NITI Aayog DG NILERD Recruitment 2026

NITI Aayog is hiring 1 Director General (DG), NILERD for the National Institute of Labour Economics Research and Development. If you have a Master's degree in Economics, Sociology, Humanities, HRD, Mathematics or Statistics and around 20 years of senior experience, you can apply. The last date for receiving applications is 07 July 2026. Salary is Level 15, which is Rs. 1,82,200 to Rs. 2,24,100 per month.

NITI Aayog DG NILERD Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

NITI Aayog has released a vacancy circular for the post of Director General in NILERD, a central autonomous organisation under NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Planning. The appointment is open through deputation including short-term contract and also through direct recruitment on contract basis. This is a senior leadership role for people with strong policy, research, labour economics, institutional leadership or administrative experience.

NILERD works on applied manpower planning, labour economics, education, training and contracted research. The DG is the chief executive of the institute and also works with the General Council and Executive Council, so this post needs a mix of research leadership, public administration, financial oversight and policy judgement. The circular also gives two application routes: private-sector and other contract-route applicants can use the online portal, while government officers applying on deputation must send the proforma through proper channel with clearances.

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification

• Essential: Master's degree in Economics, Sociology, Humanities, Human Resources Development, Mathematics or Statistics from a recognised university or institute.
• Desirable: Doctorate degree in a relevant subject.

Direct Recruitment on Contract Basis

• Experience: You need at least 20 years of experience in Central/State Government, UT administration, universities, PSUs, autonomous organisations, research institutions, reputed private sector companies, consultancy organisations, or international/multilateral organisations.
• Work area: The experience should be in teaching, research, analysis, policy formulation, academic work, or administration related to the subject area.

Deputation or Short-Term Contract

• Service level: Officers should hold an analogous post on regular basis, or have 3 years regular service in Level 14 or equivalent.
• Qualification: The officer should also meet the education and experience conditions, except where the circular gives exemption for All India Services or Central Group A services.

Desirable Experience

• Leadership: At least 5 years heading an organisation or department independently is preferred.
• Domain exposure: Labour market, labour economics, industrial relations, economic development, skill development, international collaboration, research guidance and revenue generation are useful areas.
• Research methods: Knowledge of survey methods, sampling, econometric models and cost-benefit analysis is preferred.

Only Indian nationals need to apply, and the circular says incomplete applications, applications without supporting documents, advance copies for deputation, or applications received after the closing date can be rejected. For deputation applications, the department should also confirm that the officer can be spared within one month of selection.

Age Limit

• Deputation route: Maximum age should not exceed 58 years as on the closing date for receiving applications.
• Tenure limit: The appointment can be for 5 years, with a possible second term for exceptional performance, but the person cannot hold office beyond 65 years of age.

Salary

• The post carries Level 15 in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
• Monthly pay range is Rs. 1,82,200 to Rs. 2,24,100.
• For deputation candidates, pay and terms will follow Government of India and DoPT rules. Contract terms will be settled with the concerned authority.

Application Fee

• No application fee is mentioned in the vacancy circular or NITI recruitment page.

Selection Process

The notification does not give a written exam pattern. Selection is expected through scrutiny of experience, eligibility, documents and interview/assessment by the competent authority.

1. Eligibility Check: NITI Aayog checks whether you meet the qualification, service level and experience conditions.
2. Document Scrutiny: For deputation, APAR dossiers, vigilance clearance, integrity certificate, cadre clearance and NOC are checked.
3. Shortlisting: Only complete and suitable applications are considered for the next stage.
4. Interaction or Interview: Shortlisted applicants may be assessed for leadership, labour economics research, policy and administration experience.
5. Final Approval: Appointment is made as per Government of India procedure for this senior post.

How to Apply

1. Contract applicants: Apply online through the NITI recruitment portal at workforindia.niti.gov.in.
2. Register with your name, email, date of birth and password on the DG NILERD recruitment page.
3. Fill in the online application form and submit the required details before 07 July 2026.
4. Deputation applicants: Fill the prescribed proforma in the vacancy circular and send it through proper channel.
5. Send deputation applications with APAR/ACR records, vigilance clearance, integrity certificate, cadre clearance or NOC to Under Secretary (Admin.-IA), NITI Aayog, Room No. 418, NITI Bhavan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi - 110001.
6. Super scribe the envelope with Application for the post of DG, NILERD in NITI Aayog.

Important Dates

• Vacancy Circular Upload: May 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 07 July 2026
• Interview/Assessment Date: To be announced

• Lead day-to-day management and administration of NILERD
• Guide labour economics, manpower planning and applied research programmes
• Work as Member-Secretary of the General Council and Executive Council
• Approve budgets, research plans, administrative actions and institutional decisions
• Manage staff matters, committees, promotions, leave and service-related approvals
• Coordinate with NITI Aayog, government bodies, researchers and partner institutions
• Support policy research, training, revenue generation and international collaboration