DRDO PSA Scientist G Deputation Recruitment 2026

About This Job

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India is looking to fill 1 Scientist 'G' post on a deputation basis. If you are a senior scientist or technologist currently working in a central/state government organisation or a recognised research institution, this is a chance to work at the highest level of India's science and technology policy-making. The salary is Rs. 1,44,200 to Rs. 2,18,200 per month (Pay Level 14). You must apply through the proper channel by 12 May 2026. The application is completely offline — send your application by registered or speed post.

O/o PSA to GoI Scientist G Recruitment 2026 — 1 Post

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (O/o PSA) to the Government of India has issued Vacancy Circular No. A-12011/2/2023-Admn. for filling 1 post of Scientist 'G' at Pay Level 14 by deputation. This office advises the Government of India on science and technology matters and plays a central role in shaping national S&T policy. The position is based at Kartavya Bhavan-3, Janpath, New Delhi. The original deadline of 13 April 2026 was extended to 12 May 2026 via a notice dated 16 April 2026. Only serving scientists or technologists working in government, public sector, or recognised research institutions can apply — this is not an open recruitment.

Who Can Apply?

Educational Qualification (Essential — Any One):

• Master's Degree in Physical, Chemical, Biological, Earth-atmospheric, Environmental, Mathematical, Computational and Information, or Agricultural Sciences from a recognised university or institute
• OR Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Technology, Biotechnology, Medicine, Veterinary Sciences, or Pharmaceutical Sciences (minimum 4-year course) from a recognised university or institute

Experience (Essential):

• Minimum 21 years of experience in science and technology organisations, or R&D in industrial and academic institutions, or both
• Out of 21 years, at least 7 years must be in any one or more of these areas:
  • Administering, planning, development or coordination of Science and Technology programmes
  • Managing and directing major programmes under any branch of Science and Technology
  • Proven record of policy initiatives for the Science and Technology Sector
  • Proven record of leading a team
• Note: Time spent obtaining the minimum essential educational qualification does not count towards experience. Doctorate Degree period (up to 2 years maximum) may count if the degree was actually awarded.

Current Grade Requirement:

• You must be a Scientist or Technologist of the Central/State Government, Union Territory, government undertaking, university, recognised research institution, or statutory/autonomous organisation, AND
• Holding an analogous post on a regular basis, OR
• Have at least 5 years of regular service in Pay Level 13A (Rs. 1,31,100–2,16,600/-) or equivalent

Desirable Qualification:

• Post-Doctorate research in Physical/Chemical/Biological/Environmental/Mathematical/Computational/Agricultural Sciences
• OR Doctorate Degree in Engineering/Technology/Biotechnology/Medicine/Veterinary Sciences/Pharmaceutical Sciences from a recognised university

Additional Notes:

• Persons with Disabilities (PwD) can apply even if no reserved vacancies exist — they will be considered on general merit
• Candidates in the direct line of promotion in their parent organisation are not eligible for deputation

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 58 years as on the closing date of receipt of applications (12 May 2026)
• No minimum age specified (applicable to senior serving government officers)
• The deputation period shall ordinarily not exceed 5 years

Salary

• Pay Level 14 of the 7th Central Pay Commission Pay Matrix: Rs. 1,44,200 to Rs. 2,18,200 per month
• In addition, you will get DA, HRA, TA, and other allowances as applicable under Central Government rules
• Deputation (Duty) Allowance may also be applicable as per DoPT rules

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

There is no written examination for this post. Selection is done in two stages:

1. Application Screening: An Eligibility/Screening Committee reviews all applications received through proper channel and shortlists eligible candidates based on qualifications and experience
2. Personal Interaction/Interview: Shortlisted candidates appear before the Selection Committee for a personal interaction. Final selection is based on this interaction
3. Panel Validity: A panel of recommended candidates is prepared after the interview, valid for 1 year from the date of interview. This panel can be used to fill any vacancies arising during its validity period

How to Apply

1. Download the application form (Annexure-II) from drdo.gov.in — type it on A-4 size thick plain paper in the prescribed format
2. Attach attested copies of APARs (Annual Performance Appraisal Reports) for the last 5 years
3. Attach a certificate confirming that no vigilance or disciplinary case is pending or contemplated against you
4. Attach a certificate with details of any major/minor penalties imposed in the last 10 years
5. Attach an Integrity Certificate duly signed by the competent authority, along with cadre clearance
6. Attach self-attested copies of educational qualifications, date of birth, disability certificate (if applicable), community certificate (SC/ST/OBC), and experience certificates
7. Submit through proper channel — your department must forward the application with NOC from the competent authority
8. Send via Registered Post or Speed Post (do NOT use ordinary post) to: Shri Vikas Srivastava, Director (Admn.), Room No. 33010, Kartavya Bhavan-3, Janpath, New Delhi-110001
9. Write "APPLICATION FOR POST OF SCIENTIST 'G'" on the envelope
10. Ensure the complete application reaches O/o PSA by 12 May 2026 (5:00 PM) — no relaxation for postal delays

Important Dates

• Vacancy Circular Date: 27 February 2026
• Original Last Date (General): 13 April 2026
• Extension Notice Date: 16 April 2026
• Extended Last Date (General): 12 May 2026 (by 5:00 PM)
• Last Date for Remote Areas (Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Ladakh, Lahaul & Spiti, Pangi Sub Division, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep): 26 May 2026
• Interview Date: To be announced

• Advise and assist the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India on science and technology matters of national importance
• Plan, coordinate, and manage major Science and Technology programmes and policy initiatives at the national level
• Liaise with government ministries, departments, scientific organisations, laboratories, and academic institutions
• Lead teams and manage complex S&T projects requiring cross-departmental coordination
• Prepare policy briefs, reports, and presentations for senior government officials and decision-makers
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of national S&T programmes and recommend improvements
• Represent the O/o PSA in inter-ministerial committees, international S&T bodies, and conferences
• Contribute to formulation of India's science, technology, and innovation strategy