DRDO DHR&V Recruitment 2026: Apply Offline for 15 DRDO Chair, Distinguished Fellowship & Fellowship Posts
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited applications for DRDO Chair, DRDO Distinguished Fellowship and DRDO Fellowship positions under its Directorate of Human Resource & Vigilance (DHR&V). The recruitment is being conducted through offline mode.
According to the official DRDO vacancy listing, Advertisement No. DRDO/DHR&V/C&F-2026-01 was published on 15 September 2026. Eligible retired or retiring officers meeting the prescribed criteria can submit their applications up to 16 October 2026.
15 positions are available across DRDO Chair, DRDO Distinguished Fellowship and DRDO Fellowship categories. The positions carry fixed monthly honorariums of up to ₹1,25,000.
DRDO DHR&V Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Directorate | Directorate of Human Resource & Vigilance (DHR&V) |
| Advertisement No. | DRDO/DHR&V/C&F-2026-01 |
| Posts | DRDO Chair, DRDO Distinguished Fellowship, DRDO Fellowship |
| Total Vacancies | 15 |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Job Type | Contractual |
| Maximum Age | Up to 5 years after superannuation |
| Last Date | 16 October 2026 |
DRDO DHR&V Vacancy 2026
The recruitment covers three categories of positions. The vacancy information published in the recruitment article is as follows:
| Post Name | Vacancies | Monthly Honorarium |
|---|---|---|
| DRDO Chair | 2 | ₹1,25,000 |
| DRDO Distinguished Fellowship | 7 | ₹1,00,000 |
| DRDO Fellowship | 6 | ₹80,000 |
| Total | 15 | — |
DRDO DHR&V Eligibility Criteria 2026
The eligibility requirements vary according to the post. Candidates must satisfy the prescribed rank/pay-level and retirement-related conditions.
1. DRDO Chair
- Distinguished Scientists (DS) or equivalent from DRDO or other Scientific/Academic Institutions in the prescribed Pay Level-16.
- Retired Lieutenant General or equivalent from the Armed Forces with the prescribed technical background/pay level.
2. DRDO Distinguished Fellowship
- Outstanding Scientists (OS) or equivalent from DRDO or other Scientific/Academic Institutions in the prescribed Pay Level-15.
- Retired Lieutenant General or equivalent from the Armed Forces with the prescribed technical background/pay level.
3. DRDO Fellowship
- Scientist 'G' or equivalent from DRDO or other Scientific/Academic Institutions in the prescribed Pay Level-14.
- Retired Major General or equivalent from the Armed Forces with the prescribed technical background/pay level.
The official DRDO vacancy page confirms that the current advertisement is specifically for the three categories of DRDO Chair, DRDO Distinguished Fellowship and DRDO Fellowship.
DRDO DHR&V Age Limit 2026
DRDO DHR&V Salary / Honorarium 2026
- DRDO Chair: ₹1,25,000 per month
- DRDO Distinguished Fellowship: ₹1,00,000 per month
- DRDO Fellowship: ₹80,000 per month
The honorarium is subject to the conditions specified in the recruitment advertisement. The fixed monthly amount is restricted based on the prescribed pension/basic-pay calculation, and the engagement does not carry regular employee benefits. Candidates should refer to the official advertisement for the complete terms and conditions.
DRDO DHR&V Recruitment 2026 – Important Date
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Published | 15 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16 October 2026 |
The official DRDO vacancy listing gives the application period as 15 September 2026 to 16 October 2026.
DRDO DHR&V Selection Process 2026
The selection process is based on scrutiny and assessment of the applications received. The process includes:
- Screening of applications by the designated Screening Committee.
- Shortlisting and recommendation of eligible candidates.
- Consideration by the Selection Committee.
- Final recommendation and approval by the Competent Authority.
How to Apply for DRDO DHR&V Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates have to submit the application through offline mode. The official DRDO website provides both the advertisement and application form for this recruitment.
- Visit the official DRDO website.
- Open the recruitment/vacancy section and locate DRDO/DHR&V/C&F-2026-01.
- Download and carefully read the official advertisement.
- Download the prescribed application form.
- Fill in all required details accurately.
- Attach the required supporting documents as specified in the notification.
- Review the application and supporting documents carefully.
- Send the completed application to the address prescribed in the official advertisement.
- Ensure that the application reaches the concerned a