DGR Ex-Servicemen Job Fair 2026-27: A Golden Opportunity for Veterans to Build a Second Career
The Directorate General Resettlement (DGR), under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW), Ministry of Defence, has released the Job Fair Schedule for FY 2026-27. These job fairs are organized across India to help Army, Navy, and Air Force veterans secure meaningful employment in the corporate sector after retirement.
DGR Job Fairs have become one of India’s largest employment initiatives exclusively designed for Ex-Servicemen (ESM). The programme brings together leading companies and skilled veterans on a common platform, enabling direct interviews, skill matching, and on-the-spot recruitment opportunities. DGR works closely with industry bodies such as FICCI and CII to expand employment opportunities for retired defence personnel.
What is the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR)?
The Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) functions under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence. It is the Government of India’s nodal agency responsible for facilitating the resettlement and rehabilitation of retired Armed Forces personnel into civilian employment.
Its Employment Directorate serves as a bridge between veterans and employers by identifying suitable job opportunities, coordinating with government departments and private industries, and organizing employment-related initiatives such as DGR Job Fairs.
Role of DGR in Employment of Ex-Servicemen
DGR performs several important functions for retired defence personnel:
- Registration of Serving Armed Forces Class-I Gazetted Officers and Ex-Servicemen Officers for DGR schemes.
- Online registration facility for serving Commissioned Officers through the DGR portal.
- Registration of JCOs and Other Ranks (OR) for re-employment through their nearest Zila Sainik Board (ZSB).
- Sponsoring eligible Ex-Servicemen against vacancies received from Government Departments, PSUs, Corporate Companies and Private Organisations.
- Organising Job Fairs throughout India.
- Coordinating with industry associations such as FICCI and CII to create new employment avenues for veterans.
Why DGR Job Fairs are Important
Every year thousands of soldiers retire from the Armed Forces while still having many productive working years ahead. DGR Job Fairs help them transition into civilian careers by providing:
- Direct interaction with employers
- On-the-spot interviews
- Skill-based job matching
- Resume sharing with recruiters
- Career counselling
- Employment in multiple industries
Recent DGR Job Fairs have attracted dozens of reputed companies and hundreds of veterans. For example, the New Delhi Job Fair in March 2026 witnessed participation from 42 companies, more than 850 Ex-Servicemen, and offered over 1,290 employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Industries Participating in DGR Job Fairs
Companies participating in DGR Job Fairs generally recruit for:
- Security Services
- Information Technology (IT)
- Administration
- Facility Management
- Logistics
- Warehousing
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Telecom
- Customer Support
- Technical Services
- Industrial Safety
- Operations Management
Recruiters value Ex-Servicemen because of their:
- Leadership qualities
- Discipline
- Technical expertise
- Teamwork
- Integrity
- Ability to work under pressure
DGR Job Fair Schedule 2026-27
The Directorate General Resettlement has announced the following tentative schedule for All Ranks Job Fairs during FY 2026-27.
| Sl. No. | Location | Tentative Date |
| 1 | Ludhiana | 07 August 2026 |
| 2 | Nagrota (J&K) | 21 August 2026 |
| 3 | Nagpur | 11 September 2026 |
| 4 | Bhubaneswar | 25 September 2026 |
| 5 | Thiruvananthapuram | 09 October 2026 |
| 6 | Kota | 23 October 2026 |
| 7 | Gandhinagar | 06 November 2026 |
| 8 | Gurugram | 20 November 2026 |
| 9 | Gwalior | 11 December 2026 |
| 10 | Coimbatore | 23 December 2026 |
| 11 | Mathura | 08 January 2027 |
| 12 | Ranchi | 15 January 2027 |
| 13 | Mumbai | 22 January 2027 |
| 14 | Siliguri | 05 February 2027 |
| 15 | Prayagraj | 12 February 2027 |
| 16 | Visakhapatnam | 26 February 2027 |
| 17 | Raipur | 12 March 2027 |
| 18 | Shillong | 19 March 2027 |
Who Can Participate?
The DGR Job Fair is primarily meant for:
- Retired Army Personnel
- Retired Navy Personnel
- Retired Air Force Personnel
- Ex-Servicemen Officers
- Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs)
- Other Ranks (OR)
Eligibility may vary depending upon individual employers and job profiles.
Registration Process for Ex-Servicemen
Interested Ex-Servicemen should register before attending the Job Fair.
Generally, the process involves:
- Register through the DGR Job Fair portal when registration opens.
- Upload resume and required details.
- Select preferred Job Fair location.
- Update educational qualifications and work experience.
- Carry required documents on the day of the Job Fair.
As per DGR’s process, registrations generally open at least one month before the scheduled Job Fair, allowing employers to shortlist candidates in advance based on their skills and experience.
Registration of Officers and JCOs/OR
For Serving Commissioned Officers
Serving Commissioned Officers can register online on the DGR website to avail resettlement benefits and employment schemes.
For JCOs and Other Ranks
JCOs and OR are required to register through their nearest Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) for re-employment assistance.
Documents Required
Although individual employers may prescribe additional requirements, candidates should generally carry:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Ex-Serviceman Identity Card
- Discharge Book
- PPO
- Educational Certificates
- Experience Certificates
- Passport Size Photographs
- Updated Resume
- Original Documents for Verification
How Does DGR Conduct the Job Fair?
The DGR follows a structured process:
- Online registration of employers and Ex-Servicemen.
- Resume matching with available job roles.
- Sharing shortlisted resumes with recruiters.
- Conduct of interviews during the Job Fair.
- Skill tests wherever applicable.
- Shortlisting and selection.
- Post-event follow-up for employment.
After each Job Fair, a detailed report is prepared covering registrations, interviews, shortlisted candidates, placements, and follow-up actions.
Benefits of Participating in DGR Job Fairs
Ex-Servicemen can benefit in several ways:
- Free registration
- Direct access to reputed employers
- Multiple job opportunities under one roof
- Faster recruitment process
- Better salary negotiations
- Networking with corporate recruiters
- Career transition guidance
Employers also benefit by recruiting highly disciplined, trained, and experienced manpower.
Tips for Success at the DGR Job Fair
- Prepare an updated professional resume.
- Carry multiple copies of your resume.
- Wear formal attire.
- Reach the venue early.
- Research participating companies.
- Be ready to explain your military experience in terms relevant to civilian employers.
- Carry all original documents.
- Apply for multiple suitable positions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is DGR?
DGR stands for Directorate General Resettlement, the nodal agency under the Ministry of Defence responsible for resettlement and employment assistance for Ex-Servicemen.
Is the DGR Job Fair free?
Yes. Registration for eligible Ex-Servicemen is generally free.
Who can attend?
Retired personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, including Officers, JCOs, and Other Ranks, subject to eligibility criteria.
Do I need prior registration?
Yes. Candidates should complete registration before attending the Job Fair whenever registration is announced.
Are private companies present?
Yes. Leading companies from sectors such as security, logistics, engineering, IT, healthcare, manufacturing, administration, and facility management participate regularly.
Conclusion
The DGR Ex-Servicemen Job Fair 2026-27 is one of the most significant employment initiatives for retired Armed Forces personnel in India. By connecting veterans with reputed employers across multiple sectors, DGR continues to play a vital role in helping Ex-Servicemen build successful second careers after military service. Eligible veterans should complete their registration well in advance and make full use of this opportunity to explore rewarding civilian employment.