DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply for 45 Graduate and Technician Apprentice Vacancies

DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha, has invited applications for Apprenticeship Training 2026-27. Eligible B.Tech and Diploma candidates can apply for Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice positions under the Apprentices Act.

According to Advertisement No. PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27, the apprenticeship training will be for a period of one year. The last date to submit the application is 12 October 2026.

DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview

PXE is a DRDO establishment under the Ministry of Defence and is engaged in the dynamic testing and evaluation of armament systems.

DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Vacancy

The recruitment includes vacancies for both Graduate Apprentices (B.Tech) and Technician Apprentices (Diploma).

Graduate Apprentice – B.Tech

Technician Apprentice – Diploma

Therefore, the advertisement lists 50 apprenticeship vacancies in total: 15 Graduate Apprentice vacancies and 35 Technician Apprentice vacancies. The stipend is ₹12,300 per month for Graduate Apprentices and ₹10,900 per month for Technician Apprentices.

Eligibility Criteria – DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Candidates should carefully check the eligibility conditions before applying.

Educational Qualification

For Graduate Apprentice positions, candidates must possess the relevant B.Tech qualification in the discipline mentioned in the advertisement.

For Technician Apprentice positions, candidates must possess the relevant Diploma qualification in the specified discipline.

Year of Passing

Only candidates who passed their respective courses in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible to apply.

NATS Registration

Graduate and Diploma candidates must register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal.

Candidates who are not registered or who provide an invalid NATS Enrollment Number will be rejected.

Other Important Eligibility Conditions

Candidates should note the following conditions:

• Candidates with postgraduate degrees will not be considered.
• The essential qualification must have been obtained through regular mode.
• Candidates who have completed one year or more of training or job experience after obtaining the essential qualification will not be considered.
• Applicable reservation provisions will be followed as per the Apprenticeship Act and Rules.
• Eligible reserved-category candidates must produce the required certificate during document verification.

Apprenticeship Training Duration

The selected candidates will undergo one year of apprenticeship training. Selected candidates are required to execute a contract for the one-year training period according to the Apprenticeship Act and applicable rules.

DRDO PXE Apprentice Selection Process

The selection process will be conducted by the Selection Board of PXE.

The applications will initially be scrutinized and candidates will be shortlisted based on the percentage of marks obtained in the essential qualification.

Shortlisted candidates will then be called for a Written Test/Interview at PXE, Chandipur. Candidates finally selected will receive their joining letter through email.

Selection Process – In Brief

1. Submit the apprenticeship application.
2. PXE scrutinizes applications.
3. Candidates are shortlisted based on marks in the essential qualification.
4. Shortlisted candidates attend the Written Test/Interview at PXE, Chandipur.
5. Selected candidates receive the joining letter through email.
6. Selected candidates complete the required apprenticeship contract.

How to Apply for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Candidates need to follow the application instructions given in the advertisement.

Step 1: Download the Application Form

The application form can be downloaded from the DRDO official website, www.drdo.gov.in.

Step 2: Fill the Form

The application form must be filled by typing only.

Handwritten application forms will be rejected. Candidates should make sure that all required information is complete and accurate.

Step 3: Mention the Required Details on the Envelope

Candidates should clearly mention:

“Application for Engagement of Apprentices, Apprentice Category (Degree/Diploma) and Discipline/Branch ………”

on the application envelope.

Step 4: Send the Application by Post

The completed application should be sent through Speed Post or Registered Post only to:

The Director
Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE)
Defence R&D Organisation
PO – Chandipur
Dist – Balasore
Odisha – 756025

Kind Attention: OIC, HRDC

Last Date to Apply

The last date for receipt of applications is 12 October 2026.

Candidates should ensure that their completed applications reach the establishment within the specified deadline.

Documents Required –

According to the application form, candidates need to provide details relating to their personal information, NATS enrollment, educational qualifications and reservation category.

The listed enclosures include:

• Mark sheets of the essential qualification
• Reservation certificate, if applicable
• Recent passport-size photograph

Candidates should also provide the required educational information, including year of passing, marks and percentage.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Candidates applying for the DRDO PXE apprenticeship should keep the following points in mind:

• Applications must be typed; handwritten forms will be rejected.
• Incomplete applications will be rejected.
• NATS registration is mandatory.
• An invalid or missing NATS Enrollment Number will result in rejection.
• Only candidates passing in 2022–2026 are eligible.
• Candidates with postgraduate degrees should not apply.
• The qualification must have been obtained through regular mode.
• Candidates with one year or more of training/job experience after acquiring the essential qualification are not eligible.
• Selected candidates must execute the required apprenticeship contract.
• Apprenticeship training does not provide any right to employment in PXE or DRDO.
• PXE will not provide accommodation or transport during the training period.
• No TA/DA will be provided for joining or attending the interview.
• Candidates must provide a valid email address because correspondence and offer letters will be communicated through email.

DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Important Dates

The advertisement specifies 12 October 2026 as the last date for receipt of applications but does not provide a fixed date for the written test/interview. Shortlisted candidates will be called by PXE.

DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – FAQs

How many vacancies are available in DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

The advertisement lists 50 vacancies, comprising 15 Graduate Apprentice vacancies and 35 Technician Apprentice vacancies.

What is the stipend for Graduate Apprentices?

Graduate Apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of ₹12,300.

What is the stipend for Technician Apprentices?

Technician Apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of ₹10,900.

What is the last date to apply?

The last date for receipt of the application is 12 October 2026.

Is NATS registration required?

Yes. Candidates must register on the NATS portal, and candidates without valid registration/enrollment details will be rejected.

Can candidates with postgraduate degrees apply?

No. The advertisement states that candidates with postgraduate degrees will not be considered for selection.

Is there any age limit mentioned in the advertisement?

The provided advertisement text does not specify an age limit. Candidates should rely on the official advertisement for all applicable eligibility conditions.

Will apprenticeship guarantee a job in DRDO?

No. The advertisement specifically states that apprenticeship training does not confer any right to employment in PXE or DRDO.

Conclusion

DRDO Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, has announced apprenticeship opportunities for eligible B.Tech and Diploma candidates in multiple engineering disciplines. The one-year training programme includes Graduate and Technician Apprentice positions with monthly stipends of ₹12,300 and ₹10,900 respectively.

Eligible candidates should complete the typed application form, ensure NATS registration, attach the required documents and send the application by Speed Post or Registered Post before 12 October 2026.

Candidates are advised to carefully read the official advertisement and verify their eligibility before submitting the application.