Airports Authority of India AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026: Overview
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) under the Air Traffic Services (ATS) Unit has officially released a recruitment advertisement for retired defense personnel. The organization invites applications for 39 Consultant – SSCOs (Short Service Commission Officers) posts to serve across various strategic airfields in the country. This contractual engagement offers a prestigious career opportunity for qualified ex-service officers wishing to continue contributing to national aviation infrastructure and air traffic management.
Candidates looking for professional opportunities in the aviation sector should also review related employment news, such as the AAI Western Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 36 Graduate & Diploma Posts recruitment details for broader career openings within the authority. The application window is open, and interested individuals must submit their paperwork well before the deadline of 1 October 2026.
AAI SSCO Consultant Recruitment 2026 Summary Table
Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualifications
To qualify for the Consultant – SSCOs position, applicants must meet strict professional background requirements set by the Airports Authority of India. Candidates must be retired Short Service Commission Officers originating from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard.
- Educational Qualification: Must hold a Graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Professional Certification: Must possess a Basic ATC Course / ATM and AL (Basic) and GCA / ATSS Course.
- Work Experience: Requires a minimum of 5 years of cumulative ATC duties, which must include at least 1 year of active duty at a Joint User Defence Airfield.
Age Limit & Cutoff Guidelines
Age limits are strictly monitored for consultant engagements to ensure fitness and operational efficiency across air traffic management units.
- Maximum Age Limit: 50 years as on 1 October 2026.
- Retirement Gap Rule: The gap between the date of retirement from defense services and the last date of application must not exceed 6 years.
- Tenure Cap: Subsequent extensions cannot push the total service period of the consultant beyond 55 years of age.
Remuneration & Pay Structure
The salary structure for selected consultants follows standardized central government regulations for re-employed pensioners.
- Pay Matrix Level: Level 10
- Remuneration Formula: Fixed monthly remuneration arrived at by deducting basic pension from the pay drawn at retirement, in accordance with DoPT OM dated 09.12.2020.
- Increments: Remuneration remains fixed without annual increments throughout the contract period.
Selection Process & Stages
The evaluation methodology is designed to test technical proficiency and field experience without requiring a written competitive examination.
- Stage 1: Application Screening & Shortlisting: Board reviews candidate profiles against eligibility criteria.
- Stage 2: Application Verification & Interview: Shortlisted applicants are called for document verification and a personal interview. Selection relies entirely on interview merit ranking.
- Stage 3: Medical Fitness Test: Final clearance depends on clearing required medical standards.
Application Fee Details
Candidates applying for the AAI SSCO Consultant notification are fully exempt from any monetary charges.
- General / OBC / EWS: Rs. 0/- (Nil)
- SC / ST / Female: Rs. 0/- (Nil)
- Payment Mode: None required
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Because applications are processed through a designated electronic channel, candidates must carefully follow the submission procedures.
- Step 1: Visit the official website at https://www.aai.aero/ to download the official notification and application form (Annexure-1).
- Step 2: Fill out all mandatory particulars accurately in the application template.
- Step 3: Attach self-attested copies of educational certificates, professional ATC course completion proofs, and military service discharge documents.
- Step 4: Combine the completed form and supporting paperwork into a single PDF file not exceeding 5 MB in size.
- Step 5: Email the consolidated PDF exclusively to [email protected] on or before 1 October 2026. No other mode of submission will be entertained.
Essential Documents Checklist
Ensure all records are scanned clearly before compiling your electronic application package:
- Application Form: Duly filled and signed Annexure-1 form.
- Educational Proofs: Graduation degree and marksheets from a recognized university.
- Professional Credentials: Basic ATC Course / ATM and AL (Basic) and GCA/ATSS Course completion certificates.
- Service Credentials: Military service discharge certificate and official work experience letters confirming 5 years of cumulative ATC duties and 1 year at a Joint User Defence Airfield.
- Identity Proof: Valid government-issued photo ID and recent passport-sized photograph with signature.
Candidate Advisory & Precautions
Important Warnings: Applications sent to any email address other than [email protected] or submitted through postal/physical modes will be summarily rejected. Ensure your registered email address remains active, as all interview call letters and announcements will be delivered electronically.
Verify that your age calculation aligns strictly with the 1 October 2026 cutoff date and that the gap since your service retirement is within the permitted 6-year window.
Important Links & Official Resources
