DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: The Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has invited applications from eligible Indian nationals for Graduate and Technician (Diploma) Apprenticeship Training.
According to the official advertisement, 52 apprenticeship vacancies are available across engineering, technology, library science, administration, commerce, cinematography, and medical laboratory technology disciplines.
The apprenticeship programme will run for 12 months, with a monthly stipend of ₹12,300 for Graduate Apprentices and ₹10,900 for Technician (Diploma) Apprentices.
Eligible candidates must submit their applications in the prescribed format through Speed Post or Registered Post only. The completed application, along with supporting documents, must reach ITR Chandipur on or before 2 November 2026.
Vacancy clarification: The individual vacancy figures in the official notification add up to 32 Graduate Apprentice and 22 Technician Apprentice positions, or 54 vacancies overall. Candidates should therefore treat 54 as the arithmetic total of the advertised discipline-wise figures. The official advertisement does not separately state a consolidated grand total.
Detailed Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess the qualification prescribed for the relevant apprenticeship discipline.
1. Computer Science and IT
The notification accepts the following disciplines under the Computer Science category:
Computer Science & Engineering
Computer Science
Communication & Computer Engineering
Computer Science & Information Technology
Computer Science & System Engineering
Computer Technology
Information Technology
Information & Communication Technology
Information Science & Engineering
Graduate Apprentice applicants must possess the relevant B.E./B.Tech qualification, while Technician Apprentice applicants must possess the relevant diploma qualification.
2. Electronics and Related Engineering
The following disciplines are listed in the notification:
Electronics Engineering
Electronics & Tele-Communication Engineering
Instrumentation Technology
Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Electronics & Communication Engineering
Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering
Applied Electronics & Instrumentation
Electronics & Instrumentations Control Engineering
Electronics & Electrical Communication Engineering
Electronics & Computer Engineering
Instrumentation & Electronics Engineering
Electronics (Robotics)
Embedded System
Candidates must hold the corresponding engineering degree or diploma, depending on the apprenticeship category.
3. Other Graduate Apprentice Qualifications
Additional Graduate Apprentice positions are available for candidates with the following qualifications:
B.E./B.Tech in Electrical Engineering
B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering
B.E./B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering
B.E./B.Tech in Safety Engineering
Bachelor of Library Science (B.Lib.Sc)
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Administration / HR
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in Financial Accounting or Cost Accounting
4. Other Diploma Qualifications
Technician Apprentice opportunities are also available for candidates holding diplomas in:
Electrical Engineering
Cinematography
Medical Laboratory Technology
Candidates should ensure that their qualification and discipline match those mentioned in the official advertisement.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Eligibility Criteria 2026
ITR has prescribed several important eligibility conditions.
Passing Year Requirement
Candidates who passed their qualifying examination in any of the following years are eligible:
2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026
Candidates who passed the qualifying examination before 2022 are not eligible.
Regular Course Requirement
Only candidates who completed their qualifying examination as regular candidates are eligible to apply.
Higher Qualification Restriction
The official notification expressly states that candidates with higher qualifications are not eligible.
Applicants should carefully review this restriction before applying, particularly if they have completed a qualification higher than the one prescribed for the apprenticeship category.
Previous Training or Employment Experience
Candidates who have completed one year or more of training or job experience after obtaining the essential qualification are not eligible for engagement as apprentices under the notification.
NATS Registration
Candidates holding the prescribed B.E./B.Tech, Diploma, BBA, B.Com or B.Lib.Sc qualifications must register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme portal.
NATS Portal: https://nats.education.gov.in
The notification warns that candidates who are not registered are likely to be rejected.
Age Limit
Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
The maximum age limit and applicable relaxations will be governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961, Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, and relevant NATS 2.0 / NAPS guidelines, as specified in the notification.
The advertisement does not provide a separate numerical maximum age limit.
Monthly Stipend and Training Duration
Selected candidates will receive the following monthly stipend:
| Apprentice Category | Monthly Stipend | Training Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | ₹12,300 | 12 months |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | ₹10,900 | 12 months |
The apprenticeship period begins from the execution of the apprenticeship contract.
Important: This is an apprenticeship training opportunity, not a regular permanent government appointment.
ITR has expressly stated that it is not obligated to provide employment to apprentices after completion of the training period.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Selection Process 2026
The selection process will involve shortlisting followed by:
A written test, or
A personal interview, or
Both a written test and a personal interview.
Only shortlisted candidates will be considered for these stages.
ITR reserves the right to adopt its own shortlisting methodology. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee shortlisting or selection.
Reservations will apply according to the Apprentices Act, 1961, and Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, as amended.
Candidates should also note that:
No travelling allowance or daily allowance (TA/DA) will be paid for attending any stage of the selection process.
Canvassing or attempting to influence the selection process may result in disqualification.
Suppression of facts may lead to disqualification at any stage.
ITR may increase or decrease vacancies or cancel the selection process when circumstances warrant.
How to Apply for DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Applications must be submitted offline by post.
Step 1: Register on the NATS Portal
Visit https://nats.education.gov.in and complete the required registration.
Keep your NATS enrollment number ready, as the application form includes a field for it.
Step 2: Download the Application Form
Visit the official DRDO website:
Obtain the prescribed application form provided as Annexure-A with Advertisement No. ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026.
The notification states that the form is also available in .docx format on the official website.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
The application must be typewritten.
Handwritten applications are not accepted, except for the applicant's signature.
Candidates must provide the required details, including:
Advertisement number
NATS enrollment number
Apprentice category
Branch, discipline or subject
Applicant's name
Parent's name
Date of birth
Nationality
Category
Gender
Aadhaar number
Disability-related information
Correspondence and permanent addresses
Email address
Contact numbers
Educational qualifications and marks
A recent passport-size photograph must be affixed in the space provided.
