DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 54 Vacancies, Eligibility, Stipend and Offline Application
DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: The Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has invited applications for 54 Graduate and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice training positions. Candidates with eligible B.E./B.Tech, Diploma, BBA, B.Com and B.Lib.Sc qualifications can apply, subject to the conditions specified in the official notification.
Graduate Apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,300, while Technician (Diploma) Apprentices will receive Rs. 10,900. The apprenticeship training period is 12 months. Applications must reach ITR, Chandipur, by 2 November 2026 through Speed Post or Registered Post only.
The notification particularly matters to candidates who completed their qualifying courses between 2022 and 2026. However, applicants should check the regular-course requirement, NATS registration and restrictions on previous work experience before submitting their forms.
Download DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Laboratory | Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur |
| Advertisement Number | ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026 |
| Post Name | Graduate Apprentice and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 54 |
| Qualification | B.E./B.Tech, Diploma, BBA, B.Com, B.Lib.Sc in specified disciplines |
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Graduate Apprentice Stipend | Rs. 12,300 per month |
| Technician Apprentice Stipend | Rs. 10,900 per month |
| Training Duration | 12 Months |
| Selection Process | Written Test / Personal Interview / Both, for shortlisted candidates |
| Application Mode | Offline - Speed Post / Registered Post |
| Last Date for Application Receipt | 2 November 2026 |
| Training Location | ITR, Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
DRDO ITR Apprentice Vacancy 2026: Branch-Wise Details
DRDO ITR has listed 32 Graduate Apprentice and 22 Technician (Diploma) Apprentice positions, making a total of 54 training opportunities. Vacancies are distributed across engineering, technology, administration, commerce, library science and other specified subjects.
Graduate Apprentice Vacancies - 32 Posts
| Qualification / Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| B.E./B.Tech - Computer Science and related disciplines | 8 |
| B.E./B.Tech - Electronics and related disciplines | 8 |
| B.E./B.Tech - Electrical Engineering | 2 |
| B.E./B.Tech - Mechanical Engineering | 1 |
| B.E./B.Tech - Aerospace Engineering | 1 |
| B.Lib.Sc - Library Science | 2 |
| B.E./B.Tech - Safety Engineering | 2 |
| BBA - Administration / HR | 4 |
| B.Com - Financial Accounting / Cost Accounting | 4 |
| Total Graduate Apprentice Vacancies | 32 |
Technician (Diploma) Apprentice Vacancies - 22 Posts
| Diploma Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Computer Science and related disciplines | 8 |
| Electronics and related disciplines | 8 |
| Electrical Engineering | 2 |
| Cinematography | 2 |
| Medical Laboratory Technology | 2 |
| Total Technician Apprentice Vacancies | 22 |
Important: The official notification lists several accepted branch names under Computer Science and Electronics, including Information Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electronics and Instrumentation, Embedded System and other specified disciplines. Applicants should match their qualification with the exact discipline mentioned in the notification.
The number of apprenticeship seats is indicative and may be increased or decreased by ITR.
Who Can Apply for DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must satisfy the qualification, passing-year, registration and experience conditions. Having the required degree or diploma alone does not guarantee eligibility.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have completed the relevant qualification for the apprenticeship category and discipline selected.
- Engineering Graduates: B.E./B.Tech in the specified engineering disciplines.
- Diploma Holders: 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: B.Lib.Sc for the Library Science category.
Which Passing Years Are Eligible?
Candidates who passed their qualifying examination in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible to apply, provided they meet all other conditions.
| Passing Year | Eligibility Based on Passing Year |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Eligible |
| 2025 | Eligible |
| 2024 | Eligible |
| 2023 | Eligible |
| 2022 | Eligible |
| Before 2022 | Not Eligible |
Can Distance Education or Part-Time Candidates Apply?
No. According to the notification, only candidates who completed the qualifying examination as regular candidates are eligible for this apprenticeship recruitment.
Can Candidates with Work Experience Apply?
Candidates who have completed one year or more of training or job experience after obtaining their essential qualification are not eligible for engagement under this advertisement.
Candidates with less than one year of experience must still satisfy the remaining eligibility conditions.
Are Candidates with Higher Qualifications Eligible?
The DRDO ITR notification specifically states that candidates with higher qualifications are not eligible to apply. Applicants should carefully verify this restriction against their academic qualifications.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Age Limit 2026
The minimum age required is 18 years.
The maximum age limit and applicable relaxations will be governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961, Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, and applicable NATS 2.0 / NAPS guidelines. A specific maximum age figure is not provided in this advertisement.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Stipend 2026
Selected candidates will receive the following monthly stipend during their apprenticeship training:
| Apprenticeship Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | Rs. 12,300 |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | Rs. 10,900 |
The training period is 12 months, beginning from the execution of the apprenticeship contract. The stipend is for apprenticeship training and should not be confused with the salary of a permanent DRDO employee.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Receipt of Offline Application | 2 November 2026 |
Important deadline clarification: The application must reach ITR, Chandipur, on or before 2 November 2026. This is the last date for receipt of the form and supporting documents, not simply the date by which candidates must post the envelope.
How to Apply for DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Offline?
Candidates must submit a typewritten application in the prescribed Annexure-A format along with self-attested supporting documents.
- Visit the DRDO website: Open www.drdo.gov.in and locate advertisement ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026.
- Get the application form: Obtain Annexure-A from the advertisement. The notification also mentions the availability of the form in .docx format on the official website.
- Complete NATS registration: Ensure that your name is registered on the NATS portal and keep the enrollment number ready.
- Fill in the form: Enter your apprenticeship category, discipline, personal details, educational qualifications and contact information.
- Use the prescribed format: The application must be typewritten. Handwritten entries are not accepted except for the signature.
