Bharat Electronics Limited has invited offline applications for the post of Senior Assistant Engineer (E-I grade) (Drone Veteran) under Advertisement No. 383/HR/REC/US/2026/ESM. The vacancy is for the Unmanned Systems SBU of BEL Bengaluru Complex and is open to eligible ex-servicemen or serving officers retiring shortly from the Army, Air Force or Navy.
The post is highly specific. Candidates must be in the rank of Junior Commissioned Officer or equivalent, hold a 3-year Diploma in Engineering or equivalent in the notified disciplines, and have substantial UAV or drone-related operational experience. The last date for receipt of the completed offline application is 22 June 2026.
Candidates should read the eligibility requirements carefully before sending the form, because BEL will screen applications based on the details and documents submitted. The selection process includes a written test followed by interview for shortlisted candidates.
Quick Facts
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Bharat Electronics Limited |
| Advertisement Number | 383/HR/REC/US/2026/ESM |
| Post Name | Senior Assistant Engineer (E-I grade) (Drone Veteran) |
| Total Vacancy | 1 |
| Reservation | UR |
| SBU / Unit | Unmanned Systems SBU, BEL Bengaluru Complex |
| Application Mode | Offline by Speed Post |
| Last Date for Receipt of Application | 22 June 2026 |
| Age Limit | 50 years as on 01 April 2026 |
| Minimum Experience | 15 years post-qualification experience |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 30,000 – 3% – 1,20,000 |
BEL Senior Assistant Engineer Recruitment 2026 Overview
This recruitment is for one Senior Assistant Engineer post in the Executive Cadre on fixed tenure basis. The role is connected with BEL Unmanned Systems SBU and is specifically meant for a Drone Veteran with defence flying and UAV experience.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Bharat Electronics Limited |
| Advertisement No. | 383/HR/REC/US/2026/ESM |
| Advertisement release date | 27 May 2026 |
| Post | Senior Assistant Engineer (E-I grade) (Drone Veteran) |
| Vacancy | 1 |
| Reservation | UR |
| SBU | Unmanned Systems SBU |
| Posting location | Bengaluru |
| Application mode | Offline through Speed Post |
Important Dates
Candidates should note that the closing date is the date by which the application must reach BEL, not the date of posting from the candidate side.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement release date | 27 May 2026 |
| Cut-off date for age and experience | 01 April 2026 |
| Last date for receipt of application | 22 June 2026 |
| Written test date | To be informed to shortlisted candidates by email |
| Interview date | To be informed to shortlisted candidates by email |
Any corrigendum, clarification or extension will be published only on the Careers section of the BEL official website.
Vacancy Details
The vacancy notified in this advertisement is only for the Drone Veteran role under the Senior Assistant Engineer cadre.
| Post | No. of Post | Reservation | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Assistant Engineer (E-I grade) (Drone Veteran) | 1 | UR | Bengaluru |
Since the vacancy is specific to the Unmanned Systems SBU, candidates should apply only if their service background and technical experience match the UAV and drone requirements mentioned in the advertisement.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have the required diploma or equivalent qualification in one of the notified engineering disciplines.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum qualification | 3-year Diploma in Engineering or equivalent |
| Eligible disciplines | Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Aeronautical or Mechatronics |
| Minimum class | Pass Class in the indicated qualification |
| Service condition | Retired or shortly retiring officer from Army, Air Force or Navy |
| Rank requirement | Junior Commissioned Officer or equivalent |
Candidates with qualifications outside the notified disciplines should not assume eligibility unless BEL specifically treats the qualification as equivalent.
Experience and Drone Veteran Requirements
The official advertisement asks for a minimum of 15 years of post-qualification experience as on 01 April 2026. The experience must be relevant to drone, UAV and military aviation operations.
- Drone-trained veteran with technical skills in UAV flying, mission handling, mapping, surveillance, troubleshooting and SOP-based operations.
- Experience on Short Range Tactical UAVs and/or Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAVs.
- Exposure to certification, developmental testing or military trials.
- Experience in SATCOM operations and simulator instruction.
- Certified Test Pilot or Qualified Flying Instructor certification from a Category A Indian Defence Service Training Establishment.
- Minimum 5 years of operational flying experience in Tri-Services.
- Operational experience as Internal Pilot or External Pilot, including 200 hours as EP or 500 hours as IP.
- Experience in flying aircraft under certification or developmental configuration.
- Eligibility for security clearance.
Medical Fitness Requirements
Because the post is connected with UAV and aviation duties, BEL has specified medical fitness conditions for eligible ex-servicemen.
- Candidate should be medically fit for aviation and UAV duties.
- Candidate should have normal eyesight and should not be colour blind.
- Candidate should be neurologically fit with sound judgment and decision-making ability.
