DRDL Consultant Recruitment 2026: Notification—Prestigious Opportunity for Retired Government Professionals
Introduction
Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, functioning under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released an official recruitment notification for the engagement of retired government officials as consultants on a contract basis. This recruitment drive offers a rare and prestigious opportunity for experienced retired professionals from Central Government, State Government, PSUs, and Autonomous Bodies to contribute to India’s strategic defense and missile development programs. The engagement will be purely on a short-term contractual basis as per the defined Terms of Reference (TOR) for each post.
This DRDL Consultant Recruitment 2026 is especially suitable for highly experienced technical and administrative professionals seeking meaningful post-retirement engagement with national importance.
Table of Contents
Job Highlights:
- Recruiting Organisation: Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), DRDO
- Post Type: Consultant (Contract Basis)
- Eligibility: Retired Government / PSU / Autonomous Body Officials
- Work Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
- Total Vacancies: 02 Posts
- Maximum Age Limit: 63 Years
- Application Mode: Offline / Email
- Contract Period: 01 Year (Extendable)
Total Vacancies
02 Posts
Advertisement Number
Advt. No. DRDL/CONSULTANT/2026/336-337
Short Description – DRDL Consultant Recruitment 2026
The Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) invites applications from eligible retired officials for engagement as consultants in technical and administrative domains. These consultants will support critical missile development projects, production transfer of technology, project administration, finance, audit coordination, and logistics related to advanced defense systems. Preference will be given to candidates with prior DRDO experience.
Important Dates & Application Fee
Application Begins: 19 February 2026
Last Date to Apply: 11 March 2026
Admit Card: Not Applicable
Examination Date: Not Applicable
Application Fee:
- General / EWS / OBC: Nil
- SC / ST / PH / Women: Nil
Mode of Payment: Not Applicable
Posts, Vacancy, Age Limit, Pay Scale & Qualification Details
| Post Name / Pay Level | Total Vacancy | Educational Qualification |
| Consultant (Technical) – Pay Level 12 | 01 | Minimum Diploma in Electronics & Communication Engineering with extensive missile system R&D experience |
| Consultant (Admin) – Pay Level 08 | 01 | Graduation with a minimum of 15 years of experience in project administration, finance, audit & logistics |
Note:
- Age Limit: Maximum 63 years as on the closing date
- Age Relaxation: Not Applicable (as posts are for retired officials)
- Cut-off Date for Age Calculation: 11 March 2026
How to Apply – DRDL Consultant Recruitment 2026
Eligible and interested retired officials must submit their duly filled application form (Appendix-A) along with required documents to the following address:
Director
Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL)
DRDO, Ministry of Defence
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex
Kanchanbagh PO, Hyderabad – 500058
Applications can also be sent via email to [email protected] with the subject line:
“Application for Consultant & Pay Level.”
Incomplete or late applications will be rejected without any intimation.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof
- Address Proof
- PPO Copy
- Educational Qualification Certificates
- Service Verification Certificate
Selection Process
- Shortlisting based on eligibility and experience
- Preference to candidates with prior DRDO experience
- Final selection by the competent authority based on the TOR requirements
Important Instructions
- A separate application is required for each postcode
- Engagement is purely temporary and contractual
- Consultants are not entitled to DA, HRA, CGHS, or other benefits
- A gap of at least 15 days between retirement and appointment is mandatory
- Consultants must comply with confidentiality and security norms
Why This Job Is Perfect For Retired Professionals
This DRDL consultant opportunity is ideal for retired technical experts and administrators who wish to continue contributing their expertise to nation-building and defense preparedness. It provides professional recognition, a structured work environment, respectable remuneration, and the chance to remain engaged in cutting-edge defense research without long-term service obligations.
FAQs:
Q1. Who can apply for DRDL Consultant Recruitment 2026?
Only retired officials from Central/State Government, PSUs, autonomous bodies, universities, or government R&D organizations are eligible.
Q2. What is the maximum age limit for DRDL consultant posts?
The maximum age limit is 63 years as of the closing date of the application.
Q3. Is there any application fee for the DRDL Consultant Recruitment 2026?
No. There is no application fee for any category of applicants.
Source Confirmation
The post content is strictly based on the official DRDL/DRDO notification (Advt. No. DRDL/CONSULTANT/2026/336-337)
Important Links
- Official Website
- Official Notification PDF
- Application Format (Appendix A)
- Terms & Conditions (Appendix-B)
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