AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026 – 39 Posts, Apply by Oct 1

AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for retired defence officers to rejoin public service. The Airports Authority of India (AAI), a Schedule ‘A’ Mini Ratna Category-1 Public Sector Enterprise, has released Advertisement No. 14/2026/CHQ/SSCOs inviting applications for 39 Consultant posts at Joint User Defence Airfields across India. This guide is for retired Short Service Commission Officers of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, or Indian Coast Guard, aged up to 50 years, who have at least 5 years of ATC experience.

This complete guide covers vacancy details, eligibility criteria, remuneration structure, step-by-step application process, selection procedure, comparison with similar schemes, and an FAQ section — everything you need before the 1 October 2026 deadline.

📋 Table of Contents

What Is AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026?

AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026 is a contract-based engagement programme by the Airports Authority of India to utilise the Air Traffic Control expertise of retired Short Service Commission Officers from India’s armed forces. AAI has floated 39 Consultant positions under Advertisement No. 14/2026/CHQ/SSCOs to support Air Traffic Services (ATS) at Joint User Defence Airfields — airfields shared by both civil aviation and Indian defence forces.

These Consultant roles are not permanent government posts. They are contract-based, initially for 1 year, extendable up to a cumulative maximum of 5 years, provided the officer does not cross 55 years of age during the extension. The remuneration is calculated under DoPT OM F. No. 3-25/2020-E.IIIA dated 09.12.2020 — fixed pay arrived at by deducting basic pension from the last pay drawn at retirement.

AAI is a Schedule ‘A’ Mini Ratna Category-1 Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, headquartered at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi. It manages 137 airports across India and is the apex body for civil aviation infrastructure in the country.

Who Should Apply for AAI SSCO Consultant 2026?

This recruitment is specifically designed for a narrow but well-defined audience. Before applying, verify you fit one of the profiles below:

• 🎖️ Retired Army SSCO with ATC background — You served as an Air Traffic Controller in the Indian Army, completed your Short Service Commission, and are now below 50 years of age.
• ✈️ Retired Indian Air Force SSCO — You held an ATC role in the IAF, completed Basic ATC/ATM and GCA/ATSS courses, and have at least 5 cumulative years of ATC duty.
• ⚓ Retired Indian Navy SSCO — You served in a Naval ATC or ATS capacity with minimum 1 year of duty at a Joint User Defence Airfield.
• 🚢 Retired Indian Coast Guard SSCO — You are a retired Coast Guard officer with qualifying ATC credentials and experience as specified in the notification.
• 📅 Officers retired within last 6 years — The gap between your retirement date and 1 October 2026 must not exceed 6 years.
• 🎓 Graduate degree holders — You must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university in any discipline alongside your professional ATC qualifications.
• 💼 Officers seeking a second career in civil aviation — This post is ideal for officers who wish to continue contributing to national aviation infrastructure post-retirement.
• 📍 Officers willing to relocate to specific airports — Postings are at fixed locations (Pune, Kanpur, Purnea, Goa, Port Blair, Darbhanga); preference and willingness to serve at these locations is essential.

Vacancy Details — Location-wise 39 Posts

AAI has distributed the 39 Consultant posts across 6 Joint User Defence Airfields. The largest requirement is at Goa (Dabolim) Airport with 15 posts, followed by Pune Airport with 11 posts. Here is the complete location-wise breakdown:

Note: Goa (Dabolim) Airport has the highest requirement at 15 posts, making it the most significant posting location under this notification. Pune follows at 11 posts. Both primarily need Surface Movement Control (SMC) specialists.

Eligibility Criteria — Education, Experience & Age Limit

Only candidates who precisely fulfil all three categories of eligibility — target group, educational/professional qualification, and age — are eligible. Meeting partial criteria does not qualify you for the engagement.

Target Group

• Retired Short Service Commission Officers of the Indian Army
• Retired Short Service Commission Officers of the Indian Navy
• Retired Short Service Commission Officers of the Indian Air Force
• Retired Short Service Commission Officers of the Indian Coast Guard

Educational & Professional Qualification

Age Limit (As on 1 October 2026)

Important: AAI reserves the right to upgrade eligibility criteria if a large number of applications are received. Always verify against the official PDF notification at aai.aero before applying.

Remuneration & Allowances — What You Will Earn

The remuneration for AAI SSCO Consultants is governed by DoPT OM F. No. 3-25/2020-E.IIIA dated 09.12.2020. This is not a standard fixed salary — it is a personalized monthly amount calculated based on your individual service record.

In practical terms, if an officer was drawing Rs.80,000 as last basic pay at retirement and receives Rs.30,000 as basic pension, the fixed monthly remuneration would be approximately Rs.50,000 per month, plus applicable Transport Allowance. Actual amounts vary by individual service record.

Selection Process — No Written Exam, Interview Only

The AAI SSCO Consultant 2026 selection process is straightforward — no written examination is conducted. Final selection is merit-based, ranking candidates entirely on interview performance.

