DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Offline for 50 Posts

DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview & Key Opportunities

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially released the notification for the engagement of Graduate and Technician Apprentices at its Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE) in Chandipur, Odisha. This recruitment drive, advertised under Advt. No. PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27, offers a total of 50 apprenticeship positions for aspiring engineering graduates and diploma holders. The DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for candidates seeking hands-on training in a premier defence research laboratory. The engagement is purely for a one-year training period under the Apprentices Act, 1961, and does not confer any right to regular employment. However, it provides invaluable experience and a stipend of up to ₹12,300 per month. The application process is entirely offline, requiring candidates to download the form from the official DRDO website, fill it by typing, and send it via Speed Post or Registered Post. The last date for receipt of applications is 12 October 2026. This article provides a comprehensive guide covering eligibility, vacancy details, stipend, selection process, and step-by-step application instructions. Candidates who have completed their B.Tech or Diploma in relevant disciplines between 2022 and 2026 and are registered on the NATS portal are eligible to apply. This is an excellent chance to gain practical exposure at a DRDO establishment known for its work in proof and experimental testing of defence systems. With a limited number of vacancies and a simple selection process based on academic merit and a written test/interview, interested candidates should prepare their applications carefully and ensure timely submission. The DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is ideal for fresh graduates looking to kickstart their careers in the defence sector.

DRDO PXE Apprentice Notification Highlights 2026

The official notification for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 has been published, outlining key details for interested candidates. Here is a quick summary of the important highlights:

• Organisation: Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur – Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence.
• Advertisement No.: PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27.
• Engagement Type: One-year Apprenticeship Training under the Apprentices Act 1961 (as amended).
• Post Names: Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) and Technician Apprentice (Diploma).
• Total Vacancies: 50 (15 Graduate Apprentice + 35 Technician Apprentice).
• Location: Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha – 756025.
• Application Mode: Offline only – downloaded form, typed entries, sent by Speed Post/Registered Post.
• Last Date to Apply: 12 October 2026 (application must be received by post).
• Stipend: ₹12,300 per month for Graduate Apprentice; ₹10,900 per month for Technician Apprentice.
• Selection Process: Shortlisting based on percentage of marks in essential qualification, followed by Written Test/Interview.
• Official Website: drdo.gov.in.

Candidates are advised to read the full notification carefully before applying. The application form must be typed, not handwritten, and sent only via Speed Post or Registered Post. There is no online application portal or email submission route.

About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is the premier research and development wing of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Established in 1958, DRDO is dedicated to enhancing the self-reliance and combat effectiveness of the Indian Armed Forces through indigenous technology and innovative defence systems. With a network of over 50 laboratories and establishments across the country, DRDO works on a wide spectrum of technologies, including aeronautics, armaments, electronics, combat vehicles, engineering systems, instrumentation, missiles, advanced computing, and simulation. The Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), located in Chandipur, Odisha, is a key DRDO laboratory responsible for proof and experimental testing of various defence systems, including missiles, ammunition, and armaments. Working at PXE offers apprentices a unique opportunity to learn from experienced scientists and engineers in a dynamic, high-tech environment. The organisation is committed to fostering young talent through apprenticeship programs, providing them with practical exposure and skill development. As an apprentice at DRDO PXE, candidates will contribute to real-world projects while gaining insights into cutting-edge defence technology. The work culture at DRDO is collaborative, innovative, and focused on national security, making it an ideal place for aspiring engineers to begin their careers.

DRDO PXE Apprentice Vacancy Details & Post Breakdown 2026

The DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers a total of 50 vacancies, divided into two categories: Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) and Technician Apprentice (Diploma). The distribution of vacancies across various engineering disciplines is detailed below. Candidates must ensure they apply for the discipline that matches their educational qualification. The number of vacancies may be increased or decreased at the discretion of PXE.

Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) – Discipline-wise

Technician Apprentice (Diploma) – Discipline-wise

Note: PXE reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of vacancies for apprenticeship engagement at its discretion.

