ICMR Director Recruitment 2026Apply Online

• Applicants must be Indian citizens.
• Direct recruitment: an MCI/NMC-recognised MD/MS or equivalent; or an MCI/NMC-recognised MBBS or equivalent with an MPH from a recognised university; or a master's degree in a Biomedical Sciences-related subject or an MCI/NMC-recognised MBBS/equivalent, together with a recognised university Ph.D. in a Biomedical Sciences-related subject.
• Require 15 years of experience, including five years in a managerial position independently handling R&D projects and either two years of regular service at Pay Matrix Level-13-A or seven years at Level-13, or equivalent.
• Relevant Biomedical Sciences R&D experience in government, public-sector or private institutions is admissible, subject to the research area specified for the chosen institute.
• For experience calculation, Ph.D. counts as four years, MD/MS or equivalent as three years, and MVSc as two years. MPH/M.Tech/ME adds no experience credit, and time spent obtaining the minimum essential qualification is excluded.
• Deputation/absorption applicants must be scientists from the specified government bodies, recognised autonomous organisations, research institutes or universities, holding an analogous regular post or possessing the direct-recruitment qualifications and experience.
• ICMR scientists must apply through direct recruitment, not deputation.

• Open the official ICMR recruitment portal and select the relevant Director post.
• Complete the online application and upload self-attested supporting documents for date of birth, qualifications, specialisation and experience.
• Pay Rs.1500 through the payment link in the form unless exempt under the SC/ST/Women/PwD/EWS categories.
• Submit a separate online form and applicable fee for every Director post you wish to apply for.
• Finish submission by 30 November 2026 at 5:30 PM; late or incomplete applications and those lacking supporting documents may be rejected.

Director appointments across five institutes

ICMR, an autonomous organisation under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, has issued advertisement ICMR/DIR/02/2026-R&PCell for Director appointments at NIMR, NITM, RM NIHR, NIHR North and NIHR South. These Group A scientific positions carry Level-14 pay of Rs.1,44,200–2,18,200 plus admissible allowances and all-India transfer liability. Institute-wise vacancy counts are not stated.

Match your research background to the institute

The educational and experience requirements are common, but the research specialisation differs. NIMR requires malaria-related R&D experience, while NITM requires experience in integrative or traditional medicine. The other three institutes accept the specified experience in communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, child health or nutrition. Applicants need 15 years of experience, including five managerial years handling R&D independently and the prescribed service at Level-13-A or Level-13.

Degree-based experience credits require careful attention: a Ph.D. counts as four years, MD/MS or equivalent as three, and MVSc as two. MPH, M.Tech and ME receive no experience credit. Time used to acquire the minimum essential educational qualification does not count.

Complete the online submission

• Choose the Director position that matches your qualifications and research experience on the official recruitment portal.
• Upload self-attested date-of-birth proof, educational records and evidence supporting your specialisation and experience.
• Ensure experience certificates from the Head of Office, Head of Organisation or Head HR clearly show service periods and dates.
• Pay the applicable fee and submit by 30 November 2026 at 5:30 PM. Multiple posts require separate applications and applicable fees.

Selection and appointment conditions

Eligible applicants may undergo further shortlisting before interview. Applicants employed in the specified government departments, PSUs or government-funded research agencies must produce an employer NOC at personal discussion, including an undertaking about release within one month of receiving the appointment order.

The NIMR and NITM positions are lien vacancies and remain subject to the lien holders' return. Direct recruits have a five-year tenure, extendable by up to five years or until superannuation, whichever comes first. Deputation extension is conditional on absorption in ICMR. Further recruitment communications will appear only on the ICMR website.