DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online 21 Posts

DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 21 Posts - Notification Released for Graduate and Technician Apprenticeships

The Institute for Systems Studies and Analyses (**ISSA**), a prestigious laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (**DRDO**), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has officially announced the commencement of the **Apprentice Recruitment process for 2026**. This notification, highly anticipated by recent graduates and diploma holders in technical fields, details the availability of various apprenticeship positions across different disciplines. The recruitment drive seeks to fill a total of **21 posts** through a structured selection process based primarily on academic merit and interviews. Candidates interested in gaining invaluable experience in a high-tech defence research environment should carefully review the eligibility criteria and application procedure outlined in the official notification.

The **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026** provides a significant opportunity for young engineers and technicians to kickstart their careers by working alongside leading scientists and researchers in India’s premier defence R&D organization. The Institute for Systems Studies and Analyses (ISSA) plays a crucial role in developing advanced systems and technologies for national security, making this apprenticeship highly sought after. According to the notification, applications are invited for both **Graduate Apprentice** and **Technician Apprentice** positions. The application process for these coveted posts is conducted entirely online, with candidates required to submit their documents via email in a specific format. Prospective applicants are advised to prepare their applications promptly, as the window for submission typically closes within a few weeks of the notification release.

This detailed report provides comprehensive insights into the **DRDO ISSA Recruitment 2026**, covering key aspects such as eligibility requirements, application steps, selection process, important dates, and salary/stipend details. For the latest updates and links, candidates are encouraged to visit the official website of DRDO and follow notifications posted on leading job portals like Sarkari Result All. The current notification, released on 09 February 2026, details the specific requirements for candidates aspiring to join the DRDO ISSA team.

Key Highlights of DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026** aims to provide practical training to individuals who have completed their B.E./B.Tech or Diploma in relevant engineering disciplines. The selection process ensures that only highly qualified candidates are chosen for this opportunity. Here are the main highlights of this year's recruitment cycle:

• Total Vacancies: A total of 21 posts are available for apprenticeships at ISSA.
• Apprenticeship Categories: The recruitment covers two main categories: **Graduate Apprentice** and **Technician Apprentice**.
• Application Method: The application must be submitted online via email. Candidates need to create a single PDF file containing all required documents and send it to the designated email address mentioned in the official notification.
• Eligibility: Candidates must hold a B.E./B.Tech degree or a Diploma in Engineering from a recognized university or institution. Specific disciplines often include Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
• Stipend: The selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend as per the Apprenticeship Rules of the Government of India, typically regulated by the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (**NATS**).

DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview Table

To provide candidates with a quick reference, the following table summarizes the key details of the **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026** as published by Sarkari Result All.

DRDO ISSA Apprentice Vacancy Details 2026: Post-Wise Distribution

The total of **21 posts** announced under the **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026** is distributed between two primary categories: Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice. While the exact discipline-wise breakdown (e.g., specific engineering branches like Computer Science or Electronics) varies in each recruitment cycle, candidates typically apply based on their technical specialization. The notification specifically mentions positions for both Graduate and Technician levels, catering to different educational backgrounds.

Graduate Apprentice (GA) Posts: These positions are reserved for candidates who possess a Bachelor's degree (B.E./B.Tech) in engineering or technology from a recognized institution. The duration of this apprenticeship is typically one year, providing extensive hands-on experience in research and development projects. Graduate apprentices often engage in more complex tasks related to system design, software development, and data analysis within the scope of ISSA's operations.

Technician Apprentice (TA) Posts: These positions are aimed at candidates holding a Diploma in Engineering from a recognized Polytechnic institution. Technician apprentices are essential for supporting technical operations, maintenance, and testing activities within the laboratory. The focus for Technician apprentices is often on practical application and support roles within research projects.

Candidates are advised to thoroughly examine the official notification for the exact distribution of vacancies among different engineering disciplines such as Computer Science & Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and others. The number of posts available for each discipline directly impacts the competitiveness of the selection process.

Eligibility Criteria for DRDO ISSA Recruitment 2026

Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first and most crucial step for candidates applying for the **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026**. The criteria typically focus on educational qualification, age limit, and registration requirements with the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (**NATS**).

