DRDO Apprenticeship 2026 has been announced at Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, Odisha, for engineering graduates and diploma holders. The establishment, functioning under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, has invited applications for a one-year apprenticeship training programme across multiple disciplines. The recruitment drive includes vacancies for graduate apprentices (BTech) and technician apprentices (diploma) in engineering streams such as electronics and communication, mechanical, computer science, chemical, civil, electrical, cinematography and automobile engineering. Selected graduate apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 12,300, while Technician Apprentices will be paid Rs 10,900 per month during the training period. Interested and eligible candidates are required to submit their applications through speed post or registered post. The last date for receipt of applications is 12 October 2026.
Also read: DRDO Internship 2026: 33 Vacancies Announced for Graduates, Stipend to Be Paid
Who Can Apply for DRDO Apprenticeship 2026?
The DRDO apprenticeship opportunity is open to candidates who have completed their engineering degree or diploma through regular mode in the relevant discipline. The official notification specifies the following qualifications and vacancies:
For the graduate apprentice (BTech) vacancies the qualifications required are as follows:
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Candidates must possess a BTech degree in the respective engineering discipline. For the technician apprentice (diploma) vacancies the qualifications required are as follows:
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Cinematography Engineering
- Automobile Engineering
Candidates must hold a diploma in the respective engineering discipline. The apprenticeship programme is for a period of one year, and selected candidates will be required to execute a training contract under the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961.
Eligibility Criteria for DRDO Apprenticeship 2026
Candidates applying for the apprenticeship positions must fulfil the eligibility conditions specified in the notification:
- Only candidates who passed their respective qualifying courses in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible to apply.
- Candidates must have completed their essential qualifications through regular mode.
- Candidates holding postgraduate degrees are not eligible to apply.
- Graduate and diploma holders who have undergone training or gained job experience for one year or more after acquiring their essential qualification will not be considered.
- Candidates must register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal.
- Applications from candidates who are not registered on NATS or have an invalid enrolment number will be rejected.
Candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, PwD and EWS categories must produce valid certificates issued by the competent authority during document verification.
How to Apply for DRDO Apprenticeship 2026?
Interested candidates can download the prescribed application form from the official DRDO website. Applicants are required to fill in the application form by typing only. Handwritten application forms will not be accepted. The duly completed application form must be sent through Speed Post or Registered Post to the following address.
Selection Process for DRDO Apprenticeship 2026
The selection process will be conducted by the Selection Board of PXE. The board will scrutinise applications and shortlist candidates based on the percentage of marks secured in the essential qualifying examination. Shortlisted candidates will be called for a written test or interview at PXE, Chandipur, Odisha. Candidates selected after the interview will receive their joining letters through email. All correspondence, including offer letters, will be communicated through email only. Candidates are responsible for providing a valid email address and checking their spam or bulk mail folders regularly.
