Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad has announced recruitment for 1 Consultant position under Advertisement No. RCI/HRD/2026/Consultant/365. This opportunity is open exclusively to retired government officers at Pay Level-13 who wish to engage in meaningful work post-retirement. The application deadline is 13 November 2026.
Overview
DRDO RCI Hyderabad, a premier defence research institution, is seeking a Consultant to leverage the expertise of senior retired government professionals. This engagement offers competitive remuneration, conveyance allowance, and the opportunity to contribute to India's defence research mission. The role is designed for former civil servants with substantial experience and a minimum of 25 years of service in central government establishments.
The position is contractual and offers flexible terms tailored to the applicant's retirement category—whether as a pensioner, NPS retiree, or non-pensioner. The notice indicates that the appointment will be on consolidated pay with no annual increments during the contract period, making this ideal for retirees seeking supplementary engagement rather than a career continuation.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Published | 23 October 2026 |
| Application Deadline (Cut-off for Receipt) | 13 November 2026 |
Candidates are advised to submit applications well before the deadline to avoid postal delays. The 13 November 2026 date is strictly observed as the cut-off for receipt; applications arriving after this date will not be entertained.
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Number of Vacancies | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Consultant (Post Code 2026/RCI/365) | 1 | Retired from Pay Level-13 with minimum 25 years service in Central Government establishment |
Remuneration & Allowances
The salary structure is designed to fairly compensate retirees from various backgrounds and pension schemes. Remuneration varies based on the applicant's retirement category:
| Applicant Category | Monthly Remuneration | Conveyance Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Pensioners (Level-13; PSU equivalent ₹90,000–₹2,40,000) | ₹60,000 consolidated | ₹5,000 per month |
| Pensioners | Pay at retirement minus basic pension; no annual increment during contract | ₹5,000 per month |
| Retired under National Pension Scheme (NPS) | 30% of last basic pay deducted from last basic pay; resultant amount is fixed remuneration | ₹5,000 per month |
All categories receive the same conveyance allowance of ₹5,000 per month. No dearness allowance, house rent allowance, or annual increments are applicable during the contract tenure.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Consultant position, applicants must satisfy all the following criteria:
- Retirement Status: Must have retired from Pay Level-13 or equivalent (for PSU employees, the equivalent basic pay range is ₹90,000–₹2,40,000).
- Service Duration: Must have completed a minimum of 25 years of service in a Central Government establishment. Service in autonomous bodies, PSUs, or state governments may have different eligibility; clarification should be sought from the official notification.
- Qualifications & Expertise: Relevant academic qualifications and professional expertise as specified in the official notification are required. The exact qualifications for the Consultant role are detailed on page 6 of the notice.
- Age & Health: Must be in good mental and physical health. Age limits and medical clearance requirements, if any, are specified in the official notification.
How to Apply
- Download the Application Proforma: Obtain the official notification PDF from the DRDO website. The Annexure-II application proforma is on page 6 of the notice.
- Read Instructions Carefully: Review all instructions provided in the notification, including document requirements, enclosures checklist, and submission format.
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather certified copies of certificates for educational qualifications, service record, pension documents (if applicable), identity proof, and other enclosures as specified in the proforma.
- Complete the Proforma: Fill the Annexure-II application form neatly and legibly. Ensure all sections are completed. Use black or blue ink if handwriting; type if computer submission is permitted (check the notification).
- Arrange Documents in Order: Compile your application package following the enclosure sequence mentioned in the official notification to ensure nothing is missed.
- Submit to RCI Address: Send the completed application to the postal address of DRDO RCI Hyderabad as specified in the notice. Courier or registered post is recommended for tracking.
- Ensure Timely Receipt: Post your application well before 13 November 2026 to guarantee timely arrival. Late submissions will not be considered under any circumstances.
Document Checklist: Use the official proforma to verify required documents. Typical enclosures for such positions include: duly filled application proforma, passport-size photograph, copy of retirement order, service record, educational certificates, pension documents (for pensioners), Aadhar/PAN card, and any other credentials mentioned in the notification.
Selection Process
While the notification focuses on application submission, the typical selection process for consultant roles involves shortlisting based on qualifications and experience, followed by interviews with the selection committee. Merit-cum-suitability and relevance to DRDO's defence research objectives are the primary criteria. Candidates should prepare to discuss their research interests, technical expertise, and how they can contribute to RCI's mission during interviews.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to apply for this Consultant position?
A: Retired officers from Pay Level-13 (or equivalent PSU scale of ₹90,000–₹2,40,000) who have served at least 25 years in a Central Government establishment are eligible. Exact qualifications and specialisations are detailed in the official notification.
Q: What is the monthly salary and total monthly income?
A: Non-pensioners receive ₹60,000 consolidated salary plus ₹5,000 conveyance allowance (total ₹65,000/month). Pensioners and NPS retirees have different calculations; refer to the official notification for precise amounts applicable to your category.
Q: When is the final application deadline?
A: The cut-off date for receipt of applications is 13 November 2026. Applications must physically reach the RCI address by this date; postmarks alone are not acceptable.
Q: How many positions are open in this recruitment?
A: Only 1 Consultant position (Post Code 2026/RCI/365) is advertised.
Q: What documents must I submit with the application?
A: You must use the Annexure-II proforma from the official notification (page 6). Required enclosures typically include retirement order, service record, educational certificates, pension/NPS documents, identity proof, and passport photo. The complete checklist is provided in the notification.
Q: Can I apply online or must I send a physical application?
A: Applications must be submitted in the Annexure-II proforma format to the RCI postal address specified in the official notification. Online applications are not mentioned; physical submission by post or courier is required.
Q: Will there be any interview round?
A: The notification confirms application submission via proforma but does not explicitly detail the selection process. Candidates are advised to check the official notification for information on interview procedures, if any.
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: See the official notification for application fee details.
Important Note
All candidates must verify application requirements, eligibility criteria, document specifications, and the postal address for submission on the official DRDO website before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and not affiliated with DRDO or any government agency.