Defence Research And Development Service Rules, 2023

 

[25th May 2023]

In exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to article 309 of the Constitution and in supersession of the Defence Research and Development Service Rules, 1979, except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the President hereby makes the following rules, namely:-

Rule - 1. Short title and commencement

(1)     These rules may be called the Defence Research and Development Service Rules, 2023.

(2)     They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

Rule - 2. Definitions

In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,-

(1)     "Assessment Board" means the Assessment Board constituted as specified in Schedule III;

(2)     "Chairperson, DRDO" means the Chairperson of the Defence Research and Development Organisation;

(3)     "discipline" means the subject in which scientists are assessed for promotion;

(4)     "duty post" means any post, whether permanent or temporary, included in Schedule VII;

(5)     "Flexible Complementing Scheme" means the merit-based promotion system for Scientists employed in the Organisation under Flexible Complementing Scheme;

(6)     "Government" means the Government of India;

(7)     "Internal Screening Committee" means the Internal Screening Committee constituted as specified in Schedule I to evaluate the annual Performance Appraisal Reports of Scientist B to Scientist E;

(8)     "Organisation" means the Defence Research and Development Organisation;

(9)     "Peer Committee" means the respective Peer Committee constituted as specified in Schedule IV for assessing suitability for promotion;

(10)   "Preliminary Screening Committee" means the respective Preliminary Screening Committee constituted as specified in Schedule II to evaluate the annual Performance Appraisal Reports of Scientist F or, as the case may be, Scientist G and Scientist H;

(11)   "Schedule" means a Schedule annexed to these rules;

(12)   "Scheduled Castes" means such castes, races or tribes or parts of or groups within such castes, races or tribes, as are notified under article 341 of the Constitution, to be Scheduled Castes;

(13)   "Scheduled Tribes" means such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities, as are notified under article 342 of the Constitution, to be Scheduled Tribes;

(14)   "Recruitment Board" means the Recruitment Board constituted as specified in Schedule V;

(15)   "scientific experience" means the working experience in research or design or development or production in the required areas in scientific laboratories, institutions, Universities or industries;

(16)   "Screening Committee" means the respective Screening Committee constituted as specified in Schedule II for interaction with Scientist F or, as the case may be, with Scientist G;

(17)   "Service" means the Defence Research and Development Service;

(18)   "Research and Development Management" means techno-managerial ability to manage and coordinate science and technology related requirements at a senior level in the areas of project management, material management, resource management and organisational development in scientific laboratories, institutions, Universities or industries.

Rule - 3. Constitution of the Defence Research and Development Service

(1)     There shall be constituted a service known as the Defence Research and Development Service consisting of Scientists appointed to the Service under rules 7 and 8.

(2)     All posts included in the Service shall be classified as Central Civil Service Group A posts.

Rule - 4. Grades, authorised strength and their review

(1)     The posts included in the Service, their number and pay scales, shall be such as specified in Schedule VII.

(2)     After the commencement of these rules, the authorised permanent strength of the various grades shall be such as may, from time to time, be determined by the Government.

(3)     The Government may make temporary additions or deletions to the strength of the Service including encadred scientific posts, as deemed necessary from time to time.

(4)     The Government may include in the Service any post other than those included in Schedule VII or exclude from the Service a post included in the said Schedule.

(5)     The Government may appoint an officer whose post is included in the Service under sub-rule (4), to the appropriate grade of the Service in a temporary capacity or in substantive capacity as it may deem fit.

Rule - 5. Member of the Service

(1)     The following Scientists shall be members of the Service, namely:-

(a)      Scientists appointed to the Service on regular basis prior to commencement of these rules and working in the Organisation or encadred in Scientific posts in any establishment under the Government in the Ministry of Defence as specified in rule 7, from the date of such appointment; and

(b)      Scientists to be appointed to duty posts after the commencement of these rules, from the date they are so appointed.

(2)     A Scientist appointed under clause (a) of sub-rule (1) shall be deemed to be a member of the Service in the corresponding grade or post which he holds on regular basis on the date of commencement of these rules.

(3)     A Scientist appointed under clause (b) of sub-rule (1) on regular basis shall be a member of the Servicein the corresponding grade or post, from the date of such appointment.

(4)     Without prejudice to sub-rules (1) to (3), the Government may, when considered necessary, appoint eminent Scientists, as Consultants or as Emeritus Scientists, on such terms and conditions as may be decided by the Government in each case.

Rule - 6. Method of recruitment

Recruitment to the Service shall be made by any of the following methods, the method of recruitment on each occasion being decided by the Government, in the light of qualifications required for the particular post keeping in view the job requirement of the same, namely:-

(1)     by promotion;

(2)     by direct recruitment through open advertisement or Talent Search Scheme as specified in Schedule XII or Trainee Scientist Scheme as specified in Schedule XI;

(3)     by deputation of suitable Scientists and Technologists from the Central Government or State Government Departments, or on short term contract from Universities, Institutes of Technology, recognised research institutions, public sector undertakings, autonomous organisations and other nonGovernment bodies in India or abroad;

(4)     by re-employment in civilian capacity of suitable officers on tenure postings from the Army, Navy and Air-force;

(5)     by absorption of suitable officers who were appointed on deputation or short-term contract by the recruitment method mentioned in clause (3).

Rule - 7. Protection of past service rendered to continue

All existing Scientists, appointed to the Service and working in the Organisation or encadred in scientific posts in any establishment of the Government in the Ministry of Defence shall be deemed to have been appointed to the Service in the posts or grades corresponding to those which they were holding on regular basis on the date of commencement of these rules.

