DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 has been officially released by Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. A total of 50 apprenticeship vacancies are open for B.Tech and Diploma holders across 12 engineering disciplines. The monthly stipend ranges from Rs.10,900 to Rs.12,300. This guide is for engineering graduates and diploma holders (2022–2026 pass-outs) seeking one-year hands-on training at a premier DRDO establishment in Odisha. We cover vacancies, stipend, eligibility, NATS registration, application steps, and all important dates.
DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers 50 seats (15 Graduate + 35 Technician) at PXE Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha. B.Tech holders get Rs.12,300/month and Diploma holders get Rs.10,900/month stipend for one year. Apply offline by sending typed application via Speed Post/Registered Post by 12 October 2026.
- Organisation: Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), DRDO, Ministry of Defence
- Advertisement No.: PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27
- Total Vacancies: 50 (Graduate Apprentice: 15 | Technician Apprentice: 35)
- Stipend: Rs.12,300/month (B.Tech) | Rs.10,900/month (Diploma)
- Training Duration: 1 Year
- Application Mode: Offline — Speed Post / Registered Post only
- Application Fee: Nil (No Fee)
- Notification Date: 23 September 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 12 October 2026
- Job Location: Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha – 756025
- Official Website: www.drdo.gov.in
- NATS Registration: Mandatory before applying
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
- Who Should Apply for DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026?
- Vacancy Details — Branch-Wise Breakdown
- Stipend and Financial Benefits
- Eligibility Criteria & NATS Registration
- How to Apply for DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026 — Step-by-Step
- DRDO PXE Apprentice vs Other Government Apprenticeships
- Pros and Cons of DRDO PXE Apprenticeship
- Important Terms Related to DRDO Apprentice Recruitment
- Important Dates and Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a one-year government apprenticeship training programme conducted by the Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur — a premier establishment under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India. PXE is engaged in the dynamic test and evaluation of armament systems and offers engineering graduates and diploma holders structured, hands-on training in their respective disciplines.
The recruitment is conducted under the Apprentices Act 1961, as amended in 1973, 2014, and 2025, through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS). Advertisement No. PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27 was officially released on 23 September 2026, inviting applications for 50 seats across Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) and Technician Apprentice (Diploma) categories in various engineering branches.
This is a fully government-recognised apprenticeship with a fixed monthly stipend, structured training under DRDO scientists and engineers, and an official certificate from the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme upon completion — credentials that significantly strengthen any engineering resume.
Who Should Apply for DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026?
- 🎓 B.Tech graduates (2022–2026 pass-outs) in Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Computer Science, or Chemical Engineering who want government-level hands-on training.
- 📄 Diploma holders (2022–2026 pass-outs) in Civil, Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Cinematography, or Automobile Engineering looking for DRDO experience.
- 🏛️ Fresh engineers with no prior job/training experience exceeding one year — this programme is designed for candidates just out of college.
- 💼 Defence-sector aspirants who want exposure to DRDO’s armament testing and evaluation environment before attempting DRDO Scientist B or CEPTAM exams.
- 📍 Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar residents for whom Chandipur, Balasore is a geographically accessible posting.
- 🏅 SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD candidates who want reservation benefits under the Apprenticeship Act 1961, with category certificates ready for document verification.
- 🔬 Candidates preparing for PSU/GATE/government job exams who want 12 months of structured engineering experience to strengthen their application profiles.
- 💡 Students who graduated in 2025 or 2026 and want a productive gap year with a Rs.12,300/month stipend rather than unemployment.
