DRDO PXE Chandipur Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 50 Graduate & Diploma Apprentice Seats

Engineering graduates and diploma holders who passed out between 2022 and 2026 can now get one year of apprenticeship training at a DRDO establishment in Odisha. The Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, Balasore, which carries out dynamic testing and evaluation of armament systems, has released Advt. No. PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27 for 50 Graduate and Technician Apprentices. Applications go by Speed Post/Registered Post and must reach by 12 October 2026. NATS registration is compulsory.

DRDO PXE Chandipur Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Highlights

Post-wise Vacancy Details

Who Can Apply

Candidates who passed B.Tech or Diploma in the relevant branch in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026, through regular mode, and are registered on the NATS portal can apply. Postgraduates cannot apply, and those with one year or more of training or job experience after the qualification will not be considered.

Educational Qualification

• Graduate Apprentice: B.Tech in Electronics & Communication / Mechanical / Computer Science & Engineering / Chemical Engineering.
• Technician Apprentice: Diploma in Civil / Computer Science / Electronics & Communication / Mechanical / Chemical / Electrical / Cinematography / Automobile Engineering.
• The qualification must be passed in 2022-2026 through regular mode.
• Valid enrolment on the NATS portal (nats.education.gov.in) is mandatory.

Age Limit

No specific age limit is given in the advertisement; eligibility is governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961 and the Apprenticeship Rules.

Application Fee

No application fee is mentioned.

📱 Download NaukriPatra App

Salary

Selection Process

• The Selection Board shortlists candidates based on percentage of marks in the essential qualification.
• For CGPA, percentage = CGPA x 9.5, where the mark sheet does not give a percentage or formula.
• Shortlisted candidates are called for a written test/interview at PXE, Chandipur.
• Selected candidates receive the joining/offer letter by email only.
• Reservation applies as per the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules, 1992.
• Selected apprentices sign a contract for the one-year training.

Documents Required

• Application form typed (not handwritten) in the prescribed format, with a passport-size photograph
• NATS enrolment number
• Aadhaar number
• Mark sheets of the essential qualification
• Caste/reservation certificate (SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS), if applicable

Important Dates

How to Apply

1. Register on the NATS portal (nats.education.gov.in) and note your enrolment number.
2. Download the application form (on the DRDO website, www.drdo.gov.in, and attached with the advertisement).
3. Type the form (handwritten forms are rejected), paste your photo, sign it and attach mark sheets and reservation certificate.
4. Write “Application for Engagement of Apprentices, Apprentice Category (Degree/Diploma) and Discipline/Branch …” on the envelope.
5. Send it by Speed Post/Registered Post to: The Director, Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), DRDO, PO- Chandipur, Dist- Balasore, Odisha – 756025 (Kind Attn. OIC, HRDC), to reach by 12 October 2026.

Why You Should Apply

Training in a DRDO test range gives hands-on exposure to defence technology and testing that few other apprenticeships offer. The stipend is paid monthly and the certificate carries weight in PSU and private-sector hiring.

Preparation Tips

• Complete your NATS registration first – applications without a valid enrolment number are rejected.
• Type the form; handwritten applications are rejected outright.
• Use an email ID you check regularly and look in the spam folder, since all communication is by email only.
• Post early so your application reaches PXE before 12 October 2026.

Important Links

FAQs – DRDO PXE Chandipur Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Q1. How many apprentice seats are there?

50 seats: 15 Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) and 35 Technician Apprentice (Diploma).

Q2. What is the stipend?

Rs 12,300 per month for Graduate and Rs 10,900 per month for Technician Apprentices.

Q3. What is the last date?

The application must reach PXE, Chandipur, by 12 October 2026.

Q4. Which passing years are eligible?

Candidates who passed in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026.

Q5. Is NATS registration compulsory?

Yes, applications without a valid NATS enrolment number will be rejected.

Q6. How is selection done?

Shortlisting on percentage of marks, followed by a written test/interview at PXE, Chandipur.

Q7. Can I submit a handwritten form?

No, the form must be typed; handwritten forms are rejected.

Q8. Does apprenticeship guarantee a job at DRDO?

No, the training does not confer any right to employment at PXE, DRDO.