DRDO DRDL ITI Apprentices Recruitment 2026

Brief Overview

The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), a prominent unit under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has released an official notification for the recruitment of ITI Apprentices. This apprenticeship program for 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for candidates with an ITI qualification to gain practical experience across 13 distinct trades. Interested and eligible individuals are encouraged to apply online and submit their physical applications before the closing date.

Key Highlights

• Organization: Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL)
• Post Name: ITI Apprentices
• Total Vacancies: Not specified in the official notification
• Qualification: ITI Pass Certificate (NCVT Certified) in the respective trade
• Stipend: As per Government of India notifications
• Training Period: One year (from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027)
• Job Location: Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad-500058, Telangana
• Application Mode: Online and Physical Submission
• Official Website: drdo.gov.in

Vacancy Details

DRDL is inviting applications for ITI Apprentices across various trades. While the total number of vacancies has not been specified in the official notification, opportunities are available in the following 13 trades:

Post Name (Trade)	Total Vacancies	Qualification Required
Fitter	Not Specified	ITI Pass in respective Trade (NCVT Certified)
Turner	Not Specified	ITI Pass in respective Trade (NCVT Certified)
Machinist	Not Specified	ITI Pass in respective Trade (NCVT Certified)
Machinist (Grinder)	Not Specified	ITI Pass in respective Trade (NCVT Certified)
Carpenter	Not Specified	ITI Pass in respective Trade (NCVT Certified)
Welder	Not Specified	ITI Pass in respective Trade (NCVT Certified)
Electrician	Not Specified	ITI Pass in respective Trade (NCVT Certified)
Diesel Mechanic	Not Specified	ITI Pass in respective Trade (NCVT Certified)
Electronics Mechanic	Not Specified	ITI Pass in respective Trade (NCVT Certified)
Attendant Operator Chemical Plant	Not Specified	ITI Pass in respective Trade (NCVT Certified)
Painter	Not Specified	ITI Pass in respective Trade (NCVT Certified)
Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA)	Not Specified	ITI Pass in respective Trade (NCVT Certified)
Foundryman	Not Specified	ITI Pass in respective Trade (NCVT Certified)

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the ITI Apprenticeship training:

• Must have passed ITI (National Council for Vocational Training - NCVT Certified) in the respective trade for which they are applying.
• Candidates should not have previously undergone or currently be undergoing Apprenticeship Training at DRDL or any other establishment.
• Applicants who have been terminated from Apprenticeship training at DRDL or terminated twice from other establishments are not eligible.
• Reservations for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD categories will be applied as per the Apprentices Act, 1961.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Notification Published	January 15, 2026
Last Date for Online Application	January 29, 2026 (17:00 Hrs)
Last Date for Submission of Physical Application	January 29, 2026 (17:00 Hrs)
Apprenticeship Training Period	April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027

Application Fee

No specific application fee has been mentioned in the official notification for these ITI Apprenticeship positions.

Selection Process

The selection of candidates will primarily be based on document verification and a screening process. Shortlisted candidates will receive an email notification on their registered email ID provided during the application process on the Apprenticeship Portal. Applicants are required to bring all original relevant certificates for verification at the time of screening. The final selection will be made by the dedicated Selection & Screening Committee for ITI Apprenticeship Training.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates must follow a two-step application process to apply for the DRDL ITI Apprenticeship:

Step 1: Online Application

1. Visit the official Apprenticeship Portal: www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
2. Complete your profile on the portal, ensuring 100% profile completion.
3. Upload all required documents and your signature online.
4. Successfully complete Aadhar verification on the portal.
5. Note down your unique Apprentice Registration Number.
6. The deadline for completing the online application is January 29, 2026, by 17:00 Hrs.

Step 2: Physical Application Submission

After successfully completing the online application, candidates must submit a physical application:

1. Download the prescribed application format (Appendix-A) from the official notification.
2. Duly fill and sign the application form.
3. Attach true copies of all uploaded documents, including:
   • SSC Certificate
   • ITI Certificate
   • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
   • PwD Certificate (if applicable)
   • Aadhar Card
   • Proof of online application (e.g., confirmation page screenshot)
4. Ensure your contact phone number is clearly mentioned on the application.
5. Place the completed application and attached documents in a closed envelope.
6. Super scribe the envelope with: "APPLICATION FOR ITI APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING AT DRDL for the period 01-Apr-2026 to 31-Mar-2027".
7. Submit the physical application using one of the following methods on or before January 29, 2026, by 17:00 Hrs:
   • Method 1 (In Person): Drop the application in the designated box at the DRDL Security Reception.
   • Method 2 (By Post): Send the application through registered post to:
     The Director, DRDL, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad-500058.
     Attention: Chairman Selection & Screening Committee, ITI Apprenticeship Training.

Important Note: Ensure that your Name, Date of Birth, and Father's name precisely match across your SSC Certificate, Aadhar Card, and online application. All uploaded documents must be clear and legible. Use the same mobile number and email ID for all communications as registered on the Apprenticeship Portal.