Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCI), a premier government-backed maritime enterprise, has opened the doors to two prestigious Executive Director positions. With a turnover of Rs. 1,142 crores in 2024-25 and nearly five decades of operational excellence, DCI represents one of India’s most respected maritime service providers.
This recruitment drive, announced under Advertisement No. 10/2025, signals a significant leadership transition within one of India’s most strategically important maritime organizations.
About Dredging Corporation of India Limited
Company Foundation and Mandate
Established in 1976, DCI has emerged as India’s flagship dredging enterprise, wholly owned by a consortium of four major ports: Visakhapatnam Port Authority (19.47%), Paradip Port Authority (18%), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (18%), and Deendayal Port Authority (18%). This unique ownership structure underscores DCI’s critical role in supporting India’s maritime infrastructure and international trade corridors.
Business Scope and Operations
DCI’s operational mandate extends far beyond conventional dredging services. The organization provides integrated maritime solutions encompassing:
- Port Dredging Services: Maintaining and enhancing navigability of India’s major shipping channels
- Beach Nourishment and Reclamation: Contributing to coastal development and environmental stabilization
- Inland Dredging Operations: Supporting river commerce and infrastructure development
- Environmental Protection: Implementing sustainable maritime practices aligned with global environmental standards
With a paid-up capital of Rs. 28 crores and listings on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), DCI operates as a publicly traded company with widespread stakeholder accountability and market scrutiny.
The Opportunity: Executive Director Positions
Posts Available
DCI is recruiting for two distinct but complementary Executive Director roles:
- Executive Director (Operations & Technical) – 1 Position
- Executive Director (Finance) – 1 Position
Both positions represent below-Board-level executive leadership, reporting directly to the Managing Director & CEO, with the Chairman serving as the disciplinary authority.
Compensation and Benefits
The organizational structure reflects a competitive compensation package designed to attract top-tier talent:
Salary Structure:
- Basic Pay: Rs. 1,20,000 – Rs. 2,80,000
- Two additional increments applicable
- Total Cost to Company (CTC): Rs. 45–50 lakhs at scale minimum
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Performance-linked perks and allowances
- Leased accommodation at company expense
- Company vehicle entitlement
- Comprehensive medical benefits
- Superannuation benefits as per company rules
This remuneration structure positions the role competitively against private sector alternatives while maintaining the prestige of public sector service.
Role Responsibilities and Scope
The Executive Director position carries substantial organizational influence and strategic responsibility. Core accountability areas include:
Strategic Planning and Implementation:
- Developing comprehensive business, operational, and economic plans for organizational growth
- Crafting and executing medium to long-term strategic initiatives aligned with India’s maritime policy objectives
Commercial Operations:
- Negotiating and finalizing high-value contracts with domestic and international clients
- Managing capital investment decisions and resource allocation
- Establishing and managing Joint Ventures in dredging and associated maritime sectors
Organizational Excellence:
- Ensuring efficient company operations across all geographic and operational domains
- Maintaining strict regulatory and statutory compliance across all business functions
- Building and sustaining competitive advantages in the maritime services market
Leadership Requirements:
- Assisting the MD & CEO in driving the organization toward excellence and sustained growth
- Championing organizational transformation and modernization initiatives
Eligibility Criteria: A Comprehensive Overview
Age Requirements
The recruitment maintains differentiated eligibility frameworks for internal and external candidates, reflecting Indian public sector recruitment conventions:
For Internal Candidates:
- Minimum Age: 45 years
- Maximum Service Window: Minimum 2 years of residual service until superannuation (age 60)
For External Candidates:
- Minimum Age: 45 years
- Maximum Service Window: Minimum 3 years of residual service until superannuation (age 60)
The cut-off date for all age and qualification determinations is December 12, 2025 (the official vacancy occurrence date).
Qualification Requirements
Executive Director (Operations & Technical)
Candidates must possess one of the following qualifications:
Educational Qualification:
- Engineering degree from a recognized university or institution (with demonstrable academic excellence)
- OR Certificate of Competency in one of these maritime specializations:
- Master (Foreign Going)
- Dredge Master Grade-I
- MEO (Marine Engineer Officer) Class-I
- Dredge Engineer Grade-I
Value Addition:
- Management degree from a reputed institution (strong preference)
Executive Director (Finance)
Mandatory Professional Qualification:
- Chartered Accountant (CA)
- OR Cost Management Accountant (CMA)
Value Addition:
- Management degree from a reputed institution (strong preference)
Professional Experience Requirements
Common Requirements (Both Positions)
Minimum Post-Qualification Experience: 25 years
This substantial experience requirement ensures the incoming Executive Director brings deep industry knowledge and mature judgment to strategic decision-making.