Rule - 8. Future maintenance of Service

(1)     Vacancies against authorised strength in the Service shall be filled in the following manner, namely:-

(a)      eighty-five per cent. vacancies in the grade of Scientist B shall be filled by direct recruitment and fifteen per cent. through limited departmental competitive examination, failing which, by direct recruitment.

Note 1: Any person holding the post of Technical Officer A or Technical Officer B and having five years regular service and other technical personnel in the lower grades with ten years regular service in Defence Research and Development Organisation and possessing the educational qualifications prescribed for the post of Scientist B in Schedule VIII, shall be eligible to appear at the said departmental competitive examination for which there shall be no upper age-limit.

Note 2: Unless otherwise specified by the Government in this behalf, no candidate shall be allowed to avail of more than five chances at the said departmental competitive examination;

(b)      any of the higher posts above that of Scientist B shall be filled by any of the methods mentioned in rule 6, the method of recruitment being decided upon by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation on each occasion, depending on specific requirements and in the light of the qualifications required for that particular post, except in the case of Distinguished Scientist, which shall be filled by promotion;

(c)      in respect of posts involving Resource and Development, as the interests of the State and the objectives of the Organisation are of paramount importance, the Government shall decide the mode of filling up the posts, taking into consideration, the competence required of the incumbent of the post, the tasks to be achieved and availability of persons with the requisite qualifications and experience, both within the Service and outside.

(2)     Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-rule (1), not more than fifty vacancies per year in the grade of Scientist B may be filled by appointment of Fellows on their successful completion of training under the Fellowship Scheme, as laid down in Schedule X.

(3)     Promotion:

(a)      Promotion from one grade to the next higher grade in the service, except to the grade of Distinguished Scientist, shall be made under Flexible Complementing Scheme from amongst the officers possessing the educational qualifications as specified in Schedule VIII.

(b)      Promotions up to the level of Scientist F shall be made on the basis of evaluation of annual Performance Appraisal Reports, assessment interview by an Assessment Board followed by assessment by a Peer Committee as specified in Part B of Schedule IV.

(c)      Promotions for Scientist F to Scientist G, and for Scientist G to Scientist H (Outstanding Scientist), shall be made on the basis of the evaluation of annual Performance Appraisal Reports, interaction by the respective Screening Committee as specified in Schedule II and assessment by the Peer Committee as specified in Part A of Schedule IV.

(d)      Promotions from Scientist H (Outstanding Scientist) to Distinguished Scientist shall be made under personal upgradation on the basis of evaluation of Performance Appraisal Reports by Preliminary Screening Committee constituted to evaluate Performance Appraisal Reports of Scientist G and Scientist H as specified in Part B of Schedule II, and, assessment by the Peer Committee as specified in Part A of Schedule IV:

Provided that the number of promotions granted under this clause shall be such, as may be decided by the Central Government.

(4)     The Internal Screening Committee and Preliminary Screening Committee constituted as specified in Schedule I and II, respectively, shall review the annual Performance Appraisal Reports of -

(i)       Scientists B, on completion of minimum residency period of three years;

(ii)      Scientist C, Scientist D and Scientist E, on completion of minimum residency period of four years;

(iii)     Scientist F and Scientist G, on completion of minimum residency period of five years and four years, respectively; and

(iv)    Scientist H, on completion of minimum residency period of three years, as on the 30th June of the year to which the assessment boards or peer review pertain.

(5)     The residency period to meet the eligibility criteria for promotion may vary depending on the grading of annual Performance Appraisal Reports as specified in Schedule VI.

(6)     The Internal Screening Committee for Scientist B to Scientist E as specified in Schedule I shall evolve its own criteria and award average marks to the Scientists, after evaluation of grading in their respective Performance Appraisal Reports to decide eligible Scientists as specified in Schedule VI, for consideration by the Assessment Board.

(7)     The Preliminary Screening Committees for Scientist F and Scientist G as specified in Schedule II shall evolve its own criteria and award marks to Scientists, after evaluation of grading in their respective Performance Appraisal Reports to decide the eligible Scientists as specified in Schedule VI, for consideration by the respective Screening Committee.

(8)     The Preliminary Screening Committee as specified in Part B of Schedule II shall provide the list of Scientist H who have completed prescribed minimum residency period along with their respective grading in annual Performance Appraisal Report to the Peer Committee as specified in Part A of Schedule IV for consideration for promotion to the grade of Distinguished Scientist.

(9)     The Internal Screening Committee or, as the case may be, Preliminary Screening Committee shall follow the criteria enumerated below while deciding eligibility of Scientists for assessment, namely:-

(i)       screening shall be based on not more than last five years annual Performance Appraisal Reports in the grade;

(ii)      Scientists B, Scientists C, and Scientists D, securing less than an average of seventy per cent. marks, and Scientists E or above securing less than an average of seventy-five per cent.marks, or those having less than prescribed marks specified in Schedule VI in more than fifty per cent. of their annual Performance Appraisal Reports under consideration, shall not be eligible for assessment;

(iii)     relaxation up-to three months in the qualifying service for eligibility for assessment shall begiven to direct recruits or promotees who join after the 1st July for reasons beyond their control;

(iv)    counting of leave period towards completion of laid down residency period for determining eligibility for assessment for promotion to a particular grade shall be as specified in Schedule XIII;

