DRDO Technology Development Fund (TDF) Recruitment 2026: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has invited applications from Retired Scientists, Retired Service Officers, Professors from reputed academic institutions, and industry professionals for Empanelment as Defence Specialists under Technology Development Fund (TDF) Projects.
Interested candidates must submit their CV within 28 days from the date of advertisement publication.
DRDO Technology Development Fund (TDF) Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Directorate | Directorate of Technology Development Fund (Dte of TDF) |
| Scheme Name | Technology Development Fund (TDF) |
| Post Name | Defence Specialist (Empanelment) |
| Engagement Type | Specific S&T Work |
| Category of Work | Technical / Advisory / Technology Management |
| Empanelment Period | 3 Years (Extendable by 1 Year) |
| Mode of Application | |
| Job Location | DRDO HQrs, New Delhi |
| Official Notification Date | 20th February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 20th March 2026 |
DRDO Technology Development Fund (TDF) Recruitment 2026 – Domains / Disciplines Required
Advanced Materials & Functional Technologies
- Advanced Materials.
- Meta Materials.
- Functional Materials.
Defence Systems & Platforms
- Systems / Platforms at Sea, Land, Air & Space.
Strategic & Emerging Technologies
- Quantum, Photonics & Semiconductor Devices.
- Advanced Wireless Communication & Sensor Technologies.
- Strategic Electronics (Radars, Sonars, Electronic Warfare).
- Micro Electronic Devices & Computational Systems.
- Biotechnology & Bioinformatics for Defence.
- Critical Technologies such as Micro Aero Engines, SAR, SAS, Aero Materials, Slip Rings.
DRDO Technology Development Fund (TDF) Recruitment 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be:
- Retired Scientists.
- Retired Service Officers.
- Professors from reputed academic institutions.
- Industry professionals with relevant research or industry experience.
DRDO Technology Development Fund (TDF) Recruitment 2026 – Roles & Responsibilities
The empanelled Defence Specialists will:
- Conduct feasibility studies for specific projects.
- Prepare project definition documents.
- Evaluate Detailed Project Reports (DPR).
- Provide mentoring and technical handholding for project progress.
DRDO Technology Development Fund (TDF) Recruitment 2026 – How to Apply
Interested candidates must:
- Prepare a detailed CV
- Attach a brief statement of interest
- Send the application via email to:
Ensure your application reaches before 20 March 2026.
Application Format: (Profile of Domain Experts for Empanelment with DRDO, DRDO HQ)
Candidates should include:
- Name
- Qualification
- Domain Expertise
- Experience
- Contact Details
- Any other relevant information
Important Links & Dates
| Official Advertisement | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Email To Submit Application | drdo.tdf@finovista.com |
| Last Date To Submit Application | 20th March 2026 |
| Home Page | Click Here |
Disclaimer:
This post is meant for informational purposes only. Job seekers are advised to check the official DRDO advertisement or website for the latest details on eligibility, application deadlines, fees, and selection process. We are not responsible for any changes or updates made by the authority after this publication.
DRDO Technology Development Fund (TDF) Recruitment 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for DRDO TDF Recruitment 2026?
Ans: The last date to apply is 20 March 2026.
Q2. Who can apply for DRDO TDF Defence Specialist empanelment?
Ans: Retired Scientists, Retired Service Officers, Professors from reputed academic institutions, and industry professionals with relevant research or industry experience can apply.
Q3. What is the mode of application?
Ans: Applications must be submitted via email to drdo.tdf@finovista.com.
Q4. What is the duration of empanelment?
Ans: The empanelment is for 3 years, extendable by one additional year based on requirement.
Q5. Is this a permanent government job?
Ans: No, this is not a permanent government job. It is an empanelment-based engagement for specific scientific and technical assignments.
Q6. Where will the selected Defence Specialists be engaged?
Ans: The empanelment is under the Defence Research and Development Organisation Headquarters (DTDF), New Delhi.
Q7. What kind of work will the empanelled experts perform?
Ans: They will conduct feasibility studies, evaluate project reports, prepare project definition documents, and provide mentoring support for TDF projects.
Q8. What is the objective of the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme?
Ans: The TDF scheme aims to promote indigenous defence technologies by supporting industry-led research and innovation projects.
Q9. When was the DRDO TDF Recruitment 2026 notification published?
Ans: The notification was published on 20 February 2026.
Q10. Is there any application fee for DRDO TDF Recruitment 2026?
Ans: No application fee has been mentioned in the official notification. Candidates are advised to carefully read the advertisement before submitting their application.
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