DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview
Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur — a premier DRDO establishment in Odisha — has released a recruitment notification for 54 Apprentice posts under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Applications are invited for Graduate Apprentice (32 posts) and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice (22 posts) positions.
This is a 12-month training programme at ITR, Balasore, Odisha. Candidates must apply offline via Speed Post/Registered Post only — last date for receipt is 2 November 2026.
| Organization | Integrated Test Range (ITR), DRDO, Chandipur |
|---|---|
| Total Posts | 54 (Graduate: 32 + Technician Diploma: 22) |
| Location | Balasore, Odisha (ITR Chandipur) |
| Stipend | Graduate: ₹12,300/month | Technician: ₹10,900/month |
| Training Duration | 12 months |
| Apply Mode | Offline (Speed Post / Registered Post only) |
| Last Date (Receipt) | 2 November 2026 |
| No Fee | No application fee |
📄 Download Official DRDO ITR Notification PDF (drdo.gov.in)
Vacancy Details
Graduate Apprentice – 32 Posts
| Discipline | Qualification | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science / IT | B.E./B.Tech in CS/IT | 8 |
| Electronics / Instrumentation | B.E./B.Tech in ECE/Instrumentation | 8 |
| Financial / Cost Accounting | B.Com | 4 |
| Administration / HR | BBA | 4 |
| Library Science | B.Lib.Sc | 2 |
| Safety Engineering | B.E./B.Tech in Safety Engineering | 2 |
| Electrical Engineering | B.E./B.Tech in Electrical | 2 |
| Mechanical Engineering | B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical | 1 |
| Aerospace Engineering | B.E./B.Tech in Aerospace | 1 |
| Total Graduate | 32 |
Technician (Diploma) Apprentice – 22 Posts
| Discipline | Qualification | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science / IT | Diploma in CS/IT | 8 |
| Electronics / Instrumentation | Diploma in ECE/Instrumentation | 8 |
| Electrical Engineering | Diploma in Electrical Engineering | 2 |
| Cinematography | Diploma in Cinematography | 2 |
| Medical Laboratory Technology | Diploma in MLT | 2 |
| Total Technician | 22 |
Eligibility Criteria
Qualification
- Passed in 2022 or later as a regular student
- Candidates with higher qualification (e.g., B.Tech applying for Diploma posts) are NOT eligible
- Candidates with 1 year or more of prior apprenticeship/job experience after qualifying are NOT eligible
- Must be registered on NATS portal (nats.education.gov.in)
Age Limit
- Minimum: 18 years
- Maximum: As per Apprentices Act 1961 and NATS 2.0/NAPS guidelines
Nationality
- Indian nationals only
Stipend
| Post | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | ₹12,300 per month |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | ₹10,900 per month |
No hostel or transport facility is provided. Training is for 12 months at ITR Chandipur, Balasore.
How to Apply (Offline)
- Register on NATS portal at nats.education.gov.in and note your NATS Enrolment Number
- Download Annexure-A (Word format) from the DRDO official site and fill it via typing only — handwritten forms are NOT accepted (signature is exception)
- Attach self-attested copies of: degree/diploma certificate + marksheets, caste certificate (if applicable), ID proof, NATS enrolment proof
- Seal the envelope and mark: “Application for Apprenticeship Training — [Category] — [Discipline]”
- Send by Speed Post or Registered Post only — courier not accepted
- Address: The Director, Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha – 756025
- Application must be received by 2 November 2026 (not posted — receipt date)
📄 Download Official DRDO ITR Notification PDF
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 9 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Receive Application | 2 November 2026 |
| Training Start | To be intimated |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I apply online for DRDO ITR Apprentice 2026?
No. Applications must be sent offline via Speed Post or Registered Post only. NATS registration is mandatory before sending the application.
Q2. What is the stipend for DRDO ITR Graduate Apprentice?
₹12,300 per month for Graduate Apprentices and ₹10,900 per month for Technician (Diploma) Apprentices.
Q3. What is the last date to receive the application?
Application must be received by 2 November 2026 — not just posted.
Q4. Is there any application fee?
No application fee for DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026.
Q5. What happens after the apprenticeship?
This is a training engagement under the Apprentices Act, 1961 — it does NOT guarantee permanent employment with DRDO.