(v)      in case of permanent absorption of a Scientist on deputation in the same grade in the Service from other Scientific Departments, where Flexible Complementing Scheme is applicable, the entire service of that Scientist in the same grade including in the parent Department shall be counted towards residency period;

(vi)    if an officer comes on deputation on a higher grade into the Service and later permanently absorbed in the same grade in the Service, the period spent on deputation shall be counted for residency period for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade;

(vii)   on regular appointment in the Service of a Scientist, in continuation of adhoc appointment, the period of service rendered in adhoc capacity in the grade shall count towards residency period provided that the officer is selected for regular appointment at the first attempt;

(viii)  notwithstanding anything contained in these rules, a relaxation of one year in the minimum residency period can be granted to a Scientist F provided that he earns consistently ninety per cent. or above marks in four successive annual Performance Appraisal Reports in the grade;

(ix)    notwithstanding anything contained in these rules, a relaxation of one year in the minimum residency period can be granted to a Scientist C or Scientist D or Scientist E provided that he earns consistently ninety per cent. and above marks in three successive annual Performance Appraisal Reports in the grade;

(x)      relaxation in the minimum prescribed residency period in terms of clauses (viii) and (ix) above shall be limited to two times in the entire career of any Scientist in the Service;

(xi)    the mandatory trainings in the respective grades, as decided by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation shall be considered by the respective Screening Committee or Assessment Board, as the case may be, for deciding eligibility of the Scientists.

(10)   (i) The Assessment Board for interviewing candidates for promotion to the grades of Scientist C and above, up-to the level of Scientist F, shall be constituted as specified in Schedule III andmore than one Assessment Boards may be constituted at any one time in various stations.

(ii) The respective Screening Committee as specified in Schedule II shall interact with Scientist F and Scientist G as recommended by the Preliminary Screening Committee and based on the criteria of functional competency, work output and personal attributes, such Screening Committee shall assess each Scientist for promotion to the next higher rank and grade them and thereafter that Screening Committee shall prepare a list and submit it to the Peer Committee as specified in Part A of Schedule IV for consideration and recommendation.

(iii) The Peer Committee as specified in Part A of Schedule IV shall assess the suitability of each Scientist in the list after taking into consideration their merit, achievement, innovation, leadership and managerial qualities, and shall make recommendation to the Central Government in respect of Scientists, who are adjudged suitable for promotion to the next higher grade of Scientist G or, as the case may be, Scientist H.

(11)   Assessment Boards or Peer Committee shall be convened at least once in a year or at such intervals as may be specified by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation.

(12)   The Assessment Board for promotion up-to the level of Scientist F shall devise its criteria to assess the candidates and submit its grading or marks awarded to individual Scientists to a Peer Committee as specified in Part B of Schedule IV, which shall assess the suitability of each Scientist in the list forwarded by the Assessment Board after taking into account the grading awarded by the Assessment Board, the achievements, contribution and potential of the Scientists, and shall submit its recommendations as Fit for Promotion or Not Yet Fit or "Fitness shall be deferred by one year".

(13)   The recommendations of the Peer Committee shall be implemented from first July of the year to which Peer Committee pertains, except in the case of Scientist G, Scientist H (Outstanding Scientist) and Distinguished Scientist, in which cases the date of promotion as specified in sub-rule (16) shall apply and that date shall be treated as the date of selection for the purpose of determining their seniority in the grade in respect of all Scientists cleared for promotion provided, they are on duty on that date:

Provided that the Scientists who are away on leave on the date, shall assume charge in the grade to which they are promoted with effect from the date they resume duty but this shall not affect their date of selection or their inter-se-seniority in the higher grade vis-Ã -vis the other Scientists cleared for promotion by the same Peer Committee.

(14)   In case of the Scientists assessed and found fit for promotion but are unable to assume charge of the higher grade on the effective date for being away on study leave (combined with any other leave), sanctioned by the competent authority, for prosecuting higher studies or receiving specialised training in professional and technical subjects having a direct or close connection with the Organisation programmes, on resumption, he may reckon notional seniority in the higher grade from the date of his selection to that grade for the purposes of counting of residency period for consideration for promotion to the next higher grade provided the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Oraganisation is satisfied about the performance of the Scientist during the course of study or training.

(15)   In so far as Scientists undergoing training abroad (under Fundamental Rule 51), they shall be promoted to the next higher grade with effect from the date they would have been so promoted had they not proceeded on training, subject to the following conditions being fulfilled, namely: -

(i)       the period of such training is treated as duty under clause (b) of sub-rule (6) of Fundamental Rule 9;

(ii)      they have been assessed and found fit for promotion to the next higher grade by the Peer Committee; and

(iii)     all the seniors, except those recommended as "Not Yet Fit" for promotion to the particular grade, available have been promoted to that grade.

(16)   Promotions to the grade of Scientist G, Scientist H (Outstanding Scientist) and Distinguished Scientist shall be effective from the date of assumption of charge of the post after due approval of the competent authority.

(17)   Under the Flexible Complementing Scheme, on promotion of a Scientist from one grade to the next higher grade, the post held by him shall stand upgraded automatically and personal to him for the duration of holding the in-situ promotion post and the promotions under the said scheme are not based on the vacancy and seniority.

(18)   The number of posts at different grades may vary on account of merit based promotions under Flexible Complementing Scheme to the grades of Scientist C to Scientist H or personal upgradation in the grade of Distinguished Scientist as decided by the Government, subject to the condition that the total number of posts of Scientist B to Distinguished Scientist, taken together shall not exceed the total permanent posts of Scientists authorised to the Organisation.

