The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially released the notification for DRDO Chairs & Fellowships 2025 under Advertisement No. DRDO/DOP/C&F-2025-01. This initiative invites applications from retired senior scientists and armed forces officers for a total of 22 prestigious positions 14 for DRDO retirees and 8 for non-DRDO retirees. Eligible officers from Central Government/Autonomous Bodies who have retired or are due to retire by 31st December 2025 can apply.
The application must be submitted offline by post to the Director of Personnel, DRDO Headquarters, New Delhi, within 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement on the DRDO website. The selection will be based on a screening and selection committee review.
DRDO Chairs & Fellowships 2025 Notification
The official DRDO Chairs & Fellowships 2025 Notification PDF is available on the DRDO website. This PDF contains the complete details, including the application format, eligibility criteria for each post (DRDO Chair, Distinguished Fellow, Fellow), emolument structure, and the full list of required documents. Retired officers must carefully review the notification to ensure they meet the specific pay level and rank requirements before applying.
Download DRDO Chairs & Fellowships 2025 Notification PDF
DRDO Chairs & Fellowships 2025: Overview
This program offers a unique opportunity for distinguished retired scientists and officers to continue contributing to national defence R&D. The engagement is on a contractual basis for one year, extendable up to three years based on performance. Below is a summary of the key details.
| Organization | Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | DRDO Chair, DRDO Distinguished Fellow, DRDO Fellow |
| Total Vacancies | 22 (14 for DRDO, 8 for Non-DRDO) |
| Advertisement No. | DRDO/DOP/C&F-2025-01 |
| Application Dates | Within 30 days of advertisement publication |
| Mode of Application | Offline (By Post) |
| Selection Process | Screening & Selection Committee |
| Emolument (Monthly) | ₹1,25,000 (Chair), ₹1,00,000 (Dist. Fellow), ₹80,000 (Fellow) |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
| [email protected] |
DRDO Chairs & Fellowships Vacancy 2025
The 22 vacancies are distributed across three prestigious positions, with separate allocations for DRDO and non-DRDO (Tri-Services, other scientific institutions) retirees.
| Position | DRDO Vacancies | Non-DRDO Vacancies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRDO Chair | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| DRDO Distinguished Fellow | 4 | 5 | 9 |
| DRDO Fellow | 7 | 2 | 9 |
| Total | 14 | 8 | 22 |
DRDO Chairs & Fellowships Eligibility 2025
The eligibility is strictly defined by the rank/pay level at the time of superannuation and the field of specialisation.
Age Limit
The maximum age limit is up to 5 years after the date of superannuation.
Qualification & Eligibility
Candidates must have retired from specific high-level ranks in scientific or armed forces roles.
| Position | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| DRDO Chair | Retired as Distinguished Scientist (DS) or equivalent (Pay Level-16 or above). Retired Lt. General or equivalent (Technical). |
| DRDO Distinguished Fellow | Retired as Outstanding Scientist (OS) or equivalent (Pay Level-15 or above). Retired Lt. General or equivalent (Technical). |
| DRDO Fellow | Retired as Scientist ‘G’ or equivalent (Pay Level-14 or above). Retired Maj. General or equivalent (Technical). |
Areas of R&D: Aeronautics, Armaments, Combat Vehicles, Communication Engg., Computer Sc./IT, Electronics, Life Science, Instrumentation, Material Science, Missiles, Naval Systems.
Also Read: DRDO DGRE Paid Internship 2025 Notification Out, Check Eligibility Details
DRDO Chairs & Fellowships Selection Process 2025
The selection process is designed to identify the most eminent and suitable candidates for these honorary positions.
- Application Screening: Received applications will be examined by a screening committee.
- Committee Review: Shortlisted candidates will be recommended by the screening committee to a selection committee.
- Final Approval: The selection committee’s final list requires the approval of the Competent Authority.
DRDO Chairs & Fellowships Emolument 2025
The fixed monthly honorarium is as follows. It is important to note that this will be restricted to the amount arrived at by deducting the basic pension from the last basic pay drawn.
| Position | Monthly Emolument |
|---|---|
| DRDO Chair | ₹1,25,000/- |
| DRDO Distinguished Fellow | ₹1,00,000/- |
| DRDO Fellow | ₹80,000/- |
Note: No DA, HRA, government accommodation, or medical reimbursement is provided. Transport Allowance is admissible.
DRDO Chairs & Fellowships Apply Offline 2025
The application process is entirely offline. Candidates must send their application package by post to the designated address.
Address for Application Submission:
The Director,
Directorate of Personnel, DRDO,
Room No. 229 (DRDS-III), DRDO Bhavan,
Rajaji Marg, New Delhi – 110011.
Also Read: MTRDC DRDO Recruitment 2025 Notification Out, Walk-in for JRF and RA Posts
How to Apply for DRDO Chairs & Fellowships 2025?
Candidates must follow these steps to apply correctly:
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download the application format from the official DRDO website. |
| 2 | Fill the application neatly on A-4 size paper. |
| 3 | Attach all required documents (PPO, Aadhar, PAN, Photo, Annexures). |
| 4 | Get the application endorsed by the Director and Cluster DG of the preferred DRDO lab/establishment. |
| 5 | Send the hard copy by post to the address above, captioning the envelope “Application for DRDO Chair/DRDO Fellow”. |
| 6 | Also, send a scanned copy of the complete application to [email protected]. |
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for DRDO Chairs & Fellowships 2025?
Ans: The last date is 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement on the DRDO website. Candidates must check the website for the exact date.
Q2. How can I apply for DRDO Chairs & Fellowships?
Ans: You must apply offline by sending a physical copy of the duly filled application form via post to the Director of Personnel, DRDO HQ, New Delhi. A soft copy must also be emailed.
Q3. How many vacancies are available?
Ans: There are a total of 22 vacancies across three positions: 4 for DRDO Chair, 9 for Distinguished Fellow, and 9 for Fellow.
Q4. Who is eligible for the DRDO Fellow position?
Ans: Scientists who retired from the rank of Scientist ‘G’ or equivalent (Pay Level-14 or above) from DRDO or other institutions, or retired Maj. General/equivalent from the Armed Forces (Technical Background).
Q5. What is the tenure of the engagement?
Ans: The initial contract is for one year, which is extendable up to a maximum of three years based on an annual performance review.
