He previously served as a Chief Controller, Research & Development (Life Sciences & International Cooperation) at the Defence Research and Development Organisation for the Indian government.

[1] He is leading research and development for improvements to the health and wellbeing of the armed forces.

[2] He did his post-graduation in Human Physiology from Christian Medical College, Vellore (1972) and PhD from University of Delhi (1982) and Doctorate of Science (DSc) from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana Deemed University in Bangalore (2006).

Recently he was awarded the Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc) (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his contributions to the field of science and his distinctive place in the scientific world by Fakir Mohan University, Balasore (2008).

Selvamurthy joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1973 and served there for 40 years, during which time he became Director of two DRDO institutes: the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS),[4] and the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR).