DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Rs.12,300 Stipend, Apply Before 02 November

DRDO ITR apprentice recruitment 2026 is officially open — the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India, has released Advt. No. ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026 inviting applications for Graduate and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice posts. A total of 54 vacancies are available across engineering, science, and management disciplines. This guide is for Indian graduates and diploma holders (2022–2026 passouts) who want to train at a top DRDO defence laboratory and earn up to Rs.12,300 per month.

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This article covers all key details — vacancy breakdown, stipend, eligibility, how to apply, documents required, selection process, and important dates. Last date to apply is 02 November 2026 — only by Speed Post or Registered Post.

What is DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

DRDO ITR apprentice recruitment 2026 is the engagement of Graduate and Technician (Diploma) apprentices at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur — a frontline DRDO laboratory responsible for testing and evaluating missiles, weapon systems, and defence electronics. The recruitment is conducted under the Apprentices Act-1961 and Apprentice Rules-1992, and offers one year of hands-on training at an active defence research facility.

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The Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Balasore (Odisha) is one of India’s most important missile and weapon system test sites. Working here as an apprentice gives candidates direct exposure to live defence R&D environments — a rare experience for fresh engineering and diploma graduates. The training is purely temporary and does not guarantee employment, but carries significant weight in competitive examinations, PSU applications, and future DRDO recruitment.

This 2026 cycle covers 54 total vacancies spread across Computer Science, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Library Science, Safety Engineering, Administration/HR, and Commerce disciplines — making it one of the most diverse DRDO apprentice notifications of the year.

Who Should Apply for DRDO ITR Apprentice 2026?

• 🎓 B.E / B.Tech graduates (2022–2026 passout) in CS, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering who want defence sector training experience
• 📜 Diploma holders (2022–2026 passout) in Engineering disciplines who want government-recognised apprenticeship certificates under the Apprentices Act
• 💼 BBA graduates (Administration/HR) looking for government-sector training at a Ministry of Defence establishment
• 📊 B.Com graduates (Financial/Cost Accounting) wanting to add DRDO work experience to their profile
• 📚 B.Lib.Sc graduates (Library Science) seeking specialised library apprenticeship at a DRDO facility
• 🛡️ Safety Engineering graduates aiming for a defence PSU or industrial safety career
• 🔬 Fresh graduates who have not yet worked for 1 year since completing their qualifying degree (over-experience makes you ineligible)
• 📮 Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand candidates for whom Balasore is geographically convenient and cost-effective to attend

Vacancy Details — Category-Wise Breakdown

The DRDO ITR apprentice 2026 notification (Advt. No. ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026) carries a total of 54 vacancies divided into two main categories. Here is the complete breakdown as per the official notification:

Graduate Apprentice Vacancies (Total: 32)

Technician (Diploma) Apprentice Vacancies (Total: 22)

Stipend Details — How Much Will You Earn at DRDO ITR?

The monthly stipend for DRDO ITR apprentice 2026 is fixed as per the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) and Ministry of Skill Development norms. Here is the complete stipend breakdown:

Important note on stipend: No TA/DA is provided at any stage of selection or during training. No government quarters, hostel, or transport is provided. Selected candidates must arrange their own accommodation near Chandipur, Balasore. The stipend is paid as per the NATS / NAPS portal’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism into an Aadhaar-seeded bank account.

Eligibility Criteria for DRDO ITR Apprentice 2026

• ✅ Nationality: Indian nationals only
• ✅ Qualification: B.E/B.Tech / Diploma / BBA / B.Com / B.Lib.Sc in the relevant discipline as listed in the notification
• ✅ Passout Year: Candidates who passed their qualifying exam in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible. Candidates who passed before 2022 are NOT eligible.
• ✅ Regular Candidate: Only those who completed the qualifying examination as regular (full-time) candidates. Distance / correspondence students are NOT eligible.
• ✅ NATS Registration: Registration on https://www.nats.education.gov.in is mandatory. Applications without NATS enrolment number will be rejected.
• ✅ Minimum Age: 18 years. Maximum age relaxation as per Apprentices Act 1961 and NATS 2.0 / NAPS guidelines.
• ❌ Higher Qualification: Candidates with post-graduate degrees are NOT eligible to apply.
• ❌ Work Experience: Candidates who have worked or trained for 1 year or more after completing their qualifying degree are NOT eligible.
• ❌ Previous Apprenticeship: Candidates who have already completed apprenticeship are typically ineligible under the Apprentices Act.

