ICMR Director Recruitment 2026

ICMR is hiring 1 Director (Scientist-H) for the ICMR-National Institute of One Health, Nagpur. You need an MBBS with MD or a biomedical science Master's/MBBS with Ph.D. in a One Health-related subject. The last date to apply online is 20 July 2026, 5:30 PM. Salary is Rs. 1,82,200 to Rs. 2,24,100 per month in Pay Level 15, plus usual ICMR allowances.

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

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has issued Advertisement No. ICMR/DIR(Sc-H)/NIOH-NGP/01/2026-Pers. for one Director post at Scientist-H level. The selected officer will head ICMR-National Institute of One Health, Nagpur and will also serve as Mission Director for the National One Health Mission. This is a senior leadership role for experienced biomedical, infectious disease, public health, and One Health researchers.

Who Can Apply?

Essential Qualification

• Medical route: You must have an MBBS and MD or an equivalent degree recognised by MCI/NMC.
• Research route: You can also apply with a Master's degree in biomedical sciences or MBBS/equivalent degree, along with a Ph.D. from a recognised university in a One Health-related subject.
• Citizenship: The post is open to Indian citizens.

Experience Needed

• Total experience: You need 17 years of relevant experience.
• Leadership experience: At least 5 years should be in a managerial role where you handled R&D projects independently, such as PI, Co-PI, head of a research group, centre, institute, or laboratory.
• Pay-level experience: You must also have 3 years regular service in Pay Matrix Level 14 or equivalent.
• Experience credit: Ph.D. counts as 4 years, MD/MS counts as 3 years, and MVSc counts as 2 years, but time spent on the minimum qualification itself is not counted again.

Preferred Profile

• Expertise in human health, animal health, and environment interface.
• Work in microbiology, virology, immunology, infectious diseases, epidemiology, or disease surveillance.
• High-impact research publications and national/international networking in infectious disease or public health.

Tenure and Appointment Route

• Direct recruitment tenure: The initial tenure is 5 years, extendable by maximum 5 years or till superannuation, whichever is earlier.
• Deputation tenure: Deputation, including short-term contract, is for 5 years and may be extended by up to 2 years as per rules.
• Eligible deputation sources: Scientists from Central/State Government, recognised autonomous bodies, research institutes, or universities can apply if they hold an analogous post or meet the same qualification and experience rules.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 58 years as on the last date of application.
• Relaxation: ICMR may relax the age limit for exceptionally meritorious candidates with approval of the President, Governing Council, ICMR.

Salary

• Pay Level 15: Rs. 1,82,200 to Rs. 2,24,100 per month.
• The post carries usual allowances admissible to ICMR employees.
• The appointment is on direct recruitment or deputation basis, with tenure terms as given in the notification.

Application Fee

• General and other non-exempt candidates: Rs. 1,500 non-refundable application fee.
• SC / ST / Women / PwD / EWS: No fee.
• Payment mode: Online through the link in the application form.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

ICMR has not mentioned a written exam for this Director post. Selection will be based on eligibility screening, shortlisting, and personal discussion/interview.

1. Eligibility Screening: ICMR will first check age, qualification, and experience.
2. Shortlisting: If many candidates meet the minimum rules, ICMR may shortlist further using higher experience, higher qualification, or other suitable criteria.
3. Personal Discussion / Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for interaction before the final decision.
4. Document Verification: Government, PSU, and government-funded research agency employees must produce a No Objection Certificate at the time of personal discussion.

How to Apply

1. Go to the ICMR recruitment portal at recruitment.icmr.org.in.
2. Select the Director, ICMR-National Institute of One Health, Nagpur recruitment when available.
3. Fill in the online application form with your qualification, experience, and service details.
4. Upload self-attested documents for date of birth, education, and experience.
5. Pay the fee online if you are not exempted.
6. Submit the form before 20 July 2026, 5:30 PM and keep a printout for your records.

Documents to Keep Ready

• Date of birth proof: Upload a valid certificate showing your date of birth.
• Education documents: Upload MBBS, MD, Master's degree, Ph.D., or equivalent certificates as applicable.
• Experience proof: Upload certificates from the Head of Office, Head of Organisation, or Head HR showing the period and dates of service.
• No Objection Certificate: Government, PSU, and government-funded research agency employees need this at the personal discussion stage.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 15 June 2026
• Online Application Start: 15 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 20 July 2026, 5:30 PM
• Interview / Personal Discussion Date: To be announced

• Lead ICMR-National Institute of One Health, Nagpur as Director
• Guide research programmes in One Health, infectious diseases, and public health
• Serve as Mission Director for the National One Health Mission
• Coordinate work across human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors
• Manage scientific teams, research groups, field stations, and project delivery
• Build national and international collaborations for disease control and pandemic preparedness
• Review scientific outputs, publications, and programme performance