The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced a significant recruitment drive for various senior-level and administrative positions in 2026. This extensive hiring notification, released on 12 February 2026, offers opportunities on a deputation/absorption basis for experienced government officers seeking to contribute to national defense research and development efforts. With a total of 188 vacancies across multiple posts, this recruitment provides a unique chance for eligible candidates from Central/State/UT Governments to serve in a prestigious organization under the Ministry of Defence. Carefully review the details below to understand the roles, eligibility criteria, application process, and other essential information related to the DRDO Various Posts Recruitment 2026.
DRDO Various Posts Recruitment 2026 Overview (Deputation / Absorption)
DRDO has invited applications for 188 deputation or absorption posts across different hierarchical levels, aimed at experienced officers with relevant qualifications and service records. These positions are essential for supporting DRDO’s administrative, financial, and operational functions, and come with attractive pay scales according to the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
Key Details
| Advertisement Details | |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence |
| Posts Available | Accounts Officer, Private Secretary, and Other Posts |
| Total Vacancies | 188 |
| Advertisement Number | DOP/AA1/68080/Depu/Cir |
| Official Website | https://www.drdo.gov.in |
| Application Start Date | 12 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | Within 45 days from the publication in Employment News/Rozgar Samachar (approx. 30 March 2026) |
| Salary Range | Pay Level 07 to 13 (as per 7th CPC) |
| Age Limit | Not exceeding 56 years as on the closing date |
Vacancy Details
The recruitment encompasses a variety of positions, each with specific eligibility criteria and responsibilities. The posts, their pay levels, and the number of vacancies are as follows:
DRDO Vacancies Table
| Post Name | Pay Level | Number of Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Director (Administration) | Level-13 | 4 |
| Joint Director (Accounts) | Level-13 | 1 |
| Addl CCE | Level-13 | 1 |
| Sr. Accounts Officer Grade-II | Level-10 | 1 |
| Administrative Officer | Level-07 | 46 |
| Stores Officer | Level-07 | 34 |
| Accounts Officer | Level-07 | 16 |
| Private Secretary | Level-07 | 85 |
Eligibility Criteria for Various Posts
Candidates must meet specific educational qualifications, experience, and service conditions to be eligible for each post. The criteria are summarized below:
Joint Director (Administration) – Level-13
Officers of Central/State/UT Government holding:
- An analogous post or 5 years in Level-12
- Degree from a recognized university
- Minimum 12 years of experience in administration, establishment, or accounts
Joint Director (Accounts) – Level-13
Officers holding:
- An analogous post or 5 years in Level-12
- Bachelor Degree
- At least 10 years of experience in Accounts/Finance/Budgeting
Addl CCE – Level-13
For civilian officers of organized engineering services or equivalent:
- An analogous post or 5 years in Level-12
- Bachelor Degree in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, or Architecture
- Minimum 10 years experience in civil works, project execution, or estate management
Sr. Accounts Officer Grade-II – Level-10
Officers holding:
- An analogous post or 2 years in Level-9 or 4 years in Level-8
- Bachelor Degree
- At least 3 years experience in Accounts, Finance, or Budgeting
Administrative Officer – Level-07
Criteria include:
- An analogous post or 5 years in Level-6
- Bachelor Degree
- Minimum 2 years experience in Accounts, Administration, or Establishment
Stores Officer – Level-07
Eligibility criteria:
- Similar to Administrative Officer, with 3 years experience in storekeeping or stores accounts
Accounts Officer – Level-07
Qualifications include:
- Analogous post or 5 years in Level-6
- Bachelor Degree
- Pass in Subordinate Accounts Service or equivalent
- At least 3 years experience in cash, accounts, or budget management
Private Secretary – Level-07
Candidates should be:
- Stenographers holding analogous post or with 5 years in Level-6
Pay Levels and Salary Structure
The salary for each position is assigned based on the pay level as per the 7th CPC, with the following general breakdown:
| Post | Pay Level | Approximate Salary Range (as per 7th CPC) |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Director (Administration/Accounts) / Addl CCE | Level-13 | Rs. 1,23,100 to Rs. 2,15,900 |
| Sr. Accounts Officer Grade-II | Level-10 | Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500 |
| Administrative Officer, Stores Officer, Accounts Officer, Private Secretary | Level-07 | Rs. 44,900 to Rs. 1,42,400 |
Age Limit and Age Relaxation
The maximum age for appointment through deputation is 56 years as of the last date of application submission. Age relaxation is permissible as per government rules for candidates from reserved categories and other eligible groups.
Selection Process
The selection process for DRDO vacancies comprises the following steps:
- Scrutiny of applications based on eligibility and submitted documents.
- Verification of APARs (Annual Performance Appraisal Reports) for the last 5 years (2019-20 to 2023-24), duly attested.
- Selection on the basis of deputation or absorption as per the eligibility and organizational requirements.
Note: Only applications forwarded through proper channel by Cadre Controlling Authorities, with all necessary documentation, will be considered.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Applications must be duly forwarded through the concerned Cadre Controlling Authority with their signature and stamp.
- Complete and updated copies of APARs for the last 5 years (2019-20 to 2023-24) must be attached, duly attested by an officer not below Under Secretary rank.
- Applications without proper channel or incomplete in any aspect will be rejected.
- The period of deputation is generally not to exceed three years, subject to organizational requirements.
- Departmental officers in the feeder category are not eligible for deputation.
How to Apply for DRDO Various Posts 2026
Application Procedure
Eligible officers should follow these steps to apply:
- Download the prescribed application form (Annexure-III) from the official DRDO notification [here](https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/sites/default/files/vacancy/advtHQR26022026.pdf).
- Complete the application form with accurate details.
- Obtain necessary endorsements and signatures from the Cadre Controlling Authority.
- Attach photocopies of the last 5 years’ APARs (2019-20 to 2023-24), duly attested.
- Send the complete application packet to:
- Deputy Director, Directorate of Personnel (Pers-AA1)
- Room No. 266, 2nd Floor, DRDO Bhawan, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi – 110105
- Ensure the application reaches within 45 days from the date of publication in Employment News/Rozgar Samachar.
- Incomplete or improperly channeled applications will be rejected without reconsideration.
Important Links
Additional Resources
- Join the Arattai Telegram Channel
- Join the Telegram Channel
- Join the WhatsApp Channel
- Download the Sarkari Result Mobile App
For detailed information about the vacancies, eligibility, and application process, candidates are advised to go through the official notification PDF linked above. Ensuring all eligibility conditions and submission requirements are met will help secure a place in this prestigious recruitment process at DRDO for 2026.