Recruitment Overview
The Ministry of External Affairs has invited applications for engagement of 1 Consultant in the D&ISA Division. The post is based in New Delhi and is meant for full-time contractual engagement in a policy and research-oriented role.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting authority | Ministry of External Affairs |
| Division | Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division |
| Post | Consultant |
| Vacancies | 1 |
| Location | New Delhi |
| Nature of engagement | Full-time contractual |
Period of Consultancy
The official advertisement states that the period of consultancy will be one year. The contract may be extended further depending on assessment of performance, mutual willingness and the requirement of the ministry.
The notice also states that the contract may be terminated by either side on one month notice or on payment of one month's pay in lieu of notice. Unauthorized absence may lead to termination of the engagement.
Nature of Duties
The role is focused on policy tracking, research support and analytical work in the D&ISA Division.
- Regular monitoring of developments in disarmament, non-proliferation, arms control, nuclear policy, outer space, maritime security, emerging technologies and related strategic issues.
- Preparation of research-based inputs and policy briefs on these subjects.
- Reporting on events attended on matters relevant to the division.
- Support in organizing important meetings and programmes handled by the division.
- Any other work assigned by the Head of Division from time to time.
Job Location
The consultant will work in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. The official advertisement lists multiple ministry locations where work may be assigned.
- South Block
- Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan
- Sushma Swaraj Bhawan
- Patiala House
- ISIL Building
- CCS Building
Candidates should be prepared for full-time office-based work in New Delhi.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
The official notice provides two eligibility routes for this consultant post.
| Route | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Academic route | Indian national with a doctoral degree specializing in disarmament and international security from a reputed or recognized institution in India or abroad, aged at least 32 years but not more than 56 years on the last date of application. |
| Retired government route | Retired Government of India employee with pay level 14 or above under the 7th CPC at the time of superannuation and not more than 63 years of age on the last date of application. |
In addition, the applicant should have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in think-tanks, academia or similar institutions dealing with disarmament and international security matters and should have strong written and spoken communication skills in English.
Desirable Qualifications
The ministry has also listed a few desirable qualifications that can strengthen a candidate's profile.
- At least 5 years of work experience in a government department or ministry, reputed university, think-tank or research organization dealing with disarmament and international security.
- Publications such as articles, books or similar written work in the domain of disarmament and international security.
- Proficiency in use of computers, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Remuneration and Entitlements
The remuneration package will depend on the profile and experience of the selected candidate, subject to the ceiling mentioned in the advertisement.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Remuneration ceiling | Up to Rs. 18 lakh per annum, subject to deduction of applicable taxes |
| Retired GoI official remuneration | As per prevailing Department of Expenditure norms |
| HRA | Not admissible |
| Other regular employee benefits | Not admissible |
The consultant will not be entitled to benefits such as provident fund, pension, gratuity, medical attendance treatment, seniority or promotion. The consultancy fee fixed at the time of engagement will remain unchanged during the term.
Working Hours, Leave and Travel
The engagement is on a full-time basis.
- Normal working hours are 09:00 to 17:30 hrs.
- Saturdays and Sundays are treated as weekend off, though the consultant may be required to work beyond office hours or on holidays in exigencies.
- No extra allowance is payable for such extended work.
- Paid leave may be allowed at the rate of 1.5 days for each completed month of service.
- Leave cannot be claimed as a matter of right and cannot be allowed for more than 10 days at a time.
- If official travel is required, the ministry will take care of travel, accommodation and per-diem costs as per its guidelines.
How to Apply
The ministry allows both offline and online submission. Candidates have to use the prescribed application proforma in Annexure I and attach supporting documents.
- Fill the application proforma for the Consultant post in the D&ISA Division.
- Attach documents in support of educational qualifications and relevant experience.
- Choose either offline or email mode for submission.
- For offline submission, send the application by registered post in an envelope labelled Application for the position of Consultant in the D&ISA Division of Ministry of External Affairs.
- For online submission, send the application by email with the subject clearly mentioning the candidate's name and the position applied for.
| Mode | Submission details |
|---|---|
| Offline | Under Secretary (PF&PG), Ministry of External Affairs, Room No. 4071, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, 23-D, Janpath, New Delhi-110011 |
| Online | Email to aopfsec@mea.gov.in |
Selection Process and Important Instructions
The ministry will review the applications and shortlist candidates for interview or written test. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed by email about the date, time and venue.
- Incomplete applications or applications received without supporting documents will be summarily rejected.
- No TA or DA will be paid for attending the interview.
- Applicants have to make their own arrangements to reach the interview venue.
- The decision of the Government regarding selection will be final.
- The last date for receiving applications is 24 April 2026 by 17:30 hrs.
Applications received after the closing date and time, or otherwise found incomplete or not in the prescribed format, will be rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are announced in MEA Consultant Recruitment 2026?
The official advertisement is for 1 Consultant post in the D&ISA Division of the Ministry of External Affairs.
What is the last date to apply for MEA Consultant Recruitment 2026?
The last date for receiving applications is 24 April 2026 up to 17:30 hrs.
Can candidates apply both offline and online for this MEA Consultant post?
Yes. The official notice allows submission by registered post in offline mode or by email in online mode.
What is the age limit for MEA Consultant Recruitment 2026?
For the doctoral degree route, the age should be at least 32 years and not more than 56 years. For retired Government of India employees, the upper age limit is 63 years.
What qualification is required for the MEA Consultant post?
The candidate should either hold a doctoral degree in a domain relevant to disarmament and international security or be a retired Government of India employee of pay level 14 or above, along with the required experience conditions.
What is the remuneration for the MEA Consultant post?
The remuneration package will depend on the selected candidate's profile and experience, subject to a maximum of Rs. 18 lakh per annum. Retired Government of India officials will be paid as per Department of Expenditure norms.
What is the period of consultancy in MEA Consultant Recruitment 2026?
The initial period of consultancy is one year and it may be extended depending on performance, mutual willingness and requirement.