DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 54 Vacancies, Stipend and Offline Application
DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers 54 apprenticeship training positions at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) invites eligible Indian candidates for Graduate Apprentice and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice training under Advertisement No. ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026.
Candidates with specified B.E./B.Tech, Diploma, BBA, B.Com and B.Lib.Sc qualifications can apply if they satisfy the passing-year, NATS registration and experience requirements. The last date for the application to reach ITR is 2 November 2026. Applicants must send a typewritten application and self-attested documents through Speed Post or Registered Post.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Laboratory | Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur |
| Advertisement Number | ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026 |
| Post Names | Graduate Apprentice and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 54 |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Graduate Apprentice Stipend | ₹12,300 per month |
| Technician Apprentice Stipend | ₹10,900 per month |
| Training Duration | 12 months |
| Selection Process | Written Test, Personal Interview, or Both |
| Job Location | Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha |
| Last Date | 2 November 2026 |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
DRDO ITR Apprentice Vacancy 2026: Post-Wise Details
The recruitment notification includes 32 Graduate Apprentice positions and 22 Technician (Diploma) Apprentice positions. Engineering candidates can apply for several technical disciplines, while graduates in administration, commerce and library science can also find relevant opportunities.
Graduate Apprentice Vacancies
| 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 | 32 |
Technician (Diploma) Apprentice Vacancies
| Diploma Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Computer Science and Related Disciplines | 8 |
| Electronics and Related Disciplines | 8 |
| Electrical Engineering | 2 |
| Cinematography | 2 |
| Medical Laboratory Technology | 2 |
| Total | 22 |
The vacancy numbers are indicative and may change. Candidates should compare their exact degree or diploma branch with the accepted disciplines in the official notification before choosing a category.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Eligibility Criteria 2026
Applicants must satisfy the educational qualification, passing-year, study-mode, registration and work-experience conditions. Possessing a relevant degree or diploma alone does not guarantee eligibility.
Educational Qualification
| Apprentice Category | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice – Engineering | B.E./B.Tech in the specified engineering discipline |
| Graduate Apprentice – Library Science | B.Lib.Sc in Library Science |
| Graduate Apprentice – Administration / HR | BBA |
| Graduate Apprentice – Accounting | B.Com in Financial Accounting or Cost Accounting |
| Technician Apprentice | Diploma in the specified discipline |
The accepted engineering branches include Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace and Safety Engineering, along with the other specifically listed disciplines. For diploma candidates, Cinematography and Medical Laboratory Technology are also included.
Eligible Passing Years
Candidates must have passed their qualifying examination in one of the following years:
| Passing Year | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Eligible, subject to other conditions |
| 2025 | Eligible, subject to other conditions |
| 2024 | Eligible, subject to other conditions |
| 2023 | Eligible, subject to other conditions |
| 2022 | Eligible, subject to other conditions |
| Before 2022 | Not eligible |
Additional Eligibility Conditions
- Regular study: Candidates must have completed the qualifying examination as regular students. Distance education and part-time qualifications do not meet this stated condition.
- NATS registration: Registration on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal is mandatory.
- Work experience: Candidates who completed one year or more of training or employment after obtaining their essential qualification are not eligible.
- Higher qualifications: Candidates with higher qualifications are not eligible under this advertisement.
- Minimum age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The maximum age and relaxations are governed by the applicable apprenticeship rules and guidelines.
Candidates with CGPA-based results must convert their scores into percentages according to their university’s rules and enter the percentage in the application form.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Stipend 2026
Selected apprentices will receive the following monthly stipends during their training period.
| Apprentice Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | ₹12,300 |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | ₹10,900 |
The apprenticeship lasts 12 months from the execution of the apprenticeship contract. This is a training engagement, not a permanent DRDO government job, and ITR does not guarantee employment after completion.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Important Date
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Published | 9 October 2026 |
| Application Receipt Deadline | 2 November 2026 |
The completed application and supporting documents must reach the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, on or before 2 November 2026. Posting the envelope on the final date is not sufficient if it arrives after the deadline.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Selection Process
ITR will select shortlisted candidates through a written test, a personal interview, or both. The laboratory reserves the right to decide its shortlisting method, so meeting the eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee an invitation.
Candidates should monitor the official DRDO website and their registered email address for selection updates and call letters. Selected candidates must undergo document verification before the apprenticeship contract is created and submit a Medical Fitness Certificate when joining.
How to Apply for DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Applicants must submit the prescribed physical application by Speed Post or Registered Post. Online NATS registration is compulsory, but it does not replace the postal application.
- Read the official notification: Visit DRDO’s official website and locate Advertisement No. ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026.
- Download the application form: Obtain Annexure-A from the notification or use the application form provided on the official DRDO website.
- Register on NATS: Complete the required registration and keep your NATS enrollment number ready.
- Type the application: Enter your personal details, educational qualifications, passing year, apprenticeship category and exact discipline. Handwritten applications are not accepted, except for the signature.
