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
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) .
Chairperson – CEPTAM (DRDO)
Centre for Personnel Talent Management (CEPTAM)
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)
Ministry of Defence, Government of India
The appointment will be made:
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
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:
This ensures that the Chairperson of CEPTAM is always led by India’s most accomplished defence scientists.
CEPTAM is not a routine recruitment body.
It is the brain of DRDO’s human capital system, responsible for:
The Chairperson of CEPTAM directly shapes the future scientific strength of India’s defence ecosystem.
Selection will be done by a Search-cum-Selection Committee constituted by the Government of India.
The Committee will:
Final appointment will be subject to ACC approval.
Eligible retired/retiring DRDO Scientists must submit the prescribed application form by Speed Post.
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”
31 January 2026 (up to 5:00 PM)
Late applications will not be considered.
Applicants must submit the official Nomination/Application Form, which includes:
Becoming Chairperson of CEPTAM means:
This is not just a job.
It is a legacy-defining national service role
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.
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).
The selected candidate will be appointed in Pay Level-14 (7th CPC) or above, along with applicable Central Government allowances.
HPSC Asst. Engineer Civil Recruitment 2026
RIICO Asst. Site Engineer Recruitment 2026