(19)   Direct Recruitment:

(a)      Selection by direct recruitment under sub-rule (2) of rule 6, shall be by interview, or written test, or both, by the Recruitment Board constituted as specified in Schedule V, and the candidates shall be within the age-limit as specified in column (5) of Schedule VIII.

(b)      The educational qualifications and experience for appointment to various posts in the service under the methods specified in this sub-rule shall be as specified in Schedule VIII:

Provided that the age-limit specified under column (5) of Schedule VIII shall not apply to the selection by methods specified in sub-rules (1) and (3) to (5) of rule 6:

Provided further that the specific disciplines required for the qualification and experience for the posts specified shall be as specified by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation from time to time.

(20)   Deputation:

(a)      Selection by deputation under sub-rule (3) of rule 6, shall be by interview, or written test, or both, by the Recruitment Board constituted as specified in Schedule V, and the educational qualifications, experience, field of selection and age for appointment to various posts in the Service under the methods specified in this sub-rule shall be as specified in Schedule IX.

(b)      Officers appointed on deputation by the method specified in clause (3) of the rule 6 shall be initially appointed for a period of three years, which may be extended or curtailed at the discretion of the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation.

(c)      Where it is proposed to extend or curtail the period of deputation, the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation shall record the reasons therefor in writing and give notice in writing of his intention so to do to the concerned officers.

(d)      The maximum period of deputation including period of deputation in another post held immediately preceding an appointment in the same organisation or Department shall not exceed five years and deputation allowance shall be admissible only for the first four years of deputation.

(21)   Short-term contract:

(a)      Selection on short-term contract under sub-rule (3) of rule 6, shall be by interview, or written test, or both, by the Recruitment Board constituted as specified in Schedule V and the educational qualifications, experience, field of selection and age for appointment to various posts in the Service under the methods specified in this sub-rule shall be as specified in Schedule IX.

(b)      Officers appointed on short-term contract by the method specified in clause (3) of rule 6 shall ordinarily be appointed for a period of three years, which may be extended or curtailed at the discretion of the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation.

(c)      Where it is proposed to extend or curtail the period of short-term contract, the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation shall record the reasons therefore in writing and give notice in writing of his intention so to do to the concerned officer.

(d)      The period of short-term contract may be renewed at the end of three years and the maximum period of short-term contract shall not exceed five years.

(22)   Re-employment:

(a)      Appointment by re-employment in civilian capacity of suitable officers on tenure posting from the Army, Navy and Air-force shall be decided by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation.

(b)      Selection by re-employment under sub-rule (4) of rule 6, shall be by interview, or written test, or both, by the Recruitment Board constituted as specified in Schedule V and the educational qualifications, experience, field of selection and age for appointment to various posts in the Service under the methods specified in this sub-rule shall be as specified in Schedule IX.

(23)   Absorption:

(a)      Selection by deputation-cum-absorption under sub-rule (5) of rule 6, shall be by interview, or written test, or both, by the Recruitment Board constituted as specified in Schedule V and the educational qualifications, experience, field of selection and age for appointment to various posts in the Service under the methods specified in this sub-rule shall be as specified in Schedule IX.

(b)      Officers appointed on deputation from the Central Government or State Government by the method specified in clause (3) of rule 6 may be permanently absorbed in the post or grade on the basis of their performance.

(24)   The specific disciplines required for the qualification and experience for the posts by selection under sub-rules (19) to (21) shall be as specified by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation from time to time.

(25)   The seniority of the direct recruits and promotees shall be governed by the instructions as are applicable to Central Government servants, unless specified by Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation and the relative seniority of officers appointed to the Service in pursuance of any of the methods under sub-rules (3), (4) and (5) of rule 6 in relation to direct recruits and promotees shall be determined on the basis of the chronology of selection.

Rule - 9. Probation and confirmation

(1)     Persons appointed to the grade of Scientist B of the Service either by direct recruitment, or by promotion, or by re-employment, before the age of superannuation, shall be on probation for a period of two years and persons appointed to any other grade of the Service, that is, Scientist C, Scientist D, Scientist E, Scientist F, Scientist G and Scientist H(Outstanding Scientist), either by directrecruitment, or by re-employment, before the age of superannuation, shall be placed on probation for a period of one year.

(2)     There shall be no probation for persons appointed on deputation, short-term contract, tenure basis, reemployment after superannuation and absorption.

(3)     The Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation may extend or curtail the period of probation in accordance with the instructions issued by the Central Government from time to time and in cases, where it is proposed to extend the period of probation, the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation shall give notice in writing of his intention to do so, to the officer within twelve weeks after expiry of the initial or extended period of probation.

(4)     On completion of the period of probation, or any extension thereof, officers, if considered fit, may be confirmed against the post, if not already confirmed in the entry grade.

(5)     If during the period of probation referred to in sub rule (1) of this rule or any extension thereof, as the case may be, the Central Government is of the opinion that a candidate is not fit for appointment in a substantive capacity or if, at any time during such period of probation, or extension thereof the Central Government is satisfied that the candidate will not be fit for confirmation on the expiry of such period of probation or extension thereof the Central Government may discharge or revert the candidate to his substantive post as the case may be or pass such orders as they deem fit.

(6)     During the period of probation, the candidates may be required to undergo such courses of training and orientation and to pass such examinations and tests (including examination in Hindi) as may be prescribed by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation as a condition to satisfactory completion of the probation.

