DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 50 Posts, Apply Offline
DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 has been announced by the Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The recruitment covers 50 Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice positions for a one-year Apprenticeship Training programme at Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha. Candidates must submit the typed application form through Speed Post or Registered Post so that it reaches PXE by 12 October 2026.
DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, DRDO |
| Ministry | Ministry of Defence |
| Advertisement No. | PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27 |
| Recruitment Type | One-year Apprenticeship Training |
| Total Vacancies | 50 |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.Tech |
| Technician Apprentice | Diploma |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Job Location | Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha – 756025 |
| Last Date | 12 October 2026 |
The apprenticeship is offered under the Apprentices Act, 1961, as amended. Unlike an online recruitment process, PXE requires candidates to download the form, enter the information by typing, and send the completed application by post.
DRDO PXE Apprentice Vacancy Details 2026
There are 50 apprenticeship vacancies in total, divided between Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice categories.
Graduate Apprentice Vacancy – B.Tech
| Discipline | Qualification | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics & Communication | B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering | 4 |
| Mechanical | B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering | 4 |
| Computer Science | B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering | 5 |
| Chemical | B.Tech in Chemical Engineering | 2 |
| Total | 15 |
Technician Apprentice Vacancy – Diploma
| Discipline | Qualification | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Civil | Diploma in Civil Engineering | 10 |
| Computer Science | Diploma in Computer Science Engineering | 5 |
| Electronics & Communication | Diploma in Electronics & Communication Engineering | 5 |
| Mechanical | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering | 8 |
| Chemical | Diploma in Chemical Engineering | 1 |
| Electrical | Diploma in Electrical Engineering | 2 |
| Cinematography | Diploma in Cinematography Engineering | 2 |
| Automobile | Diploma in Automobile Engineering | 2 |
| Total | 35 |
PXE also states that it reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of apprenticeship vacancies.
DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Important Date
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Receipt of Application | 12 October 2026 |
This is a receipt deadline, meaning the completed application must reach PXE, Chandipur by the stated date. Candidates should therefore allow sufficient time for postal delivery.
DRDO PXE Apprentice Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold the relevant B.Tech qualification for Graduate Apprentice positions or the relevant Diploma qualification for Technician Apprentice positions. The qualification must correspond to the discipline for which the candidate applies.
Applicants must also satisfy the following conditions:
- Registration on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal is mandatory.
- Candidates must have passed the relevant qualification in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026.
- Candidates holding a post-graduation degree are not eligible.
- The essential qualification must have been completed through regular mode.
- Candidates with one year or more of training or job experience after obtaining the essential qualification are not eligible.
- Applicable reservation benefits require the relevant category certificate at document verification.
DRDO PXE Apprentice Age Limit
The official notification does not specify a minimum or maximum age limit. The advertisement instead sets eligibility conditions around the year of passing, qualification mode, experience, and NATS registration.
DRDO PXE Apprentice Stipend 2026
| Apprentice Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) | ₹12,300 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | ₹10,900 |
The training period is one year. This apprenticeship does not create a right to regular employment with PXE or DRDO, and accommodation or transport is not provided during training.
DRDO PXE Apprentice Selection Process
PXE will first screen applications and shortlist candidates based on the percentage of marks obtained in the essential qualification. Shortlisted candidates will then be called for a Written Test/Interview at PXE, Chandipur.
The notification does not specify the written-test syllabus, examination pattern, marks weightage, or interview schedule.
How to Apply for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026
This recruitment uses an offline postal application process, so candidates should follow the prescribed format carefully.
- Visit the official DRDO website.
- Download the PXE Apprentice application form.
- Complete the form by typing only; handwritten applications will be rejected.
- Enter the required personal, educational, NATS and contact details.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph and sign the declaration.
- Attach the required educational mark sheets and reservation certificate, where applicable.
- Send the completed application through Speed Post or Registered Post only.
- Address the envelope to:
The Director, Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Defence R&D Organisation, PO-Chandipur, Dist-Balasore, Odisha-756025 (Kind Attn. OIC, HRDC)
- Mention the required apprenticeship category and discipline/branch clearly on the envelope.
- Make sure the application reaches PXE by 12 October 2026.
There is no online application portal or e-mail submission route for this recruitment.
Preparation Tips for DRDO PXE Apprentice Selection
The discipline-specific nature of this recruitment should guide preparation. A Computer Science applicant should concentrate on core concepts from the qualification, while Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics & Communication, Chemical, Automobile and Cinematography candidates should revise the technical subjects directly connected to their respective diploma or B.Tech discipline.
Because shortlisting is based on the percentage of marks in the essential qualification, candidates should keep their academic records ready and be prepared to explain core concepts from their qualifying discipline during the Written Test/Interview.
Candidates should also complete their NATS registration and verify the Enrollment Number before sending the application, since an unregistered candidate or an invalid Enrollment Number can lead to rejection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in PXE Apprentice Application
- Sending a handwritten application instead of the required typed form.
- Using e-mail or looking for an online submission portal when the notification requires postal submission.
- Applying without a valid NATS Enrollment Number.
- Choosing a discipline that does not match the essential B.Tech or Diploma qualification.
- Posting the application so late that it does not reach PXE by 12 October 2026.
- Forgetting to write the apprenticeship category and discipline/branch on the envelope.
Documents Required for PXE Apprentice Application
Candidates should prepare the documents specifically required for the postal application:
- Mark sheets for the applicable essential qualification.
- NATS Enrollment Number/proof of registration.
- Aadhaar card.
- Reservation/caste certificate, where applicable.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
Important Conditions for DRDO PXE Apprentices
The apprenticeship is a one-year training engagement and does not guarantee regular employment with PXE or DRDO. Selected candidates must execute the required one-year training contract under the Apprentices Act and applicable rules.
PXE also states that apprentices will not receive accommodation or transport during the training period, and no TA/DA will be provided for joining or attending the interview.
DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| DRDO Official Website / Application Form | Visit DRDO |
| NATS Registration Portal | Register on NATS |
The source specifically identifies the DRDO website for downloading the application form and the NATS portal for apprenticeship registration.
DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 FAQs
How many vacancies are available in DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
There are 50 vacancies, including 15 Graduate Apprentice and 35 Technician Apprentice positions.
What is the last date to apply for PXE Apprentice Recruitment?
The completed application must reach PXE, Chandipur by 12 October 2026.
Can I apply online for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment?
No. Candidates must download the form, fill it by typing, and send it through Speed Post or Registered Post.
Is NATS registration compulsory?
Yes. Candidates need a valid NATS Enrollment Number, and applications from candidates without valid NATS registration will be rejected.
What is the DRDO PXE apprentice stipend?
Graduate Apprentices receive ₹12,300 per month, while Technician Apprentices receive ₹10,900 per month.
Who is not eligible for PXE Apprentice Recruitment?
Candidates with a post-graduation degree, candidates who passed outside 2022–2026, those whose essential qualification was obtained through non-regular mode, and candidates with one year or more of post-qualification training or job experience are not eligible.
What is the selection process for PXE apprentices?
PXE shortlists candidates based on the percentage of marks in the essential qualification, followed by a Written Test/Interview at PXE, Chandipur.
Does the PXE apprenticeship guarantee a DRDO job?
No. The apprenticeship does not confer any right to regular employment with PXE or DRDO.
Conclusion
The DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers 50 one-year apprenticeship opportunities for B.Tech and Diploma candidates across multiple technical disciplines. Candidates who meet the qualification, passing-year, NATS and experience conditions should complete the typed application and ensure that it reaches PXE Chandipur by 12 October 2026.
