Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has released the DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification for 50 Graduate and Technician Apprentice posts.
Eligible candidates with B.Tech or Diploma qualifications can apply for the one-year Apprenticeship Training Programme. The application must be submitted offline through Speed Post/Registered Post and should reach PXE by 12 October 2026.
IMPORTANT ELIGIBILITY: Candidates must have passed their qualifying course during 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026, must be registered with NATS, and must not have one year or more of post-qualification training/job experience.
DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Details | Information |
| Organisation | DRDO – Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur |
| Post Names | Graduate Apprentice & Technician Apprentice |
| Total Posts | 50 |
| Age Limit | As per Apprenticeship Rules/Notification |
| Qualification | B.Tech / Diploma in relevant discipline |
| Application Fee | No fee mentioned |
| Application Mode | Offline – Speed Post/Registered Post |
| Stipend | ₹12,300 / ₹10,900 per month |
| Experience | Post-qualification experience of 1 year or more is not eligible |
| Eligibility | 2022–2026 pass-outs with valid NATS registration and prescribed qualification |
| Training Duration | 1 Year |
| Job/Training Location | PXE Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha |
Vacancy Details
| Apprentice Category | Posts |
| Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) | 15 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | 35 |
| Total | 50 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Date | September 2026 |
| Application Start | After notification publication |
| Last Date to Receive Application | 12 October 2026 |
Note: This is an offline application. Candidates should ensure that their application reaches PXE before the deadline.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Graduate Apprentice: B.Tech in the relevant engineering discipline.
- Technician Apprentice: Diploma in the relevant engineering discipline.
- Available disciplines include Electronics & Communication, Mechanical, Computer Science, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Automobile and Cinematography.
Other Eligibility Conditions
- Candidates must be registered on the NATS portal.
- Only candidates who passed the required qualification in 2022–2026 are eligible.
- Qualification must have been obtained through regular mode.
- Candidates with a postgraduate degree are not eligible.
- Candidates with one year or more post-qualification training/job experience are not eligible.
- Applicable reservation benefits will be provided as per government apprenticeship rules.
Experience – Important
No prior work experience is required for this apprenticeship. However, candidates who have already completed one year or more of training/job experience after obtaining the essential qualification are not eligible.
Stipend
| Category | Monthly Stipend |
| Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) | ₹12,300 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | ₹10,900 |
The apprenticeship is for one year and does not provide any automatic right to regular employment with DRDO/PXE.
Selection Process
Selection will be based on:
- Screening/shortlisting based on marks in the essential qualification.
- Written Test/Interview for shortlisted candidates.
- Document verification.
- Joining as per the apprenticeship terms.
How to Apply for DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates should apply through the prescribed offline application process:
- Download the application form from the official DRDO website.
- Fill the form by typing only. Handwritten applications will be rejected.
- Enter the required personal, educational and NATS registration details.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph and sign the declaration.
- Attach the required educational and category documents.
- Send the application 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).
- Clearly mention the apprentice category and discipline on the envelope.
- Ensure the application reaches PXE by 12 October 2026.
Official Application / Form
Candidates should download the prescribed application form from the official DRDO website and carefully follow the postal application instructions given in the notification.
DRDO Official Website – Application Details
Official Details PDF
Candidates should read the official notification PDF before applying. It contains the complete information about 50 vacancies, disciplines, eligibility, NATS registration, documents, selection and application instructions.
Download DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
NATS Registration
Candidates must have a valid NATS registration/enrolment number before applying for the apprenticeship.
Important Links
| Link | Details |
| Apply / Application Form | Visit DRDO Official Website |
| Details PDF | Download Official Notification |
| NATS Registration | NATS Portal |
| Official Website | DRDO Official Website |
FAQs – DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Q1. How many vacancies are available?
There are 50 Apprentice vacancies, including 15 Graduate and 35 Technician Apprentice posts.
Q2. What is the qualification?
Candidates need B.Tech for Graduate Apprentice posts or a relevant Diploma for Technician Apprentice posts.
Q3. What is the stipend?
Graduate Apprentices receive ₹12,300 per month, while Technician Apprentices receive ₹10,900 per month.
Q4. Is work experience required?
No prior experience is required. However, candidates with one year or more post-qualification training/job experience are not eligible.
Q5. Is NATS registration mandatory?
Yes. Candidates must have a valid NATS Enrollment Number/registration.
Q6. What is the last date to apply?
The application must reach PXE by 12 October 2026.
Q7. What is the application mode?
Applications must be sent offline through Speed Post/Registered Post.
Q8. Where is the apprenticeship located?
The training location is PXE, Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha.