About DRDO

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, is the country's premier research and development organisation working on advanced technologies and systems for the Indian Armed Forces.

The Directorate of Human Resource & Vigilance (DHR&V), DRDO, has invited applications from experienced senior professionals and scientists for engagement under the DRDO Chair and Fellowship schemes.

DRDO Chair and Fellowship 2026

DRDO has released Advertisement No. DRDO/DHR&V/C&F-2026-01 dated September 15, 2026, inviting applications for the following positions:

DRDO Chair
DRDO Distinguished Fellowship
DRDO Fellowship

A total of 15 positions are available under the three categories.

Vacancy Details

Position	Vacancies	Monthly Remuneration
DRDO Chair	2	₹1,25,000
DRDO Distinguished Fellowship	7	₹1,00,000
DRDO Fellowship	6	₹80,000
Total	15	—

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship opportunities are intended for highly experienced senior officers, scientists and professionals with substantial experience in government, defence, academic or scientific research organisations.

Eligible applicants may include:

Retired senior officers/scientists from Central Government departments.
Officers/scientists from autonomous bodies.
Senior personnel from academic institutions.
Scientists and professionals from scientific research institutions.
Equivalent senior officers from the Armed Forces.
Other candidates meeting the equivalent seniority and service requirements prescribed by DRDO.

Pay Level Requirement

Applicants should have served at the prescribed senior level before superannuation.

The advertisement specifies that eligible candidates should have served at:

Pay Level 14
Pay Level 15
Pay Level 16

Candidates should carefully verify their eligibility against the detailed conditions prescribed for the particular category of Chair/Fellowship before applying.

Age / Post-Superannuation Eligibility

The engagement is intended for retired or retiring senior officers/scientists.

Eligibility may extend up to five years after superannuation, subject to the conditions specified in the official advertisement.

Candidates should refer to the notification for the detailed age and service-related provisions applicable to each category.

Fellowship / Engagement Details

DRDO Chair

Number of Posts: 2

Monthly Remuneration: ₹1,25,000

The DRDO Chair is intended for highly experienced senior professionals/scientists who meet the prescribed seniority, experience and service-level requirements.

DRDO Distinguished Fellowship

Number of Posts: 7

Monthly Remuneration: ₹1,00,000

The Distinguished Fellowship is intended for experienced senior professionals/scientists with the required government, academic, scientific research or defence background.

DRDO Fellowship

Number of Posts: 6

Monthly Remuneration: ₹80,000

The DRDO Fellowship is available to eligible senior professionals meeting the qualifications and service conditions specified by DRDO.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Advertisement Date	September 15, 2026
Application Start Date	September 15, 2026
Last Date to Apply	October 16, 2026

Selection Process

The selection process will be conducted through the procedure prescribed by DRDO.

1. Initial Screening

Applications received from eligible candidates will be examined and screened by the designated Screening Committee.

2. Selection Committee

Shortlisted/eligible applications will be considered by the Selection Committee.

3. Recommendation to Competent Authority

The Selection Committee will make its recommendations to the Competent Authority for final consideration and approval.

Candidates should note that merely meeting the eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee selection.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates are required to submit their applications in offline mode.

Step 1: Visit the official DRDO website and download the prescribed application form.

Step 2: Carefully read the complete advertisement and verify the eligibility requirements.

Step 3: Fill out the application form with accurate personal, academic, professional and service details.

Step 4: Attach self-attested copies of the required testimonials and supporting documents.

Step 5: Check the application form and documents carefully.

Step 6: Send the completed application through Registered Post / Speed Post to the address specified in the official notification.

Step 7: Ensure that the application reaches the prescribed address on or before October 16, 2026.

Documents Required

Candidates should attach the documents prescribed in the official advertisement, which may include:

Completed application form
Recent photograph
Proof of date of birth
Educational qualification certificates
Service-related documents
Proof of Pay Level 14/15/16 service
Retirement/superannuation documents
Experience/service certificate
Relevant testimonials
Identity proof
Other documents specified by DRDO

All required copies should be self-attested as prescribed in the notification.

Application Mode

Offline

Applications are to be submitted through Registered Post / Speed Post.

Application Address

Candidates should send their completed applications to the postal address specified in the official DRDO advertisement.

Applicants are advised to use the address exactly as provided in the notification and ensure that the application reaches DRDO before the closing date.

Important Instructions

Candidates should carefully verify their eligibility before applying.
The opportunity is primarily intended for retired or retiring senior officers/scientists meeting the prescribed service-level requirements.
Applicants must satisfy the specified Pay Level requirements.
Candidates should use only the prescribed application format.
Required documents should be self-attested.
Applications must be sent through Registered Post or Speed Post.
Applications received after the prescribed deadline may not be considered.
Selection will be based on the screening and selection procedure prescribed by DRDO.
Candidates should retain proof of dispatch for future reference.
The detailed official advertisement should be read carefully before submission.