How to Apply for DRDO ITR Apprentice 2026 — Step-by-Step Process

1. Register on NATS Portal: Visit https://www.nats.education.gov.in and create your student/candidate profile. Note your NATS Enrolment Number — you will need this for the application form.
2. Download Application Form: Download Annexure-A (application form in .docx format) from the official DRDO website at www.drdo.gov.in. The form must be typewritten — handwritten applications (except the signature) will not be accepted.
3. Fill the Application Form: Fill in capital letters using a computer. Include: Advertisement No. (ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026), NATS Enrolment No., type of apprentice (Graduate / Technician Diploma), branch/discipline, personal details, educational qualifications with percentage marks, and CGPA converted to percentage as per university norms.
4. Attach Self-Attested Documents: Attach self-attested photocopies of: 10th certificate and mark sheet, 12th certificate and mark sheet, Diploma certificate and mark sheet (if applicable), B.Tech / BBA / B.Com / B.Lib.Sc certificate and mark sheet, Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS if applicable), and Identity Proof (Aadhaar card preferred).
5. Affix Passport-Size Photo: Paste a recent passport-size photograph in the space provided on the application form.
6. Seal the Envelope: Place all documents in a sealed envelope. Write clearly on the envelope: “Application for Apprenticeship Training: Category [Graduate / Technician Diploma] & Subject/Discipline [your discipline]”.
7. Send by Speed Post / Registered Post Only: Address the envelope to: “The Director, Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha – 756025”. The application must reach ITR Chandipur on or before 02 November 2026.

⚠ Important: Applications sent by courier, hand delivery, or email will NOT be accepted. Only Speed Post and Registered Post are valid. Keep a copy of your application for your records.

DRDO ITR Apprentice 2026 vs Other DRDO Labs — Comparison

Pros and Cons of DRDO ITR Apprenticeship 2026

Advantages

• ✅ DRDO brand value: Apprenticeship certificate from a Ministry of Defence DRDO laboratory carries significant weight in PSU, government, and defence sector job applications
• ✅ Competitive stipend: Rs.12,300/month for graduates — significantly higher than most private sector stipend programs and many state PSU apprenticeships
• ✅ Hands-on defence R&D exposure: ITR Chandipur is an active missile and weapon systems test range — real-world defence technology experience is rare for fresh graduates
• ✅ Government Act-backed training: Under the Apprentices Act 1961, the apprenticeship certificate is legally recognised and adds verifiable work experience to your CV
• ✅ Diverse disciplines: 54 vacancies across CS, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Library Science, Safety, HR, and Commerce disciplines — making it accessible to a wide range of graduates

Disadvantages

• ❌ No employment guarantee: ITR is not obliged to offer any permanent employment after the 12-month training period — this is purely a training engagement
• ❌ No accommodation or transport: No government quarters, hostel, or transport is provided — candidates must arrange and fund their own stay in Balasore, Odisha
• ❌ Offline application only: Applications must be sent via Speed Post or Registered Post — no online application facility is available, which increases time and cost for outstation candidates

Important Terms Related to DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment

• DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation): India’s premier defence technology R&D body under the Ministry of Defence, responsible for developing indigenous weapons, missiles, sensors, and military technologies. DRDO employs over 30,000 scientists and technicians across 50+ laboratories.
• ITR (Integrated Test Range): A DRDO laboratory at Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha dedicated to test and evaluation of missiles, rockets, and aerial weapon systems. ITR is the launch and test site for programs like Agni, Prithvi, Akash, and BrahMos series.
• Graduate Apprentice: A fresh B.E / B.Tech / BBA / B.Com / B.Lib.Sc graduate engaged under the Apprentices Act 1961 for 1 year of technical/professional training at a designated establishment.
• Technician (Diploma) Apprentice: A diploma holder in engineering or technology engaged for 1 year of training under the Apprentices Act 1961.
• NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme): A Ministry of Education portal (https://www.nats.education.gov.in) for Graduate and Diploma apprentices. Registration is mandatory for all B.E/B.Tech/Diploma/BBA/B.Com/B.Lib.Sc candidates before applying to DRDO or any establishment-based apprenticeship.
• Stipend: The monthly payment to an apprentice during training — Rs.12,300/month for Graduate Apprentices and Rs.10,900/month for Diploma Apprentices as per NATS 2026 norms.
• Advt. No. ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026: The official advertisement number for this DRDO ITR Chandipur apprentice recruitment cycle. Always quote this number on your application envelope and in any official correspondence.
• Apprentices Act 1961: The central legislation governing apprenticeship training in India, amended in 1973 and 2014. It mandates establishments to engage apprentices, defines stipend rights, and regulates the training period and certification process.
• CGPA to Percentage Conversion: If your degree shows CGPA, convert it to percentage using your university’s official formula and mention it in the application. ITR may verify this during document verification — always have the university’s conversion circular handy.
• Speed Post / Registered Post: The two government India Post services accepted for application submission. Courier services and hand delivery are explicitly NOT accepted.

Important Dates — DRDO ITR Apprentice 2026 Timeline

Important Links — DRDO ITR Apprentice 2026

Conclusion — Should You Apply for DRDO ITR Apprentice 2026?

