DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Offline for 50 Graduate & Technician Vacancies
Are you an engineering graduate or diploma holder looking to launch your career with one of India’s premier defence research establishments? The Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), a flagship laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has officially announced its recruitment drive for the financial year 2026–27 (Advertisement No. PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27).
This recruitment process offers a total of 50 Apprenticeship Training vacancies across various engineering branches for both Graduate Apprentices (B.Tech) and Technician Apprentices (Diploma). The training period is for one full year under the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961 (as amended).
What is DRDO PXE Chandipur?
The Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE) located at Chandipur in Balasore district, Odisha, is a key establishment operating under DRDO. PXE serves as the nation's primary facility for the dynamic test, evaluation, and proof-firing of armaments, artillery systems, weapons, and military ammunition.
Working as an apprentice at DRDO PXE provides candidates with firsthand exposure to high-end military technology, research infrastructure, testing apparatus, and collaborative work with leading defence scientists and technical officers of India.
DRDO PXE Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Establishment / Unit | Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Advertisement Number | PXE/HRD/AT/01/2026-27 |
| Apprentice Categories | Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech) & Technician Apprentice (Diploma) |
| Total Vacancies | 50 Posts |
| Tenure / Duration | 01 Year (12 Months) |
| Mode of Application | Offline (Speed Post / Registered Post ONLY) |
| Typing Mandate | Form must be TYPED only (Handwritten forms rejected) |
| Portal Registration Mandate | National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) Portal |
| Official Website | https://www.drdo.gov.in |
| Last Date for Receipt of Form | 12 October 2026 |
Detailed Vacancy Breakdown & Monthly Stipend
1. Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech / B.E.)
- Monthly Stipend: ₹12,300/- per month
- Educational Qualification: B.Tech degree in the relevant engineering branch from a recognized university through regular mode.
| Discipline / Branch | Vacancies | Essential Qualification Required |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics & Communication Engg. | 04 | B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engg. |
| Mechanical Engineering | 04 | B.Tech in Mechanical Engg. |
| Computer Science & Engineering | 05 | B.Tech in Computer Science & Engg. |
| Chemical Engineering | 02 | B.Tech in Chemical Engg. |
| Subtotal (Graduate) | 15 |
2. Technician Apprentice (Diploma)
- Monthly Stipend: ₹10,900/- per month
- Educational Qualification: Diploma in the relevant engineering branch from a recognized State Board of Technical Education through regular mode.
| Discipline / Branch | Vacancies | Essential Qualification Required |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 10 | Diploma in Civil Engg. |
| Computer Science & Engineering | 05 | Diploma in Computer Science Engg. |
| Electronics & Communication Engg. | 05 | Diploma in Electronics & Communication Engg. |
| Mechanical Engineering | 08 | Diploma in Mechanical Engg. |
| Chemical Engineering | 01 | Diploma in Chemical Engg. |
| Electrical Engineering | 02 | Diploma in Electrical Engg. |
| Cinematography Engineering | 02 | Diploma in Cinematography Engg. |
| Automobile Engineering | 02 | Diploma in Automobile Engg. |
| Subtotal (Technician) | 35 | |
| GRAND TOTAL | 50 |
In-Depth Eligibility Criteria
1. Passing Year Limit
Only candidates who passed their respective qualifying examinations (B.Tech or Diploma) in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible to apply. Qualifications completed prior to 2022 make the applicant ineligible.
2. Mandatory Regular Mode Education
Educational qualifications must have been acquired via Regular Mode (Full-Time). Distance learning, correspondence, or part-time qualification holders are ineligible.
3. Post-Graduation Restriction
Candidates possessing Post-Graduate degrees (e.g., M.Tech, M.E., M.Sc.) will not be considered for selection and should not apply.
4. Experience & Prior Training Bar
Candidates who already have job experience or apprenticeship training for a period of one year or more after acquiring their qualification are ineligible under the Apprenticeship Act.
5. Mandatory NATS Registration
Applicants must register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal (https://www.nats.education.gov.in) and quote a valid NATS Enrollment Number.
Selection Process and Shortlisting Methodology
- Shortlisting based on Academic Marks: The Selection Board of PXE will evaluate applications and shortlist candidates based on the percentage of marks secured in their essential qualification (B.Tech or Diploma).
CGPA Formula: If university rules do not provide a formula, standard CGPA conversion applies: Percentage = CGPA × 9.5. - Written Test / Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Written Test and/or Personal Interview physically held at PXE, Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha.
- Final Offer Letter: Selected candidates will receive their official offer letter exclusively through email.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Offline Application Procedure
- Register on NATS Portal: Visit nats.education.gov.in and complete your registration to generate a NATS Enrollment Number.
- Download Official Application Form: Obtain the official application form format from drdo.gov.in.
- Type the Application Form (CRITICAL): Fill out the entire form BY TYPING ONLY on a computer. Print out the typed form and affix your signature.
WARNING: Handwritten application forms will be straightaway rejected by PXE authorities!
- Attach Required Document Enclosures: Attach self-attested photocopies of mark sheets (10th, 12th, Diploma, B.Tech) and Category/Caste certificates (SC/ST/OBC/PWD/EWS) if applicable.
- Prepare Envelope Super-scription: Clearly mention on top of the envelope:
"Application for Engagement of Apprentices, Apprentice Category (Degree/Diploma) and Discipline/Branch.........." - Dispatch via Speed Post / Registered Post: Mail your application packet to:
To,
The Director,
Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE),
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO),
PO-Chandipur, Dist-Balasore,
Odisha - 756025
(Kind Attn: OIC, HRDC)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: The last date for receipt of physical applications at PXE Chandipur via Speed Post/Registered Post is 12 October 2026.
A: No. The official notification clearly mandates that application forms must be typed only. Handwritten forms will be rejected.
A: Yes, candidates must have a valid NATS Enrollment Number registered on the NATS Portal (nats.education.gov.in).
A: Graduate Apprentices (B.Tech) receive ₹12,300/- per month, while Technician Apprentices (Diploma) receive ₹10,900/- per month.
A: No. Candidates with post-graduate degrees are not considered for selection and should not apply.
A: Only candidates who passed their qualifying exam in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible.
A: No accommodation, transport, or TA/DA will be provided by PXE during training or for attending interviews.
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