- Attach documents: Enclose the required self-attested copies of educational certificates, mark sheets, identity proof and other applicable documents.
- Sign the declaration: Complete the declaration and attach a recent passport-size photograph as indicated in the application form.
- Prepare the envelope: Place the application and documents inside a sealed envelope and write the prescribed apprenticeship category and discipline on it.
- Send by post: Dispatch the application using Speed Post or Registered Post only.
- Keep a copy: Retain a copy of the submitted application for your records.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Application Postal Address
The Director,Integrated Test Range (ITR),
Chandipur, Balasore,
Odisha - 756025
Write on the envelope:
Application for Apprenticeship Training: Category ........ & Subject/Discipline ........
Applicants should fill in the correct Graduate or Technician (Diploma) category and their relevant discipline.
Can Candidates Apply Online or by Email?
The notification prescribes submission of the physical application through Speed Post or Registered Post only. NATS registration is required, but NATS registration by itself does not replace submission of the application form to ITR.
Documents Required for DRDO ITR Apprentice Application
Candidates should prepare self-attested photocopies of the documents specified in the official advertisement and application form.
- 10th certificate and mark sheet
- 12th certificate and mark sheet
- Diploma certificate and mark sheet, where applicable
- B.E./B.Tech, BBA, B.Com or B.Lib.Sc certificate and mark sheets, as applicable
- Caste certificate, where applicable
- Identity proof
- Recent passport-size photograph for the application form
The application form also asks for the NATS enrollment number, date of birth, nationality, category, address, email address and contact information.
CGPA candidates: Marks in the qualifying examination must be provided as a percentage. Candidates with CGPA should convert it into percentage according to their university's rules. This may be verified during document verification.
Is NATS Registration Mandatory for DRDO ITR Apprentice 2026?
Yes. NATS registration is an eligibility requirement. Candidates with the listed degree or diploma qualifications must have registered their names on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal. The notification warns that non-registered candidates are likely to be rejected.
NATS portal: https://nats.education.gov.in/
Applicants should enter their NATS enrollment number in the corresponding field of the DRDO ITR application form.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Selection Process 2026
DRDO ITR will select candidates based on a Written Test, Personal Interview, or both, conducted for shortlisted candidates.
ITR reserves the right to determine the shortlisting method. Meeting the minimum qualification does not automatically guarantee that an applicant will be shortlisted.
Written test and interview updates, including call letters, will be provided through the official website or email. Candidates are responsible for downloading and printing their admit cards or call letters.
Selected candidates must undergo document verification before the apprenticeship contract is created. They must also provide a Medical Fitness Certificate at the time of joining.
Is DRDO ITR Apprenticeship a Permanent Government Job?
No. This advertisement is for 12 months of apprenticeship training, not direct recruitment to permanent government service.
The official notification clearly states that ITR is not obligated to offer employment to apprentices after they complete their training. Candidates should consider this opportunity as a fixed-duration apprenticeship rather than a guaranteed permanent position.
Other Important Conditions Candidates Should Know
- All correspondence, including offer letters for selected candidates, will take place through email.
- ITR will not provide TA/DA to candidates called at any stage of the selection process.
- Government quarters, hostel accommodation and transport will not be provided during the written test/interview or training period.
- PwBD candidates are eligible only for designated trades under the applicable Apprenticeship Rules.
- Reservation will apply according to the relevant Apprentices Act and Rules.
- Incorrect information or attempts to influence the selection process may result in disqualification.
Who Should Consider Applying for DRDO ITR Apprentice 2026?
This apprenticeship may be relevant to recent engineering and diploma graduates who want a 12-month training opportunity at a DRDO laboratory. It also provides openings for eligible BBA, B.Com and Library Science graduates.
Before applying, candidates should check three points carefully:
- Academic eligibility: Is your exact course or branch listed, and did you pass between 2022 and 2026 as a regular candidate?
- Experience eligibility: Have you completed less than one year of job experience or training after obtaining the required qualification?
- Application readiness: Do you have NATS registration and sufficient time for your physical application to reach ITR before the deadline?
DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Important Links
| Official DRDO Notification PDF | View Vacancies |
| NATS Registration | Register Here |
| Official Website | Visit DRDO |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are there in DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
There are 54 advertised apprenticeship vacancies, comprising 32 Graduate Apprentice and 22 Technician (Diploma) Apprentice positions. The numbers are indicative and may change.
What is the last date to apply for DRDO ITR Apprentice 2026?
The last date for receipt of the application and supporting documents at ITR, Chandipur, is 2 November 2026.
Can 2026 pass-out students apply for DRDO ITR Apprentice?
Yes. Candidates who have passed the required qualification in 2026 can apply if they meet the remaining eligibility conditions.
Can 2021 pass-out candidates apply?
No. The official notification specifies that candidates who passed the qualifying examination before 2022 are not eligible.
What is the stipend for DRDO ITR Graduate Apprentice?
Graduate Apprentices will receive Rs. 12,300 per month during the apprenticeship training period.
What is the stipend for DRDO ITR Diploma Apprentice?
Technician (Diploma) Apprentices will receive Rs. 10,900 per month.
How can I submit the DRDO ITR Apprentice application?
Candidates must send the prescribed typewritten application with self-attested supporting documents to the Director, ITR, Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha - 756025, by Speed Post or Registered Post only.
What is the minimum age required?
The minimum age is 18 years. Maximum age and relaxation are governed by the applicable apprenticeship rules and guidelines.
Is there a written examination for DRDO ITR Apprentice selection?
Shortlisted candidates may be selected through a written test, personal interview, or both. The notification does not specify which method will be used for every applicant.
Where can I find the DRDO ITR Apprentice application form?
The prescribed application format is provided as Annexure-A in the official notification. DRDO also states that a.docx form is available on its official website.