Category-Wise Vacancy Reservation for DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026

The official notification does not provide a detailed category-wise (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwD) break-up of the 50 vacancies. Reservation is applicable as per the Apprenticeship Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, as amended. Candidates belonging to reserved categories must produce valid caste/category certificates at the time of document verification. The total vacancies are distributed across disciplines as shown in the tables above. For any updates regarding reservation, candidates should refer to the official notification or the DRDO website.

Educational Qualification & Eligibility Criteria for DRDO PXE Apprentice 2026

To be eligible for the DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet the following educational and other criteria:

Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech)

Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in the relevant discipline (Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Computer Science, or Chemical Engineering) from a recognised university/institute. The degree must have been obtained through regular mode.

Technician Apprentice (Diploma)

Candidates must hold a Diploma in the relevant discipline (Civil, Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Cinematography, or Automobile Engineering) from a recognised polytechnic/institute. The diploma must be in regular mode.

Other Eligibility Conditions

• Candidates must register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal (nats.education.gov.in). Applications from non-registered candidates or with an invalid Enrollment Number will be rejected.
• Only candidates who passed their respective course in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible.
• Candidates holding a post-graduation degree will not be considered and need not apply.
• Only candidates who completed the essential qualification through regular mode are eligible.
• Candidates with one year or more of training/job experience after acquiring the essential qualification will not be considered.
• Reservation (SC/ST/OBC/PWD/EWS) is applied as per the Apprenticeship Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, as amended; caste/category certificates must be produced at document verification.

Age Limit & Category Relaxations

The official notification for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 does not specify any minimum or maximum age limit. Eligibility is instead defined by the year of passing (2022–2026) and NATS registration. Candidates should refer to the Apprentices Act 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules for any applicable age provisions. As no age limit is mentioned, there is no provision for age relaxation. However, candidates are advised to check the official notification for any updates.

Salary Details, Pay Scale & Perks

Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend as per the Apprentices Act and DRDO norms. The stipend structure is as follows:

The engagement is for a one-year apprenticeship training only and does not confer any right to regular employment in PXE or DRDO. Apprentices are not provided accommodation or transport during training. No other allowances or perks are mentioned in the notification. The stipend is a fixed monthly amount, and apprentices are not entitled to DA, HRA, or other benefits. However, the training provides valuable experience and a certificate that can enhance future career prospects.

DRDO PXE Apprentice Selection Process & Examination Phases 2026

The selection process for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 involves the following stages:

1. Screening/Shortlisting: The Selection Board of PXE screens applications and shortlists candidates based on the percentage of marks secured in the essential qualification (B.Tech or Diploma).
2. Written Test/Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for a Written Test/Interview, which will be held at PXE, Chandipur. The written test syllabus, pattern, and marks weightage are not specified in the notification.
3. Document Verification: Candidates who qualify the written test/interview will be called for document verification. They must produce original certificates of educational qualifications, NATS registration, caste certificate (if applicable), and other relevant documents.
4. Medical Examination: Selected candidates may undergo a medical examination as per DRDO norms.
5. Offer Letter: Selected candidates will be offered a joining letter through email only. Candidates are responsible for downloading and printing the offer letter. PXE is not responsible for any loss due to an invalid/wrong email ID or delivery to spam/bulk folders.

No TA/DA will be provided for attending the written test/interview or for joining.

Application Fee Details

The official notification does not mention any application fee for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026. Candidates are not required to pay any fee. However, they may incur postal charges for sending the application via Speed Post/Registered Post. It is advisable to check the official notification for any updates regarding fees.

Important Dates & Schedule

Candidates must adhere to the following schedule for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026:

Note: The last date is for receipt of the application at PXE, Chandipur, not a portal closing date. Candidates should post their applications well in advance to allow for postal transit time. No other dates are specified in the official notification.