DRDO ITR apprentice recruitment 2026 is a rare opportunity to train at India’s premier missile and weapon system test facility with a Rs.12,300/month stipend and a government-recognised Apprenticeship certificate. With 54 vacancies across engineering, science, and management disciplines and a last date of 02 November 2026, eligible 2022–2026 graduates and diploma holders should act without delay.

Complete your NATS registration first, download the Annexure-A form from drdo.gov.in, typewrite it carefully with all documents attached, and dispatch by Speed Post or Registered Post to the Director, ITR, Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha – 756025 well before the deadline. Bookmark this page — we update it as soon as DRDO releases call letter dates and interview schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions About DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026

What is the last date to apply for DRDO ITR apprentice recruitment 2026?

The last date to apply for DRDO ITR apprentice recruitment 2026 is 02 November 2026. The application must physically reach ITR, Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha – 756025 by this date via Speed Post or Registered Post only. Applications arriving late will not be considered regardless of the dispatch date.

What is the total number of vacancies in DRDO ITR apprentice 2026?

DRDO ITR apprentice 2026 (Advt. No. ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026) has a total of 54 vacancies — 32 for Graduate Apprentices (B.E/B.Tech/BBA/B.Com/B.Lib.Sc) and 22 for Technician (Diploma) Apprentices across various engineering and non-engineering disciplines. The number of vacancies is indicative and may change at a later stage.

What is the monthly stipend for DRDO ITR apprentice 2026?

The monthly stipend for DRDO ITR apprentice 2026 is Rs.12,300 for Graduate Apprentices (B.E/B.Tech/BBA/B.Com/B.Lib.Sc) and Rs.10,900 for Technician (Diploma) Apprentices. Over the 12-month training period, Graduate Apprentices earn Rs.1,47,600 in total. No TA/DA or accommodation is provided.

Is NATS registration mandatory for DRDO ITR apprentice 2026?

Yes, NATS registration is mandatory for all B.E/B.Tech/Diploma/BBA/B.Com/B.Lib.Sc candidates applying for DRDO ITR apprentice 2026. Candidates must register on https://www.nats.education.gov.in and mention their NATS Enrolment Number in the application form. Non-registered candidates are likely to be rejected outright.

Which passout years are eligible for DRDO ITR apprentice 2026?

Candidates who completed their qualifying degree (B.E/B.Tech/Diploma/BBA/B.Com/B.Lib.Sc) in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible. Candidates who passed their qualifying examination before 2022 are NOT eligible. Additionally, those who have already worked or trained for 1 year or more after their degree are also ineligible.

Does DRDO ITR Chandipur guarantee a permanent job after apprenticeship?

No. It is explicitly stated in the official notification that ITR is not obligated to offer any employment after the completion of the 12-month apprenticeship training period. The engagement is purely temporary and for training purposes under the Apprentices Act 1961. However, the experience and certificate are valuable for future DRDO recruitment, PSU applications, and competitive examinations.

How will DRDO ITR Chandipur conduct the selection for apprentice 2026?

Selection for DRDO ITR apprentice 2026 will be based on Written Test, Personal Interview, or both for shortlisted candidates only. ITR reserves the right to shortlist candidates using its own method and is not obliged to call all eligible applicants. All information about written test and call letters will be communicated via the DRDO website and candidate’s registered email only — no hard copy letters will be mailed.

Can diploma holders apply for DRDO ITR Graduate Apprentice posts?

No. Diploma holders can only apply for the Technician (Diploma) Apprentice category, which carries 22 vacancies in Computer Science, Electronics, Electrical, Cinematography, and Medical Laboratory Technology disciplines. Candidates with higher qualifications (post-graduate degrees) are also not eligible to apply for either category.

What documents are required for DRDO ITR apprentice application 2026?

The required documents for DRDO ITR apprentice 2026 application are: 10th certificate and mark sheet, 12th certificate and mark sheet, Diploma certificate and mark sheet (for Technician Apprentice), B.Tech / BBA / B.Com / B.Lib.Sc certificate and mark sheet (for Graduate Apprentice), Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates), valid Identity Proof (Aadhaar card), recent passport-size photograph, and a printed copy of the NATS registration with Enrolment Number. All copies must be self-attested.

Where is DRDO ITR Chandipur located and how to reach it?

DRDO Integrated Test Range (ITR) is located at Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha – 756025. Chandipur is approximately 16 km from Balasore town, which is well-connected by train on the Kolkata–Chennai main rail line. The nearest major city is Kolkata (~230 km) and Bhubaneswar (~220 km). Contact: Phone (06782)-272144 | Email: hrd.itr@gov.in.

Last Updated: October 2026 | Source: Official Notification ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026, DRDO (drdo.gov.in). This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest DRDO ITR recruitment information.

⚠ Disclaimer: The information in this article is for guidance purposes only, sourced from the official DRDO notification. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official notification at www.drdo.gov.in before applying. Agrijob.in is not responsible for any discrepancy between this article and the official notification.

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