DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) establishment under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has opened applications for its 2026 apprenticeship intake. Engineering graduates and diploma holders in the listed disciplines who meet the training conditions should review the notification and apply by post.

The notification, Advertisement No. PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27, announces 52 apprentice positions for a one-year training programme. Applications opened on 23 September 2026 and must reach PXE by 12 October 2026; candidates must apply offline by Speed Post or Registered Post. Applications will be shortlisted using marks in the essential qualification, followed by a written test and/or interview at PXE, Chandipur.

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

The notification states an overall total of 52 vacancies. Its discipline-wise entries are reproduced below; those listed entries add up to 50, so candidates should consult the official notification for clarification on the difference between the stated total and the listed breakdown.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Graduate Apprentice applicants need a B.Tech in Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Computer Science or Chemical Engineering. Technician Apprentice applicants need a diploma in Civil, Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Cinematography or Automobile Engineering. The qualification must have been completed through regular mode, and candidates must have passed in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026. Applicants in either category must be registered on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal and provide a valid enrolment number; applications from unregistered candidates or those with an invalid enrolment number will be rejected. Candidates holding a postgraduate degree are not eligible. Graduates or diploma holders who have completed one year or more of training or employment after obtaining the essential qualification are also not eligible.

Reservation will be applied under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, as amended. Applicants claiming SC, ST, OBC, PWD or EWS status must produce a certificate issued by the competent authority at document verification.

Age Limit

The notification text provided does not specify a minimum or maximum age limit, or any age relaxation.

Application Fee

No application fee is specified for this recruitment. Candidates may apply without paying a fee.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from the official DRDO website at drdo.gov.in.
2. Complete the form by typing the required information. Handwritten applications will be rejected.
3. Affix a recent passport-size photograph to the form and attach mark sheets for the essential qualification. Include a reservation certificate if applicable.
4. Write the required application description on the envelope, identifying the apprenticeship category as Degree or Diploma and specifying the discipline or branch.
5. Send the duly completed application by Speed Post or Registered Post only to: The Director, Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Defence R&D Organisation, PO-Chandipur, District Balasore, Odisha 756025, for the attention of OIC, HRDC.
6. Make sure the application reaches the establishment on or before 12 October 2026. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
7. Provide a valid personal email address and contact number. Correspondence, including any offer letter, will be sent by email; selected candidates are responsible for downloading and printing their offer letter.

Salary & Pay Scale

The notification provides a monthly stipend rather than a regular salary. Graduate Apprentices receive 12300 per month, while Technician Apprentices receive 10900 per month. The training tenure is one year, and selected candidates must execute a training contract under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961 and the rules made under it.

Selection Process

The PXE Selection Board will first review applications and shortlist candidates according to the percentage of marks obtained in the essential qualification. Shortlisted applicants will be called for a written test and/or interview at PXE, Chandipur. Following the interview, selected candidates will receive a joining letter by email.

No travel or daily allowance (TA/DA) will be paid for attending the interview or joining. PXE will not provide accommodation or transport during training. Apprenticeship engagement does not create a right to employment with PXE or DRDO. Suppression of information can result in disqualification during or after selection, and canvassing or personal follow-up intended to influence selection will lead to immediate cancellation of candidature. PXE may increase or decrease the number of vacancies, or withdraw or cancel the advertisement or selection process without assigning a reason.

Eligible candidates should check the official notification and ensure their typed application reaches PXE by 12 October 2026. Apply well before the deadline to allow time for postal delivery.