Sector-Specific Requirements
Private Sector Candidates:
- Minimum 5 years experience as Department Head, reporting directly to Director/MD/CEO
- Annual salary of Rs. 45 lakhs or higher (demonstrating similar compensation bands)
- Employed in organizations listed on recognized stock exchanges with minimum annual turnover of Rs. 800 crores
- Must have worked in eligible organizations for the preceding three years from the advertisement date
Government Sector / PSE / Autonomous Body Candidates:
- Must be currently employed in E-7 grade (or equivalent pay scale of Rs. 100,000–260,000 under IDA scale)
- Minimum 4 years of demonstrated experience in E-7 grade (or equivalent)
CDA Pay Scale Equivalency (for Government Sector Candidates):
- 6th CPC: Level 13 (Rs. 37,400–67,000 with Rs. 8,700 grade pay)
- 7th CPC: Level 13 (Rs. 123,100–215,900)
Internal Candidates (DCI Employees):
- Reduced experience requirement: Minimum 20 years post-qualification experience
- Maintains the professional rigor while recognizing organizational loyalty
Leadership Attributes and Competencies
Beyond formal qualifications, DCI expects candidates to demonstrate:
Strategic and Operational Competencies:
- Entrepreneurial acumen and business development orientation
- Strong organizational and administrative capabilities
- Demonstrated leadership effectiveness in complex environments
- Proven management excellence across organizational hierarchies
Governance and Compliance Expertise:
- Deep understanding of corporate governance frameworks
- Mastery of occupational health, safety, and environmental (HSSE) regulations
- Knowledge of corporate social responsibility obligations under Companies Act provisions
Investment and Capital Management:
- Strategic experience in capital expenditure planning and execution
- Proven capability in acquisitions, divestments, and vessel procurement negotiations
- Portfolio management experience in marine asset optimization
Cross-Functional Leadership:
- Exposure to diverse business functions: HR management, marketing, operations, risk management
- Project management capability spanning multiple stakeholder ecosystems
- Comfort navigating matrix organizational structures
Industry-Specific Advantage:
- Proven experience in shipping, ports, and dredging sectors (strong preference)
- Understanding of maritime industry dynamics and operational complexities
Mandatory Requirements
Candidates must ensure absolute compliance with the following conditions:
- Regular Employment Status: Must be employed in a regular capacity (not contractual or ad-hoc) on both the application date and interview date
- Employer Verification: Proof of regular employment status from parent organization
- Relieving/Release Competence: Must obtain formal relieving letter from parent organization at joining (if selected)
- Vigilance Clearance: For internal candidates, vigilance clearance is mandatory prior to appointment
Selection Process: Merit-Based Assessment
Selection Methodology
DCI employs a two-stage selection process designed to evaluate both strategic vision and professional competency:
Stage 1: PowerPoint Presentation (50 marks)
- Candidates present their professional achievements, track record, and strategic vision for DCI’s future growth
- Duration and format to be notified separately
- Assesses communication effectiveness, strategic thinking, and organizational understanding
Stage 2: Interview (50 marks)
- Comprehensive evaluation of professional background, leadership capability, and organizational fit
- Conducted by senior organizational leadership and external subject matter experts
- Assesses strategic thinking, crisis management capability, and cultural alignment
Final Selection Criteria
The selection committee evaluates candidates holistically across three dimensions:
- Qualifications and Professional Credentials: Verification of stated educational and professional qualifications
- Experience and Track Record: Assessment of demonstrated success in comparable roles and organizational contexts
- Combined Presentation and Interview Score: Integrated evaluation across both selection stages
Application Process and Important Deadlines
Online Application Portal
Critical Dates:
- Portal Opening: January 2, 2026, 10:00 AM IST
- Deadline: January 22, 2026, 6:00 PM IST (strictly adhered to; no late submissions accepted)
- Application Platform: www.dredge-india.com (Careers section)
Required Application Fee
Fee Structure:
- Standard Candidates: Rs. 1,000 (non-refundable)
- Exempted Categories: Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Persons with Disabilities, Ex-Servicemen (no fee required; documentary proof mandatory)
Payment Details:
- Bank: Canara Bank
- Branch: DCI Ltd, Visakhapatnam
- Current Account No.: 35833070000014
- IFSC Code: CNRB0013583
- Payment Mode: Online gateway transfer with transaction ID documentation
Required Documentation
Candidates must upload the following documents with their online application:
Mandatory Certificates and Proof Documents:
- Date of Birth proof (government-issued ID or birth certificate)
- Educational qualification certificates (semester/year-wise mark sheets, degree/diploma certificates from matriculation onwards)
- Complete and proper experience certificates from all employers (issued by authorized HR/personnel departments)
- Passport-size color photograph (up to 50 KB, JPG or PDF)
- Scanned signature (up to 50 KB, JPG or PDF)
- Scanned certificates (maximum 6 files, each up to 200 KB in JPG or PDF format; may be merged into a single PDF if exceeding 6 files)
Sector-Specific Documentation:
For Private Sector Candidates:
- Annual turnover figures for preceding three years (certified by statutory auditors)
- Stock exchange listing certificates and proof
- Proof of reporting line to Director/MD/CEO
- Income Tax Returns (Form 16) for last three years
