The Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced the DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 for eligible graduate and diploma candidates. According to the recruitment details provided, the notification covers 54 apprentice vacancies in engineering, computer science, electronics, administration, commerce, library science and other specified disciplines.
RRB NTPC Graduate Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Organization Name | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Advertisement No. | ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026 |
| Post Name | Graduate Apprentice and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 54 Posts |
| Educational Qualification | B.E./B.Tech, Diploma, BBA, B.Com & B.Lib.Sc in specified disciplines |
| Training Duration | 1 Year |
| Apply Mode | Offline |
| Application Method | Speed Post or Registered Post |
| Training Location | ITR, Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha |
The DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification Released under Advertisement no. ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026
The Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is associated with the Graduate and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice recruitment.
Eligible candidates must meet the educational qualification, passing-year and other conditions specified in the official notification.
Important Dates
Last Date for Receipt of Application
02 November 2026
Deadline reminder: The completed application and supporting documents must reach the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, on or before 2 November 2026. Simply posting the envelope on the last date may not be sufficient.
Candidates should allow enough time for postal delivery.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Vacancy 2026: Post-Wise Details
The recruitment notification lists 54 apprenticeship training positions, divided into 32 Graduate Apprentice posts and 22 Technician (Diploma) Apprentice posts.
Graduate Apprentice Vacancies: 32 Posts
| Qualification or Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| B.E./B.Tech – Computer Science and related disciplines | 8 |
| B.E./B.Tech – Electronics and related disciplines | 8 |
| B.E./B.Tech – Electrical Engineering | 2 |
| B.E./B.Tech – Mechanical Engineering | 1 |
| B.E./B.Tech – Aerospace Engineering | 1 |
| B.Lib.Sc – Library Science | 2 |
| B.E./B.Tech – Safety Engineering | 2 |
| BBA – Administration/HR | 4 |
| B.Com – Financial Accounting/Cost Accounting | 4 |
| Total | 32 |
Technician (Diploma) Apprentice Vacancies: 22 Posts
| Diploma Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Computer Science and related disciplines | 8 |
| Electronics and related disciplines | 8 |
| Electrical Engineering | 2 |
| Cinematography | 2 |
| Medical Laboratory Technology | 2 |
| Total | 22 |
Important: Several related branches may be accepted under the Computer Science and Electronics categories. Candidates should check the official notification for the exact list of eligible disciplines before submitting an application.
The number of available training positions may be increased or decreased by ITR, as specified in the recruitment notice.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the educational qualification, passing-year, registration and experience requirements prescribed for the relevant apprenticeship category.
Educational Qualification
The required qualification depends on the post selected.
- Graduate Apprentice: B.E./B.Tech in an eligible engineering discipline, BBA, B.Com or B.Lib.Sc, as applicable to the advertised category.
- Technician (Diploma) Apprentice: A diploma in one of the specified technical disciplines.
- Administration/HR: BBA for the relevant category.
- Financial Accounting/Cost Accounting: B.Com for the relevant category.
- Library Science: B.Lib.Sc for the relevant category.
Candidates should ensure that their degree or diploma matches the qualification and discipline specified in the official advertisement.
Eligible Passing Years
According to the recruitment details provided, candidates who passed their qualifying examination in any of the following years may apply, subject to the other eligibility conditions.
| Year of Passing | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Eligible |
| 2025 | Eligible |
| 2024 | Eligible |
| 2023 | Eligible |
| 2022 | Eligible |
| Before 2022 | Not eligible |
Regular, Distance and Part-Time Education
Only candidates who completed the qualifying examination as regular students are eligible, according to the stated notification conditions. Candidates who completed their qualification through distance education or part-time study should check the official advertisement carefully.
Work Experience Restrictions
Candidates who have completed one year or more of job experience or training after obtaining their essential qualification are not eligible under the stated conditions.
Candidates with less than one year of experience must still satisfy all other eligibility requirements.
Candidates with Higher Qualifications
The notification details provided state that candidates with higher qualifications are not eligible. Applicants should carefully review this restriction and confirm how it applies to their academic background before applying.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Age Limit
The minimum age required to apply is 18 years.
The maximum age limit and any applicable relaxations are governed by the relevant provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961, the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 and applicable apprenticeship scheme guidelines.
A specific maximum age figure has not been provided in the recruitment details available here. Candidates should consult the official notification for clarification.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Stipend
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend throughout the apprenticeship training period.
| Apprenticeship Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | ₹12,300 |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | ₹10,900 |
The training duration is 01 year, beginning from the execution of the apprenticeship contract.
This stipend is provided for apprenticeship training. It is not the salary of a permanent DRDO employee and completion of training does not guarantee a permanent government job.
Check Your Age Before Applying
Before submitting the application, candidates should verify that they meet the prescribed age requirements. Use our Age Calculator to calculate your exact age in years, months and days based on the age cut-off date mentioned in the official notification.
Tip: Enter your Date of Birth and the exact “Age as on” cut-off date specified in the official notification. Do not use today’s date or the application closing date unless the notification specifically instructs you to do so.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Selection Process 2026
Selection may be based on a written test, a personal interview or both, depending on the shortlisting method determined by ITR.
The selection process may include the following stages:
- Screening and shortlisting of applications.
- Written test, personal interview or both, as decided by ITR.
- Verification of educational certificates and other supporting documents.
- Submission of a Medical Fitness Certificate at the time of joining.
- Execution of the apprenticeship contract for selected candidates.
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
Candidates should regularly check the official DRDO website and their registered email address for interview information, call letters and other recruitment updates. They are responsible for downloading and printing any required call letters or admit cards.
