DIO Individual Consultants Recruitment 2026 – 6 Posts, Apply

About Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) Recruitment 2026

The Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) has announced a recruitment drive for Individual Consultants to join its Project Management Team in 2026. This initiative aims to strengthen the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework, which fosters innovation and technology development in India's Defence and Aerospace sectors. The DIO is seeking experienced professionals on a contract basis for various roles, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to national defence innovation.

Available Positions and Vacancies

A total of 6 positions are open for Individual Consultants across different levels within the Project Management Team. These roles are crucial for managing specific projects related to iDEX activities, including forging partnerships, implementing challenges, and managing fund disbursements.

Post Name	Number of Vacancies
Program Director (PD)	02
Deputy Program Director (DPD)	01
Program Executive (PE)	02
Deputy Program Executive (DPE)	01
Total	06

Eligibility Criteria and Educational Qualifications

Candidates applying for these Individual Consultant positions must meet specific educational and experience requirements tailored to each role. Generally, a Master's or Bachelor's Degree in Science, Management, or Technology is required, coupled with relevant post-qualification experience.

Post Name	Qualification	Experience / Other
Program Director (PD)	Master's Degree in Science/Management/Technology or Equivalent OR Bachelor's Degree in Science/Management/Technology or Equivalent	10 years post-qualification experience (for Master's) OR 12 years post-qualification experience (for Bachelor's) in a relevant field.
Deputy Program Director (DPD)	Master's Degree in Science/Management/Technology or Equivalent OR Bachelor's Degree in Science/Management/Technology or Equivalent	6 years post-qualification experience (for Master's) OR 8 years post-qualification experience (for Bachelor's) in a relevant field.
Program Executive (PE)	Master's Degree in Science/Management/Technology or Equivalent OR Bachelor's Degree in Science/Management/Technology or Equivalent	2 years post-qualification experience (for Master's) OR 4 years post-qualification experience (for Bachelor's) in a relevant field.
Deputy Program Executive (DPE)	Master's Degree in Science/Management/Technology or Equivalent OR Bachelor's Degree in Science/Management/Technology or Equivalent	May be considered without any post-qualification experience (for Master's) OR 1 year post-qualification experience (for Bachelor's) in a relevant field.

Candidates should also have experience in fields such as Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Business Development, Program Management, Grant Management, Communications & Outreach, Product Management, IT Operations, or Finances/Estimation/Accounting.

Age Limit for Applicants

The age limits for applicants vary by position and are calculated as of August 10, 2026.

Category	Age Limit (as on 10 Aug 2026)
Program Director (PD)	Below 55 years
Deputy Program Director (DPD)	Below 40 years
Program Executive (PE)	Below 30 years
Deputy Program Executive (DPE)	Below 26 years

Consolidated Monthly Consultancy Fee

The selected Individual Consultants will receive a consolidated monthly consultancy fee, inclusive of all taxes. This fee structure is based on the position and experience.

Post Name	Gross Salary (Consolidated Monthly Consultancy Fee)
Program Director (PD)	₹1,80,000 to ₹2,40,000
Deputy Program Director (DPD)	₹1,40,000 to ₹1,80,000
Program Executive (PE)	₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000
Deputy Program Executive (DPE)	₹40,000 to ₹80,000

An annual increase of up to 10% in the consultancy fee may be provided based on annual appraisal. The individual consultant will be liable for Goods and Services Tax (GST), with a provision for reimbursement from DIO.

Application Fee

No application fee has been specified in the official notification for these Individual Consultant positions.

Selection Process Overview

The selection process for Individual Consultants will involve several stages designed to assess candidates' suitability for the roles.

1. Application Shortlisting — Candidates will be shortlisted based on their online applications and uploaded documents.
2. Interview — Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which may be conducted in-person in New Delhi or via video conferencing.
3. Skill Tests — The interview process may include skill tests to evaluate specific competencies.
4. Personal Interview — A personal interview will be a key component of the assessment.
5. Group Discussions/Debates/Quizzes — Depending on the position, candidates might also participate in group discussions, debates, or quizzes.

No travel fare will be reimbursed by DIO for attending interviews.

How to Apply for DIO Individual Consultants

Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the official iDEX website. The application process is entirely digital, and no other mode of application will be accepted.

1. Visit the official iDEX website: https://idex.gov.in/
2. Navigate to the "Career" section on the website.
3. Locate the advertisement for "Hiring of Professionals (On Contract Basis) for Project Management Team" and click on the relevant application link.
4. Fill out the online application form with all required personal and professional details.
5. Upload all necessary documents as a single PDF file, ensuring it adheres to the prescribed size limits mentioned in the application form.
6. Review all entered information carefully before final submission.
7. Submit the application form by 05:00 PM on August 10, 2026, or before.

Any deviation from the prescribed application method, including file size, may lead to immediate disqualification.

Important Dates to Remember

Candidates should note the following key dates for the DIO Individual Consultants Recruitment 2026.

Event	Date
Notification Release Date	08 Jul 2026
Application Start Date	08 Jul 2026
Application Last Date	10 Aug 2026
Interview/Skill Test Date	To be Announced

For further details or clarifications, candidates can email eo-dio@ddpmod.gov.in or contact 011-20832018.