Breaking News: DRDO DRDL Announces ITI Apprentices Recruitment 2026 – Online Application Process Details Released
Hyderabad, 17 January 2026 - The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), a key facility under the prestigious Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has issued a highly anticipated official notification for the DRDO DRDL ITI Apprentices Recruitment 2026. This announcement offers a significant opportunity for young, skilled individuals across India who have completed their Industrial Training Institute (ITI) certification to join a premier national defense research establishment for a one-year apprenticeship program.
The notification details the process for filling various positions across 13 distinct trades. As a crucial component of DRDO, DRDL plays a vital role in India's missile systems development and defense technology. An apprenticeship here provides invaluable hands-on experience and a strong foundation for future career advancement in the engineering and technical sectors.
This comprehensive recruitment drive is specifically tailored for ITI pass-outs certified by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). The application process requires candidates to apply both online through the official apprenticeship portal and potentially submit an offline form directly to DRDL, ensuring a thorough selection process. Prospective candidates seeking detailed information on eligibility criteria, selection methods, and application instructions can find the complete guide on Sarkari Result All (https://www.sarkariresultall.in/).
Key Details of DRDO DRDL ITI Apprenticeship 2026
Here is a summary of the essential information regarding the DRDO DRDL ITI Apprentices Recruitment 2026 program:
| Recruitment Post Name | ITI Apprentices (13 Trades) |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) under DRDO |
| Total Number of Posts | Not Specified in the initial notification |
| Application Mode | Online via Apprenticeship India Portal & Offline Submission |
| Stipend | As per Apprentices Act, 1961 (Typically Rs. 7,700 - Rs. 8,050 per month) |
| Duration of Training | 1 Year |
| Eligibility Criteria | ITI Pass (NCVT Certified) |
| Selection Process | Merit List based on ITI marks, followed by Interview/Document Verification |
| Job Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
Understanding the DRDO DRDL Apprenticeship Opportunity
For many young technical aspirants, securing a position within an organization like DRDO DRDL is a dream. The DRDO DRDL ITI Apprentices Recruitment 2026 program is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge acquired during ITI training and the practical skills required in a cutting-edge technical environment. DRDL, situated in Hyderabad, focuses on research, design, development, and testing of complex missile systems and associated technologies for India’s armed forces. An apprentice at DRDL gets the rare chance to work alongside some of the country's top scientists and engineers, gaining experience that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
The apprenticeship under DRDO DRDL is governed by the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961. This means the program follows a structured curriculum aimed at providing comprehensive training. Upon successful completion of the one-year training period, apprentices receive a certificate of apprenticeship, which significantly boosts their future employment prospects both within government sectors and private industries. While an apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment, the experience gained and the certification from a prestigious organization like DRDO hold immense value in a competitive job market.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria for ITI Apprentices
To be eligible for the DRDO DRDL ITI Apprentices Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet specific academic and personal criteria. The primary requirement emphasizes a strong foundation in a specific trade, certified by a recognized authority.
1. Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a valid ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate. The certification must be issued by a recognized institution affiliated with the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). Candidates should have passed the ITI in one of the specific trades listed in the official notification. The program does not typically accept candidates with less than a completed ITI qualification for this specific apprenticeship post. Candidates who are still undergoing training or awaiting results are generally not eligible to apply.
2. Age Limit: The exact age criteria will be specified in the official notification, but typically for government apprenticeships under the Apprentices Act, the minimum age requirement is 18 years, and the maximum age limit is often around 24 years. Age relaxation rules apply for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) as per government guidelines. Candidates must calculate their age as on the closing date of the application period.
3. Physical Fitness: Candidates must meet certain physical standards as prescribed by the organization. The selection process usually includes a medical examination to ensure the candidate is fit enough to undertake the work involved in the apprenticeship program.
4. Past Apprenticeship History: According to the Apprentices Act, candidates who have already completed an apprenticeship or have more than one year of work experience are generally not eligible to apply for this specific apprenticeship program.
