DRDL Consultant Recruitment 2026: Vacancy and Posting Details
Under the Ministry of Defence guidelines, the engagement of retired government officials as consultants on a contract basis requires strict adherence to pay level eligibility and post-retirement rules. For the 2026 cycle, the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad has announced two specific vacancies targeting retired professionals.
Official Order Issued: Advertisement No. DRDL/CONSULTANT/2026/336-337, published on 19 Feb 2026, for engagement at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Kanchanbagh.
The recruitment drive seeks one Technical Consultant retiring at Pay Level-12 (Post Code 336) and one Admin Consultant retiring at Pay Level-08 (Post Code 337). Both positions are strictly short-term contract engagements based in Hyderabad.
What is the Technical Consultant role profile?
The Technical Consultant will execute specific tasks for Project ATGMs and production Transfer of Technology (ToT) activities. Responsibilities include the design and development of onboard power packs, flight cable harnesses, and checkout systems for the NAG, HELINA, and MPATGM missile classes.
What does the Admin Consultant role entail?
The Admin Consultant manages project administration, project closure, finance accounting, and audit observations specifically for Project DHRUVASTRA-ASM. The role demands heavy liaison work regarding technical logistics at various flight trial locations, including high-altitude testing sites.
Remuneration Structure and Conveyance Allowance Rates
Consultant remuneration depends entirely on whether the retired official draws a regular pension or falls under the non-pensioner category. Pay and Accounts Offices frequently reject consultant salary bills if the exact basic pension figure from the individual’s Pension Payment Order (PPO) is not meticulously matched during the initial remuneration fixation.
How much is the fixed monthly remuneration for pensioners?
A fixed monthly amount is calculated by deducting the basic pension from the pay drawn at the time of retirement. This resulting figure remains frozen for the entire contract term, and no annual increments or percentage increases are permitted.
Are there separate conveyance allowance slabs?
Yes, a fixed monthly conveyance allowance is granted for commuting between the residence and the place of work. Officials up to Pay Level-11 receive Rs. 3,000, while those at Pay Level-12 to 14 and above receive Rs. 5,000.
| Category / Pay Level | Applicable Post | Max Monthly Remuneration | Conveyance Allowance | Total Monthly Claim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Pensioner (Level-08 Eqv.) | Admin Consultant | Rs. 40,000 | Rs. 3,000 | Rs. 43,000 |
| Non-Pensioner (Level-12 Eqv.) | Technical Consultant | Rs. 60,000 | Rs. 5,000 | Rs. 65,000 |
Consultants are strictly excluded from claiming Dearness Allowance, Transport Facility, Residential Accommodation, or CGHS medical reimbursement during their contract period. However, official travel inside the country permits TA/DA claims commensurate with their retirement Pay Level.
Eligibility Rules and Maximum Age Limits for 2026
Applications are invited from eligible officials who retired from Central Government, State Government, PSUs, Autonomous Bodies, Universities, or Government R&D Organizations. Candidates who possess prior practical experience working within DRDO are accorded preference during the selection process.
What is the maximum age limit for applying?
The maximum age limit for all categories of retired employees seeking appointment is capped at 63 years. This age is calculated as on the closing date of the application.
Is there a mandatory cooling-off period after retirement?
No retired Government Servant is eligible for appointment unless there is a mandatory gap of fifteen days between their retirement date and their appointment as a consultant.
Submission Procedure for DRDL Kanchanbagh Applications
Candidates must fill out the Appendix-A proforma completely. Those applying for more than one Post Code are required to submit separate applications for each code.
What documents must be attached with the application?
Applicants must enclose multiple verified documents with their form. The mandatory enclosures include:
- Identity Proof
- Proof of Address
- Copy of the P.P.O.
- Copy of Proofs of Educational Qualification
- Copy of Service Verification Certificate
Where should the application form be submitted?
Eligible officials must send their completed applications to The Director, Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Govt. of India, Ministry of Defence, DRDO, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Kanchanbagh PO, Hyderabad, Telangana 500 058. Alternatively, the application can be sent via email to doms.drdl@gov.in using the exact subject line “Application for Consultant & Pay Level”.
What is the final deadline for receipt of applications?
The absolute closing date for the receipt of applications is 11 March 2026. Any incomplete applications, or those received after this deadline, will be rejected automatically without any further intimation to the candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum age limit for DRDL Consultant recruitment 2026?
The maximum age limit for all categories of retired employees is 63 years as on the closing date of the application.
How much is the conveyance allowance for Pay Level 12 retirees?
Retired officials at Pay Level 12 to 14 and above are entitled to a fixed monthly conveyance allowance of Rs. 5,000.
Are consultants eligible for CGHS medical reimbursement?
No. Consultants shall not be entitled to any kind of allowance or benefit such as Dearness Allowance, Transport Facility, Residential Accommodation, or CGHS Medical reimbursement.
Is there a gap required between retirement and consultant appointment?
Yes, a retired Government Servant must have a mandatory gap of fifteen days between their retirement date and their appointment as a consultant.
What is the last date to apply for the DRDL Consultant posts?
The final closing date for the receipt of applications at DRDL Kanchanbagh is 11 March 2026.
Can I apply via email for the DRDL consultant vacancy?
Yes, the application along with required documents can be sent by email to doms.drdl@gov.in with the subject line “Application for Consultant & Pay Level”.
हिंदी सारांश
रक्षा मंत्रालय के तहत डीआरडीएल हैदराबाद ने अनुबंध के आधार पर तकनीकी और प्रशासनिक सलाहकार पदों के लिए सेवानिवृत्त सरकारी अधिकारियों से आवेदन मांगे हैं। आवेदन करने की अधिकतम आयु सीमा 63 वर्ष है और अंतिम तिथि 11 मार्च 2026 निर्धारित की गई है। चयनित उम्मीदवारों को उनके सेवानिवृत्ति वेतन स्तर के आधार पर एक निश्चित मासिक पारिश्रमिक और वाहन भत्ता दिया जाएगा। इन पदों पर महंगाई भत्ता या चिकित्सा प्रतिपूर्ति जैसी सुविधाएं देय नहीं होंगी।
