DRDO RCI Recruitment 2026: 1 Consultant – Apply Offline @ drdo.gov.in

DRDO RCI Consultant Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, a unit of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence, has issued Advertisement No. RCI/HRD/2026/Consultant/365 dated 23 October 2026 for the engagement of 01 Consultant (Post Code 2026/RCI/365) on a contractual basis for the RCI project MRSAM (IAF).

The engagement is limited to retired officials of Central Government, State Government, Public Sector Undertakings, Autonomous Bodies or Government R&D organizations who have served more than 25 years in a Central Government establishment and retired at Pay Level-13 or above. This is a contractual, non-official engagement and does not confer permanent government job status, lifetime pension, or regular cadre benefits.

The last date for receipt of the application is 13 November 2026. Applications must be sent by post in the prescribed Annexure-II proforma along with self-attested enclosures to the RCI address in Hyderabad.

Post-Wise Vacancy & Pay Scale

Note: Consultants are not entitled to Dearness Allowance, transport facility, residential accommodation, personal staff, CGHS or medical reimbursement. TA/DA for official travel inside the country is admissible at the rate matching the grade pay or pay level from which the consultant retired.

Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualification

• Retirement Source: The applicant must have retired from a Central Government, State Government, PSU, Autonomous Body, or Government R&D organization.
• Minimum Service: More than 25 years of service in any Central Government establishment (preferably IAF / Indian Army / Indian Navy).
• Pay Level at Retirement: Retired in Pay Level-13 of the pay matrix or above.
• Domain Experience: Practical knowledge and experience in execution of warranty and maintenance support to IAF / IA / IN for Guided Missile Systems.
• Communication Skills: Effective oral and written communication with strong interpersonal skills and a flair for in-depth examination of work areas.
• Gap Period: A mandatory gap of 15 days between retirement date and appointment as Consultant.
• Preference: Persons who have worked with DRDO are accorded preference. Additional preference for candidates with Defence project experience in IAF, Army and Navy.
• Education: The official notification does not specify a minimum educational qualification. Candidates should refer to the full Terms of Reference at Appendix-A of the notification PDF.

Selection Process & Screening Clause

The official notification does not prescribe a written examination or interview process for this engagement. Key points:

• Selection Basis: Screening of applications by RCI against the Terms of Reference and eligibility criteria. Preference is accorded to candidates with prior DRDO and Defence project experience.
• Shortlisting: Only candidates meeting the retirement pay level, service duration, domain experience and age criteria will be considered.
• TA/DA: No TA/DA will be paid for appearing in any stage of the selection or engagement process. TA/DA for official travel during the consultancy is admissible at the rate matching the retired pay level.
• Rejection Clause: Candidature is liable to be rejected if any information is found false, incorrect, incomplete, or if ineligibility is detected at any time before or after selection.

Required Documents & Instructions for Candidates

Self-attested photocopies of the following documents must be enclosed with the application:

• Identity Proof (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport / Voter ID)
• Proof of Address (Residential / Domicile Certificate or Utility Bill)
• Copy of Pension Payment Order (PPO) – for pensioner applicants
• Copy of Proof of Educational Qualification (Degree / PG / Diploma certificates and mark sheets)
• Copy of Service Verification Certificate from the retiring organization
• Two recent passport-size photographs

Where to Send:

Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex
Government of India, Ministry of Defence
Defence Research & Development Organisation
Vignyanakancha P.O., Hyderabad – 500 069

Key Instructions:

• The consultancy starts for one year from the date the consultant enters into the contract agreement with DRDO.
• Working hours are those of the lab or establishment where the consultant is engaged. The consultant may be called on holidays or beyond normal hours with no additional benefits or leave.
• Remuneration for services in a month is payable in the subsequent month as per Ministry of Defence letter No. DHRD/DRDO CONSULTANT/GUIDELINES/E/685/D(R&D) dated 06 July 2022.
• Paid leave may be allowed at 1.5 days per completed month of service; accumulation beyond a calendar year is not permitted.
• The engagement is temporary and non-official against specific project tasks. It is not re-employment.
• The consultant must comply with the Contract Agreement, Non-Disclosure Agreement, General Conduct Rules, Information Security Act and applicable government restrictions.
• The consultant may not take up private business or professional activity conflicting with Government interest.
• Secretary DD (R&D) reserves the right to examine, review or terminate the consultancy at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last date to apply for DRDO RCI Consultant Recruitment 2026?

The last date for receipt of the application is 13 November 2026, as per the cut-off date specified in Advertisement No. RCI/HRD/2026/Consultant/365 dated 23 October 2026. The application must reach the RCI address in Hyderabad by this date.

How to apply for DRDO RCI Consultant post? What is the application mode?

The application mode is offline by post. Eligible retired officials must fill the application in the prescribed Annexure-II proforma (available at page 6 of the notification PDF), attach self-attested photocopies of required documents, and send the application to: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Vignyanakancha P.O., Hyderabad – 500 069. There is no online application portal.

What is the application fee for DRDO RCI Consultant Recruitment 2026?

The official notification does not specify any application fee for this consultancy engagement. Candidates should refer to the notification PDF for complete details.

What is the nature of the DRDO RCI Consultant job – permanent or contract?

This is a short-term contractual engagement, not a permanent government job. The consultancy is for an initial duration of 1 year, extendable up to 2 additional years (total up to 3 years) with the approval of the Competent Authority. It does not confer permanent cadre benefits, regular government employment status, or lifetime pension on its own.

What is the salary structure for DRDO RCI Consultant?

Non-Pensioners: Rs. 60,000/- consolidated per month plus Rs. 5,000/- conveyance allowance (total Rs. 65,000/- per month). Pensioners: Monthly remuneration equals the pay drawn at retirement minus basic pension, plus Rs. 5,000/- conveyance allowance. NPS Retirees: Last basic pay minus 30% deduction as the fixed remuneration, plus Rs. 5,000/- conveyance allowance. No annual increment is applicable during the contract period.

Who is eligible to apply for DRDO RCI Consultant Recruitment 2026?

Only retired officials of Central Government, State Government, PSU, Autonomous Bodies or Government R&D organizations are eligible. The applicant must have served more than 25 years in a Central Government establishment (preferably IAF/IA/IN), retired at Pay Level-13 or above, be within the maximum age of 63 years as on 13 November 2026, and have a mandatory 15-day gap between retirement and appointment. Experience in Guided Missile Systems warranty and maintenance support to IAF/IA/IN is required.