1. Educational Qualification:

• For Graduate Apprentice Posts: Candidates must hold a B.E. or B.Tech degree in a relevant engineering discipline. The degree must be obtained from a university or institution recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education (**AICTE**). The specific discipline required will be detailed in the official advertisement (e.g., Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.). Candidates who have completed their graduation recently are generally prioritized.
• For Technician Apprentice Posts: Candidates must possess a Diploma in Engineering in a relevant discipline. The diploma must be obtained from a recognized board or institution approved by AICTE.
• Key Condition: Candidates must have passed their qualifying examination (B.E./B.Tech or Diploma) within the last three years (typically 2023, 2024, or 2025 pass-outs). Those who passed earlier may not be eligible.

2. Age Limit:

• The exact age limit for **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026** will be specified in the notification. Generally, the minimum age is 18 years, and the maximum age for general candidates is typically around 24 to 28 years (with variations depending on the organization's specific rules for apprenticeships).
• Age relaxations are applicable for candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) as per Government of India rules. SC/ST candidates usually receive a 5-year relaxation, while OBC (non-creamy layer) candidates receive a 3-year relaxation.

3. NATS Registration Requirement:

• All candidates applying for apprenticeships under the **DRDO ISSA Recruitment 2026** must be registered on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (**NATS**) portal. This registration is mandatory for all apprentice recruitment processes in India. Candidates without a valid NATS registration number cannot apply.
• The NATS portal (mhrdnats.gov.in) serves as the centralized platform for candidates seeking apprenticeships under various government and public sector organizations.

4. Other Conditions:

• Candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training in any government or private organization for a period of one year or more after obtaining their qualification are generally not eligible.
• Candidates who possess previous work experience of one year or more are also typically not considered eligible for these specific apprenticeship posts, as these positions are primarily intended for freshers.

How to Apply for DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

The application process for the **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026** is straightforward and conducted via email. Candidates must carefully follow the steps provided below to ensure their application is valid and considered for selection.

Step 1: NATS Registration (Mandatory Pre-requisite)

Before proceeding with the application to ISSA, every candidate must first register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (**NATS**) portal. Visit the official NATS website (mhrdnats.gov.in) and complete the registration process. You will receive a unique NATS registration number upon successful completion. This number is essential for filling out the application form for DRDO ISSA.

Step 2: Download the Application Form and Notification

Visit the official DRDO website (drdo.gov.in) or the Sarkari Result All website to find the link for the official notification and the prescribed application form for the **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026**. Download the application form and read the entire official notification carefully to understand all requirements and deadlines. The application form is usually provided as a PDF document that needs to be filled out by the candidate.

Step 3: Fill the Application Form Accurately

Complete the application form with all necessary details, including personal information, educational qualifications (percentage marks obtained in B.E./B.Tech or Diploma), NATS registration details, and contact information. Ensure all information is accurate and matches the details in your official documents. Any discrepancy might lead to disqualification during document verification.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

Gather all essential documents required for verification. These documents typically include:

• SSC/Matriculation Certificate (for proof of Date of Birth).
• B.E./B.Tech or Diploma Mark Sheets (all semesters/years).
• Provisional/Degree/Diploma Certificate.
• NATS Registration Proof/ID Card.
• Caste Certificate (if applicable, for SC/ST/OBC candidates).
• Passport size photographs.
• Aadhar Card/PAN Card (Identity Proof).

Step 5: Convert Documents to a Single PDF File

As per the instructions for **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026**, candidates must compile all required documents into a single PDF file. The file should be clearly named according to the instructions given in the notification (e.g., [Name]_[Post Applied For].pdf). The size of the PDF file should not exceed the specified limit (e.g., 5MB). Ensure that the scanned copies of documents are clear and readable.

Step 6: Submit via Email

Send the single PDF file containing the application form and supporting documents to the official email address specified in the notification. The subject line of the email must be formatted correctly, often requiring candidates to write "Application for [Post Name] Apprenticeship at ISSA" followed by their name and NATS registration number. Do not send multiple emails or attachments separately. The application will only be considered complete upon receipt of the email with the correctly formatted subject line and single PDF attachment by the specified deadline (Last Date to Apply).

Selection Process for DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The selection process for the **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026** is designed to identify candidates with strong academic backgrounds. The selection methodology typically involves the following steps:

1. Merit-Based Shortlisting:

Candidates are first shortlisted based on their percentage of marks obtained in their qualifying degree or diploma (B.E./B.Tech or Diploma). The shortlisting process creates a merit list of candidates who have excelled academically. For highly competitive positions like those at DRDO, a high percentage in the qualifying examination is often a requirement to be considered for further rounds.

