DRDO Apprentice Recruitment: Complete Guide to Apply with Confidence

Overview: What This Apprenticeship Offers

PXE, a Defence Research and Development Organisation establishment at Chandipur, specializes in dynamic testing and evaluation of armament systems. The advertised apprenticeship spans one year under the Apprentices Act and targets fresh engineering graduates and diploma holders ready to learn within a high-discipline environment.

Apprentices work alongside experienced engineers on test planning, instrumentation setup, data capture, and analysis. In addition, you gain structured mentoring, exposure to quality and safety protocols, and a realistic understanding of how defence R&D translates design intent into verified performance. As a result, your technical foundation becomes broader and your employability improves—both in defence and adjacent industries.

Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), DRDO, Chandipur is inviting applications for one-year Graduate and Technician (Diploma) Apprentices. This rigorous guide clarifies eligibility, vacancies, stipend, email-only application steps, shortlisting, and final selection—so you can assemble a complete, compliant dossier and submit on schedule. See the official careers page for updates. 

Key Benefits at a Glance

• • Hands-on learning in testing and evaluation for rockets, armaments, and related systems.
  • Defined monthly stipend for Graduate and Technician categories.
  • Transparent, merit-based shortlisting followed by written test/interview conducted at PXE.
  • Email-based application and correspondence, which
    simplifies timelines and document control.

Vacancy Breakdown and Stipend

PXE’s intake covers two categories—Graduate Apprentice (B.E./B.Tech) and Technician Apprentice (Diploma)—across disciplines aligned to instrumentation, data systems, and range operations.

Graduate Apprentices (B.E./B.Tech)

• • Electronics & Communication – 3 positions
  • Mechanical – 3 positions
  • Computer Science & Engineering – 4 positions
  • Stipend: ₹12,300 per month

Technician Apprentices (Diploma)

• • Civil – 10 positions
  • Computer Science – 10 positions
  • Electronics & Communication – 10 positions
  • Mechanical – 10 positions
  • Stipend: ₹10,900 per month

Total vacancies: 50. PXE may increase or decrease seats based on requirements. Importantly, selection does not confer any right to future DRDO employment; the engagement is strictly for training under the Apprentices Act.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply

To ensure fairness and to prioritize recent pass-outs, the notification prescribes clear criteria. Read them closely before preparing your documents.

Educational Qualification

• • Graduate Apprentice: B.E./B.Tech in the relevant branch (ECE, Mechanical, CSE).
  • Technician Apprentice: Diploma in the relevant branch (Civil, CSE,
    ECE, Mechanical).
  • Qualifications must be from regular mode; distance/part-time modes are not accepted.

Year of Passing and Experience

• • Only recent pass-outs from the specified passing years are eligible.
  • Candidates possessing post-graduate degrees are not considered for these categories.
  • Those having one year or more of training or job experience after the essential qualification are ineligible.

Registration Requirement

• • Graduate and Diploma applicants must register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal and possess a valid enrollment number. Applications without a valid NATS registration are rejected during screening.

Application Process: Email-Only Submission

The process is intentionally streamlined; however, it remains strict on formatting, sequencing, and deadlines. Therefore, follow every step meticulously to avoid rejection.

I. Step 1: Download and Fill the Application Form

• • Download the prescribed form from the official DRDO website.
  • Type all fields; handwritten forms are rejected without review.
  • Affix a recent passport-size photograph and sign where instructed. Use clear, dark ink for legibility on scans.

II. Step 2:

Prepare the PDF Set

• • Scan the filled application form and essential qualification mark sheets into searchable PDFs (OCR recommended for quick verification).
  • If you claim reservation, include the valid category certificate as per format.
  • Use descriptive file names (e.g., PXE_Apprentice_YourName_BTech_ECE.pdf) and verify that all pages are upright, in order, and legible.

III. Step 3: Email Your Application

• • Send the PDFs by email only to the address specified in the notification.
  • Write an accurate subject line: Apprentice Category – Discipline – Your Name.
  • Keep the sent mail, attachments, and delivery proof in your personal application log.

Important Communication Notes

• • All communication, including shortlisting and offer letters, is sent only by email.
  • PXE is not responsible for emails blocked by spam filters or mistyped addresses; therefore, double-check your email ID and monitor your spam folder throughout the cycle.

Selection Procedure: How Merit Is Assessed

PXE follows a two-stage evaluation design that balances speed with transparency.

1. 1. Shortlisting on Marks: The Selection Board reviews percentage/CGPA in the essential qualification (use the
      prescribed conversion to percentage where applicable).
   2. Written Test/Interview: Shortlisted candidates appear for assessment at PXE, Chandipur; carry valid ID and originals.
   3. Final Offer: Selected candidates receive joining instructions by email only. Originals are verified at reporting; discrepancies may lead to cancellation.

Reservation and Compliance

• • Reservation is applied as per the Apprentices Act and applicable rules.
  • Candidates claiming SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/EWS must produce valid certificates during document verification; formats and dates must match the notification.

Training Contract

• • Selected candidates execute a one-year apprenticeship contract under the Act and rules.
  • No TA/DA, accommodation, or transport is provided for interview or during training.
  • Any canvassing, false claim, or misrepresentation results in immediate cancellation of candidature.

Practical Checklist: Submit a Complete, Compliant Application

Before you hit send, confirm each point:

• • ✅ NATS registration completed; enrollment number noted on the form.
  • ✅ Application typed, signed, and recent photograph affixed; no handwriting anywhere.
  • ✅ Mark sheets and category certificate (if applicable) combined into neat, OCR-enabled PDFs.
  • ✅ File names are descriptive; total attachment size remains email-friendly.
  • ✅ Email subject and body clearly mention Apprentice Category & Discipline.
  • ✅ PXE email domain is whitelisted; spam settings reviewed.
  • ✅ A copy of the sent email and PDFs is archived with time stamps in your log.

How to Strengthen Your Shortlisting Chances

Marks drive initial shortlisting; nevertheless, presentation and clarity can significantly improve outcomes at the assessment stage.

• • Demonstrate domain readiness: In a concise cover note (email body), mention lab coursework, final-year project, tools (MATLAB, Python, CAD), and testing/instrumentation exposure.
  • Highlight safety awareness: PXE is a test-range environment; note any basics in safety, QA, or standards (e.g., ISO/IEC foundations).
  • Revise fundamentals: Expect questions across circuits, materials, mechanics, coding logic, and measurement systems. Prepare brief, structured answers.
  • Plan logistics: Indicate readiness to join at Chandipur; arrange accommodation early since none is provided.

Conclusion: Apply Early, Apply Right

PXE’s apprentice intake offers a focused route to understand defence test and evaluation from the inside. Consequently, prioritize a typed and complete application, attach OCR-enabled PDFs, and secure a valid NATS enrollment before emailing your dossier. With careful preparation and timely submission, you will approach the shortlist with confidence, clarity, and professional polish. 

Frequently Asked Questions