About DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), operating under the Ministry of Defence, has released an official recruitment notification for the engagement of apprentices at its premier establishment, the Integrated Test Range (ITR), located in Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha. This prestigious training program offers an exceptional window for young technical and professional degree holders to acquire hands-on operational exposure within high-end defence research environments. Candidates seeking dynamic career openings similar to technical research roles can also review the DRDO CAIR Junior Research Fellowship Mathematics Recruitment 2026 recruitment details for parallel opportunities across other specialized laboratories.
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
The current notification, bearing advertisement number ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026, invites applications for a total of 54 posts distributed across Graduate and Technician (Diploma) apprentice categories. Designed under the framework of the Apprentices Act, 1961, this 12-month contractual training engagement equips candidates with industry-relevant skills, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical engineering applications.
Vacancy Breakdown & Post Distribution
The recruitment drive encompasses multiple engineering, technical, and administrative disciplines. Applicants must ensure that their specific qualification aligns directly with the designated requirements outlined in the official notification released via the Official DRDO Website.
Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualifications
To qualify for the Graduate Apprentice and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice positions, applicants must fulfill strict educational parameters mandated by the board. Candidates must hold a regular B.E./B.Tech, Diploma, BBA, B.Com, or B.Lib.Sc degree in the specified disciplines mentioned in the official notification. Distance-learning or part-time course holders are strictly ineligible.
Furthermore, mandatory registration on the NATS Portal is a strict prerequisite before form submission. Applicants who have already completed an apprenticeship elsewhere, possess one year or more of professional work experience post-qualification, or hold higher educational degrees beyond the specified criteria will be disqualified.
Age Limits & Stipend Remuneration
The minimum age requirement for applicants is 18 Years as of the reference cut-off date of 02 November 2026. There is no fixed upper age limit specified in the notification; upper age conditions are regulated according to the Apprentices Act, 1961, Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, and relevant NATS guidelines.
Selected trainees will receive a fixed monthly stipend during their 12-month tenure. Graduate Apprentices will draw a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,300, while Technician (Diploma) Apprentices will receive Rs. 10,900 per month.
Selection Process & Evaluation Methodology
The selection methodology for the 54 apprentice posts follows a structured evaluation procedure designed to identify top-tier talent. The recruitment stages are organized as follows:
- Stage 1: Shortlisting of Applications: Initial scrutiny of received offline application forms based on academic percentage and discipline requirements.
- Stage 2: Written Test / Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will undergo a written examination, personal interview, or a combination of both, as determined by the competent authority at ITR Chandipur.
- Stage 3: Document Verification & Medical Fitness: Final empanelment is subject to thorough verification of original certificates and fulfillment of medical fitness standards.
No application fee is required for any category, making this an accessible opportunity for all eligible candidates.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
As this is an offline application process, candidates must exercise utmost precision when preparing their paperwork. Follow these precise steps to submit your candidacy successfully:
- Step 1: Access the Official Notification PDF to review discipline codes and download the prescribed Annexure-A application format.
- Step 2: Ensure active registration on the NATS portal and note down your valid enrollment number.
- Step 3: Fill out the application form strictly in a typewritten format. Handwritten submissions (except for the candidate signature) will result in immediate rejection.
- Step 4: Attach self-attested photocopies of your educational degrees, semester mark sheets, proof of date of birth, identity card, passport-size photographs, and caste certificate if applicable.
- Step 5: Place all documents inside a sealed envelope, superscribing the envelope clearly with the category and discipline applied for.
- Step 6: Dispatch the completed application via Speed Post or Registered Post only so that it reaches the designated address at ITR, Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha on or before 02 November 2026.
Critical Warnings & Candidate Advisory
Important Advisory: Applications arriving after the closing date of 02 November 2026 or sent through ordinary post, courier, or hand delivery will be summarily rejected. Double-check all self-attested enclosures and verify your NATS enrollment status prior to dispatching your postal envelope.
Candidates must retain a clean photocopy of the filled application form along with the original postal tracking receipt for future correspondence with the DRDO ITR recruitment cell.