Practice & Improve Your Skills
Prepare for your exam with typing tests, mock tests, GK quizzes, reasoning puzzles and speed challenges. Regular practice can help you improve your speed, accuracy and confidence before the exam.
How to Apply
The application process is offline. Candidates must prepare the prescribed application form and send it with the required documents through Speed Post or Registered Post.
- Visit the official DRDO website & look for the ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 advertisement bearing the number ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026.
- Download the application form.
- Complete NATS registration. Register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal, if you have not already done so, and keep your enrollment number ready.
- Fill in the application form. Prepare the application in the prescribed format. According to the stated instructions, handwritten entries are not accepted except for the signature.
- Attach supporting documents. Include self-attested photocopies of the certificates, mark sheets, identity proof and other documents required by the notification.
- Sign the application and attach a recent passport-size photograph as instructed in the prescribed form.
- Place the completed application and supporting documents inside a sealed envelope. Clearly mention the apprenticeship category and subject or discipline on the envelope.
- Dispatch the application through Speed Post or Registered Post to the address given below.
- Retain a copy of the application and postal receipt for future reference.
Documents Required
Prepare the self-attested photocopies specified in the official notification and application form.
The documents may include:
- Class 10 certificate and mark sheet.
- Class 12 certificate and mark sheet, where applicable.
- Diploma certificate and mark sheets, for diploma candidates.
- B.E./B.Tech degree certificate and mark sheets, where applicable.
- BBA, B.Com or B.Lib.Sc certificate and mark sheets, as applicable.
- Caste certificate, where applicable.
- Valid identity proof.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Any additional documents specifically requested in the advertisement.
The application form may also require your date of birth, nationality, category, address, email address, contact number and NATS enrollment number.
Candidates with CGPA: Enter the qualifying examination marks as a percentage, following your university’s prescribed CGPA-to-percentage conversion rules. Keep the relevant conversion details available for verification if required.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Application Address
Send the completed application to the following address:
The Director
Integrated Test Range (ITR)
Chandipur, Balasore
Odisha – 756025
Write the following on the envelope, filling in the correct details:
Application for Apprenticeship Training: Category ______ & Subject/Discipline ______
Mention whether you are applying for the Graduate Apprentice or Technician (Diploma) Apprentice category and enter your relevant discipline.
Prepare Your Photo, Signature & Thumb Impression
Before uploading your documents, make sure your photograph, signature and thumb impression meet the size, dimensions and file-size requirements mentioned in the official recruitment notification.
You can use the free IndianJobsHub Image Tools to resize, crop, compress and prepare your images for online application forms.
Available tools include:
- Image Compressor – Reduce an image to the required KB size.
- Photo Resizer – Resize and prepare your photograph according to the required dimensions and file size.
- Signature Resizer – Crop, resize and compress your signature for online applications.
- Thumb Impression Tool – Prepare and compress your left thumb impression.
- Passport Photo Maker – Create a passport-size photo for applications.
Can You Apply Online or by Email?
No online or email submission option is specified in the recruitment details provided. The prescribed method is to submit the physical application through Speed Post or Registered Post.
NATS registration is a separate requirement. Registering on the NATS portal does not replace sending the application form and supporting documents to ITR Chandipur.
Is NATS Registration Mandatory?
Yes. According to the stated eligibility conditions, candidates must register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal and provide their enrollment number in the application form.
Candidates who have not completed the required registration risk rejection of their applications.
Is DRDO ITR Apprenticeship a Permanent Government Job?
No. This recruitment is for a 12-month apprenticeship training programme, not for direct appointment to a permanent DRDO post.
The stated notification conditions clarify that ITR is not obligated to provide employment after the apprenticeship is completed.
Candidates should therefore consider this opportunity as a fixed-duration training programme rather than a guaranteed permanent government job.
Who Should Apply for DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
This recruitment may be suitable for recent graduates & diploma holders who want to gain practical training experience at a DRDO laboratory.
Candidates from eligible engineering, computer science, electronics, administration, commerce & library science backgrounds can consider applying if they meet the prescribed requirements.
Before sending your application, check these three things:
- Qualification: Is your exact degree, diploma or discipline eligible?
- Passing year & experience: Did you pass in an eligible year & do you satisfy the work experience restrictions?
- Application readiness: Have you completed the required NATS registration & prepared all supporting documents?
Make sure your application reaches ITR Chandipur before the deadline.
Important Instructions for Applicants
Before applying, candidates should also note the following conditions mentioned in the recruitment details:
- Official correspondence and offer letters for selected candidates will be sent through email.
- Travel allowance or daily allowance (TA/DA) will not be provided for attending the selection process.
- Government accommodation, hostel facilities and transport will not be provided during selection or training.
- PwBD eligibility is subject to the designated trades and applicable apprenticeship rules.
- Reservation provisions will be applied according to the relevant Act and Rules.
- Incorrect information or attempts to influence the selection process may lead to disqualification.
Read the complete official notification to understand all applicable terms and conditions.
Important Links
| Link | Action |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | View & Download Here |
| NATS Registration Portal | Register Here |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
💡 Quick Tip while you apply:
Waiting for the official link to open? 📝 Take a 3-minute GK Quiz Break to test your knowledge while you wait!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
According to the recruitment details provided, there are 54 vacancies: 32 Graduate Apprentice posts and 22 Technician (Diploma) Apprentice posts.
The last date for the application to reach ITR Chandipur is 2 November 2026.
Graduate Apprentices will receive ₹12,300 per month, while Technician (Diploma) Apprentices will receive ₹10,900 per month.
The apprenticeship training period is 12 months.
Candidates who passed their qualifying examination in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 may be eligible, subject to all other conditions.
