DRDO’s Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, wants 54 apprentices for a one-year training stint, and the seats reach well beyond engineering: library science, BBA, B.Com, safety engineering and cinematography are all on the list. There is no online form. You type your application, attach self-attested copies of your documents (copies you sign yourself to say they are true), and post it so that it reaches ITR by 02.11.2026. This is a training contract, not a regular government job.
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Recruitment Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Graduate Apprentice and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice |
| Organization | Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence |
| Notification / Advertisement No. | Advt. No. ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026 |
| Location | Odisha – Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha-756025 |
| Total Vacancies | 54 (Graduate Apprentice 32, Technician Apprentice 22) |
| Qualification | Graduate seats: B.E/B.Tech, B.Lib.Sc, BBA or B.Com. Technician seats: Diploma in the listed branches |
| Age Limit | Minimum 18 years; maximum age as per the Apprentices Act, 1961 and NATS 2.0 / NAPS rules (no figure given) |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting → Written Test and/or Personal Interview → Document Verification → Apprenticeship Contract |
| Stipend | Rs 12,300 per month (Graduate) / Rs 10,900 per month (Technician) |
| How to Apply | Offline only – typed form by Speed Post or Registered Post |
| Official Notification | Download Notification PDF |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | Not specified in notification |
| Application Start Date | Not specified in notification |
| Last Date (application must reach ITR) | 02.11.2026 |
| Written Test / Interview Date | Not announced yet – to be shared on the website and by e-mail |
| Training Period | 12 months from signing of the apprenticeship contract |
Application Fee
The notification does not mention any application fee.
Vacancy Details
The notification says the seat numbers are only a guide and can change later. ITR can also raise or cut the number of seats. No category-wise (UR, OBC, SC, ST) split is given.
Graduate Apprentice (stipend Rs 12,300 per month)
| Degree | Branch / Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| B.E / B.Tech | Computer Science group (9 branches, listed below) | 08 |
| B.E / B.Tech | Electronics group (13 branches, listed below) | 08 |
| B.E / B.Tech | Electrical Engineering | 02 |
| B.E / B.Tech | Mechanical Engineering | 01 |
| B.E / B.Tech | Aerospace Engineering | 01 |
| B.E / B.Tech | Safety Engineering | 02 |
| B.Lib.Sc | Library Science | 02 |
| BBA | Administration / HR | 04 |
| B.Com | Financial Accounting / Cost Accounting | 04 |
| Total | 32 |
Technician (Diploma) Apprentice (stipend Rs 10,900 per month)
| Qualification | Branch / Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Computer Science group (9 branches, listed below) | 08 |
| Diploma | Electronics group (13 branches, listed below) | 08 |
| Diploma | Electrical Engineering | 02 |
| Diploma | Cinematography | 02 |
| Diploma | Medical Laboratory Technology | 02 |
| Total | 22 |
Branches covered by the two big groups (the same list applies to both B.E / B.Tech and Diploma seats)
| Computer Science group | Electronics group |
|---|---|
| Computer Science and Engineering | Electronics Engineering |
| Computer Science | Electronics and Tele-Communication Engineering |
| Communication and Computer Engineering | Instrumentation Technology |
| Computer Science and Information Technology | Electrical and Electronics Engineering |
| Computer Science and System Engineering | Electronics and Communication Engineering |
| Computer Technology | Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering |
| Information Technology | Applied Electronics and Instrumentation |
| Information and Communication Technology | Electronics and Instrumentations Control Engineering |
| Information Science and Engineering | Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering |
| – | Electronics and Computer Engineering |
| – | Instrumentation and Electronics Engineering |
| – | Electronics (Robotics) |
| – | Embedded System |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E / B.Tech in the listed branches, or B.Lib.Sc, BBA or B.Com (see Vacancy Details) |
| Technician Apprentice | Diploma in the listed branches, Cinematography or Medical Laboratory Technology |
| NATS Registration | Register on nats.education.gov.in, the government apprentice portal. Unregistered candidates are likely to be rejected |
| Year of Passing | 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026. Anyone who passed before 2022 is not eligible |
| Mode of Study | You must have passed the qualifying exam as a regular student |
| Higher Qualification | Candidates with a higher qualification than the one asked for cannot apply |
| Work Experience | Not eligible if you have done a year or more of training or a job after getting the qualification |
| Age Limit | Minimum 18 years. Maximum age and relaxation follow the Apprentices Act and NATS / NAPS rules; no figure is given |
| PwBD Candidates | Open only for the trades marked for them under the Apprenticeship Rules 1992. PwBD means persons with benchmark disabilities |
| Nationality | Indian |
In short: you must have passed in 2022 or later as a regular student, with under a year of work or training since, and your NATS registration has to be done before you apply.