Rule - 10. Head of Service

The Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation shall be the Head of the Service and shall be responsible for deployment of officers of the service to the best advantage of the Organisation and the Government, including deployment of senior Scientist in his present grade as Director General, or Director, or any such designated position in the Organisation to meet its functional requirements.

Rule - 11. Liability for Service

(1)     Officers appointed to the Service shall be liable to serve anywhere in India or outside.

(2)     Officers, if deputed, shall be liable to serve in any other Ministry or Department of the Government of India or Corporations or Industrial Undertakings of the Government.

(3)     Persons possessing the engineering or medical qualifications and recruited to the Service, whether before or after the commencement of these rules, shall, if so required, be liable to serve as Commissioned Officers in the Armed Forces for a period of not less than four years, including the period spent in training, if any provided that--

(a)      they shall not be required to serve as aforesaid after the expiry of ten years from the date of appointment; and

(b)      they shall not ordinarily be required to serve as aforesaid after attaining the age of forty years in the case of engineers and forty-five years in the case of doctors.

(4)     Persons appointed to the Service shall be liable to field service (including service on land or travel by service aircrafts or naval ships) to a limited extent in respect of research and development or such other work as may be approved by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation.

(5)     Officers selected for assignments involving limited field service shall undergo such special medical check-up as may be specified, either at the time of selection or when they proceed on field service, as the case may be.

(6)     Officers appointed to the service shall be liable to undergo such training including mandatory trainings and be detailed on such courses or instruction in India or abroad, as may be decided by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation from time to time, for the purpose of preparing the officer to become competent and proficient to undertake the Defence Research and Development work.

(7)     An officer detailed for training or course, the duration of which is six months or more, or an officer detailed for training outside India, or with private firms, or factories in India, irrespective of the duration of the training, shall be liable to refund in full the cost of training if, for any reason, during the training or within a period of three years after the completion of such training, he chooses to discontinue his Service.

 

Rule - 12. Retirement benefits

(1)     All members of the Service inducted in the Service prior to the 1stJanuary, 2004 shall be governed by the Central Civil Service (Pension) Rules, 1972, as amended, and those inducted in the Service on or after the 1stJanuary, 2004 shall be governed by New Pension Scheme of the Government and in accordance with the instructions issued in this regard by the Central Government.

(2)     Scientist appointed to the post of Scientist C and above in the Service, shall be entitled to the benefits of added years of service for purpose of superannuation pension, admissible under rule 30 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 and this benefit shall also be admissible to Scientists who were appointed to comparable post in the Defence Science Service and have been encadred in the Service.

Rule - 13. Other conditions of service

(1)     The other conditions of service of the members of the Service in respect of matters not expressly provided for in these rules, shall, mutatismutandis and subject to any special orders issued by the Organisation in respect of the Service, be the same as those applicable to officers (Civilian) of corresponding status in similar scientific institutions or organisations under the Government of India.

(2)     In the matter of conduct and discipline, officers of the Service shall be governed by the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and the Central Civil Services (Classification Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, as amended from time to time.

(3)     All posts in the Service shall be classified as Group A posts and shall be deemed to be technical posts for purposes of medical standards as specified in the Medical Regulations and Medical Report form for the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Forest Service and the Central Services issued by the Government of India in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Department of Health).

(4)     (a) Requests of officers of the Service for leave to prosecute higher studies in India or abroad, which are not considered to be of any interest to Organisation, shall not be granted.

(b) When as officer of the Service applies for leave for undergoing course or training or study, which is considered to have a direct bearing on subjects of interest to the Organisation, and if such study or training will, as a consequence, serve the interest of the Organisation, although not to the extent of placing the officer on deputation, the officer may be granted study leave on the following conditions, namely:-

(i)       the Organisation shall not pay for the travel of such officer to and from the place of study or training;

(ii)      the leave sanctioned shall not normally be more than twelve months and, in no case, shall exceed two years in the entire period of service, except when the leave is applied for obtaining a Doctorate or a similar qualification, in which case the period of leave may be extended to a minimum period required for acquiring such a qualification but not exceeding four years in the entire period of service;

(iii)     study leave in excess of twelve months may be granted only if the officer has rendered more than five years service and at least three years continuous service in the Organisation;

(iv)    study leave may be taken in combination with leave of any other kind subject to the condition that study leave in combination with regular leave other than extraordinary leave shall not exceed twenty-eight months and the maximum period of absence including the study leave shall not exceed four years in the entire period of service;

(v)      a bond shall be obtained from the officer binding him to serve the Organisation after the completion of the study or training in India or abroad for a minimum period of three years and a maximum period of five years;

(vi)    in the event of the officer returning to duty post within stipulated period, the officers study leave period shall count for the purposes, such as, pay, pension and increment;

(vii)   in the event of the officer not returning to duty post after the expiry of the study leave, the officer shall be liable to pay the bond money to the Organisation and at the same time the service of the officer may be terminated;

(viii)  in regard to all other matters including leave salary and study allowance, the rules regarding study leave, as contained in the Central Civil Service (Leave) Rules, 1972, as amended from time to time, shall be applicable to the members of the Service.

Rule - 14. Disqualification

No person,-

(i)       who has entered into or contracted a marriage with a person having a spouse living; or

(ii)      who, having a spouse living, has entered into or contracted a marriage with any person, shall be eligible for appointment to the Service:

Provided that the Central Government may, if satisfied that such marriage is permissible under the personal law applicable to such person and the other party to the marriage and that there are other grounds for so doing, exempt any person from the operation of this rule.