2. Interview/Document Verification:

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview or document verification process at the ISSA facility in New Delhi. The interview serves to assess the candidate's technical knowledge, aptitude, and communication skills. It also provides an opportunity for the verification team to confirm the authenticity of the documents submitted during the online application process. Candidates must bring all original documents and a set of self-attested copies for this round.

3. Final Selection:

The final selection list is prepared based on the candidate's academic performance and their performance in the interview. The number of candidates selected typically aligns with the total number of vacancies (21 posts) available for the specific recruitment cycle.

Stipend and Apprenticeship Tenure

Selected candidates for the **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026** will receive a monthly stipend as per the Apprenticeship Act, 1961, and subsequent government guidelines. The stipend amounts are standardized for Graduate and Technician apprentices across all central government organizations.

• Graduate Apprentice Stipend: Candidates selected for the Graduate Apprentice positions (B.E./B.Tech holders) typically receive a monthly stipend of approximately Rs. 9,000/-.
• Technician Apprentice Stipend: Candidates selected for the Technician Apprentice positions (Diploma holders) usually receive a monthly stipend of approximately Rs. 8,000/-.
• Apprenticeship Tenure: The duration of the apprenticeship training is for a period of one year only. Upon completion of the training, candidates receive an apprenticeship completion certificate, which holds significant value in future job applications, especially within the public sector.

This apprenticeship provides not just monetary benefits but invaluable work experience in a leading defence research environment. The knowledge gained in advanced system studies and analyses will be highly beneficial for future career prospects.

Important Considerations for Applicants

Candidates interested in the **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026** must remember a few key points while preparing their application:

• Official Notification Check: Always verify the details and dates from the official notification on the DRDO website. While portals like Sarkari Result All provide timely updates, the official notification remains the primary source of information.
• Timely Submission: The application deadline (Last Date to Apply) for the **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026** is critical. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
• Email Verification: Ensure that the email address used for submission is working and that you receive a confirmation reply or a system-generated acknowledgment if applicable.
• Preparation for Interview: Shortlisted candidates should start preparing for the technical interview by brushing up on core concepts of their specific engineering discipline.

The **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026** offers a prestigious pathway for young talent to contribute to national defence technology. Interested candidates should seize this opportunity by preparing their applications accurately and submitting them within the stipulated timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026

A. The official notification for the **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026** specifies a total of **21 posts**. These vacancies are distributed between two categories: Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice. The exact distribution by engineering discipline will be detailed in the official notification.

A. For **Graduate Apprentice** positions, candidates must possess a B.E. or B.Tech degree in a relevant engineering discipline. For **Technician Apprentice** positions, candidates must have a Diploma in Engineering from a recognized institution. All qualifications must be obtained within the last three years (typically 2023, 2024, or 2025 pass-outs).

A. Yes, the application process is online. Candidates must first register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (**NATS**) portal. After NATS registration, candidates need to fill out the prescribed application form available on the official website. The completed application form, along with supporting documents, must be compiled into a single PDF file and submitted via email to the address specified in the official notification before the last date to apply.

A. The stipend for **Graduate Apprentice** positions is approximately Rs. 9,000/- per month, and for **Technician Apprentice** positions, it is approximately Rs. 8,000/- per month. These amounts are subject to change based on government regulations under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961.

A. Yes, NATS registration is a mandatory pre-requisite for all candidates. Before applying to DRDO ISSA, candidates must ensure they have successfully registered on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme portal and obtained their unique NATS registration ID. Applications without a valid NATS ID will be rejected during screening.

A. The selection process for **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026** involves shortlisting candidates based on academic merit (percentage marks in B.E./B.Tech or Diploma). Shortlisted candidates will then be called for an interview and document verification at the ISSA facility in New Delhi. Final selection is based on academic performance and interview results.

A. Candidates need to prepare a single PDF containing copies of their educational certificates (B.E./B.Tech or Diploma mark sheets and certificates), SSC/Matriculation certificate for date of birth proof, identity proof (Aadhar Card/PAN Card), NATS registration details, and a recent photograph. Reserved category candidates must also include their valid caste certificate.

A. The apprenticeship training period at DRDO ISSA under this recruitment is for one year only, as stipulated by the Apprenticeship Act. The apprenticeship certificate holds value in future job applications.

A. No, typically candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training in any government or private organization for a period of one year or more after obtaining their qualification are not eligible to apply for this **DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026**. This opportunity is primarily for freshers.

A. The official notification and application form can be accessed on the official DRDO website at drdo.gov.in. Updates and links are also available on Sarkari Result All.