Vacancy Details — Branch-Wise Breakdown for DRDO PXE 2026
DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers a total of 50 vacancies across two categories and 12 engineering disciplines. Graduate Apprentices (B.Tech) receive Rs.12,300 per month while Technician Apprentices (Diploma) receive Rs.10,900 per month, both for a one-year training tenure.
| S.No | Apprentice Category | Discipline / Branch | Essential Qualification | Vacancies | Stipend/Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) | Electronics & Communication | B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engg. | 04 | Rs.12,300/- |
| 02 | Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) | Mechanical | B.Tech in Mechanical Engg. | 04 | Rs.12,300/- |
| 03 | Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) | Computer Science | B.Tech in Comp. Science & Engg. | 05 | Rs.12,300/- |
| 04 | Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) | Chemical | B.Tech in Chemical Engg. | 02 | Rs.12,300/- |
| 05 | Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Civil | Diploma in Civil Engg. | 10 | Rs.10,900/- |
| 06 | Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Computer Science | Diploma in Computer Science Engg. | 05 | Rs.10,900/- |
| 07 | Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Electronics & Communication | Diploma in Electronics & Communication Engg. | 05 | Rs.10,900/- |
| 08 | Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Mechanical | Diploma in Mechanical Engg. | 08 | Rs.10,900/- |
| 09 | Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Chemical | Diploma in Chemical Engg. | 01 | Rs.10,900/- |
| 10 | Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Electrical | Diploma in Electrical Engg. | 02 | Rs.10,900/- |
| 11 | Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Cinematography | Diploma in Cinematography Engg. | 02 | Rs.10,900/- |
| 12 | Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Automobile | Diploma in Automobile Engg. | 02 | Rs.10,900/- |
| Total Vacancies | 50 | — | |||
DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026 Stipend and Financial Benefits
The DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026 stipend is fixed by the Apprentices Act and paid monthly for the entire one-year training duration. There is no application fee to apply, and no bond or surety is required from candidates.
| Category | Stipend Per Month | Annual Earning | Training Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) | Rs.12,300/- | Rs.1,47,600/- | 12 Months |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Rs.10,900/- | Rs.1,30,800/- | 12 Months |
Important financial notes: The DRDO PXE apprenticeship does not provide accommodation or transport during the training period. No TA/DA is provided for joining or attending the interview. Candidates should factor in living expenses in Balasore, Odisha, when evaluating the opportunity. The stipend is paid directly into the candidate’s registered bank account and is subject to TDS as per applicable income tax rules.
Eligibility Criteria and NATS Registration for DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026
Before applying, every candidate must confirm they meet all eligibility conditions set in the official notification. Applications not meeting even one condition will be rejected without further communication.
- Educational Qualification: B.Tech (for Graduate Apprentice) or Diploma in Engineering (for Technician Apprentice) in the relevant discipline as listed in the vacancy table above.
- Year of Passing: Candidates must have passed their essential qualification in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 only. Earlier pass-outs are not eligible.
- Mode of Study: Only candidates who completed their qualification through regular mode are eligible. Distance/correspondence graduates are not considered.
- Post-Graduation: Candidates holding post-graduation degrees (M.Tech, M.E., MSc, etc.) are not eligible and must not apply.
- Prior Experience: Candidates who have completed training or job experience of one year or more after acquiring the essential qualification are not eligible.
- NATS Registration: Mandatory. All candidates must be registered on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal at nats.education.gov.in before applying. Applications without a valid NATS Enrolment Number will be rejected.
- Age Limit: No specific age limit is mentioned in the official notification. Age provisions under the Apprenticeship Act 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules 1992 apply.
- Reservation: SC/ST/OBC/PWD/EWS reservation applies as per the Apprenticeship Act 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules 1992. Category certificates from a competent authority are required at document verification.
| Eligibility Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Qualification | B.Tech (Graduate) / Diploma in relevant Engineering branch |
| Year of Passing | 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 only |
| Mode | Regular mode only (No distance/correspondence) |
| Post-Graduation | Not eligible if PG degree held |
| Prior Experience | Not eligible if 1+ year job/training experience post-qualification |
| NATS Registration | Mandatory — valid Enrolment No. required |
| Nationality | Indian National |
| Application Fee | Nil |
How to Apply for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 — Step-by-Step Process
The application process for DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026 is fully offline. There is no online portal for submission. Follow each step carefully — any deviation may lead to rejection.