Rule - 15. Power to relax

Where the Central Government is of the opinion that it is necessary or expedient so to do, it may, by order and for reasons to be recorded in writing, relax any of the provisions of these rules with respect to any class or category of persons.

Rule - 16. Saving

Nothing in these rules shall affect reservation, relaxation of age-limit and other concessions, required to be provided for the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, the Other Backward Classes and other special categories of persons in accordance with the orders issued by the Central Government from time to time in this regard.

Rule - 17. Interpretation

If any question relating to interpretation of these rules arises, it shall be decided by the Central Government.

 

SCHEDULE I

[See rules 2(7), 8(4) and 8(6)]

The Internal Screening Committee to review the performance appraisal reports of Scientist B to Scientist E-

(i)       Director General (Human Resource) or Director General (Corporate) - Chairperson;

(ii)      Three Directors from any Defence Research and Development Organisation Laboratories or Establishments or headquarters - Members;

(iii)     Director of Personnel - Member;

(iv)    Director, Human Resource Development - Member.

Note 1: The absence of any Member of the Committee, other than the Chairperson, shall not invalidate the proceedings of the Internal Screening Committee.

Note 2: Advisor or Scientist G can be nominated in place of Director.

 

SCHEDULE II

[See rules 2(4), 2(10), 2(16), 8(3), 8(4), 8(7), 8(8), 8(9) and 8(10)]

Part A

The Preliminary Screening Committee, to evaluate Annual Performance Appraisal Reports of Scientist F, and Screening Committee for interaction with Scientist F

(a)      Preliminary Screening Committee

(i)       A Distinguished Scientist to be nominated by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation - Chairperson;

(ii)      Two Scientists not below the level of Scientist H to be nominated by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation - Members.

(b)      Screening Committee

(i)       An external expert nominated by Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation from a panel of co-chairpersons approved by the Raksha Mantri - Chairperson;

(ii)      Two Scientists not below the level of Scientist H to be nominated by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation - Members;

(iii)     Two external members (one subject Expert and one Management Specialist) to be nominated by the Chairperson, Recruitment and Assessment Centre from Academic Institutions, Research and Development Organisation, Industries or Specialists in particular discipline or field - Members.

 

Part B

The Preliminary Screening Committee to screen Annual Performance Appraisal Reports of Scientist G and Scientist H and Screening Committee for interaction with Scientist G -

(a)      Preliminary Screening Committee

(i)       A Distinguished Scientist to be nominated by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation - Chairperson;

(ii)      Director General (Human Resource), Department of Defence Research and Development - Member;

(iii)     Director, Directorate of Personnel, Department of Defence Research and Development - Secretary (NonMember).

(b)      Screening Committee

(i)       An external expert nominated by Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation from a panel of co-chairpersons approved by the Raksha Mantri- Chairperson;

(ii)      Three Scientists not below the level of "Distinguished Scientist" nominated by theSecretary, Department of Defence Research and Development" - Members;

(iii)     Two external members (one subject Expert and one Management Specialist) to be nominated by the Chairperson, Recruitment and Assessment Centre from Academic Institutions, Research and Development Organisation, Industries or Specialists in particular discipline or field - Members.

Note : The absence of any Member of the Committee other than the Chairperson shall not invalidate the proceedings of the Preliminary Screening Committee and Screening Committee;

 

SCHEDULE III

[See rule 2(1) and 8(10)]

The Assessment Board for assessing suitability of Scientist for promotion upto Scientist F level in Defence Research and Development Service

Note :

(i)       The absence of any Member of the Assessment Board, other than the Chairperson, shall not invalidate the proceedings of the Assessment Board.

(ii)      Chairperson can nominate more than two external Members, wherever it is considered necessary, for proper evaluation of Scientists.

(iii)     Serial Nos. (i) and (ii) shall form the Core Committee of the Board and shall not normally change during the currency of the Board.

(iv)    Co-opted Member may be nominated by the Chairperson as per reservation in Scientific and Technical posts.

 

SCHEDULE IV

[See rules 2(9), 8(3), 8(8), 8(10) and 8(12)]

Part A

The Peer Committee for assessing suitability of Scientist F and Scientist G for promotion to the next higher grade and for assessing suitability for appointment of Scientist H (Outstanding Scientist) in Defence Research and Development Service.

(i)       Chairperson, Recruitment and Assessment Centre, Department of Defence Research and Development - Chairperson;

(ii)      Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development - Member;

(iii)     Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training or his representative - Member;

(iv)    Any two Secretaries from other Scientific Departments of the Central Government to be nominated by the Chairperson in consultation with the Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development - Members;

(v)      An eminent Scientist or Management Specialist, to be nominated by the Chairperson - Member;

(vi)    One Distinguished Scientist of Defence Research and Development Organisation to be nominated by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation - Member.

 

Part B

Peer Committee for assessing suitability of Scientist B to Scientist E for promotion to the next higher grade.

(i)       Chairperson, Recruitment and Assessment Centre, Department of Defence Research and Development - Chairperson;

(ii)      Two external members not below the rank of Scientist H - Members;

(iii)     Two internal members not below the rank of Scientists H - Members.

Note :

(1)     The absence of any Member of the Peer Committee, other than the Chairperson, shall not invalidate the proceedings of the Peer Committee.