1. Application Submission: Send your application PDF to chqrectt@aai.aero by 1 October 2026.
2. Shortlisting: AAI screens all applications against eligibility criteria. Only shortlisted candidates are called further.
3. Application Verification: Documents submitted are verified for authenticity and eligibility compliance.
4. Interview: Shortlisted candidates attend an interview; schedule is communicated only by email to the registered email ID.
5. Merit List: Final merit ranking is based exclusively on interview performance.
6. Medical Fitness Certificate: Before commencement of contract, selected candidates may be required to submit a Medical Fitness Certificate (equivalent to defence medical standards) from a recognized physician, certified by the ATS In-Charge.

Note: No TA/DA will be paid for attending the application verification or interview, for joining the assignment, or at any point during the engagement process. Mere submission of an application or meeting eligibility does not guarantee a call for interview.

How to Apply for AAI SSCO Consultant 2026 — Step-by-Step

The application process is entirely email-based. No online portal submission or offline postal application is accepted. Follow these steps precisely:

1. Download the Application Form: Get the prescribed Application Form (Annexure-1) from the official AAI notification PDF at aai.aero. Direct link: Advertisement No. 14/2026/CHQ/SSCOs notification PDF.
2. Fill the Application Form: Enter all mandatory details — name, date of birth, age as on 01.10.2026, father’s name, gender, service branch, date of joining and discharge from armed forces, permanent and correspondence addresses, mobile number and email ID.
3. Add Qualification Details: Mention each educational and professional qualification: exam name, university/college, month and year of passing, percentage of marks.
4. Add Work Experience: List all ATC experience — organization, designation, period (from–to), total experience in years/months, and nature of work. Attach a separate sheet if required.
5. Self-Attest Documents: Make self-attested copies of all supporting documents for educational qualification and work experience. Attach a recent passport-size photograph and sign the declaration on the application form.
6. Compile into a Single PDF: Combine the filled application form and all supporting documents into one PDF file. The file must not exceed 5 MB.
7. Send by Email: Email the single PDF to chqrectt@aai.aero on or before 1 October 2026. Applications through any other mode will NOT be accepted.
8. Keep Email Active: Ensure the email ID provided in the application remains active — all call letters, shortlisting communications, and interview schedules will be sent only to this email.

AAI SSCO Consultant vs. Other Ex-Serviceman Employment Schemes

Retired defence officers have multiple second-career avenues in government organisations. Here is how the AAI SSCO Consultant role compares with similar re-employment opportunities:

Advantages and Disadvantages of AAI SSCO Consultant Engagement

Advantages (Pros)

• ✅ No Written Exam — Selection is based entirely on interview, making it accessible to experienced officers who may not excel in competitive paper-based tests.
• ✅ Zero Application Fee — No financial barrier to apply; there is absolutely no application fee for any candidate.
• ✅ Leverages Specialised Expertise — Retired ATC officers bring direct, job-ready skills; no retraining required for core responsibilities.
• ✅ Up to 5 Years of Engagement — Provides sustained income and professional continuity post-retirement.
• ✅ National Organisation — Working with AAI, a Government of India enterprise, maintains prestige and professional standing.
• ✅ Pension + Remuneration — Officers continue receiving pension and additionally earn the fixed monthly consultancy remuneration.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• ❌ HRA Not Admissible — Officers must arrange their own accommodation at the posting location without House Rent Allowance, which can be costly at metros like Pune or Goa.
• ❌ Fixed Remuneration — No Increment — The monthly pay is locked for the entire contract period; no annual increment or DA revision applies.
• ❌ Highly Specific Eligibility — Only retired SSCOs with ATC background qualify; a large portion of defence veterans are excluded.
• ❌ No Compensation for Injury/Death — AAI explicitly states it is not responsible for any compensation in case of death, injury or illness attributable to the performance of services under the contract.

Important Terms Related to AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026

• SSCO (Short Service Commission Officer): A commissioned officer in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard who serves for a fixed term (typically 10–14 years) before retiring, as opposed to a permanent commission officer who serves until the retirement age.
• ATC (Air Traffic Control): The service that provides guidance to aircraft in flight and on the ground to ensure safe and efficient movement. ATC experience is the core qualifying criterion for this engagement.
• ATM (Air Traffic Management): A broader discipline encompassing ATC, airspace management, and air traffic flow management. The Basic ATC Course/ATM is a mandatory professional qualification for applicants.
• SMC (Surface Movement Control): A specialised ATC function responsible for managing the movement of aircraft and vehicles on the ground at an airport — particularly relevant for the Pune, Goa, and Port Blair postings.
• Joint User Defence Airfield: An airfield used jointly by civil aviation and Indian defence forces. These are the specific posting locations where AAI SSCO Consultants will be deployed.
• DoPT OM: Department of Personnel and Training Office Memorandum. The specific OM F. No. 3-25/2020-E.IIIA dated 09.12.2020 governs the remuneration formula for re-employed retired government servants including SSCOs in government undertakings.
• GCA (Ground Controlled Approach): A precision radar approach system in which a controller guides a pilot to a landing using radar. The GCA/ATSS Course is a mandatory professional qualification.
• PPO (Pension Payment Order): The official order authorising the payment of pension to a retired government/defence employee. Critical document for remuneration calculation and application verification.
• Mini Ratna Category-1: A Government of India status granted to profitable public sector enterprises with net profit exceeding Rs.30 crore, giving them greater financial and operational autonomy. AAI holds this status.
• ATS (Air Traffic Services): The collective term for services provided to ensure safe, efficient movement of aircraft, encompassing ATC, flight information service, alerting service, and advisory service.

