DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence, has invited applications for Graduate and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice training. The recruitment is suitable for eligible recent graduates and diploma holders in the listed disciplines who meet the training and registration requirements.

The notification, Advertisement No. ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026, states that 60 apprentice positions are available for a 12-month training period at Chandipur. The application window runs from 9 October to 2 November 2026, and candidates must submit a typewritten application by Speed Post or Registered Post. Shortlisted applicants may be assessed through a written test, a personal interview, or both, followed by document verification and execution of an apprenticeship contract.

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

The notification announces 60 vacancies across Graduate and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice categories. However, the discipline-wise figures reproduced below add up to 54 positions. Candidates should consult the official notification for clarification on this difference. The organisation also reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of apprenticeship seats.

Reservation provisions apply separately to each post. Reservation is applicable for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Section candidates. Reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities applies only to designated trades, as provided under the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Graduate Apprentice applicants must hold a relevant B.E./B.Tech degree or the specified B.Lib.Sc, BBA or B.Com qualification. Technician (Diploma) applicants must hold a diploma in the relevant discipline shown in the vacancy table. Candidates must have passed the qualifying course in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026; those who passed before 2022 are not eligible. The qualifying course must have been completed as a regular candidate, and applicants with a higher qualification are not eligible.

Applicants must have registered on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme portal at nats.education.gov.in. The notification warns that applicants who have not registered may be rejected. A person who has had one year or more of training or job experience after obtaining the essential qualification is not eligible for engagement as an apprentice under the Act. Candidates must state marks as a percentage; where marks are recorded as CGPA, they should convert the score into a percentage using their university's rules.

Age Limit

The minimum age is 18 years. The notification does not specify a numerical maximum age; the applicable maximum age and age relaxation are governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961, the Apprentices Rules, 1992, and NATS 2.0/NAPS guidelines.

Application Fee

The notification does not specify an application fee. Candidates should refer to the official notification and DRDO website for any updates rather than assume a payment requirement.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official DRDO website at drdo.gov.in and locate the ITR Apprentice recruitment information.
2. Download the prescribed application form, identified in the notification as Annexure-A, and read the instructions carefully.
3. Complete the form by typing the information. Handwritten applications are not accepted, except for the signature.
4. Enter qualifying-examination marks as percentages, converting CGPA according to the university's rules where necessary.
5. Attach a recent passport-size photograph and self-attested photocopies of relevant certificates and supporting documents. The listed documents include 10th and 12th certificates and mark sheets, the relevant diploma or degree certificate and mark sheets, caste certificate where applicable, identity proof, and the NATS enrolment number. Keep a valid email address and mobile number available.
6. Place the completed application and enclosures in a sealed envelope. Write on it: “Application for Apprenticeship Training: Category ……… & Subject/Discipline …………”.
7. Send the application by Speed Post or Registered Post only to: The Director, Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha-756025. It must reach the address by 2 November 2026; posting it by that date may not be sufficient if it arrives late.

Correspondence, including any offer letter for selected candidates, will be sent by email. Candidates called for any stage must make their own travel arrangements, as no TA/DA is payable. ITR does not provide government quarters, hostel accommodation or transport during selection or the training period.

Salary & Pay Scale

The stipend is payable under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The 12-month training period begins when the apprenticeship contract is executed. Selected candidates must provide a Medical Fitness Certificate when joining, and their credentials will be verified before the contract is created. Completion of training does not make ITR obliged to offer an apprentice employment.

Selection Process

ITR will first shortlist applications and may conduct a written test, a personal interview, or both for shortlisted candidates. The process also includes document verification and execution of the apprenticeship contract for those selected. The written test or interview date has not yet been announced. ITR may use its own shortlisting method and is not required to shortlist every candidate who meets the minimum qualifications. Canvassing or personal follow-up intended to influence selection can lead to immediate cancellation of candidature. ITR may withdraw or cancel the advertisement or selection process without assigning a reason. Any dispute will fall under the jurisdiction of the Hon'ble High Court of Odisha, Cuttack.

Eligible candidates should check the official advertisement, confirm that their discipline and other conditions match the requirements, and ensure their application reaches ITR by 2 November 2026.