DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Announced
Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, a unit under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released a recruitment notification for Apprenticeship Training. This program is for a duration of one year.
Job Highlights
The DRDO PXE is engaging apprentices under the Apprentices Act 1961. This is a training opportunity for candidates with B.Tech or Diploma qualifications in various engineering disciplines.
Important Dates
The last date to submit your application is 12 October 2026.
Vacancy Details
A total of 50 vacancies are available for engagement as Apprentices. The posts are divided into two main categories:
- Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech): 21 vacancies
- Technician Apprentice (Diploma): 29 vacancies
Specific disciplines for Graduate Apprentices include Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Computer Science, and Chemical Engineering. For Technician Apprentices, disciplines include Civil, Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Cinematography, and Automobile Engineering.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the apprenticeship:
- Must have registered on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal.
- Only candidates who passed their respective courses in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible.
- Candidates with post-graduation degrees are not eligible.
- Candidates who completed their essential qualification through regular mode only are eligible.
- Candidates who have one year or more of training or job experience after acquiring their essential qualification are not eligible.
Educational Qualification
The required educational qualifications are:
- Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech): B.Tech degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
- Technician Apprentice (Diploma): Diploma in Civil Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cinematography Engineering, or Automobile Engineering.
Age Limit
Not specified in the official notification.
Stipend / Pay Scale
Selected candidates will receive a stipend during their training period:
- Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech): Rs. 12,300/- per month
- Technician Apprentice (Diploma): Rs. 10,900/- per month
Selection Process
The selection process involves the following steps:
- Applications will be reviewed, and candidates will be shortlisted based on the percentage of marks secured in their essential qualification.
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for a Written Test or Interview, which will be conducted at PXE, Chandipur.
- Selected candidates will receive an offer letter via email.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates need to follow these steps to apply:
- Download the application form from the official DRDO website (www.drdo.gov.in).
- Fill out the application form by typing only. Handwritten forms will be rejected.
- Send the completed application form via Speed Post or Registered Post only.
- Address the application to: The Director, Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Defence R&D Organisation, PO- Chandipur, Dist- Balasore, Odisha-756025 (Kind Attn. OIC, HRDC).
- Clearly mention "Application for Engagement of Apprentices, Apprentice Category (Degree/Diploma) and Discipline/Branch.........." on the envelope.
Documents Required
Candidates need to enclose the following documents with their application:
- Mark sheets of Essential qualification.
- Reservation certificate (if applicable).
Important Instructions
- All correspondence will be done via email. Candidates are responsible for checking their email and printing offer letters.
- Applications from non-registered candidates on the NATS portal or those with invalid enrollment numbers will be rejected.
- The offer of apprenticeship does not guarantee employment in PXE, DRDO.
- Candidates must execute a contract for a one-year training tenure.
- Suppression of facts can lead to disqualification at any stage.
- No TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview or for joining.
- Apprentices will not be provided accommodation or transport by PXE.
FAQs
Q1: What is the last date to apply for the DRDO PXE Apprentice recruitment?
A1: The last date for the receipt of applications is 12 October 2026.
Q2: How many vacancies are available for Graduate Apprentices?
A2: There are 21 vacancies for Graduate Apprentices (B.Tech).
Q3: What is the stipend for Technician Apprentices?
A3: The stipend for Technician Apprentices is Rs. 10,900/- per month.
Q4: Can candidates with job experience apply?
A4: No, candidates who have completed one year or more of training or job experience after acquiring their essential qualification are not eligible.
Q5: How will candidates be selected?
A5: Candidates will be shortlisted based on marks in their essential qualification and then called for a Written Test/Interview.