Important Dates & Application Timeline

Important Links — AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026

Conclusion — Should You Apply for AAI SSCO Consultant 2026?

AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026 is one of the most targeted and well-structured second-career opportunities for retired defence officers with Air Traffic Control expertise. With 39 posts across 6 major Indian airports, zero application fee, no written examination, and up to 5 years of engagement potential, this is a rare chance for eligible retired SSCOs to continue serving India’s aviation infrastructure. If you are a retired SSCO from the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard with a graduate degree and at least 5 cumulative years of ATC experience — and you are under 50 years of age — apply before the firm deadline of 1 October 2026.

Next Step: Download the official notification PDF from aai.aero, fill Annexure-1 carefully, compile all documents into a single PDF under 5 MB, and email it to chqrectt@aai.aero before midnight on 1 October 2026. Bookmark this page — we update it as soon as AAI releases the interview schedule or any corrigendum.

Frequently Asked Questions About AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026

Who is eligible for AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026?

Only retired Short Service Commission Officers of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, or Indian Coast Guard are eligible. Candidates must hold a graduate degree, have completed the Basic ATC/ATM and GCA/ATSS courses, and possess minimum 5 years of cumulative ATC experience including at least 1 year at a Joint User Defence Airfield. Age must not exceed 50 years as on 1 October 2026, and the gap since retirement must not exceed 6 years.

How many posts are available in AAI SSCO Consultant 2026?

AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026 has a total of 39 posts across 6 airports. The distribution is: Pune (11), Goa/Dabolim (15), Port Blair (4), Purnea (4), Darbhanga (3), and Kanpur (2). The largest single requirement is at Goa (Dabolim) Airport with 15 posts, followed by Pune Airport with 11 posts.

What is the last date to apply for AAI SSCO Consultant 2026?

The last date to apply for AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026 is 1 October 2026. Applications are accepted by email only to chqrectt@aai.aero. The application window opened on 17 September 2026. Applications through any other mode — postal, online portal, or in person — will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Is there a written exam for AAI SSCO Consultant 2026?

No. There is no written examination for AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026. The selection process consists of shortlisting based on eligibility, application verification, and an interview. The final merit list is determined exclusively by interview performance. No TA/DA is paid for attending the interview or application verification.

What is the salary for AAI SSCO Consultant 2026?

The remuneration for AAI SSCO Consultant 2026 is governed by DoPT OM F. No. 3-25/2020-E.IIIA dated 09.12.2020. It is a fixed monthly amount calculated by deducting the basic pension from the pay drawn at retirement. This amount does not change during the entire contract period — there is no annual increment or DA revision. HRA is not admissible; Transport Allowance at retirement-era rates is admissible.

What is the AAI SSCO Consultant contract period?

The initial AAI SSCO Consultant contract period is 1 year. It can be extended by 1 year at a time, subject to performance and AAI’s requirement. The total cumulative engagement cannot exceed 5 years, and no extension can take the consultant beyond 55 years of age. The engagement is full-time; no other assignment may be held simultaneously.

What documents are required to apply for AAI SSCO Consultant 2026?

Applicants must submit: a duly filled Application Form (Annexure-1) with all personal and service details, self-attested copies of educational and professional qualification certificates, ATC experience details (with organization, designation, period, and nature of work), a recent passport-size photograph, and a signed declaration. All documents must be combined into a single PDF file not exceeding 5 MB and emailed to chqrectt@aai.aero.

Is there an application fee for AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026?

No. The application fee for AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026 is Nil. There is absolutely no fee for any category of applicant. Candidates only need to email their application to chqrectt@aai.aero — no payment of any kind is required at any stage of the process.

Can a retired Permanent Commission Officer apply for AAI SSCO Consultant 2026?

No. As per Advertisement No. 14/2026/CHQ/SSCOs, only Short Service Commission Officers (SSCOs) who have retired from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, or Indian Coast Guard are eligible. Retired Permanent Commission Officers are not covered under this specific notification. Candidates should verify their commission type against the official notification before applying.

What happens if I submit my application through post or walk-in?

Applications submitted through any mode other than email to chqrectt@aai.aero will not be accepted. AAI explicitly states that only email applications are valid for AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026. Postal applications, walk-in applications, or applications submitted through any online portal are all invalid and will be rejected without consideration.

Last Updated: September 2026 | This page is reviewed and updated regularly as AAI releases further information. Bookmark this page for the latest AAI SSCO Consultant 2026 updates, including interview schedules and corrigenda.