Airports Authority of India (AAI) has released Advertisement No. 14/2026/CHQ/SSCOs for the engagement of Retired Short Service Commission (SSC) Officers of the Indian Armed Forces as Consultants on a contract basis. A total of 39 Consultant vacancies are available at Pune, Kanpur, Purnea, Goa (Dabolim), Port Blair and Darbhanga Airports.
Eligible retired officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard who meet the prescribed ATC qualification and experience requirements can submit their applications by email. The application window is open from 17 September 2026 to 1 October 2026.
The engagement is intended to provide support to Air Traffic Services (ATS) units at Joint User Defence Airfields, particularly in ATC and Surface Movement Control (SMC) operations.
AAI Consultant SSCO Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
| Advertisement No. | 14/2026/CHQ/SSCOs |
| Post Name | Consultant – SSCOs |
| Total Vacancies | 39 |
| Engagement Type | Contract Basis |
| Eligible Candidates | Retired Short Service Commission Officers |
| Services | Indian Army / Indian Navy / Indian Air Force / Indian Coast Guard |
| Application Mode | |
| Application Start Date | 17 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 1 October 2026 |
| Contract Period | 1 Year, extendable |
| Maximum Engagement | Up to 5 years, subject to conditions |
| Maximum Age | 50 years as on 1 October 2026 |
| Selection Process | Application Verification and Interview |
| Official Website | AAI |
AAI Consultant SSCO Vacancy 2026
AAI has notified 39 Consultant positions across six airport locations. The location-wise vacancy details are given below:
| Post Code | Airport / Location | No. of Consultants | Work Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Pune Airport | 11 | Surface Movement Control (SMC) |
| 02 | Kanpur Airport | 2 | ATC/SMC support |
| 03 | Purnea Airport | 4 | ATC/SMC support |
| 04 | Goa (Dabolim) Airport | 15 | 11 SMC + 4 ATC |
| 05 | Port Blair Airport | 4 | SMC |
| 06 | Darbhanga Airport | 3 | ATC/SMC support |
| Total | 39 |
AAI Consultant SSCO Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfil the educational, professional, service and age requirements prescribed in the advertisement.
Educational Qualification
The applicant must be a Graduate in any discipline from a recognised university.
Professional Qualification
Candidates should possess the following professional qualifications:
- Basic ATC Course
- ATM and AL (Basic)
- GCA/ATSS Course
Experience Required
The candidate should have undertaken ATC duties for a minimum of 5 years cumulatively.
In addition, at least one year of ATC duties must have been performed at a Joint User Defence Airfield.
The eligibility requirements make this recruitment specifically relevant to retired Short Service Commission officers with prior ATC experience.
Age Limit
The applicant should not be more than 50 years of age as on 1 October 2026, which is the last date for submission of applications.
There is also a service-retirement condition. The period between the candidate’s date of retirement from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force or Indian Coast Guard and the last date for submitting the application should not exceed six years.
The engagement may be extended subject to the applicable conditions, but an extension cannot continue beyond the maximum age of 55 years.
AAI Consultant SSCO Salary 2026
The monthly remuneration will be fixed in accordance with the applicable DoPT Office Memorandum F. No. 3-25/2020-E.IIIA dated 9 December 2020.
The fixed monthly amount is arrived at by deducting the basic pension from the pay drawn at the time of retirement. The remuneration so fixed remains unchanged during the contract period, and there is no annual increment or percentage increase during the engagement.
Allowances
The following provisions apply:
- HRA is not admissible.
- A fixed Transport Allowance may be provided for commuting between residence and the place of work, subject to the prescribed limit.
- TA/DA for official tours, if any, may be allowed according to the applicable entitlement at the time of retirement.
- TDS will be deducted at source.
Period of Engagement
The initial engagement will be for one year.
It may be extended by another one year at a time, subject to the terms and conditions of AAI. The total cumulative period cannot exceed five years, and an extension cannot go beyond the maximum age of 55 years.
The engagement is on a full-time basis. Consultants will not be permitted to undertake another assignment during the period of engagement.
Nature of Duties
The selected Consultants will assist and support Air Traffic Control operations at the concerned Joint User Defence Airfield.
Their duties may include:
- Supporting ATC operations
- Supporting Surface Movement Control (SMC) operations
- Watch extension
- Other ATC-related operational activities
- Duties assigned by the ATS In-Charge from time to time
AAI may also require the selected Consultant to submit a Medical Fitness Certificate from a recognised physician equivalent to the applicable defence medical standards before commencement of the contract.
AAI Consultant SSCO Selection Process
The selection process will consist of:
- Application scrutiny
- Application/document verification
- Interview
- Merit-based selection
Only shortlisted applicants will be called for application verification and interview.
The selection will be based on the merit ranking of the interview. Details regarding the interview schedule will be communicated to shortlisted candidates through their registered email IDs.
No TA/DA will be paid for attending the application verification or interview, joining the assignment, completing the assignment, or during the engagement process.
How to Apply for AAI Consultant SSCO Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates must apply only in the prescribed application format given as Annexure-1 of Advertisement No. 14/2026/CHQ/SSCOs.
Candidates should follow these steps:
- Download/use the prescribed AAI Consultant-SSCO application form.
- Enter the required personal, service, educational and professional details.
- Mention the applicable Post Code.
- Attach self-attested copies of all required supporting documents.
- Include proof of educational qualifications and work experience.
- Combine the duly filled application and supporting documents into one PDF file.
- Ensure that the PDF file size does not exceed 5 MB.
- Send the application by email to chqrectt@aai.aero.
- Submit the application on or before 1 October 2026.
Applications submitted through any other mode will not be accepted.
