Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India’s premier defense R&D agency under the Ministry of Defence, has announced its official notification for DRDO Recruitment. This technical engagement drive offers premier trade apprenticeship opportunities across various DRDO laboratories and research establishments. If you hold a valid ITI trade qualification and wish to gain practical experience in defense research labs, this comprehensive guide provides eligibility rules, trade seats, and online application guidelines curated by Info-ITI.
📊 DRDO Recruitment: Core Highlights
Review the essential details of the DRDO ITI trade apprenticeship recruitment in the summary table below:
| Organization Name | Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Defence (Government of India) |
| Post Designation | ITI Trade Apprentice |
| Selection Mode | Merit Basis / Technical Interview |
| Application Mode | Online Application Portal (NAPS / RAC) |
| Job Location | DRDO Labs across India (ADE, GTRE, ARDE, DLRL, etc.) |
| Official Portal | apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
🔢 Trade-Wise Vacancy & Eligible Disciplines
DRDO engages ITI apprentice jobs in defense research across multiple mechanical, electrical, and electronic branches. Trainees working in defense research labs learn high-precision testing alongside strict adherence to occupational health and safety guidelines.
| Designated ITI Trade | Minimum Qualification Required |
| Fitter | 10th Pass + ITI in Fitter Trade (NCVT/SCVT) |
| Electrician | 10th Pass + ITI in Electrician Trade (NCVT/SCVT) |
| Machinist / Turner | 10th Pass + ITI in Machinist or Turner Trade |
| Electronic Mechanic | 10th Pass + ITI in Electronic Mechanic Trade |
| COPA (Computer Operator) | 10th Pass + ITI in COPA Trade |
| Welder / Sheet Metal Worker | 8th/10th Pass + ITI in Welder Trade |
🎓 DRDO Trade Apprentice Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must carefully check the official DRDO trade apprentice eligibility criteria established by research laboratories prior to applying:
1. Academic Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 10th (Matriculation) under the 10+2 system along with a regular ITI National Trade Certificate (NCVT or SCVT recognized). Trainees skilled in precision tools like the micrometer and vernier caliper perform exceptionally well during lab practical assessments.
2. Age Limit: The minimum age limit is 18 years, while the upper age limit is 27 years for Unreserved / EWS candidates as of the cut-off date.
3. Category Relaxations: Upper age relaxations apply as per central government directives: 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), 5 years for SC/ST candidates, and up to 10 years for PwBD applicants.
📋 Selection Method & Merit Calculation
Selection for DRDO Recruitment apprentice seats is conducted through a transparent evaluation process:
1. Academic Merit Screening: Initial shortlisting is prepared based on the marks obtained in the qualifying ITI trade examination.
2. Personal Interaction / Interview (If Applicable): Specific DRDO labs may conduct a basic technical interaction or trade test to evaluate fundamental domain knowledge.
3. Document Verification & Medical Checkup: Shortlisted candidates present original academic mark sheets, caste certificates, and photo ID at the respective DRDO establishment.
📥 Download DRDO Apprentice Notification PDF
Candidates are strongly advised to read the DRDO apprentice notification PDF download circular published by the respective DRDO laboratory. The PDF file contains details regarding lab-specific trade vacancies, stipend rates, and submission deadlines.
📄 DRDO Official Apprenticeship Portal & Notification
Access the official NAPS / DRDO portal to check active laboratory notifications and submit your application online.
🌐 Apply via Official NAPS Portal📝 Step-by-Step How to Apply Online
Follow these steps to complete the DRDO ITI apprentice apply online process smoothly:
Step 1: Register on NAPS Portal: Visit the official Apprenticeship India Portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) and complete 100% profile e-KYC.
Step 2: Search DRDO Establishment: Go to ‘Apprenticeship Opportunities’, search for the specific DRDO laboratory name (e.g., Armament Research and Development Establishment – ARDE or Gas Turbine Research Establishment – GTRE).
Step 3: Select Trade & Apply: Choose your relevant ITI trade, upload scanned copies of your 10th mark sheet, ITI trade certificate, and photo ID.
Step 4: Final Confirmation: Click ‘Apply for This Opportunity’ (no application fee is charged for DRDO drives) and download a copy of your application receipt.
💬 Candidate Helpdesk, Feedback & Discussion
Do you have questions regarding DRDO lab eligibility, stipend rates, or NAPS portal registration errors? Facing difficulty during form submission?
Leave your queries and feedback in the Comment Section below! The technical team at Info-ITI reviews candidate questions daily to provide step-by-step guidance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the monthly stipend for DRDO ITI Trade Apprentices?
The monthly stipend ranges between ₹7,000 and ₹8,050 per month as per central government NAPS apprenticeship guidelines.
Is there any application fee for DRDO ITI Recruitment?
No, there is no application fee. Registration and form submission on the NAPS portal are 100% free for all categories.
Can SCVT certificate holders apply for DRDO apprenticeships?
Yes, candidates holding recognized NCVT or SCVT National Trade Certificates are eligible to apply across most DRDO lab drives.
🎯 Conclusion & Career Opportunities
The DRDO Recruitment drive presents an exceptional platform for ITI trade holders to gain world-class research and defense manufacturing experience. You can also explore similar defense recruitment guides like our MIL Recruitment Guide to expand your job prospects.
Preparing for upcoming ITI trade exams or PSU competitive tests? Visit the Info-ITI homepage to access free online NIMI trade theory mock tests, study materials, and technical guides!