(2)     For conferring the grade of Distinguished Scientist, the Peer Committee shall comprise as listed at (i) to (v) in Part A of the Table above.

(3)     Co-opted member may be nominated by the Chairperson as per reservation in Scientific and Technical posts.

 

SCHEDULE V

[See rules 2(14), 8(19), 8(20), 8(21), 8(22) and 8(23)]

The Recruitment Board for assessing suitability of candidates for recruitment to Defence Research and Development Service through open advertisement or Talent Search Scheme or Trainee Scientist Scheme or Deputation or short-term contract or Re-employment or Absorption

Note : The absence of a Member of the Board, other than the Chairperson, shall not invalidate the proceedings of the Assessment Board.

 

SCHEDULE VI

Eligibility Criteria for assessment for promotion of Scientist B to Scientist G

# Scientist C to Scientist F securing consistently 90% or above marks in each year shall qualify for relaxation of one year in minimum residency and such relaxation shall be limited to two times in the entire career of a Scientist as prescribed in clause (x) of sub-rule (9) of rule 8.

& Requires 90% marks or above consistently in Annual Performance Appraisal Reports of each year.

@ Requires 85% marks or above consistently in Annual Performance Appraisal Reports of each year.

* Requires 80% marks or above in preceding 5 years Annual Performance Reports and not less than 85% marks in the preceding 3 years Annual Performance Reports.

Note 1: To be eligible for assessment to the next higher grade, Scientists should secure minimum average marks in their Annual Performance Reports under consideration as indicated above and should also secure minimum marks in not less than 50% of their Annual Performance Reports under consideration as specified for different residency periods in different grades as tabulated above.

Note 2:

(i)       For Scientist B to Scientist D those having less than 70% as average marks in their Annual Performance Reports and those having less than 70% marks in more than 50% of their Annual Performance Reports under consideration, shall not be eligible for the assessment.

(ii)      For Scientist E and above those having less than 75% as average marks in their Annual Performance Reports and those having less than 75% marks in more than 50% of their Annual Performance Reports under consideration, shall not be eligible for the assessment.

(iii)     Minimum 03 Annual Performance Reports in the present grade shall be required to be eligible for promotion in all grades except for Scientist B appearing after three Years residency period for promotion, where minimum two Annual Performance Reports will be considered for eligibility.

 

SCHEDULE VII

[See rules 2(4), 4(1) and 4(4)]

Number and scales of pay of Group A posts included in the Defence Research and Development Service.

Note : All the posts from Scientist B to Scientist H (Outstanding Scientist) are covered under Merit based Flexible Complementing Scheme.

 

SCHEDULE VIII

[See rule 8(1), (3) and (19)]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note 2: The crucial date for determining the age-limit shall be the closing date for receipt of applications from candidates other than those in the Union territories of Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

Note 3: Officers from the Defence Services who have to be considered for induction to transfer in the service in a Civilian capacity in any of the grades mentioned above, should possess the minimum educational qualifications and experience prescribed for direct rectt. Provided further that, if on the recommendations of the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation any service course, specialised training etc., undergone by an officer is considered to be at par with those prescribed for the direct recruits, such officers may also be deemed to fulfil the minimum requirements set forth in this Schedule.

Note 4: In disciplines (including specialised areas or fields), other than those mentioned in the Schedule, such professional or technical qualifications, as are approved by the Government of India for appointment to superior posts and services shall be applicable. In cases where a formal degree or diploma is not being awarded or has not been approved, the educational qualifications and experience shall be such as may be prescribed by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation.

 

SCHEDULE IX

[See rule 8(20), (21), (22) and (23)]

Note 1: The eligibility of person holding a analogous post in the State Government or other non-Government bodies in similar pay scale or similar feeder post with specified minimum regular qualifying service, shall be governed by the instructions issued by the Government in this regard from time to time.

 

SCHEDULE- X

[See rule 8(2)]

The terms and conditions of appointment of Fellows under the Fellowship Scheme of the Defence Research and Development Organisation shall be as follows, namely:-

(i)       Fellows shall be selected on all India basis through an interview in the order of merit, from amongst the candidates possessing the educational qualifications and age prescribed in Schedule VIII for direct recruitment for the posts of Scientist B in the disciplines of Physics, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics and Computer Science or in any other disciplines as may be specified by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation. Candidates appearing for the final examination for acquiring the educational qualifications prescribed in Schedule VIII may also be considered for selection provisionally subject to the condition that their final selection, shall be subject to their acquiring the prescribed qualifications.

(ii)      The normal period of training will be one year. During the training, the Fellows will be paid a consolidated stipend of one thousand two hundred rupees per month or any other amount as determined by the Government from time to time and they shall not be entitled to any other allowance. They shall be provided with Hostel accommodation during the period of training. Where such accommodation is not provided, they shall be entitled to draw House Rent Allowance only at the Government prevailing rates on the amount of Fellowship.

(iii)     On successful completion of training, the Fellows may be considered for appointment as Scientist B in the Defence Research and Development Service as per the provisions contained in sub-rule (2) of rule 8.

(iv)    Such appointments shall be treated as direct recruitment for all purposes. For the purpose of seniority, Scientist B appointed through the "Fellowship Scheme" shall rank in block junior to all those selected for appointment as Scientist B through any other method prescribed in rule 6, including those who are selected for appointed directly as Scientist B earlier than the date of appointment of Fellow as Scientist B. The seniority of Fellows among themselves shall be fixed in the order of their merit.