- Register on NATS Portal: Visit nats.education.gov.in and complete your registration as a Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) or Technician Apprentice (Diploma). Note your NATS Enrolment Number — this is mandatory for the application form.
- Download Application Form: Visit www.drdo.gov.in and download the official application form attached with Advertisement No. PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27. The form is also embedded in the official notification PDF.
- Fill the Form by Typing Only: Complete the application form by typing only — handwritten forms will be summarily rejected. Fill all fields: name, NATS Enrolment No., Aadhaar No., father’s name, date of birth, gender, category, contact details, address, and educational qualifications with percentage/CGPA.
- Calculate CGPA Correctly: If your mark sheet shows CGPA instead of percentage, use the formula: Percentage = CGPA × 9.5, unless your university specifies a different conversion method on the mark sheet.
- Attach All Documents: Affix a recent passport-size photograph. Enclose mark sheets of your essential qualification (all semesters), and category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD) if applicable.
- Write on the Envelope: Clearly mention “Application for Engagement of Apprentices, Apprentice Category (Degree/Diploma) and Discipline/Branch……….” on the envelope before sealing.
- Send by Speed Post or Registered Post Only: Address the envelope to: The Director, Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Defence R&D Organisation, PO- Chandipur, Dist- Balasore, Odisha – 756025 (Kind Attn. OIC, HRDC). Applications sent by courier, hand delivery, or email will not be accepted.
- Ensure Delivery by 12 October 2026: The application must be received by PXE on or before 12 October 2026. Post early to allow for postal transit time.
Register on the NATS portal at least 3–5 days before sending your application, as NATS enrolment can take 1–2 working days to activate. Send your application via Speed Post at least 7–10 days before the deadline to account for postal delays. Keep the Speed Post receipt safe as proof of timely dispatch.
DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026 vs Other Government Apprenticeships
How does the DRDO PXE apprenticeship compare to other popular government apprenticeship programmes? Here is a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
| Parameter | DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026 | BHEL Apprentice | Railway Apprentice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organising Body | Ministry of Defence / DRDO | Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. | Ministry of Railways |
| Stipend (B.Tech) | Rs.12,300/month | Rs.9,000–Rs.12,000/month | Rs.6,000–Rs.9,000/month |
| Stipend (Diploma) | Rs.10,900/month | Rs.7,700–Rs.9,000/month | Rs.5,000–Rs.7,700/month |
| Training Duration | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1–3 Years |
| Application Mode | Offline only | Online | Online |
| Work Environment | Defence Research & Armament Testing | Heavy Engineering Manufacturing | Railway Maintenance / Operations |
| NATS Required | Yes — Mandatory | Yes — Mandatory | Yes (NAPS/NATS) |
| Prestige / Brand Value | Very High — DRDO, MoD | High — Central PSU | High — Indian Railways |
| Certificate Issued | NATS Apprenticeship Certificate | NATS Apprenticeship Certificate | NATS/NAPS Certificate |
| Job After Training | No guarantee of employment | No guarantee of employment | No guarantee of employment |
| Best For | Defence/DRDO career aspirants, fresh B.Tech & Diploma graduates | Core engineering manufacturing candidates | Railway sector aspirants |
DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026 offers the highest stipend among comparable government apprenticeships and delivers unmatched prestige with Ministry of Defence exposure. If you are a B.Tech or Diploma graduate in ECE, Mechanical, CS, Civil, Chemical, or Electrical — and you passed out between 2022 and 2026 — this is one of the best apprenticeship opportunities available in 2026. The offline application process is slightly more effort, but the DRDO brand on your resume is worth it.