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Shortlisting | ITR can use its own method to shortlist. It does not have to call everyone who meets the minimum conditions |
| 2. Written Test and/or Interview | Only shortlisted candidates are called for a written test, interview or both. No marks, duration or syllabus is given |
| 3. Document Verification | Documents are checked before the contract is made. Any mismatch with the required qualification means rejection |
| 4. Medical Fitness Certificate | Selected candidates hand it in when they join |
| 5. Apprenticeship Contract | The 12-month training starts when the contract is signed. Reservation follows the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Rules 1992 |
In short: a complete application gets you into the pool, and ITR then decides who to call for a test or interview. Meeting the basic conditions does not guarantee a call.
Stipend and Benefits
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice Stipend | Rs 12,300 per month |
| Technician Apprentice Stipend | Rs 10,900 per month |
| Training Period | 12 months |
| Job After Training | ITR is not bound to offer any job once the training ends |
| Stay and Travel | No quarters, hostel or transport is given. No TA/DA (travel and daily allowance) at any stage of selection |
In plain terms, this is a paid one-year training placement. A stipend is a fixed monthly training allowance, and you will have to arrange your own stay near Chandipur.
How to Apply
- Register on nats.education.gov.in if you have not already. The form asks for your NATS enrolment number.
- Take the application form (Annexure-A) from the last pages of the official notification. A Word (.docx) copy is also on drdo.gov.in. Type it in capital letters and stick a recent passport-size photo on it.
- Write your marks as a percentage. If you have a CGPA, convert it using your university rules.
- Attach self-attested photocopies of your 10th, 12th, Diploma (if any) and B.Tech / BBA / B.Com marksheets and certificates, your caste certificate and an identity proof. Tick them off in the enclosure list on the form.
- Put everything in a sealed envelope and write on it: Application for Apprenticeship Training: Category ____ and Subject/Discipline ____.
- Send it by Speed Post or Registered Post to The Director, Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha-756025, so that it reaches by 02.11.2026.
Note: only Speed Post or Registered Post is accepted. Keep a copy of your application for your own record.
Documents Required
| Document | Format / Notes |
|---|---|
| Application Form (Annexure-A) | Typed and signed, with a recent passport-size photograph. Handwriting is not accepted, except your signature |
| 10th Certificate and Marksheet | Self-attested photocopy |
| 12th Certificate and Marksheet | Self-attested photocopy |
| Diploma Certificate and Marksheet | Self-attested photocopy (if you hold a diploma) |
| Degree Certificate and Marksheet | B.E/B.Tech, BBA, B.Com or B.Lib.Sc. Self-attested photocopy; marks in percentage |
| Caste Certificate | Self-attested photocopy |
| Identity Proof | Self-attested photocopy |
The notification does not give size or format rules for the photograph.
Important Links
| Item | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification (PDF) | Download Notification PDF |
| Official Website and Application Form | drdo.gov.in |
| NATS Registration | nats.education.gov.in |
| Telegram Channel | Join Telegram Channel |
| WhatsApp Channel | Join WhatsApp Channel |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the NATS registration. The notification says candidates who are not registered are likely to be rejected.
- Posting it on the last day. The form has to reach ITR by 02.11.2026, so send it a week or more before.
- Handwriting the form. It must be typed, and only your signature can be handwritten.
- Writing a CGPA instead of a percentage. Convert it before you fill in the marks.
- Using ordinary post or a courier. Only Speed Post or Registered Post is accepted.
- Calling or asking people to push your case. Canvassing of any kind cancels your candidature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply?
Your application must reach ITR Chandipur by 02.11.2026, sent by Speed Post or Registered Post.
How many seats are there?
There are 54 seats: 32 for Graduate Apprentices and 22 for Technician (Diploma) Apprentices, and the number may change later.
Who can apply?
Graduates (B.E/B.Tech, B.Lib.Sc, BBA, B.Com) and diploma holders in the listed branches who passed in 2022 to 2026 as regular students and are registered on NATS.
How much is the stipend?
Graduate Apprentices get Rs 12,300 a month and Technician Apprentices get Rs 10,900 a month, for 12 months.
Can I apply online, and is there a fee?
No, you cannot apply online: send a typed form by Speed Post or Registered Post, and the notification mentions no fee.
How will I be selected?
ITR shortlists applicants and then calls them for a written test, a personal interview or both, but it has not said which.
Will I get a job after the training?
Not automatically, because ITR is not bound to offer any job after the 12 months end.
How will I get my call letter?
Call letters and all updates come through the website and e-mail only, and no hard copy will be posted; you can also write to hrd.itr@gov.in or call 06782-272144.
Disclaimer: The information above has been compiled from the official notification for the convenience of job seekers. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before applying.






