Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, Balasore, a DRDO establishment under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has invited applications for a one-year Apprenticeship Training Programme for Graduate and Technician Apprentices. A total of 50 vacancies are available in different engineering disciplines. The official DRDO vacancy page confirms Advertisement No. PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27, published on 23 September 2026, with the application period ending on 12 October 2026.
Eligible candidates with the required B.Tech or Diploma qualification can apply through the prescribed application form. The application must be typed and sent through Speed Post/Registered Post only to PXE, Chandipur.
DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Establishment | Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE) |
| Recruitment | Apprenticeship Training |
| Training Duration | 1 Year |
| Total Vacancies | 50 |
| Apprentice Categories | Graduate Apprentice & Technician Apprentice |
| Qualification | B.Tech / Diploma |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Application Start Date | 23 September 2026 |
| Last Date | 12 October 2026 |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting + Written Test/Interview |
| Job Location | Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha |
Vacancy Details
Graduate Apprentice – B.Tech
| Discipline / Branch | Essential Qualification | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics & Communication | B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering | 4 |
| Mechanical | B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering | 4 |
| Computer Science | B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering | 5 |
| Chemical | B.Tech in Chemical Engineering | 2 |
| Total | 15 |
Technician Apprentice – Diploma
| Discipline / Branch | Essential Qualification | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Civil | Diploma in Civil Engineering | 10 |
| Computer Science | Diploma in Computer Science Engineering | 5 |
| Electronics & Communication | Diploma in Electronics & Communication Engineering | 5 |
| Mechanical | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering | 8 |
| Chemical | Diploma in Chemical Engineering | 1 |
| Electrical | Diploma in Electrical Engineering | 2 |
| Cinematography | Diploma in Cinematography Engineering | 2 |
| Automobile | Diploma in Automobile Engineering | 2 |
| Total | 35 |
Total Vacancies: 50
Educational Qualification
Graduate Apprentice
Candidates must have the relevant B.Tech qualification in one of the following disciplines:
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Technician Apprentice
Candidates must have the relevant Diploma qualification in:
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Cinematography Engineering
- Automobile Engineering
The qualification must correspond to the discipline/branch against which the candidate applies.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should carefully check the following conditions mentioned in the notification:
- Candidates for Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice positions must register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal.
- A valid NATS Enrollment Number is required.
- Applications from non-registered candidates or candidates with an invalid Enrollment Number will be rejected.
- Only candidates who passed their respective courses in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible.
- Candidates with post-graduation degrees will not be considered for selection.
- The essential qualification must have been completed through regular mode.
- Graduate/Diploma holders who have undergone training or job experience for one year or more after obtaining the essential qualification will not be considered.
- Applicable reservation provisions will be followed as per the Apprenticeship Act and Apprenticeship Rules.
- Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS categories must produce the required certificate issued by the competent authority during document verification.
Apprenticeship Training Duration
The selected candidates will undergo one year of apprenticeship training.
Candidates selected for apprenticeship training must execute a contract for the one-year training period according to the provisions of the Apprenticeship Act and applicable rules.
Stipend
The notification provides the following monthly stipend:
| Apprentice Category | Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) | ₹12,300/month |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | ₹10,900/month |
Selection Process
The selection process mentioned in the notification is:
Application Screening → Shortlisting → Written Test/Interview → Selection
The Selection Board of PXE will examine the applications and shortlist candidates based on the percentage of marks secured in the essential qualification.
Shortlisted candidates will be called for a Written Test/Interview, which will be held at PXE, Chandipur.
After the interview, selected candidates will receive the joining letter through email only.
How to Apply
Candidates have to apply using the prescribed application form available through the DRDO website.
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the official DRDO website.
- Download the application form for PXE Apprentice Training.
- Fill in the application form by typing only.
- Select the appropriate apprentice category and discipline/branch.
- Enter your NATS Enrollment Number and other required details.
- Enter your educational qualification details carefully.
- Attach the required documents.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph.
- Sign the application form.
- Check all details before sending it.
- Send the completed application through Speed Post/Registered Post only.
- Make sure the application reaches PXE on or before 12 October 2026.
Important Handwritten application forms will be rejected.
Documents to Attach
According to the application form, candidates should enclose:
- Mark sheets of the essential qualification
- Reservation certificate, if applicable
The application form also requires candidates to provide their NATS Enrollment Number, Aadhaar number, educational qualification details, contact details and other personal information.
Application Address
The completed application should be sent 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
Important Instructions
- Only eligible candidates should apply.
- NATS registration is mandatory.
- A valid NATS Enrollment Number must be provided.
- Only candidates passing their respective courses in 2022 to 2026 are eligible.
- Post-graduation degree holders are not considered.
- The essential qualification must be completed through regular mode.
- Candidates with one year or more training/job experience after obtaining the essential qualification are not considered.
- Selected candidates must execute a one-year apprenticeship training contract.
- Suppression of facts can lead to disqualification.
- PXE reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of vacancies.
- Canvassing or personal follow-up intended to influence the selection process can result in cancellation of candidature.
- PXE reserves the right to withdraw or cancel the advertisement/selection process if required.
- PXE will not provide accommodation or transport during the training period.
- No TA/DA will be provided for joining or attending the interview.
- All correspondence, including the offer letter if selected, will be communicated through email only.
- Candidates are responsible for checking their email, including spam/bulk folders.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 23 September 2026 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Application | 12 October 2026 |
Important Links
| Notification PDF | Click Here |
| NATS Portal | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| More Odisha Govt Jobs | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
There are 50 apprenticeship vacancies: 15 Graduate Apprentice posts and 35 Technician Apprentice posts.
What is the qualification for Graduate Apprentice?
Candidates need the relevant B.Tech qualification in Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Computer Science or Chemical Engineering.
What is the qualification for Technician Apprentice?
Candidates need the relevant Diploma qualification in the disciplines mentioned in the vacancy table.
What is the stipend for Graduate Apprentices?
The stipend is ₹12,300 per month.
What is the stipend for Technician Apprentices?
The stipend is ₹10,900 per month.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date for receipt of the application is 12 October 2026.
Is NATS registration mandatory?
Yes. Candidates applying for Graduate and Technician Apprentice positions must register on the NATS portal and have a valid Enrollment Number.