ICCR Directors Recruitment 2026 - Apply Now

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has announced an official recruitment notification inviting applications for the prestigious position of Directors of Indian Cultural Centres abroad. This long-term opportunity offers a chance for qualified professionals to assume key roles in promoting Indian culture internationally. The application process is offline, with candidates required to submit their forms via the official ICCR website. The closing date for applications is 02 February 2026, by 6:00 PM. Below, you will find comprehensive details about the recruitment process, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and important resources to assist potential applicants.

ICCR Directors of Indian Cultural Centres Abroad Empanelment 2026 – Overview

Aspect	Details
Company/Organization	Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
Post Title	Directors of Indian Cultural Centres abroad
Salary and Benefits	Foreign Compensatory Allowance (approximately ₹4-5 lakhs/month) + other admissible benefits and allowances
Qualification Requirements	Graduation from a recognized University
Age Limit	Under 55 years (as on 02 February 2026)
Application Last Date	02 February 2026, 1800 hrs
Official Website	https://iccr.gov.in

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

Nationality and Educational Qualification

Applicants must be Indian nationals with a graduation degree from a recognized university. Proper documentation proving nationality and educational credentials will be required during the application process.

Age Limit

Candidates must be below 55 years of age as of 02 February 2026.

Work Experience Requirements

Candidate Category	Experience Details
Government Officers	Minimum 5 years of regular service at Level-11 or above (7th CPC) Experience in Ministries/Departments, Autonomous Bodies, Public Sector Undertakings, State Government Departments, or equivalent entities Interest and experience in Cultural Management, organizing cultural events and exhibitions
Private Sector Professionals	Minimum 8 years of relevant work experience in Art, Culture, Management or Public Administration Proficiency in organizing cultural events, seminars, exhibitions, and academic activities Experience related to diplomatic or international relations activities

Additional Domain Skills

Applicants should possess excellent communication skills, proficiency in English, and ideally, knowledge of a foreign language. Demonstrated credentials or a keen interest in Art & Culture are essential. Skills in event management, social media, AV/Stage setup, graphic design, and other cultural promotion tools are highly desirable.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Experience in organizing exhibitions, seminars, conferences, and cultural festivals
Background in diplomacy, international relations, or cultural diplomacy
Hands-on experience in running cultural institutions
Administrative, personnel, and financial management expertise in government or non-government bodies
Foreign exposure or studies abroad, preferably with knowledge of UN languages, Hindi, or other Indian languages
Specialization in Art, Culture, Literature, or Traditional Indian Knowledge
Practicing artists, authors, or scholars in relevant fields
IT skills, social media proficiency, AV/stage setup experience

Selection Process and Procedure

Application Screening

Applications will first undergo screening based on eligibility and experience. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a presentation or in-person interview at ICCR headquarters. In rare cases, virtual interviews may be permitted, but candidates should be prepared for physical presence if required.

Panel and Merit List

Selected candidates will be placed on a merit-based panel, which will be valid for a period of three years. The final selection will depend on various verification processes, including police verification, vigilance clearance, past service records, integrity certificates, and passport/visa validation.

Deployment and Conditions

The appointment is initially for a period of up to 3 years, subject to terms of the appointment letter.
Selected government officers will receive their current pay plus Foreign Compensatory Allowance and other admissible benefits.
Private sector candidates will similarly receive foreign allowance and benefits.
Deployment abroad requires compliance with all legal and procedural formalities, including clearance from relevant authorities.
The appointment mandates that the candidate will not hold any other employment during the tenure.

Additional General Information and Conditions

The ICCR reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria or cancel the recruitment process at any time without notice. Selection is subject to verification and approval of all required documents. Empanelled candidates are not guaranteed employment but will be considered for deployment based on merit and availability of vacancies.

Important Conditions

Appointment tenure is up to three years, with possible extension based on performance and organizational needs.
Candidates selected from government service must apply through proper channels with an NOC.
All selections are contingent upon successful police and security verification, as well as health and background checks.

How to Apply for ICCR Directors Position

Application Submission Process

Download and fill out the application form in the requisite format, including a detailed bio-data and supporting documents.
Send the completed application via email to personnel@iccr.gov.in or by registered/non-registered post to:

Director (Personnel),
Indian Council for Cultural Relations,
Azad Bhavan, I.P. Estate,
New Delhi – 110002

All applications must reach ICCR by 02 February 2026, 1800 hrs. Incomplete or late applications will not be entertained.

Special Instructions

Government servants should apply through proper channels and include a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the official notification PDF before submitting their application. The PDF document can be accessed here: Official Notification PDF

Summary

This is a significant opportunity for experienced professionals in the fields of culture, art, and international relations to serve in a prestigious role representing Indian culture globally. The role offers attractive remuneration, allowances, and international exposure. Interested candidates are advised to carefully prepare their applications, adhere to the submission deadline, and ensure all eligibility criteria are met to enhance their chances of selection.

For further details and updates, always refer to the official ICCR website and notifications.

ICCR Directors Recruitment 2026 – Apply Now