DRDO Defence Specialist Empanelment 2026

The Directorate of Technology Development Fund (TDF) under DRDO is inviting applications from experienced professionals to be empanelled as Defence Specialists. This is an empanelment opportunity for retired scientists, retired service officers, professors from reputed academic institutions, and industry professionals with research or industry experience. The last date to submit your CV is 04 April 2026. Applications must be sent offline via email.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Defence Specialist Empanelment 2026

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through its Directorate of Technology Development Fund (Dte of TDF) has announced an empanelment drive for Defence Specialists to work with TDF projects. The TDF scheme supports Indian industries including MSMEs, startups, and academic institutions to develop cutting-edge defence and dual-use technologies. This is not a regular recruitment but an empanelment for consultancy and advisory services across 8 critical technology domains. If you are a retired defence scientist, a retired armed forces officer, a professor with a strong research record, or an industry professional with relevant experience, this is your chance to contribute to India's defence technology ecosystem.

Technology Domains for Empanelment

• Advanced Materials, Meta Materials, Functional Materials
• System / Platform at Sea, Land, Air and Space
• Quantum, Photonics and Semiconductor Devices
• Advanced Wireless Communication and Sensor Technologies
• Strategic Electronics and Software Technologies related to Radars, Sonars, Electronic Warfare and other platforms
• Micro Electronic Devices and Computational Systems
• Biotechnology, Microbiology for Defence, Bioinformatics
• Critical Technology such as Micro Aero Engines, Slip Rings, SAR, SAS, Aero Materials, etc.

Who Can Apply?

• Retired Scientists: Former scientists from DRDO or other government research organizations with experience in defence-related R&D
• Retired Service Officers: Former officers from the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) with technical or operational expertise
• Professors from Academia: Faculty members from reputed academic institutions with research experience in any of the 8 technology domains listed above
• Industry Professionals: Engineers, technologists, and domain experts from the private sector with relevant research or industry experience in defence technology

You must have hands-on research or industry experience in at least one of the listed technology domains.

Selection Process

Selection will be based on:

1. CV Screening: Your submitted CV and statement of interest will be evaluated for domain expertise, qualifications, and relevant experience
2. Empanelment Decision: Shortlisted candidates will be empanelled as Defence Specialists based on merit and the requirements of ongoing TDF projects

This is an empanelment process. Being empanelled means you will be called upon on a requirement basis when your domain expertise matches a specific TDF project.

What Will You Do?

Once empanelled, your services will be utilized for the following tasks:

1. Feasibility Study: Conduct feasibility assessments for specific defence technology projects
2. Project Definition: Prepare project definition documents for new TDF initiatives
3. Evaluation: Carry out first-stage evaluation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and provide expert inputs to evaluation committees
4. Mentoring: Provide technical handholding and mentoring for ongoing TDF projects to ensure required technical progress and help develop specific solutions

Engagement Duration

• Empanelment Period: 3 years from the date of empanelment
• Extension: Extendable by 1 additional year based on performance and requirement
• Nature of Engagement: On requirement basis (you will be called for specific S&T work as needed)
• Category of Work: Technical, Advisory, and Technology Management

How to Apply

1. Prepare your updated CV highlighting your domain expertise, qualifications, and relevant experience
2. Write a brief statement of interest explaining your area of expertise and how you can contribute to TDF projects
3. Fill in the profile format provided in Annexure B of the notification (Name, Email, Qualification, Domain Expertise, Experience, Contact Details)
4. Send all documents by email to drdo.tdf@finovista.com
5. Submit your application within 28 days from the date of publication of the advertisement (last date: 04 April 2026)

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 20 February 2026
• Application Start Date: 20 February 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 04 April 2026

• Conduct feasibility studies for specific defence technology projects under the TDF scheme
• Prepare project definition documents for new technology development initiatives
• Evaluate Detailed Project Reports and provide expert inputs to review committees
• Mentor and guide TDF project teams on technical progress and problem-solving
• Provide advisory support on technology management and strategic planning
• Assist in identifying technical challenges and developing specific solutions for ongoing projects
• Review project milestones and deliverables to ensure quality and timeliness