Documents Required
Applicants should keep the necessary supporting documents ready with the prescribed application form, including documents relating to:
- Educational qualification
- Professional ATC qualifications
- Armed Forces service
- Date of joining the Armed Forces
- Date of discharge/retirement
- ATC work experience
- Experience at Joint User Defence Airfields
- Other documents required to establish eligibility
Candidates should ensure that the information provided in the application is accurate and supported by documentary evidence.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| AAI Advertisement Date | 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 17 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 1 October 2026 |
| Interview Date | To be intimated later |
AAI SSCO Consultant Engagement 2026 Important Links
| Apply via Email | chqrectt@aai.aero |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| AAI Official Website | Click Here |
| Particular | Link/Details |
|---|---|
| Application Mode | |
| Application Email | chqrectt@aai.aero |
| Application Format | Annexure-1 of Advertisement No. 14/2026/CHQ/SSCOs |
| Last Date | 1 October 2026 |
| Official Website | Airports Authority of India |
AAI Consultant SSCO Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
1. How many vacancies are available in AAI Consultant SSCO Recruitment 2026?
There are 39 Consultant vacancies under AAI Advertisement No. 14/2026/CHQ/SSCOs.
2. Who can apply for AAI Consultant SSCO posts?
Retired Short Service Commission Officers of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard who fulfil the prescribed educational, professional and ATC experience requirements can apply.
3. What is the last date to apply for AAI Consultant SSCO Recruitment 2026?
The last date for submission of the application is 1 October 2026.
4. What is the application mode?
Applications must be submitted by email only to chqrectt@aai.aero in the prescribed format.
5. What is the maximum age limit?
The applicant should not be more than 50 years of age as on 1 October 2026.
6. What ATC experience is required?
Candidates must have undertaken ATC duties for at least 5 years cumulatively, including at least one year of ATC duties at a Joint User Defence Airfield.
7. What educational qualification is required?
Candidates must be graduates in any discipline from a recognised university and must also possess the prescribed professional ATC qualifications.
8. What are the professional qualifications required?
The required qualifications include Basic ATC Course, ATM and AL (Basic), and GCA/ATSS Course.
9. What is the duration of the AAI Consultant engagement?
The initial engagement is for one year, extendable by another year at a time, subject to the prescribed conditions. The total cumulative engagement cannot exceed five years.
10. Is HRA available to AAI Consultants?
No. As per the applicable DoPT provisions mentioned in the advertisement, HRA is not admissible.
11. Is there an interview for AAI Consultant SSCO Recruitment?
Yes. Shortlisted applicants will be called for application verification and an interview, with selection based on the merit ranking of the interview.
12. What is the maximum PDF size for the application?
The duly filled application form and self-attested supporting documents must be combined into a single PDF file not exceeding 5 MB.
13. Where should the AAI Consultant application be sent?
The application should be emailed to chqrectt@aai.aero on or before the closing date.
14. How many Consultant posts are available at Pune Airport?
AAI has notified 11 Consultant positions at Pune Airport, for Surface Movement Control (SMC).
15. How many Consultant posts are available at Goa Dabolim Airport?
There are 15 positions at Goa (Dabolim) Airport, including 11 for SMC and 4 for ATC.
Conclusion
AAI Consultant SSCO Recruitment 2026 offers contract-based Consultant positions for eligible retired Short Service Commission Officers of the Indian Armed Forces with the required ATC qualifications and experience. Candidates meeting all eligibility conditions should complete the prescribed application form and email the single PDF application with supporting documents to chqrectt@aai.aero by 1 October 2026.
AAI Consultant SSCO Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
How many vacancies are available in AAI Consultant SSCO Recruitment 2026?
There are 39 Consultant vacancies under AAI Advertisement No. 14/2026/CHQ/SSCOs.
Who can apply for AAI Consultant SSCO posts?
Retired Short Service Commission Officers of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard who fulfil the prescribed eligibility and ATC experience requirements can apply.
What is the last date to apply for AAI Consultant SSCO Recruitment 2026?
The last date for submission of the application is 1 October 2026.
What is the application mode for AAI Consultant SSCO Recruitment?
Applications must be submitted by email only to chqrectt@aai.aero in the prescribed application format.
What is the maximum age limit for AAI Consultant SSCO Recruitment?
The applicant should not be more than 50 years of age as on 1 October 2026.
What ATC experience is required?
The candidate should have undertaken ATC duties for a minimum of 5 years cumulatively, including at least one year of ATC duties at a Joint User Defence Airfield.
What educational qualification is required?
The candidate must be a Graduate in any discipline from a recognised university and must possess the prescribed professional ATC qualifications.
What are the professional qualifications required?
The required professional qualifications include Basic ATC Course, ATM and AL (Basic), and GCA/ATSS Course.
What is the duration of the AAI Consultant engagement?
The initial engagement is for one year and may be extended by another year at a time. The total cumulative period cannot exceed five years, subject to the prescribed conditions.
Is HRA admissible to AAI Consultants?
No. HRA is not admissible as per the applicable DoPT provisions mentioned in the recruitment advertisement.
What is the selection process?
Shortlisted candidates will be called for application verification and interview. Selection will be based on the merit ranking of the interview.
What is the maximum application PDF size?
The filled application form and self-attested supporting documents must be combined into a single PDF file not exceeding 5 MB.
Where should the application be sent?
The application should be emailed to chqrectt@aai.aero on or before 1 October 2026.
How many posts are available at Pune Airport?
There are 11 Consultant positions at Pune Airport for Surface Movement Control (SMC).
How many posts are available at Goa Dabolim Airport?
There are 15 Consultant positions at Goa (Dabolim) Airport, including 11 for SMC and 4 for ATC.