- Candidate should have full functional use of limbs and appendages.
- Final medical clearance will be as per BEL or authorised medical authority.
Age Limit
The upper age limit for the Senior Assistant Engineer (Drone Veteran) post is 50 years as on 01 April 2026.
| Post | Upper Age Limit | Cut-off Date |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Assistant Engineer (E-I grade) (Drone Veteran) | 50 years | 01 April 2026 |
Candidates should calculate age exactly as on the notified cut-off date and attach proper proof of date of birth, such as SSLC or matriculation certificate.
Tenure and Pay Scale
The engagement is on a fixed tenure basis. The tenure can be for a period of 15 years, renewable every 5 years, or up to the date of superannuation at 60 years of age, whichever is earlier. Renewal will depend on individual performance and project requirements.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tenure | Up to 15 years, renewable every 5 years, or up to age 60, whichever is earlier |
| Pay scale | Rs. 30,000 – 3% – 1,20,000 |
| Other benefits | Dearness Allowance, HRA, 35% of basic pay as perquisites, PF, group insurance, performance related pay, gratuity and medical facility as per company rules |
Selection Process
The selection process will be conducted through a written test followed by interview. Candidates shortlisted in the written test will be called for interview in the ratio of 1:7.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Written test |
| Stage 2 | Interview for candidates shortlisted from the written test |
| Communication mode | Date, time and venue will be sent to shortlisted candidates by email only |
Meeting the minimum qualification and experience requirements does not automatically guarantee a written test call. BEL will screen applications based on the submitted details and documents.
How to Apply Offline
Candidates must apply in the prescribed application form provided with the BEL advertisement. The filled form and documents must be sent by Speed Post.
- Visit the BEL official website.
- Open the Careers section and go to Job Notifications.
- Find the advertisement for Senior Assistant Engineer (E-I) (Drone Veteran) for Unmanned Systems SBU.
- Download the detailed advertisement and application form.
- Fill the application form carefully using correct personal, service, qualification and experience details.
- Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
- Superscribe the envelope with Application for the post of Senior Assistant Engineer (E-I) for US SBU.
- Send the application by Speed Post so that it reaches BEL on or before 22 June 2026.
The postal address is: Deputy Manager (HR) SC & US, Bharat Electronics Limited, Jalahalli Post, Bengaluru – 560013.
Documents to Attach
Applications without required enclosures can be rejected. Candidates should attach self-attested copies of the documents relevant to their case.
- 10th standard marksheet or certificate as proof of date of birth.
- Diploma in Engineering certificate or equivalent qualification certificate.
- Semester-wise or year-wise diploma marksheets.
- Equivalency certificate for qualification, if applicable.
- Discharge certificate from Army, Air Force or Navy showing enrolment date, discharge date and rank at the time of leaving the defence forces.
- Certificate for seniority in rank.
- Pension certificate, if any.
- Post-qualification work experience certificates from previous or current employer, if employed after retirement.
- Copy of discharge book from Army, Navy or Air Force.
- Annexure I showing probable date of discharge for officers applying on immediate absorption basis.
- No Objection Certificate or proper channel application, if presently working in Government, PSU or quasi-government organisation.
- Category certificate in prescribed format, if applicable.
- Government-issued ID proof such as Aadhaar card, driving licence, PAN card or voter ID.
Important Instructions Before Sending the Form
Before dispatching the application, candidates should check the form and documents carefully to avoid rejection at the screening stage.
- Use only the prescribed application format released by BEL.
- Do not submit more than one application; if multiple applications are sent, only the latest valid and complete application will be considered.
- Use a valid and active email ID because BEL will communicate selection details by email.
- Do not leave essential service, qualification or experience fields blank.
- Do not pay money to any unofficial person or agency claiming to arrange BEL selection.
- Check the BEL Careers section regularly for corrigendum, clarification, selection schedule and further announcements.
- Make sure the application reaches the Bengaluru address by 22 June 2026.
Official Links
Source: Official notification (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
The application must reach BEL by Speed Post on or before 22 June 2026.
There is 1 vacancy for Senior Assistant Engineer (E-I grade) (Drone Veteran).
Candidates need a 3-year Diploma in Engineering or equivalent in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Aeronautical or Mechatronics discipline.
Retired or shortly retiring Army, Air Force or Navy personnel in JCO or equivalent rank with the required diploma and UAV/drone experience can apply.
The upper age limit is 50 years as on 01 April 2026.
Selection will be through a written test followed by interview for candidates shortlisted from the written test.
The pay scale is Rs. 30,000 – 3% – 1,20,000, with applicable allowances and benefits as per BEL rules.
No. The application has to be submitted offline in the prescribed form through Speed Post.