Required Documents for DRDO PXE Apprentice Application 2026

Candidates must enclose self-attested copies of the following documents with their application form:

• Mark sheets of the essential qualification (HSC/10th, 12th, Diploma, B.Tech, as applicable)
• NATS Enrollment Number/proof of registration
• Aadhaar card
• Reservation/caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC/PWD/EWS), if applicable, issued by the competent authority
• Recent passport-size photograph (affixed to the form)

Additionally, candidates should keep the originals ready for verification at the time of the written test/interview.

How to Apply Online

The application process for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is offline. Follow these steps:

1. Download the application form from the official website www.drdo.gov.in.
2. Fill up the form by typing only – handwritten forms will be rejected.
3. Enter all required details: Name, Apprentice Category, Discipline/Branch, NATS Enrollment No., Aadhaar No., Father's Name, Nationality, Date of Birth, Gender, Reservation Category, contact details, addresses, and educational qualification details (10th, 12th, Diploma, B.Tech as applicable) with marks/percentage.
4. Affix a recent passport-size photograph and sign the declaration.
5. Attach self-attested copies of mark sheets of the essential qualification and reservation certificate (if applicable) as enclosures.
6. Send the completed form by Speed Post/Registered Post only to: The Director, Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Defence R&D Organisation, PO- Chandipur, Dist- Balasore, Odisha- 756025 (Kind Attn. OIC, HRDC).
7. Clearly mention on the envelope: "Application for Engagement of Apprentices, Apprentice Category (Degree/Diploma) and Discipline/Branch….."
8. Ensure the application reaches PXE on or before 12 October 2026.

Important: There is no online application portal or email submission route for this recruitment. Handwritten or incomplete application forms will be rejected.

Important Instructions & Guidelines for DRDO PXE Apprentice Applicants

• Before applying, candidates should ensure they fulfil the eligibility criteria and other norms mentioned in the advertisement.
• The offer of Apprenticeship Training does not confer any right to employment in PXE or DRDO.
• Suppression of facts will lead to disqualification at any stage of selection or thereafter.
• PXE reserves the right to increase/decrease the number of vacancies.
• Canvassing or personal follow-up to influence the selection process will lead to immediate cancellation of candidature.
• PXE reserves the right to withdraw/cancel the advertisement or selection process without assigning any reason.
• Apprentices will not be provided accommodation or transport during the training period.
• No TA/DA will be provided for joining or attending the interview.
• Selected candidates must execute a one-year training contract as per the Apprentices Act, 1961 and rules framed thereunder.
• Ensure the application form is typed, not handwritten, and sent only via Speed Post/Registered Post.
• Mention the correct email ID as all correspondence will be sent via email only.

Job Location & Posting Details

The apprenticeship training will be conducted at the Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha – 756025. Candidates selected for the program will be required to report to this location for the duration of the one-year training. The application mode is offline, and candidates must send their completed forms via Speed Post/Registered Post to the address mentioned above. There is no option for online submission or email. The posting location is fixed and candidates should be willing to relocate to Chandipur, Odisha.

Final Summary & Advice for Candidates

The DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for fresh engineering graduates and diploma holders to gain hands-on experience at a premier defence research establishment. With 50 vacancies across various disciplines, this apprenticeship offers a stipend of up to ₹12,300 per month and a chance to work on cutting-edge defence projects. The selection is based on academic merit and a written test/interview, making it accessible for candidates with strong academic records. However, the application process is entirely offline, and candidates must ensure their forms are typed, complete, and sent well before the last date of 12 October 2026. It is crucial to register on the NATS portal and meet all eligibility conditions, including the year of passing (2022–2026) and regular mode of education. Candidates should carefully read the official notification, gather all required documents, and double-check their application before posting. Since there is no application fee, all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply. Prepare for the written test/interview by revising your core engineering subjects and staying updated with current affairs related to defence technology. This apprenticeship can be a stepping stone to a rewarding career in DRDO or other defence organisations. Best of luck to all aspirants!

Senior Government Jobs Editor ✓

Career Content Specialist, SEO Strategist, and Fact-Checking Writer for Sarkari Job Finders

This article has been manually researched, cross-referenced with the official notification, and structured to provide verified, candidate-centric information.

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