Introduction to DRDO PXE Chandipur Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) Chandipur, operating under the aegis of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, has officially announced the NPOL DRDO Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 recruitment details as part of its broader mandate to engage young engineering talent. This recruitment campaign offers 50 Apprentice openings for Graduate and Technician trainees. Candidates seeking valuable hands-on training within advanced national defence laboratories should examine the official notification details carefully.
Engagement as an apprentice under the Apprenticeship Act provides engineering graduates and diploma holders with high-level exposure to cutting-edge research facilities. The training program spans a duration of one year, during which trainees acquire practical competencies under senior scientists and technical specialists at the PXE facility in Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha.
Educational Qualifications and Eligibility Parameters
To qualify for the Apprentice positions at DRDO PXE Chandipur, applicants must fulfill strict educational criteria defined for each specific training category. All qualifying degrees and diplomas must have been earned through regular mode from recognized institutions.
- Graduate Apprentice: Must possess a B.Tech degree in the relevant engineering discipline.
- Technician Apprentice: Must possess a Diploma in the relevant engineering discipline.
- Passing Year Criteria: Only candidates who passed their qualifying examination in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible to apply.
- NATS Portal Requirement: Mandatory registration on the official NATS Portal Registration with a valid enrollment number is required before application submission.
- Ineligibility Clauses: Candidates holding a postgraduate degree or those possessing one year or more of post-qualification training or job experience are strictly ineligible.
The official notification specifies no minimum or maximum age limit for applicants. However, category-based reservation rules are applicable as per the Apprenticeship Act and Apprenticeship Rules for SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and EWS candidates, subject to the production of valid certificates during document verification.
Stipend and Financial Remuneration
Selected candidates undergo a structured one-year apprenticeship training program backed by a monthly stipend sanctioned under government guidelines. The financial remuneration varies according to the training category:
- Graduate Apprentice Stipend: ₹12,300 per month for the entire duration of the one-year training term.
- Technician Apprentice Stipend: ₹10,900 per month for the entire duration of the one-year training term.
- Pay Level / Structure: Classified under Level 0 for apprenticeship programs with no applicable 7th CPC entry basic pay scale.
No additional allowances or accommodation benefits are guaranteed beyond the prescribed monthly stipend. The training concludes strictly after twelve months without any automatic claim for permanent absorption.
Selection Process and Methodology
The selection methodology for the DRDO PXE Chandipur Apprentice vacancies involves a multi-stage evaluation designed to identify high-caliber technical candidates:
- Stage 1 (Merit Shortlisting): Initial shortlisting of applications is conducted based strictly on the percentage of marks secured by candidates in their essential qualifying examinations (B.Tech or Diploma).
- Stage 2 (Written Test / Interview): Shortlisted candidates are called for a written test or interview conducted directly at the PXE facility in Chandipur, Odisha.
- Stage 3 (Document Verification & Joining): Final selection offers are dispatched via email to successful candidates following rigorous document verification.
The notification does not publish a detailed written test syllabus, marks distribution, or duration. Candidates are advised to review core technical concepts corresponding to their respective engineering disciplines.
Important Schedule and Application Deadlines
Applicants must adhere strictly to the offline submission timeline. The deadline for receipt of applications is 12 October 2026. Since applications must be sent via postal mail, candidates should factor in transit delays to ensure timely delivery.
No application fee is levied on any candidate category. The application fee structure is completely exempted across General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, and Female applicants, making the application mode entirely free of cost.
Step-by-Step Offline Application Instructions
Because this recruitment cycle strictly prohibits online submission forms or email attachments, candidates must follow a specific offline procedure to apply:
- Step 1: Access the Official DRDO Website to download the official notification and prescribed application form.
- Step 2: Complete the application form using typed text only. Handwritten application forms will be summarily rejected.
- Step 3: Affix a recent passport-size photograph on the designated space of the form.
- Step 4: Enclose self-attested photocopies of essential qualification mark sheets, NATS registration proof, Aadhaar card, and valid category certificates (if applicable).
- Step 5: Dispatch the completed application packet exclusively by Speed Post or Registered Post to the designated PXE Chandipur postal address.
Essential Documents Checklist
Applicants must compile the following mandatory enclosures before dispatching their offline packets:
- Application Form: Neatly typed and signed application format.
- Photograph: Recent passport-size color photograph.
- Academic Certificates: Degree/Diploma certificates and consolidated mark sheets.
- NATS Proof: Valid NATS portal registration slip or enrollment proof.
- Identity Proof: Government-issued photo ID such as an Aadhaar card.
- Category Certificate: Caste or EWS certificate in the prescribed central government format, if claiming reservation benefits.
Critical Application Warnings & Advisory:
- Handwritten application forms are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification.
- Submissions sent via online portals, email, or courier services other than Speed Post or Registered Post will not be entertained.
- Ensure that the postal envelope clearly superscribes the exact post name and discipline being applied for.
- The application must reach the PXE Chandipur office on or before 12 October 2026. Postal delays will not be excused under any circumstances.
Official Portal and Resource Links
Candidates can access primary resources and verify notifications directly through official government portals:
