DRDO CEPTAM Chairperson Recruitment 2026 – Lead India’s Premier Defence Recruitment Agency
DRDO Chairperson Vacancy 2026 – Elite Leadership Role | Apply Now
By Sarkari Naukri Front | Post Published on 12 January 2026 | Last Updated on 12 January 2026
Table of Contents
An Elite National Leadership Opportunity
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), India’s most prestigious defence R&D body, has invited applications for the appointment of Chairperson, CEPTAM (Centre for Personnel Talent Management)—one of the highest administrative and strategic leadership roles in DRDO’s human resource and talent management system.
CEPTAM is the central recruitment and assessment authority of DRDO, responsible for the recruitment of all technical and non-gazetted manpower, assessment of DRTC officers, and training & development of DRDO human resources. The Chairperson of CEPTAM plays a nationally critical role in shaping India’s defence scientific workforce.
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), India’s most prestigious defence R&D body has announced appointment of Chairperson, CEPTAM (Centre for Personnel Talent Management). Detailed eligibility, terms of reference, and application instructions are available in the DRDO CEPTAM Official Notification (PDF) .
Post Name
Chairperson – CEPTAM (DRDO)
Organisation
Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM)
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)
Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Nature of Appointment
The appointment will be made:
- On Contract Basis
- For a period of 3 years
- Or till the incumbent attains 65 years of age
- Whichever is earlier
- Subject to approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
Pay Scale & Status: DRDO CEPTAM Chairperson Recruitment 2026
The Chairperson of CEPTAM will be appointed in
Pay Level 14 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC)
(or higher, depending on last drawn pay)
Along with Central Government allowances
This places the role at par with top-tier Government of India leadership positions
Who Can Apply—Elite Eligibility Criteria
This prestigious position is open only to:
Retired Scientist ‘G’ or Scientist ‘H’ from DRDO
or
Scientists who are due to retire on or before 31 March 2026
provided:
- They are not holding any other employment
- They possess a strong background in:
- Scientific leadership
- Defence R&D
- Administration
- Institutional governance
This ensures that the Chairperson of CEPTAM is always led by India’s most accomplished defence scientists.
Why This Position Is Nationally Important
CEPTAM is not a routine recruitment body.
It is the brain of DRDO’s human capital system, responsible for:
- Recruitment of thousands of scientists, engineers, technicians & administrative staff
- Evaluation of DRTC Officers
- Training policy execution
- Talent pipeline management for:
- Missile programs
- Fighter aircraft programs
- Space & electronic warfare projects
- Strategic Defence Laboratories
The Chairperson of CEPTAM directly shapes the future scientific strength of India’s defence ecosystem.
Selection Process: DRDO CEPTAM Chairperson Recruitment 2026
Selection will be done by a Search-cum-Selection Committee constituted by the Government of India.
The Committee will:
- Consider applications received through this advertisement
- Also, independently identify eligible and outstanding scientists
- Evaluate leadership, scientific stature, and administrative competence
Final appointment will be subject to ACC approval.
How to Apply: DRDO CEPTAM Chairperson Recruitment 2026
Eligible retired/retiring DRDO Scientists must submit the prescribed application form by Speed Post.
Address for Application Submission
Office of DG (HR)
Room No. 203, DRDO HQrs
DRDO Bhawan, Rajaji Marg
New Delhi – 110011
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 011-23016132, 23016163
Subject Line (on envelope & email):
“Application for the post of Chairperson CEPTAM”
Last Date to Apply
31 January 2026 (up to 5:00 PM)
Late applications will not be considered.
Application Format: DRDO CEPTAM Chairperson Recruitment 2026
Applicants must submit the official Nomination/Application Form, which includes:
- Personal & retirement details
- Academic qualifications (Graduation, PG, PhD)
- Area of specialisation
- DRDO service history
- Publications (Papers & Books)
- Administrative posts held
- Awards, memberships
- Two referees
- A 250-word justification on suitability for the Chairperson role
Why This Is One of the Highest Prestige Jobs in Indian Science
Becoming Chairperson of CEPTAM means:
- Leading the entire DRDO recruitment & talent system
- Working directly with DG (HR), DRDO HQ, and the Government of India
- Shaping the future of:
- India’s missile scientists
- Aeronautical engineers
- Electronic warfare specialists
- Defence technologists
This is not just a job.
It is a legacy-defining national service role
FAQs:
Q1. Who is eligible to apply for the Chairperson CEPTAM post?
Only retired Scientist ‘G’ or Scientist ‘H’ of DRDO, or those due to retire on or before 31 March 2026, and not holding any other employment, are eligible.
Q2. What is the tenure of appointment for the Chairperson of CEPTAM?
The appointment is for 3 years or till the candidate attains 65 years of age, whichever is earlier, subject to approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
Q3. What is the salary for the Chairperson of the CEPTAM post?
The selected candidate will be appointed in Pay Level-14 (7th CPC) or above, along with applicable Central Government allowances.
Important links
- Email for Queries: [email protected]
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