Trades Covered Under DRDO DRDL Apprenticeship 2026
The DRDO DRDL ITI Apprentices Recruitment 2026 notification mentions openings across 13 distinct trades. These trades are chosen carefully based on the technical requirements of DRDL’s research and development work. While the complete list of all 13 trades is released with the official notification, here are some of the most common trades included in DRDO/DRDL apprenticeship programs:
- Fitter: Essential for assembly, maintenance, and fabrication of mechanical components.
- Turner: Focuses on operating lathes and turning machines to create precise parts.
- Machinist: Involves operating various machine tools for precision manufacturing.
- Welder: Crucial for joining metal parts using various welding techniques, necessary for structural integrity in aerospace applications.
- Electrician: Focuses on installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems and wiring.
- Electronics Mechanic: Deals with electronic components, circuits, and systems, vital for control systems in missile technology.
- Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA): Involved in data entry, computer operations, and basic programming tasks.
- Draftsman (Mechanical): Responsible for creating technical drawings and blueprints.
- Sheet Metal Worker: Skilled in shaping and joining metal sheets for fabrication purposes.
- Carpenter: Necessary for woodworking tasks, including creating patterns and fixtures.
- Diesel Mechanic: Involves the repair and maintenance of diesel engines and power systems.
- Plumber: Handles piping systems and fittings.
- Ref. and Air Conditioner Mechanic: Maintains heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Candidates must ensure they have their ITI certificate in one of the trades specified in the DRDO DRDL ITI Apprenticeship 2026 Notification to be eligible for consideration.
How to Apply for DRDO DRDL ITI Apprenticeship 2026
The application process for the DRDO DRDL ITI Apprentices Recruitment 2026 is a two-step procedure, combining online registration with a potential offline application submission. Candidates must be meticulous in completing both steps to ensure their application is considered valid.
Step 1: Online Registration on Apprenticeship India Portal (NAPS)
All candidates applying for apprenticeships in central government organizations like DRDO must first register on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal, which is now integrated under the Apprenticeship India platform (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in). This registration is mandatory for all apprenticeship programs in India.
- Visit the official portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
- Navigate to the "Candidate Registration" section and create a new account.
- Fill in all personal details accurately, including name, date of birth, contact information, and Aadhaar number.
- Upload all necessary documents, including the ITI certificate, mark sheets, and a passport-sized photograph.
- Once registration is complete, note down the unique registration number generated by the portal. This number is essential for the second part of the application process.
Step 2: Applying to DRDO DRDL Notification (Online/Offline)
After registering on the NAPS portal, candidates must apply specifically for the DRDO DRDL opportunity. The official notification specifies whether this is done by applying directly to the DRDL establishment on the Apprenticeship India portal or by submitting a physical application form. In most cases for DRDO, a second application step is required.
- Online Application (if applicable): Search for "Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)" on the establishment search function within the Apprenticeship India portal. Select the relevant DRDO DRDL ITI Apprentices Recruitment 2026 advertisement and apply for the specific trade.
- Offline Application (if applicable): Alternatively, some notifications require candidates to download an application form from the official DRDO website (drdo.gov.in) and send the physical form along with photocopies of all required documents to the specified address. The required documents typically include:
- ITI Mark Sheet and Certificate
- Class 10th Mark Sheet and Certificate
- Aadhaar Card/PAN Card
- Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- Passport size photograph
- Ensure that all documents are clearly legible and submitted correctly before the specified deadline.
Selection Process for DRDO DRDL ITI Apprentices
The selection process for the DRDO DRDL ITI Apprentices Recruitment 2026 is typically based on merit and performance in subsequent stages. DRDO aims for transparency and selects candidates based on established criteria to ensure only the most qualified individuals are chosen for the limited number of seats available.
1. Merit List Preparation: The primary selection criterion is based on the aggregate marks obtained by candidates in their ITI qualification. A merit list is prepared separately for each trade based on these marks. Candidates with higher scores in their ITI exams will have a greater chance of being selected for the next round.
