DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 54 Posts

Introduction

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha, has announced a recruitment drive for Graduate and Technician (Diploma) Apprentices. This engagement is for a period of one year, following the provisions of the Apprentice Act, 1961 and Apprentice Rules, 1992. A total of 54 vacancies are available across various disciplines. Eligible and interested Indian nationals who have completed their qualifying degrees in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are encouraged to apply. It is important to note that candidates with higher qualifications or prior work experience of one year or more after obtaining their essential qualifications are not eligible. The application process is offline, and candidates must ensure their applications reach the specified address by the deadline. All details regarding eligibility, application procedure, and important dates are provided in the official notification. Please refer to the official notification for the most accurate and complete information.

Recruitment Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must possess the required educational qualifications for the specific post they are applying for. The following are the essential qualifications:

• Graduate Apprentice: B.E/B.Tech in relevant disciplines such as Computer Science & Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Library Science (B.Lib.Sc), Safety Engineering, BBA (Administration/HR), B.Com (Financial Accounting/Cost Accounting).
• Technician (Diploma) Apprentice: Diploma in relevant engineering disciplines such as Computer Science & Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cinematography, Medical Laboratory Technology.

Eligibility Conditions:

• Candidates must have registered their names.
• Only candidates who have passed their qualifying examination in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible.
• Candidates who passed the qualifying examination earlier than 2022 are NOT eligible.
• Candidates with higher qualifications are NOT eligible to apply.
• Only those candidates who have completed their qualifying examination as REGULAR candidates are eligible.
• B.E/B.Tech/Diploma/BBA/B.Com/B.Lib.Sc. degree holders who have undergone training or have job experience for a period of one year or more after obtaining their essential qualifications are NOT eligible for engagement as an apprentice.
• PwBD candidates are eligible ONLY for the designated trades as per Apprenticeship Rules 1992.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The minimum age requirement for applicants is 18 years. For information on the maximum age limit and age relaxations, candidates should refer to the Apprentices Act-1961, Apprenticeship Rules 1992, and NATS 2.0 / NAPS Guidelines.

Application Fee

Not specified in the supplied notification.

Salary and Stipend

Selected candidates will receive a stipend during their training period:

• Graduate Apprentice: Rs. 12,300/- per month
• Technician (Diploma) Apprentice: Rs. 10,900/- per month

Selection Process

Not specified in the supplied notification.

Application Procedure

Interested and eligible candidates must apply offline. The application process involves the following steps:

1. Download the application form from the official DRDO website (www.drdo.gov.in).
2. Fill out the application form in capital letters with accurate details.
3. Attach self-attested photocopies of all required documents, including:
   • 10th Certificate & Mark sheet
   • 12th Certificate & Mark sheet
   • Diploma Certificate & Mark sheet (if applicable)
   • B.E/B.Tech/B.A./B.Com./BBA/B.Lib.Sc. Certificate & Mark sheet
   • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
   • Identity Proof
4. Send the completed typed application along with the supporting documents via Speed Post or Registered Post only.
5. The application must be addressed to:

   The Director, Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha-756025

6. Ensure that the application reaches the above address on or before 02 November 2026.

Required Documents

Candidates are required to submit the following self-attested photocopies along with their application:

• All educational mark sheets
• Certificates (10th, 12th, Diploma, B.Tech/BBA/B.Com)
• Caste Certificate
• Identity Proof

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

Candidates should carefully read the official notification before applying. Common mistakes to avoid include:

• Incomplete Application: Ensure all sections of the application form are filled correctly and all required documents are attached.
• Late Submission: Applications must reach the specified address by the last date of 02 November 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
• Incorrect Address: Double-check the postal address for sending the application.
• Eligibility Criteria: Verify all eligibility criteria, especially regarding the year of passing the qualifying examination and prior experience, as candidates not meeting these will be rejected.
• Registration: Ensure your name is registered as per the eligibility criteria.
• Higher Qualification: Candidates with higher qualifications than the prescribed ones are not eligible.

All correspondence will be done via email, so ensure a valid email ID is provided.

Official Notification and Application Links

Official Notification: Download DRDO ITR Apprentice Notification 2026 PDF

Application Form: The application form is available for download on the official website: www.drdo.gov.in

Relevant FAQs

Q1: What is the last date to apply for the DRDO ITR Apprentice recruitment?
A1: The last date to receive applications by Speed Post / Registered Post is 02 November 2026.

Q2: What are the minimum age requirements?
A2: The minimum age is 18 years. Maximum age and relaxations are as per Apprentices Act-1961, Apprenticeship Rules 1992, and NATS 2.0 / NAPS Guidelines.

Q3: Can candidates who passed their degree before 2022 apply?
A3: No, candidates who passed their qualifying examination earlier than 2022 are not eligible.

Q4: How should I submit my application?
A4: Applications must be sent via Speed Post or Registered Post only to The Director, Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha-756025.

Q5: What is the stipend for Graduate and Technician Apprentices?
A5: Graduate Apprentices will receive Rs. 12,300/- per month, and Technician (Diploma) Apprentices will receive Rs. 10,900/- per month.