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 an apprenticeship recruitment drive for 2026. This opportunity is for 54 Graduate and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice positions, offering a valuable chance for fresh graduates and diploma holders to gain practical experience in a premier research and development organisation. The training period will span 12 months, with selected candidates receiving a monthly stipend. Applications are being accepted offline, and interested individuals must ensure their applications reach ITR, Chandipur, by the specified deadline of 2 November 2026. This recruitment is particularly relevant for candidates who have completed their qualifying examinations between 2022 and 2026. It is essential for all applicants to carefully review the eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, passing year, and any restrictions on prior work experience, as detailed in the official notification. The final decision on applications rests with the recruiting authority, and candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for complete and definitive information.

Recruitment Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

The DRDO ITR has announced a total of 54 apprenticeship training positions. These are divided into two categories: Graduate Apprentices and Technician (Diploma) Apprentices.

Graduate Apprentice Vacancies: 32 Posts

• Qualification / Discipline: B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science and related disciplines, Electronics and related disciplines, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, B.Lib.Sc - Library Science, B.E./B.Tech - Safety Engineering, BBA - Administration / HR, B.Com - Financial Accounting / Cost Accounting.

Technician (Diploma) Apprentice Vacancies: 22 Posts

• Diploma Discipline: Computer Science and related disciplines, Electronics and related disciplines, Electrical Engineering, Cinematography, Medical Laboratory Technology.

It is important for applicants to match their specific qualification and discipline with the exact details mentioned in the official notification, as variations in branch names may exist within broader categories like Computer Science and Electronics.

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

To be eligible for the DRDO ITR Apprentice recruitment, candidates must meet specific educational and other criteria:

• Educational Qualification:
  • Engineering Graduates: Must possess a B.E./B.Tech degree in the specified engineering disciplines.
  • Diploma Holders: Must have completed a Diploma in the disciplines mentioned in the vacancy table.
  • BBA Graduates: Eligible for the Administration / HR category.
  • B.Com Graduates: Eligible for the Financial Accounting / Cost Accounting category.
  • Library Science Graduates: Must hold a B.Lib.Sc degree for the Library Science category.
• Passing Year Eligibility: Candidates who completed their qualifying examination in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible. Those who passed before 2022 are not eligible.
• Mode of Education: Only candidates who completed their qualifying examination as regular candidates are eligible. Distance education or part-time study candidates are not accepted.
• Work Experience Restriction: Candidates who have completed one year or more of training or job experience after obtaining their essential qualification are not eligible. Applicants with less than one year of experience must still meet all other conditions.
• Higher Qualifications: Candidates possessing higher qualifications than the prescribed ones are not eligible to apply.
• NATS Registration: Candidates must ensure they are registered on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal and have their enrollment number ready.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The minimum age requirement for applicants is 18 years.

The maximum age limit and any applicable relaxations will be determined in accordance with the Apprentices Act, 1961, the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, and relevant NATS 2.0 / NAPS guidelines. A specific maximum age figure is not provided in the supplied notification.

Application Fee

The official notification does not specify any application fee for this recruitment drive.

Salary and Pay Scale

Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend during their 12-month apprenticeship training period:

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

This stipend is for the apprenticeship training and is distinct from the salary of a permanent employee.

Selection Process

Candidates will be shortlisted based on their applications. The final selection will be made through a Written Test, a Personal Interview, or a combination of both, as decided by the DRDO ITR authorities.

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted offline. Follow these steps:

1. Obtain Application Form: Download the prescribed Annexure-A application format from the official DRDO website or the advertisement PDF. The form is available in.docx format.
2. Complete NATS Registration: Ensure you are registered on the NATS portal and have your enrollment number.
3. Fill the Application Form: Complete the application form in a typewritten format. Handwritten entries are not accepted, except for your signature. Provide all required details accurately, including personal information, educational qualifications, and contact details.
4. Attach Documents: Enclose self-attested copies of all necessary supporting documents. The specific list of required documents is not detailed in the provided text.
5. Send Application: Dispatch the completed application form along with the supporting documents via Speed Post or Registered Post only.
6. Postal Address: The application must reach the following address: Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha.
7. Deadline: Ensure your application reaches the above address on or before 2 November 2026. This is the final date for receipt, not the date of dispatch.

Required Documents

Candidates are required to submit self-attested copies of supporting documents along with their application form. The specific list of documents is not detailed in the supplied notification text.

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

• Typewritten Application: Ensure your application is typewritten. Handwritten applications, except for the signature, will likely be rejected.
• Deadline Adherence: The application must be received by 2 November 2026, not just posted on that date. Plan your submission well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
• Qualification Match: Carefully verify that your qualification and discipline precisely match the requirements listed in the notification. Misinterpretation can lead to disqualification.
• Regular Course: Only candidates who completed their qualifying examination as regular students are eligible.
• Experience Restrictions: Be aware of the strict criteria regarding prior work experience. Candidates with one year or more of experience post-qualification are ineligible.
• Higher Qualifications: If you possess qualifications higher than those specified, you are not eligible.
• NATS Registration: Ensure your NATS registration is complete and active before applying.
• Postal Service: Use only Speed Post or Registered Post for sending your application. Other modes may not be accepted.

Official Notification and Application Links

FAQs

Q1: What is the last date to apply for the DRDO ITR Apprentice recruitment?
A1: The last date for receipt of the offline application is 2 November 2026.

Q2: What is the minimum age requirement?
A2: The minimum age required is 18 years.

Q3: What is the stipend for Graduate Apprentices?
A3: Graduate Apprentices will receive a stipend of Rs. 12,300 per month.

Q4: Can candidates with prior work experience apply?
A4: No, candidates who have completed one year or more of training or job experience after obtaining their essential qualification are not eligible.

Q5: How should I apply for this apprenticeship?
A5: You need to fill out the prescribed Annexure-A application form in typewritten format and send it via Speed Post or Registered Post to ITR, Chandipur, by the last date.