OVERVIEW for DRDO Apprentice Recruitment
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha, has released an advertisement for the engagement of Apprentices for a one year Apprenticeship Training Programme. The recruitment is being conducted under the Apprentices Act and is open to eligible candidates from Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice categories.
IMPORTANT DATES
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Receipt of Application | 12 October 2026 |
CATEGORY WISE VACANCY DETAILS
Graduate Apprentice Vacancies
| Discipline / Branch | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Electronics & Communication | 04 |
| Mechanical | 04 |
| Computer Science | 05 |
| Chemical | 02 |
| Total | 15 |
Technician Apprentice Vacancies
| Discipline / Branch | Qualification | Vacancies | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | Diploma in Civil Engineering | 10 | Rs. 10,900/month |
| Computer Science | Diploma in Computer Science Engineering | 05 | Rs. 10,900/month |
| Electronics & Communication | Diploma in Electronics & Communication Engineering | 05 | Rs. 10,900/month |
| Mechanical | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering | 08 | Rs. 10,900/month |
| Chemical | Diploma in Chemical Engineering | 01 | Rs. 10,900/month |
| Electrical | Diploma in Electrical Engineering | 02 | Rs. 10,900/month |
| Cinematography | Diploma in Cinematography Engineering | 02 | Rs. 10,900/month |
| Automobile | Diploma in Automobile Engineering | 02 | Rs. 10,900/month |
| Total | 35 |
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
The educational qualification depends on the Apprentice category and discipline. Candidates should apply only for the discipline corresponding to their qualification.
Graduate Apprentice
Candidates applying for the Graduate Apprentice category must possess the relevant B.Tech qualification.
- B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering
- B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering
- B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering
- B.Tech in Chemical Engineering
The qualification must correspond to the discipline or branch for which the candidate is applying.
Technician Apprentice
Candidates applying for Technician Apprentice positions must possess the relevant Diploma qualification.
- Diploma in Civil Engineering
- Diploma in Computer Science Engineering
- Diploma in Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
- Diploma in Chemical Engineering
- Diploma in Electrical Engineering
- Diploma in Cinematography Engineering
- Diploma in Automobile Engineering
Candidates should select the discipline that corresponds with their Diploma qualification.
Passing Year Eligibility
One important condition in this recruitment is the year of passing. According to the notification, only candidates who passed their respective courses in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible to apply. Candidates who completed their qualification before 2022 are therefore not covered by the eligibility condition mentioned in this advertisement. The notification also states that candidates who have completed the essential qualification through regular mode only are eligible.
NATS Registration
NATS registration is an important requirement for this apprenticeship recruitment. Candidates applying for Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice positions are required to register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal.
Candidates should therefore ensure that their NATS registration and Enrollment Number are valid before submitting the application.
STIPEND
| Post | Fixed Emolument Per Month |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice Stipend | ₹12,300 per month |
| Technician Apprentice Stipend | ₹10,900 per month |
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process described in the notification begins with scrutiny of applications by the Selection Board of PXE.
The Selection Board will shortlist candidates based on the percentage of marks secured in the essential qualification.The selection process can therefore be understood from the notification as follows:
Shortlisting
PXE will examine the applications and shortlist candidates based on the percentage of marks obtained in the essential qualification.
Written Test or Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be called for a Written Test/Interview. The notification states that this will be held at PXE, Chandipur.
Joining Letter
After the interview, selected candidates will receive the joining letter through email only.
Candidates should therefore provide a valid email address in the application form and regularly check their email, including the spam or bulk mail folder.
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates have to use the prescribed application form for the apprenticeship programme.
The application form can be downloaded from the DRDO website, www.drdo.gov.in. The notification specifically instructs candidates to fill up the application form by typing only. After completing the form, candidates have to send it through Speed Post or Registered Post only to the address given in the notification. The envelope should clearly mention:
“Application for Engagement of Apprentices, Apprentice Category (Degree/Diploma) and Discipline/Branch ………”
Candidates should fill in the appropriate Apprentice Category and Discipline or Branch on the envelope. The completed application must reach PXE on or before 12 October 2026
Postal Address
Candidates should send the completed application by Speed Post or Registered Post to the following address:
The Director
Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE)
Defence R&D Organisation
PO Chandipur
Dist Balasore
Odisha 756025
Kind Attn: OIC, HRDC
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS
The application form on page 3 of the PDF provides details of the information and documents candidates need to submit.
The application form asks candidates to provide:
- Name of the candidate
- Apprentice category
- Discipline or branch
- NATS Enrollment Number
- Aadhaar Number
- Father’s name
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Educational qualification details
- Reservation category
- Candidate contact number
- Parents’ contact number
- Email ID
- Present address
- Permanent address
IMPORTANT LINKS
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | DRDO Official Websites |
| NATS Portal | www.nats.education.gov.in |
| Advertisement Number | PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27 |
| Apply Last Date | 12 October 2026 |
FAQ
What is the DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an apprenticeship engagement programme conducted by Proof & Experimental Establishment, Chandipur, under DRDO, Ministry of Defence. The programme is for one year.
How many vacancies are available?
There are 50 Apprentice vacancies in total.
How many Graduate Apprentice vacancies are available?
There are 15 Graduate Apprentice vacancies for B.Tech candidates
How many Technician Apprentice vacancies are available?
There are 35 Technician Apprentice vacancies for Diploma candidates.
What is the stipend for Graduate Apprentices?
The monthly stipend for Graduate Apprentices is Rs. 12,300.
What is the stipend for Technician Apprentices?
The monthly stipend for Technician Apprentices is Rs. 10,900.
Is NATS registration mandatory?
Yes. Candidates applying for Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice positions are required to register on the NATS portal.