Pros and Cons of DRDO PXE Apprenticeship 2026
- ✅ Highest stipend in its category — Rs.12,300/month for B.Tech, Rs.10,900/month for Diploma
- ✅ Ministry of Defence brand — DRDO is India’s premier defence research organisation, adding significant credential value
- ✅ Hands-on exposure to armament testing, evaluation, and defence R&D — rare for freshers
- ✅ Government-recognised NATS certificate on completion, accepted by PSUs and government recruiters
- ✅ Zero application fee — completely free to apply
- ✅ Reservation benefits under Apprenticeship Act 1961 for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD candidates
- ❌ No permanent employment guarantee — apprenticeship completion does not give any right to a job at DRDO/PXE
- ❌ No accommodation or transport provided — candidates must arrange their own stay in Balasore, Odisha
- ❌ Offline-only application — requires typed form, Speed Post, and physical document submission
- ❌ Very short application window — only ~19 days from notification (23 Sep) to deadline (12 Oct 2026)
Important Terms Related to DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation): India’s premier defence R&D agency under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Operates 50+ laboratories and establishments across India, including PXE Chandipur.
- PXE (Proof & Experimental Establishment): DRDO establishment at Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha, specialising in dynamic testing and evaluation of armament systems for the Indian Armed Forces.
- NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme): A Government of India initiative under the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) that regulates apprenticeship training for engineering graduates and diploma holders. Portal: nats.education.gov.in.
- Apprentices Act 1961: The central legislation governing apprenticeship training in India, amended in 1973, 2014, and 2025. This recruitment falls under its provisions.
- Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech): Category for holders of B.Tech / B.E. degrees in relevant engineering disciplines. Stipend: Rs.12,300/month at PXE.
- Technician Apprentice (Diploma): Category for holders of Diploma in Engineering in relevant disciplines. Stipend: Rs.10,900/month at PXE.
- Enrolment Number (NATS): A unique ID assigned to candidates upon successful registration on the NATS portal. Mandatory for the DRDO PXE application — applications without it are rejected.
- Speed Post: India Post’s express domestic mail service. Required for sending the DRDO PXE application — courier or hand delivery not accepted.
- CGPA to Percentage Conversion: PXE uses the formula: Percentage = CGPA × 9.5, where the university mark sheet does not specify a conversion formula.
- Armament Testing: The core function of PXE — testing ballistic performance, effectiveness, and reliability of weapons, ammunition, and related armament systems supplied to the Indian Armed Forces.
DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026 — Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 23 September 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 23 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Receive Application at PXE | 12 October 2026 |
| Written Test / Interview Date | To be notified by PXE via email |
| Offer Letter (if selected) | Communicated via email only |
| Training Start Date | As per joining letter |
| Training Duration | 1 Year (12 Months) |
DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026 — Important Links
| Link Description | URL |
|---|---|
| Official DRDO Website (Notification + Form Download) | www.drdo.gov.in |
| NATS Registration Portal (Mandatory) | www.nats.education.gov.in |
| Ministry of Defence — Official Portal | mod.gov.in |
| National Career Service Portal (Govt Jobs India) | www.ncs.gov.in |
| Agrijob — More Defence & Government Jobs | www.agrijob.in |
Conclusion — Should You Apply for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a rare, high-value opportunity for B.Tech and Diploma engineers to gain structured training inside India’s defence research ecosystem at Rs.12,300 or Rs.10,900 per month stipend. With 50 seats available, zero application fee, and the prestige of a DRDO training certificate, this is among the best government apprenticeship programmes open in September–October 2026. The application window is tight — only until 12 October 2026 — so register on NATS immediately, download the form, and send your typed application by Speed Post without delay.
- DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers 50 seats (15 B.Tech + 35 Diploma) under Advertisement No. PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27.
- Monthly stipend is Rs.12,300 for B.Tech and Rs.10,900 for Diploma holders — among the highest in government apprenticeships.
- Only 2022–2026 regular-mode pass-outs are eligible; post-graduates and candidates with 1+ year experience need not apply.
- NATS registration at nats.education.gov.in is mandatory before applying — applications without valid enrolment number are rejected.
