Name of Post: DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
Post Date / Update: 27 September 2026, 09:27 PM
Short Information: Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur — a premier establishment under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) — has invited offline applications for 50 apprentice seats (15 Graduate Apprentice and 35 Technician Apprentice) for one-year training under Advertisement No. PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27. The application form, filled by typing only, must be downloaded from the official DRDO website and sent by Speed Post or Registered Post so that it reaches PXE, Chandipur on or before 12 October 2026.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Number | PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27 |
| Notification Released | 23 September 2026 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Application | 12 October 2026 (application must reach PXE) |
| Written Test / Interview | To be notified by PXE via email |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | Nil (no application fee) |
Age Limit
The notification does not mention a specific age limit; the age provisions of the Apprenticeship Act 1961 and the Apprenticeship Rules 1992 apply.
Vacancy Details
| Apprentice Category | Discipline / Branch | Posts | Stipend per Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) | Electronics & Communication | 4 | Rs. 12,300 |
| Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) | Mechanical | 4 | Rs. 12,300 |
| Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) | Computer Science | 5 | Rs. 12,300 |
| Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) | Chemical | 2 | Rs. 12,300 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Civil | 10 | Rs. 10,900 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Computer Science | 5 | Rs. 10,900 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Electronics & Communication | 5 | Rs. 10,900 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Mechanical | 8 | Rs. 10,900 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Chemical | 1 | Rs. 10,900 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Electrical | 2 | Rs. 10,900 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Cinematography | 2 | Rs. 10,900 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Automobile | 2 | Rs. 10,900 |
| Total | – | 50 | – |
Eligibility Criteria
- B.Tech degree (for Graduate Apprentice) or Diploma in Engineering (for Technician Apprentice) in the discipline listed above.
- The qualifying course must have been passed in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 through regular mode only.
- Candidates holding a post-graduation degree are not eligible.
- Candidates with one year or more of training or job experience after acquiring the essential qualification are not eligible.
- Registration on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal with a valid enrolment number is mandatory; applications without it will be rejected.
- The candidate must be an Indian national.
Selection Process
- Scrutiny of applications: the Selection Board of PXE shortlists candidates on the basis of the percentage of marks secured in the essential qualification.
- Shortlisted candidates are called for a written test / interview held at PXE, Chandipur.
- Selected candidates receive the joining letter through email only.
- The official notification does not specify a negative marking scheme for the written test.
How to Apply
- Register on the NATS portal (nats.education.gov.in) as a Graduate or Technician Apprentice and note down the enrolment number.
- Download the application form from www.drdo.gov.in, attached with Advertisement No. PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27.
- Fill the form by typing only; handwritten forms will be rejected.
- Affix a recent photograph and attach all-semester marksheets and category certificate (if applicable).
- Superscribe the envelope with the apprentice category and discipline.
- Send the application by Speed Post or Registered Post only to: The Director, Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Defence R&D Organisation, PO Chandipur, Dist. Balasore, Odisha – 756025 (Kind Attn. OIC, HRDC).
- Ensure the application reaches PXE on or before 12 October 2026.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| NATS Registration Portal | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
FAQ
Q. What is the last date to apply for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The completed application must reach PXE, Chandipur by post on or before 12 October 2026.
Q. Is there any application fee?
Ans. No, there is no application fee for any category.
Q. What is the stipend for DRDO PXE apprentices?
Ans. Rs. 12,300 per month for Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) and Rs. 10,900 per month for Technician Apprentice (Diploma), for the one-year training period.
Q. Can I apply online?
Ans. No. The application form must be downloaded, filled by typing only, and sent by Speed Post or Registered Post; courier, email and hand delivery are not accepted.
Q. Is NATS registration mandatory?
Ans. Yes. Candidates must register on the NATS portal and quote a valid enrolment number in the application form.
Q. What is the selection process?
Ans. Shortlisting on the basis of marks in the essential qualification, followed by a written test / interview at PXE, Chandipur.
Q. Will I get a job at DRDO after the apprenticeship?
Ans. No. The apprenticeship does not confer any right to employment in PXE or DRDO.