Step 4: Enter Marks in Percentage
The notification requires candidates to provide marks obtained in the qualifying examination as a percentage.
If the university awards marks in CGPA, candidates should convert the CGPA into a percentage according to their university's prescribed conversion rules.
The conversion may be verified during document verification.
Step 5: Attach Supporting Documents
Attach self-attested photocopies of the required documents.
Step 6: Prepare the Envelope
Place the completed application and supporting documents inside a sealed envelope.
Write the following on the envelope:
Application for Apprenticeship Training: Category ________ & Subject/Discipline ________
Fill in the relevant apprentice category and discipline.
Step 7: Send the Application by Post
Send the application through Speed Post or Registered Post only to:
The Director
Integrated Test Range (ITR)
Chandipur, Balasore
Odisha – 756025
The application and supporting documents must reach the above address on or before 2 November 2026.
Candidates should allow sufficient time for postal delivery.
Documents Required
According to the notification and application form, candidates should enclose self-attested copies of applicable documents, including:
Class 10 certificate and mark sheet
Class 12 certificate and mark sheet
Diploma certificate and mark sheet, where applicable
B.E./B.Tech, BBA, B.Com or B.Lib.Sc certificate and mark sheet, as applicable
Caste/category certificate, where applicable
Identity proof
The application form also requires a recent passport-size photograph.
Candidates should retain a copy of the completed application for their own records.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Reference | ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Application | 02-11-2026 |
| Written Test / Interview | Not specified in the notification |
| Call Letter / Admit Card | To be communicated through website/email |
| Training Commencement | Not specified in the notification |
Note: The deadline refers to the date by which the application must be received by ITR, not merely posted.
Important Instructions for Applicants
The official notification contains several additional conditions:
Communication through email: All correspondence, including offer letters for selected candidates, will be conducted through email.
Written test and interview updates: Information about the written test, interview, and call letters will be provided through the website or email.
No hard-copy call letters: ITR will not send physical copies of written test or interview call letters. Candidates are responsible for receiving, downloading, and printing them.
Medical fitness: Selected candidates must submit a Medical Fitness Certificate when joining.
Document verification: Credentials will be verified before creation of the apprenticeship contract. Discrepancies in the prescribed qualifications may lead to rejection.
Accommodation and transport: ITR will not provide government quarters, hostel accommodation, or transportation during the written test/interview stage or the training period.
PwBD eligibility: Persons with Benchmark Disabilities are eligible only for designated trades under the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992.
Apprenticeship contract: Selected candidates must execute a contract for 12 months of training under the applicable apprenticeship legislation and rules.
Legal jurisdiction: The notification specifies the jurisdiction of the Hon'ble High Court of Odisha, Cuttack, in the event of a dispute.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Official Contact Details
Candidates may contact the Integrated Test Range during office hours for recruitment-related queries.
Organization: Integrated Test Range (ITR), DRDO
Location: Chandipur, Odisha – 756025
Telephone: 06782-272144
Email: hrd.itr@gov.in
Official Website: https://www.drdo.gov.in
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| DRDO Official Website | Visit Website |
| NATS Registration Portal | Register Here |
| Official Advertisement | View documents |
| Download Application Form | Download |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are available in DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The discipline-wise figures in the official notification add up to 54 vacancies, comprising 32 Graduate Apprentice and 22 Technician (Diploma) Apprentice positions. Vacancies are indicative and may change.
2. What is the last date to apply?
Applications must reach ITR Chandipur by 2 November 2026.
3. Can candidates apply online?
The notification requires the prescribed application form and supporting documents to be sent through Speed Post or Registered Post only. NATS registration is a separate mandatory eligibility requirement.
4. What is the monthly stipend?
Graduate Apprentices receive ₹12,300 per month, while Technician (Diploma) Apprentices receive ₹10,900 per month.
5. Which passing years are eligible?
Candidates who passed their qualifying examination in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible, subject to all other conditions.
6. Are candidates who completed their qualification before 2022 eligible?
No. The official notification states that candidates who passed the qualifying examination before 2022 are not eligible.
7. Is NATS registration necessary?
Yes. Candidates must register on the NATS portal. The notification warns that non-registered candidates are likely to be rejected.
8. Are candidates with previous work experience eligible?
Candidates who have completed one year or more of training or job experience after obtaining the essential qualification are not eligible under the stated conditions.
9. Is there a written examination?
Selection may involve a written test, a personal interview, or both, for shortlisted candidates.
10. Will DRDO provide permanent employment after apprenticeship?
No permanent employment is guaranteed. ITR is not obligated to offer employment after completion of apprenticeship training.
11. Is accommodation provided during training?
No. The notification states that government quarters, hostel accommodation, and transportation will not be provided.
12. Can handwritten applications be submitted?
No. The application must be typewritten, except for the candidate's signature.
Conclusion
The DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers an opportunity for eligible engineering graduates, diploma holders, BBA graduates, B.Com graduates, and Library Science graduates to undertake a 12-month apprenticeship at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.
Interested candidates should carefully verify their qualifications, passing year, NATS registration, and other eligibility requirements before applying.
The completed typewritten application, together with self-attested supporting documents, must reach the designated ITR address by 2 November 2026 through Speed Post or Registered Post only.
Candidates are advised to monitor the official DRDO website and their registered email accounts for updates about shortlisting, written tests, interviews, and selection.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the official DRDO ITR advertisement numbered ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026. Applicants should consult the original notification and official DRDO website for authoritative information, corrections, or subsequent updates.
Comments
0