- Attach supporting documents: Enclose self-attested copies of the relevant educational certificates, mark sheets, identity proof and other applicable documents.
- Add the photograph and declaration: Affix a recent passport-size photograph and complete the declaration and signature.
- Prepare the envelope: Seal the application and supporting documents. Write the apprenticeship category and subject or discipline on the envelope.
- Send the application: Dispatch it by Speed Post or Registered Post to the address below.
- Retain a copy: Keep a copy of the submitted form and monitor your email and the official website for updates.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Application Postal Address
The Director
Integrated Test Range (ITR)
Chandipur, Balasore
Odisha – 756025
Write the following on the sealed envelope, filling in your actual category and discipline:
“Application for Apprenticeship Training: Category ______ & Subject/Discipline ______”
Documents Required for DRDO ITR Apprentice Application
Prepare the applicable documents before sending the form. The notification requires self-attested photocopies of educational records and supporting certificates.
- 10th certificate and mark sheet.
- 12th certificate and mark sheet.
- Diploma certificate and mark sheets, where applicable.
- Relevant B.E./B.Tech, BBA, B.Com or B.Lib.Sc certificate and mark sheets.
- Caste certificate, where applicable, and identity proof.
- Recent passport-size photograph and completed, signed application form.
Enter your NATS enrollment number in the prescribed field. Check that the qualifying examination percentage is correctly recorded, particularly if your university originally issued marks as CGPA.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Application: Common Mistakes to Avoid
An otherwise suitable applicant can run into problems by overlooking the specific conditions of this postal recruitment.
- Sending the form too late: Ensure the application reaches Chandipur by 2 November 2026, rather than relying on the dispatch date.
- Handwriting the form: Type the application and provide a handwritten signature only.
- Choosing an unlisted branch: Verify your exact engineering or diploma discipline against the official advertisement.
- Skipping NATS registration: Include the correct enrollment number in the application.
- Ignoring experience restrictions: Check whether you have completed one year or more of training or employment after obtaining the qualifying credential.
- Using an incorrect percentage: Convert CGPA according to your university’s rules and enter the percentage accurately.
Important Conditions for Selected Candidates
The apprenticeship provides a defined training period rather than assured permanent employment. Candidates should also account for the following conditions before applying.
- ITR will not provide travel or daily allowances to candidates called for any stage of selection.
- Government quarters, hostel accommodation and transport will not be provided.
- A Medical Fitness Certificate is required at the time of joining.
- Communication, including offer letters and selection updates, will take place through email.
- Reservation will follow the applicable apprenticeship legislation and rules. Persons with benchmark disabilities are eligible only for designated trades under the applicable rules.
- Canvassing, attempts to influence selection or suppression of relevant facts can lead to disqualification.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download DRDO ITR Advertisement |
| Application Form (Annexure-A) | Open Official Application Form |
| NATS Registration | Visit NATS Portal |
| Official DRDO Website | Visit DRDO |
Frequently Asked Questions: DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
1. How many vacancies are available in DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The notification advertises 54 apprenticeship vacancies: 32 Graduate Apprentice positions and 22 Technician (Diploma) Apprentice positions. ITR may revise the number of seats.
2. What is the last date to apply for DRDO ITR Apprentice 2026?
The completed application and supporting documents must reach ITR, Chandipur, by 2 November 2026.
3. What is the stipend for DRDO ITR Graduate Apprentice posts?
Graduate Apprentices will receive ₹12,300 per month during the 12-month training period.
4. What stipend do Technician (Diploma) Apprentices receive?
The monthly stipend for Technician (Diploma) Apprentices is ₹10,900.
5. Can 2026 graduates apply for this apprenticeship?
Yes. Candidates who passed the required qualification in 2026 can apply if they meet the remaining eligibility conditions.
6. Is NATS registration compulsory for DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment?
Yes. Eligible candidates must register on the NATS portal and enter their enrollment number in the application form.
7. Can candidates submit the DRDO ITR application online?
No. The prescribed application and supporting documents must be sent by Speed Post or Registered Post. NATS registration is a separate requirement.
8. What is the minimum age for DRDO ITR Apprentice 2026?
The minimum age is 18 years. The applicable apprenticeship rules and guidelines govern the maximum age and relaxations.
9. Is DRDO ITR apprenticeship a permanent government job?
No. This recruitment offers 12 months of apprenticeship training. ITR is not obligated to provide permanent employment after training.
10. How will DRDO ITR select apprentice candidates?
Shortlisted candidates may undergo a written test, personal interview, or both. ITR decides the shortlisting method.
Conclusion
DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 provides 54 training opportunities across engineering, diploma, administration, commerce, library science and other specified disciplines. Eligible candidates should verify their branch, passing year, regular-study status and NATS registration before preparing the typewritten application.
Send the complete application by Speed Post or Registered Post early enough to reach ITR, Chandipur, by 2 November 2026. Review the official notification carefully before submitting your documents.
