Key Points
- MeitY seeks new STPI Director General with 25 August application deadline
- Post carries salary of ₹1.82 lakh to ₹2.24 lakh per month for five-year term
- Incumbent Arvind Kumar's tenure completing this year after December 2021 appointment
New Delhi: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has invited applications for the post of Director General of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), initiating the process to appoint the next head of the government’s premier technology promotion organisation that plays a key role in India’s software exports, startup ecosystem and emerging technologies.
According to the recruitment notification, the post will be filled through either direct recruitment or deputation, with the selected candidate serving for a maximum tenure of five years or until attaining the age of superannuation, whichever is earlier. The last date for receipt of applications is August 25, 2026.
The Director General serves as the chief executive officer of STPI and is responsible for implementing the decisions of the organisation’s Governing Council and Executive Committee of Directors, besides exercising administrative and financial powers and formulating strategies for its management. The post carries Level 15 of the Central Pay Matrix, with a pay scale of Rs 1,82,200 to Rs 2,24,100 per month.
The recruitment exercise comes as the tenure of incumbent Director General Arvind Kumar, who assumed office in December 2021 after succeeding Dr. Omkar Rai, is set to complete its five-year term later this year, unless extended by the government.
During Kumar’s tenure, STPI expanded its role beyond software export promotion to strengthen India’s startup and innovation ecosystem through centres of excellence, technology incubation programmes and initiatives in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, Industry 4.0 and other emerging technologies. It also hosted India AI Impact Summit 2026.
STPI functions as an autonomous society under MeitY
Established in 1991, STPI functions as an autonomous society under MeitY and has evolved from facilitating software exports into a national technology development organisation supporting startups, product companies and research in advanced digital technologies.
The organisation currently promotes innovation in areas including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, computer vision, cybersecurity, data science, gaming, fintech, agritech, medtech, electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM), drones and Industry 4.0.
The ministry has prescribed stringent eligibility criteria for the post. Candidates applying through direct recruitment must possess a bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology in disciplines such as electronics, electrical engineering, computer science or information technology, a master’s degree in engineering or related disciplines, or a PhD in the specified fields. Depending on academic qualifications, applicants should have between 17 and 25 years of post-qualification experience, including at least five years in a senior management capacity.
For deputation, applicants should be officers of the Central or state governments, public sector undertakings or autonomous bodies holding an analogous post or having completed at least three years in Level 14 of the Central Pay Matrix. They must also satisfy the educational qualifications and experience prescribed for direct recruits.
The upper age limit has been fixed at 50 years for direct recruitment and 58 years for deputation, with age relaxation available to government servants and employees of autonomous societies under MeitY in accordance with existing rules.
By the numbers
- ₹1.82–2.24 lakh
- Monthly salary range for STPI DG post
- 5 years
- Maximum tenure for the position
- 25 August 2026
- Application deadline
Applicants currently serving in government departments, public sector enterprises and autonomous bodies are required to submit their applications through the proper channel along with vigilance clearance, integrity certification and attested copies of their Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs) for the previous five years. The ministry has also sought an advance copy of the application directly from candidates.
In addition to academic qualifications and professional achievements, applicants have been asked to submit a vision statement explaining how they plan to take STPI forward as Director General. The application format also seeks details of scientific publications, patents, intellectual property, awards, leadership experience and contributions to technology development.
The ministry said only shortlisted candidates would be invited for personal interaction, adding that merely meeting the minimum eligibility criteria would not automatically qualify an applicant for the next stage of the selection process.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the deadline to apply for the STPI Director General post?
The last date for receipt of applications is 25 August 2026. Applicants currently serving in government departments, public sector enterprises and autonomous bodies must submit through proper channel with vigilance clearance and integrity certification.
What is the salary for the STPI Director General position?
The post carries Level 15 of the Central Pay Matrix with a monthly salary ranging from ₹1,82,200 to ₹2,24,100. This is the second-highest pay band in the central government hierarchy.
What qualifications are required for the STPI DG post?
Candidates need a bachelor's degree in engineering or technology in electronics, electrical engineering, computer science or IT. Alternatively, a master's or PhD in related disciplines qualifies. Experience requirements range from 17 to 25 years depending on qualifications, with at least five years in senior management.
Who is the current STPI Director General?
Arvind Kumar is the incumbent Director General. He assumed office in December 2021 after succeeding Omkar Rai. His five-year term is set to complete later this year unless extended by the government.