(v)      During the period of training, the Fellows may be discharged from training at any time without notice and without assigning any reason.

(vi)    During the training the Fellow are required to pass all the tests or examination which may be prescribed by the department. Those who are not able to pass such tests or examination and do not successfully complete the training, shall not be considered for appointment to the grade of Scientist B of the Service.

 

SCHEDULE - XI (For Trainee Scientist)

[See rule 6(2)]

The terms and conditions of appointment of Trainee Scientist under Trainee Scientist Scheme of Defence Research and Development Organisation shall be as follows, namely:-

(i)       Trainee Scientist shall be selected on all India basis through an interview or written test and interview in the order of merit, from amongst the candidates possessing the educational qualifications and age prescribed in Schedule VIII for direct recruitment for the posts of Scientist B in the Engineering or Science disciplines as specified by the Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation.

(ii)      The normal period of training shall not exceed six months. During the training, the Trainee Scientist will be paid a consolidated remuneration as determined by the Government from time to time and they shall not be entitled to any other allowance. They shall be provided with Hostel accommodation during the period of training. Where such accommodation is not provided, they shall be entitled to draw House Rent Allowance only at the Government prevailing rates on the amount of consolidated stipend.

(iii)     During the period of training, the Trainee Scientist may be discharged from training at any time without notice and without assigning any reason.

(iv)    During the training the Trainee Scientist are required to pass all the tests or examination, which may be prescribed by the Department. Those who are not able to pass such tests or examination and do not successfully complete the training, shall not be considered for appointment to the grade of Scientist B of the Service.

(v)      On successful completion of training, the Trainee Scientist may be considered for appointment as Scientist B in Defence Research and Development Service under sub-rule (2) of rule 6, subject to meeting all other administrative requirements as in the case of direct recruitees.

(vi)    Such appointments shall be treated as direct recruitment for all purposes. For the purpose of seniority, Scientist B appointed through the "Trainee Scientist Scheme" shall rank en-block junior to all those selected for appointment as Scientist B through any other method prescribed in rule 6, including those who are selected for appointment directly as Scientist B earlier than the date of appointment of Trainee Scientist as Scientist B. The seniority of Trainee Scientist among themselves shall be fixed in the order of their merit assigned in the selection list by the Selection Board.

 

SCHEDULE XII

[See rule 6(2)]

Talent Search Scheme to attract bright young Scientists in specified discipline from the Institutes of Technology, the Indian Institute of Science, the Regional Engineering colleges and other recognised Premier Institutions or Universities.

The terms and conditions of selection of Scientist B under the Talent Search Scheme of Defence Research and Development Organisation shall be as follows, namely:-

(a)      The campus selections under Talent Search Scheme shall be made from the Institutes of Technology, the Indian Institute of Science, the Regional Engineering Colleges and other recognised Premier Institutions or Universities, as decided by Chairperson, Defence Research and Development Organisation, depending on the discipline-wise requirement of the Organisation.

(b)      Campus recruitment of Scientist B shall be done from amongst the students of third year onwards of the Engineering Degree Courses in specific disciplines or final year Master of Engineering or Master of Technology (including Integrated Degree or Dual Degree) Courses of the Indian Institute of Sciences and Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, in specific disciplines.

(c)      The Candidates eligible for Campus Selection shall be within the age-limit prescribed for direct recruitment of Scientist B, as on 1st August of the year in which their degree will be completed.

(d)      The eligibility for Campus Selection will be at least first class or equivalent up-to the last semester or year for which results have been declared. However, in order to restrict the number of students to be interviewed the eligibility criteria may be raised.

(e)      Selection shall be made on the basis of merit through interview or written test and interview.

(f)       The selection of the candidate as Scientist B under this Scheme will be provisional subject to the condition that the candidates successfully complete the course in First Class or equivalent in first attempt.

(g)      On successful completion of the course, as per clause (f) above, the candidates shall be appointed a Scientist B in Defence Research and Development Organisation under sub-rule (2) of rule 6, subject to meeting all other requirements as in the case of direct recruitees.

 

SCHEDULE XIII

[See rule 8(9)]

Counting of Leave availed by an Eligible Scientist towards minimum residency period for promotion under Flexible Complementing Scheme.

(1)     The following periods spent on various kinds of leave availed shall be counted towards minimum residency period for promotion, namely:-

(a)      Deputation or Foreign Service to another scientific post which helps a scientist to acquire scientific experience in a diverse set up.

(b)      Period of study leave or any other leave taken for the academic accomplishments to improve scientific knowledge.

(c)      Maternity Leave sanctioned under sub-rule (4) of rule 13 shall be treated as duty while counting the minimum residency period for promotions under Flexible Complementing Scheme.

(d)      Leave of a maximum period of one year sanctioned in continuation of maternity leave under sub-rule (4) of rule 13 may also be treated on par with maternity leave.

(e)      Earned Leave for a total period of not exceeding 180 days (for three year residency period), 210 days (for four year residency period) and 240 days (for five years and above residency period) sanctioned under sub-rule (4) of rule 13.

(f)       Child care Leave sanctioned under sub-rule (4) of rule 13.

(2)     The period spent on deputation or foreign service to a non-scientific post and the period of leave including leave on medical grounds, Extra Ordinary Leave, etc., availed on personal grounds shall not count towards the minimum residency period. However, relaxation up to three months in qualifying service for determining completion of laid down residency period for promotion shall be given in the case of an individual availing leave on medical grounds.