recruitment portal at recruitment.icmr.org.in.
2. Register and fill in the online application form for Additional Director General (Intramural Research).
3. Upload self-attested proof of date of birth, educational qualifications, and experience certificates.
4. Pay the Rs. 1,500 application fee online, if applicable to your category.
5. Submit your application before the deadline and keep a copy for your records.

Important Dates

• Last Date to Apply Online: 31 August 2026, 5:30 PM

• Head and manage ICMR's Intramural Research wing at Headquarters, New Delhi
• Plan, monitor, and guide biomedical and health research programmes across ICMR institutes
• Coordinate multi-centric scientific studies and R&D projects
• Oversee budget, staffing, and administration of intramural research activities
• Represent ICMR in national and international research collaborations
• Guide policy formulation on health research priorities
• Mentor scientists and research teams across ICMR institutes and centres
• Ensure research quality, ethics compliance, and timely reporting