For Government/PSE/Autonomous Body Candidates:
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from parent organization (submitted with application or at interview)
For Internal Candidates:
- Hardcopy of application form with vigilance clearance certificate
- To be submitted to the Chairman, DCI
Critical Instructions for Application Success
Photo and Signature Requirements:
- Retain three printed copies of the submitted passport-size color photograph for interview use
- Failure to produce the identical photograph at interview may result in disqualification
- Signature must be consistent across all submission documents
Document Compilation:
- Ensure all certificates are scanned clearly with legible text
- If possessing more than 6 certificates, merge into consolidated PDF files (maximum 200 KB per file)
- Retain the auto-generated acknowledgment number for all future correspondence
Eligibility Pre-Verification:
- Candidates must personally verify satisfaction of all eligibility criteria before application submission
- DCI retains the right to reject applications at any recruitment stage if eligibility violations are discovered
- No correspondence will be entertained regarding eligibility determinations
Key Organization Policies and Terms
Appointment and Joining Terms
- Joining Timeline: Successful candidates must join within 3 months of offer letter issuance
- Medical Fitness: All appointments remain conditional upon passing DCI’s medical fitness examination as per company rules
- Background Checks: Verification of all submitted credentials is mandatory; falsification results in immediate disqualification or termination
Eligibility Restrictions
DCI will automatically disqualify applicants meeting any of the following conditions:
- Previous employment termination, dismissal, or compulsory retirement from any corporation or government department
- Prior resignation, removal, or dismissal from DCI specifically
- Criminal conviction involving moral turpitude
- Previous conviction under competency-related legal provisions
Travel Reimbursement
- Only shortlisted candidates called for interview will receive travel reimbursement
- Reimbursement limited to shortest route via economy class airfare or first AC train fare
- Original tickets and boarding passes must be produced for reimbursement processing
Communication and Contact
For Technical Support:
- Phone: 0891-2871354
- Email: recruit@dcil.co.in
For General Queries:
- Official Website: www.dredge-india.com
- Shortlist announcements and updates posted on careers portal
Why This Opportunity Matters for India’s Maritime Future
Strategic Context
This recruitment assumes significance beyond ordinary executive hiring. DCI’s operations directly support India’s stated objectives of enhancing port productivity, reducing logistics costs, and strengthening international maritime connectivity. The incoming Executive Directors will inherit responsibility for sustaining India’s competitive position in global maritime commerce.
Organizational Momentum
With annual turnover exceeding Rs. 1,100 crores, DCI stands as a substantial player in maritime infrastructure. The organization’s four-port consortium ownership structure places it at the intersection of India’s most significant trade gateways. Executive Directors assuming office will inherit both substantial resources and significant strategic responsibility.
Career Trajectory and Prestige
For accomplished professionals in maritime, finance, or logistics sectors, DCI positions represent apex career opportunities within India’s public sector maritime ecosystem. The roles offer genuine C-suite responsibility with government backing, stable tenure, and pension security—a rare combination in contemporary India.
Final Considerations for Prospective Candidates
Timeline Considerations: With applications opening January 2, 2026, and closing January 22, 2026, prospective candidates should immediately begin document compilation. Government recruitment processes, while merit-based and transparent, move deliberately. The subsequent shortlisting, presentation, interview, and final selection phases may extend 2-3 months.
Documentation Rigor: DCI’s multi-sector eligibility framework requires meticulous documentation. Candidates from private sector backgrounds should secure statutory auditor certificates for turnover verification; government sector candidates should initiate NOC procurement immediately.
Strategic Preparation: Shortlisted candidates should prepare comprehensive PowerPoint presentations outlining professional achievements and strategic vision for DCI’s growth. The presentation stage carries equal weightage (50%) as formal interviews, making preparation critical.
Legal Jurisdiction: Any disputes arising from this recruitment process fall exclusively under Visakhapatnam Court jurisdiction, as per company policy.
Conclusion
DCI’s recruitment of two Executive Directors represents a meaningful opportunity for senior professionals seeking to contribute to India’s maritime infrastructure development. The organization offers substantial compensation, prestigious organizational standing, public sector stability, and genuine strategic influence. For qualified professionals meeting the stringent experience and credential requirements, the application window through January 22, 2026, merits serious consideration.
The maritime sector’s strategic importance to India’s economic future ensures that DCI’s leadership positions carry both present compensation appeal and long-term career significance. The successful candidates will inherit stewardship of an organization positioned at India’s economic crossroads, with responsibility for sustaining competitive port operations and advancing national maritime interests.
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