2. Document Verification: Candidates shortlisted based on the merit list will be called for document verification at the DRDO DRDL premises in Hyderabad. During this stage, candidates must present all original documents to verify their educational qualifications, age, caste, and other details provided in the application form. Any discrepancies found during verification can lead to immediate disqualification.
3. Interview (if applicable): Depending on the number of applications received and the specific requirements of DRDL, a personal interview may be conducted for candidates who pass the document verification stage. The interview assesses the candidate's basic understanding of their trade, technical aptitude, and suitability for the apprenticeship program.
4. Medical Examination: The final selection of candidates is subject to a satisfactory medical examination as per the organization's standards. This ensures that the candidate is physically capable of undertaking the practical work involved in the apprenticeship program.
Important Dates for DRDO DRDL ITI Apprenticeship 2026
All interested candidates must keep track of the application deadlines and follow instructions carefully to avoid rejection of their application. Here are the expected dates for the DRDO DRDL ITI Apprentices Recruitment 2026 program:
| Event | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| Publication of Official Notification | 17 January 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 17 January 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Registration | Not Available (To be updated soon) |
| Last Date for Offline Application Submission | Not Available (To be updated soon) |
| Merit List Release Date | Not Available (To be updated soon) |
| Document Verification Date | Not Available (To be updated soon) |
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official DRDO website (drdo.gov.in) and the Sarkari Result All portal for updates on the specific closing date and subsequent events related to this recruitment. The online application link will be activated for the DRDO DRDL ITI Apprenticeship 2026 as soon as the online registration window opens.
Benefits and Future Scope after DRDO Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship at DRDO DRDL provides more than just a certificate. The benefits extend far beyond the stipend received during the training period. The experience gained in a highly technical and demanding environment like DRDO is highly valuable for future career growth. The certificate issued upon completion of the DRDO DRDL ITI Apprenticeship 2026 program is recognized nationally and carries significant weight during job applications in various industries, particularly those related to manufacturing, aerospace, and defense. Apprentices gain practical exposure to advanced machinery, quality control procedures, and safety protocols that are standard in premier organizations, making them highly sought-after candidates for permanent positions in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum educational qualification required for the DRDO DRDL ITI Apprentices Recruitment 2026?
The minimum educational qualification required is an ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate in a relevant trade, certified by NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training).
2. Is this apprenticeship opportunity a permanent job in DRDO?
No, this recruitment is specifically for a one-year apprenticeship training program. An apprenticeship provides valuable experience and certification but does not guarantee permanent employment in DRDO. However, past apprentices often gain an advantage when applying for regular positions in DRDO or other government organizations.
3. How can I apply for the DRDO DRDL Apprenticeship? What is the application procedure?
The application procedure typically involves two steps: first, candidates must register on the National Apprenticeship Portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in). Second, they must apply specifically for the DRDO DRDL notification on the portal or submit an offline application form as specified in the official notification.
4. What is the age limit for the DRDO DRDL ITI Apprenticeship?
While the exact age limit details will be available in the official notification, candidates must generally be between 18 and 24 years of age as on the closing date of the application. Age relaxation will be provided to reserved category candidates as per government rules.
5. Will candidates receive a stipend during the apprenticeship period?
Yes, selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend as per the Apprentices Act, 1961. The current rate for ITI pass-outs is typically between Rs. 7,700 and Rs. 8,050 per month.
6. Is it mandatory to register on the National Apprenticeship Portal (NAPS) before applying to DRDO DRDL?
Yes, registration on the NAPS portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) is mandatory for all candidates seeking apprenticeships in central government organizations like DRDO. The registration number obtained from the portal must be mentioned in the application form for DRDO DRDL.
7. What documents are required for the application process?
Candidates need to have their ITI certificate and mark sheets, Class 10th certificate, Aadhaar card, caste certificate (if applicable), and passport-size photographs ready for the application and verification process.