DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Students who completed your engineering degree or polytechnic diploma and are looking to launch your career with India’s premier defense research institution, here is an exceptional opportunity for you! The Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur—a specialized establishment under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)—has officially released the recruitment notification for its 1-Year Apprenticeship Training Program 2026.
Through this recruitment drive, DRDO PXE aims to engage 50 Graduate (B.Tech) and Technician (Diploma) Apprentices. Along with gaining invaluable practical experience in cutting-edge defense technology, selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of up to ₹12,300.
Eligible candidates can submit their applications in the prescribed format on or before the closing deadline on October 12, 2026.
DRDO PXE Apprentice Notification 2026
| Recruitment Parameter | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | DRDO – Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur |
| Post Names | Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) & Technician Apprentice (Diploma) |
| Total Vacancies | 50 Posts |
| Training Duration | 1 Year (2026–2027) |
| Stipend Range | ₹10,900 to ₹12,300 per month |
| NATS Registration | Mandatory |
| Application Deadline | October 12, 2026 |
Category & Branch-Wise Vacancy Details
Vacancies are distributed across major engineering and technical fields, including specialized disciplines like Cinematography and Automobile Engineering.
| Apprentice Category | Eligible Branches | Vacancies | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) | Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, Chemical | 15 | B.E. / B.Tech degree in relevant discipline |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Civil, Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Cinematography, Automobile | 35 | 3-Year Polytechnic Diploma in relevant field |
| Total Posts | — | 50 | — |
Monthly Stipend Structure
During 1-year apprenticeship tenure, selected trainees will receive a fixed monthly stipend based on their qualification level.
- Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech): ₹12,300 per month
- Technician Apprentice (Diploma): ₹10,900 per month
Note: As per official apprenticeship rules, no additional allowances (such as HRA, TA, or DA) will be admissible during the training period.
Eligibility Criteria & Passing Year Requirement
- Passing Year Requirement: Only candidates who have completed their B.Tech or Diploma degree in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible to apply.
- NATS Registration: Applicants must be validly registered on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) official portal (
nats.education.gov.in). Candidates with prior job experience or those who have already completed an apprenticeship elsewhere are not eligible.
Selection Process
- Initial Screening: Candidates will be initial shortlisted based on the aggregate percentage of marks scored in their essential qualification (B.Tech or Diploma).
- Written Test / Interview: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a personal interview or written screening test at PXE Chandipur, Odisha.
- Final Offer: Final joining letters will be issued via email to candidates who clear the interview and document verification rounds.
How to Apply
- Ensure you have an active registration account on the NATS web portal.
- Complete the DRDO PXE official application form in the prescribed format.
- Attach self-attested copies of your educational marksheets, passing certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), and NATS registration proof.
- Submit your completed application packet to the designated DRDO PXE address so that it reaches on or before October 12, 2026.
- Ensure your provided email ID and contact number remain active throughout the recruitment cycle for official call letters.
