DRDO ITR Chandipur Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Offline for 52 Posts

Overview

The Integrated Test Range (ITR), a premier Laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) located in Chandipur, has released a notification for the DRDO ITR Chandipur Apprentice 2026. Applications are invited from eligible young and meritorious Indian nationals for the engagement of Graduate and Technician (Diploma) Apprentices. This training opportunity is offered for a period of one year under the provisions of the Apprentice Act-1961 and Apprentice Rules 1992. There are a total of 52 vacancies across various engineering and non-engineering disciplines.

Candidates who have completed their degrees or diplomas in relevant fields as regular students are eligible to apply. The application process is completely offline, and interested individuals must submit their typed applications along with necessary documents through Speed Post or Registered Post only. The last date to reach the application to the concerned authority is 02 November 2026.

Vacancy Details

There are 52 indicative vacancies available for the apprenticeship program across different categories. The seats may be increased or decreased at a later stage depending on the organization’s requirements.

Eligibility

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a B.E, B.Tech, Diploma, BBA, B.Com, or B.Lib.Sc degree in the respective disciplines.
• Year of Passing: Only candidates who have passed their qualifying degree or diploma in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 are eligible. Those who passed earlier than 2022 cannot apply.
• Mode of Education: Candidates must have completed the qualifying examination as REGULAR candidates.
• Portal Registration: It is mandatory for all B.E, B.Tech, Diploma, BBA, B.Com, and B.Lib.Sc candidates to register their names on the NATS portal (https://www.nats.education.gov.in) before applying. Non-registered candidates are likely to be rejected.
• Ineligibility: Candidates possessing higher qualifications than required are not eligible. Furthermore, those who already have one year or more of job or training experience after acquiring their essential qualification cannot apply for this apprenticeship.

Age Limit

• Minimum Age: The minimum age limit is 18 years.
• Maximum Age: The maximum age limit and relaxations are applicable as per the Apprenticeship Act-1961, Apprentices Rules 1992, and NATS 2.0 / NAPS Guidelines.

Salary and Benefits

Selected apprentices will receive a fixed monthly stipend for the one-year training duration.

• Graduate Apprentices: Rs. 12,300/- per month.
• Technician (Diploma) Apprentices: Rs. 10,900/- per month.
• Note: No transport, hostel accommodation, or government quarters will be provided by the establishment during the interview or the training period.

Important Dates

• Application Start Date: Already open
• Application Last Date: 02 November 2026
• Written Exam/Interview Date: To be notified later via Website/Email

How to Apply

The application mode is strictly offline. Both registration on the portal and sending the hard copy are compulsory steps.

1. First, eligible candidates must enroll themselves on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal at https://www.nats.education.gov.in.
2. Download the prescribed application format (Annexure-A) from the official website www.drdo.gov.in.
3. The application form must be typewritten. Handwritten applications (except for the signature) will not be accepted.
4. Attach self-attested photocopies of all educational mark sheets and certificates (10th, 12th, Diploma, Degree), caste certificate, and identity proof (like Aadhaar).
5. Place the typed application and all attached documents in a sealed envelope. Super-scribe the envelope as “Application for Apprenticeship Training: Category ……… & Subject/Discipline… …”.
6. Send the envelope via Speed Post or Registered Post only to the following address: The Director, Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha-756025.
7. Ensure the application reaches the venue on or before 02 November 2026.

Selection Process

The selection of apprentices will be determined systematically through the following stages:

• Shortlisting: ITR will shortlist candidates based on their own criteria, and fulfilling minimum requirements does not guarantee a call.
• Assessment: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a Written Test, Personal Interview, or Both. All related communications will be sent via email or the official website only; no hard copy call letters will be mailed.
• Document Verification: Credentials will be strictly verified prior to creating the contract.
• Medical Fitness: Finally, selected candidates must submit a valid “Medical Fitness Certificate” at the time of joining.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply if I passed my engineering degree in 2021?

No, only candidates who passed their qualifying degree or diploma in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible to apply.

2. Is there any online application form for DRDO ITR Apprentice?

No, candidates must type the application form in the prescribed format and send it exclusively via Speed Post or Registered Post.

3. Do I get accommodation facilities during the training?

No, the establishment will not provide any government quarters or hostel accommodations during the training period or interview time.

4. Is it compulsory to register on the NATS portal?

Yes, all candidates must register their names on the NATS portal (https://www.nats.education.gov.in), otherwise their application is likely to be rejected.

5. Will I get a permanent job in DRDO after the one-year training?

No, the apprenticeship is strictly for a 12-month period, and the organization is not obligated to offer any employment after the completion of the training.

Disclaimer: Odisha Careers is not affiliated with any government body. Please verify all details on the official notification before applying.