DGR Resettlement Courses for Ex-Servicemen: Complete Guide
The Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR) under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence plays a crucial role in helping retiring Armed Forces personnel build successful second careers after military service.
To ensure transparency and equal opportunities, the Ministry of Defence has issued comprehensive Guidelines and Norms for Selection of Resettlement Courses/Institutes and Allotment of Courses, along with separate norms for selecting officers for the prestigious 24-Week Certificate in Business Management Course. This article explains the guidelines in simple language.
What is the DGR Resettlement Training Scheme?
Resettlement training is designed to prepare Armed Forces personnel for employment in civilian life after retirement. The scheme helps retiring personnel:
- Develop industry-relevant skills
- Improve employability
- Gain professional qualifications
- Prepare for entrepreneurship
- Secure better corporate and government employment
The Directorate General of Resettlement regularly sponsors training programmes through approved institutes across India.
Objectives of DGR Resettlement Courses
The primary objectives are:
- Smooth transition from military to civilian employment
- Skill enhancement
- Professional certification
- Better rehabilitation after retirement
- Improved employment opportunities
- Self-employment promotion
Who Can Apply?
Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR)
The following categories are eligible:
- Serving PBOR nearing retirement
- Retired PBOR fulfilling Ex-Servicemen criteria
- Personnel within the prescribed eligibility period after retirement
The exact eligibility conditions are laid down in the DGR guidelines.
Eligibility for Officers
Officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force may apply if they satisfy the prescribed conditions.
Generally eligible categories include:
- Serving officers nearing retirement
- Retired officers fulfilling Ex-Servicemen criteria
- Officers applying within the permitted period after retirement
Who is Not Eligible?
Certain categories are specifically excluded, including:
- Officers dismissed from service
- Officers who resigned their commission
- Candidates who do not satisfy Ex-Servicemen eligibility
- Candidates who have already availed certain DGR-sponsored courses, where repeat training is restricted
These restrictions are intended to ensure fair distribution of limited training vacancies.
Important Conditions Before Applying
Applicants should carefully note that:
- Eligibility must be fulfilled before applying.
- Supporting documents must be submitted through the prescribed channel.
- Applications received after the deadline may not be considered.
- False information can result in rejection.
How to Apply for DGR Courses?
For Serving PBOR
Applications are forwarded through:
- Record Office
- Regimental Centre (where applicable)
- Army Headquarters
Navy and Air Force personnel apply through their respective service headquarters.
For Retired Personnel
Retired Ex-Servicemen normally submit applications through:
- Rajya Sainik Board (RSB)
- Zila Sainik Welfare Office (ZSWO)
Applicants should attach:
- PPO or Release Order
- Required application form
- Documents specified by DGR
Additional documents such as resumes or educational certificates are generally not required unless specifically asked.
Distribution of Course Vacancies
Course vacancies are distributed according to approved norms to ensure balanced representation among eligible candidates.
The allocation process considers:
- Eligibility
- Service category
- Priority norms
- Availability of seats
This system aims to maintain transparency and fairness.
24-Week Certificate in Business Management Course
One of the most sought-after DGR programmes is the 24-Week Certificate in Business Management Course, conducted at selected Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other reputed business schools.
The programme prepares retiring officers for leadership roles in the corporate sector.
Why is This Course Popular?
The programme offers:
- Business management education
- Corporate leadership skills
- Management certification
- Better placement opportunities
- Strong industry recognition
Due to its popularity, applications far exceed available seats.
Selection Process
To maintain transparency, DGR has established detailed selection norms.
Priority is generally given according to categories such as:
- Retired officers
- Officers retiring soon
- Serving officers nearing superannuation
- Other eligible categories in the prescribed order
Specific priority rules differ depending on the type of commission and service status.
Special Provisions for Short Service Commission Officers (SSC)
The guidelines also prescribe separate priority norms for:
- Short Service Commission Officers
- Women Short Service Officers
- Officers released after completion of engagements
These provisions ensure equitable opportunities for different categories of officers.
Key Features of DGR Resettlement Training
Some major features include:
- Government-sponsored training
- Approved institutes
- Transparent selection process
- Employment-oriented curriculum
- National-level certification
- Corporate career preparation
- Equal opportunity for eligible candidates
Benefits for Ex-Servicemen
Participating in DGR courses can significantly improve post-retirement prospects by:
- Increasing employability
- Enhancing professional qualifications
- Building managerial and technical skills
- Supporting entrepreneurship
- Facilitating smoother transition into civilian careers
- Improving earning potential
Tips for Applicants
To improve your chances of selection:
- Apply well before the deadline.
- Ensure all eligibility conditions are met.
- Submit complete documentation.
- Choose courses aligned with your career goals.
- Stay updated with DGR notifications and approved institute lists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is DGR?
The Directorate General of Resettlement is an organisation under the Ministry of Defence responsible for the rehabilitation and resettlement of retiring Armed Forces personnel.
Who can apply for DGR resettlement courses?
Eligible serving personnel nearing retirement, retired Ex-Servicemen, and officers meeting the prescribed conditions can apply.
Is the 24-week management course available only for officers?
Yes. The 24-week Certificate in Business Management programme is specifically designed for eligible officers.
Where are these management courses conducted?
The courses are conducted at selected Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other approved business schools.
Can a person attend multiple DGR-sponsored courses?
The guidelines impose restrictions on repeat training under certain circumstances to ensure fair allocation of opportunities.
Conclusion
The DGR Resettlement Training Scheme remains one of the most valuable welfare initiatives for India’s Armed Forces personnel. By offering professionally designed courses, transparent selection procedures, and recognised certifications, it helps retiring soldiers and officers transition successfully into civilian careers.
Personnel planning retirement should regularly monitor DGR notifications, understand the eligibility criteria, and apply through the prescribed channels to make the best use of these career-enhancing opportunities.