- Application is offline only — typed form sent by Speed Post/Registered Post to PXE Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha – 756025.
- Last date: 12 October 2026 — apply immediately; do not wait till the last day due to postal transit time.
Frequently Asked Questions About DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026
What is the total number of vacancies in DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 has a total of 50 vacancies under Advertisement No. PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27. Of these, 15 seats are for Graduate Apprentices (B.Tech) and 35 seats are for Technician Apprentices (Diploma) across 12 engineering disciplines at PXE, Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha.
What is the stipend for DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026?
The monthly stipend for DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026 is Rs.12,300 per month for Graduate Apprentices (B.Tech holders) and Rs.10,900 per month for Technician Apprentices (Diploma holders). The stipend is paid for the full one-year training period, amounting to Rs.1,47,600 annually for B.Tech and Rs.1,30,800 for Diploma candidates.
What is the last date to apply for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The last date for receipt of applications at PXE, Chandipur is 12 October 2026. This is the date by which your application must physically reach the establishment — not the posting date. Send your application via Speed Post well in advance to avoid transit delays.
Is NATS registration mandatory for DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026?
Yes, NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme) registration at nats.education.gov.in is absolutely mandatory for both Graduate and Technician Apprentice applicants. Candidates must have a valid NATS Enrolment Number before filling the application form. Applications from non-registered candidates or those with an invalid Enrolment Number will be rejected without any communication.
Can I apply online for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
No, there is no online application facility for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026. The application must be downloaded from drdo.gov.in, filled by typing only (handwritten applications are rejected), and sent by Speed Post or Registered Post to PXE Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha – 756025. Applications sent by email, courier, or hand delivery are not accepted.
Which engineering branches are eligible for DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026?
For Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech): Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Computer Science, and Chemical Engineering. For Technician Apprentice (Diploma): Civil, Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Cinematography, and Automobile Engineering. Only the specific branch listed in the notification is eligible — candidates from other branches should not apply.
What is the selection process for DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026?
The DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026 selection process has three stages: first, the Selection Board shortlists candidates based on the percentage of marks secured in the essential qualification (B.Tech or Diploma). Shortlisted candidates are then called for a Written Test or Interview at PXE, Chandipur. Selected candidates receive a joining offer letter via email only — there is no postal communication for offer letters.
Is there any application fee for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
No application fee is required for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026. The application process is completely free for all categories of candidates including General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PWD. Candidates only need to bear the cost of Speed Post or Registered Post charges for sending the application.
Will I get a job at DRDO after completing the PXE apprenticeship?
No, the DRDO PXE apprenticeship does not guarantee any employment at PXE or DRDO after training. As explicitly stated in the official notification, the offer of Apprenticeship Training does not confer any right to employment in PXE or DRDO. However, the NATS training certificate and DRDO work experience significantly strengthen your profile for DRDO Scientist B recruitment, GATE-based PSU jobs, and other government engineering positions.
What if my mark sheet shows CGPA instead of percentage for the DRDO PXE application?
If your mark sheet displays CGPA and does not specify a percentage or conversion formula, use the formula endorsed by the official notification: Percentage = CGPA × 9.5. If your university mark sheet specifies a different conversion method, use that instead. Accurately report your calculated percentage in the educational qualifications table of the application form, as shortlisting is purely mark-based.
Where will the Written Test or Interview be held for DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026?
The Written Test or Interview for shortlisted DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026 candidates will be held at PXE, Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha – 756025. No TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview. Candidates should make their own travel and accommodation arrangements. The exact date of the Written Test/Interview will be communicated to shortlisted candidates via email only, so ensure you provide a valid, active email ID in the application form.
📅 Last Updated: September 2026 | Source: Official Advertisement No. PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27, Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Bookmark this page — it is updated whenever PXE releases new information about this recruitment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All details are sourced from the official PXE/DRDO notification. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification at www.drdo.gov.in before applying. Agrijob.in is not responsible for any discrepancy in data post publication.
