Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), through its laboratory Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, has released the official notification for ITI Apprentice engagement for the training year 2026-27. This apprenticeship opportunity is designed for candidates who have completed ITI in relevant trades and are seeking practical exposure in India’s premier defence research ecosystem.
This detailed guide explains eligibility, important dates, application steps (online + offline), stipend details, common mistakes, and problem-solving tips — all structured to help you apply successfully.
📌 You can also check Live & Upcoming Government Jobs Here
🔍 Quick Review – DRDO ITI Apprentice 2026
- 📍 Organization: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) via DRDL, Hyderabad
- 📆 Training Year: April 2026 – March 2027
- 🎓 Qualification Required: ITI (NCVT)
- 🧑🔧 Trades Available: 13 ITI trades
- 💻 Apply Online: Through apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
- 🗓 Last Date: 29 January 2026 (5:00 PM)
- 📩 Offline Application: Mandatory with Appendix-A
- 💵 Stipend: As per Govt of India apprenticeship norms
- 📌 No Job Guarantee: Training only, not employment
🧠 What is the DRDO ITI Apprentice Program?
The DRDO ITI Apprentice program at DRDL, Hyderabad is a one-year training engagement governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961. The objective is to bridge academic knowledge with practical skills through on-site training.
Key Point: It is not a recruitment for permanent or contractual government jobs. Completing this apprenticeship does not guarantee employment with DRDO or its laboratories.
🛠️ Trades Open for Application (13 ITI Trades)
Candidates may apply only for the specific trade in which they have ITI qualification. The trades include:
- 🔧 Fitter
- ⚙️ Turner
- 🏭 Machinist
- 🌀 Machinist (Grinder)
- 🪵 Carpenter
- 🔥 Welder
- ⚡ Electrician
- 🚛 Diesel Mechanic
- 📡 Electronics Mechanic
- 🧪 Attendant Operator (Chemical Plant)
- 🎨 Painter
- 💻 Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA)
- 🏗️ Foundryman
⚠️ Applying for a trade different from your ITI specialization will result in rejection.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria (Must Read)
To be eligible for the DRDO ITI Apprentice 2026:
- ✔️ ITI Certificate: Must be NCVT-recognized and in the same trade you are applying for.
- ✔️ Apprenticeship Status: Candidate should not be currently or previously trained as an apprentice anywhere.
- ✔️ Termination History: Any candidate terminated twice from previous apprenticeships is ineligible.
📅 Important Dates
- 📥 Online Application Start: Already open (as per DRDL official vacancy)
- 🕐 Online Application Close: 29 January 2026 at 5:00 PM
- 📬 Offline Form Submission Deadline: Same as online last date
Tip: Submit early to avoid last-minute server issues or mistakes.
💻 How to Apply – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Online Application
- Visit apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
- Complete your profile with correct details.
- Search for DRDL Hyderabad ITI Apprentice 2026.
- Apply and generate application acknowledgement.
- Save the confirmation for offline submission.
Step 2: Offline Submission (Mandatory)
After completing the online step:
- Download and fill Appendix-A (as per official notification).
- Attach self-attested copies of required certificates:
- SSC certificate
- ITI certificate
- Aadhar
- Caste/PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Online application proof
- Submit by post or in person to the address in the official notification.
Envelope Must Be Superscribed With:
“APPLICATION FOR ITI APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING AT DRDL for the period 01-Apr-2026 to 31-Mar-2027”
📌 Form Pdf download link is given below in important links section. You can download it.
🔐 Aadhar Linking & Profile Completion Warning (Very Important)
Applicants must ensure the following before final submission:
- ✅ Aadhar verification on apprenticeshipindia.gov.in must be successful
- ✅ Name, Date of Birth, and Father’s Name must exactly match between:
- SSC certificate
- Aadhar card
- Apprenticeship portal profile
- ❌ Any mismatch, incomplete profile, or failed Aadhar linking can lead to automatic rejection without any intimation
It is strongly advised to complete 100% profile verification on the portal before applying.
🚫 Who Should NOT Apply for DRDO ITI Apprentice 2026
Candidates falling under any one of the following categories should not apply, as their applications will be rejected at any stage:
- ❌ Candidates who have already completed apprenticeship training in any organization
- ❌ Candidates who are currently undergoing apprenticeship training anywhere
- ❌ Candidates terminated once from apprenticeship training at DRDL
- ❌ Candidates terminated twice from apprenticeship training at other establishments
- ❌ Candidates holding non-NCVT ITI certificates
- ❌ Candidates applying for a trade different from their ITI qualification
Applying despite ineligibility will only result in rejection and loss of time.
📈 Selection Process
- Shortlisting is based on documents and eligibility criteria.
- Communication will be sent only via email.
- Shortlisted candidates must produce original certificates at verification.
- No written exam or interview is explicitly mentioned; selection focuses on eligibility and documentation.
📌 Candidates can also check all government Exam Updates here
💰 Stipend & Benefits
- Stipend will be paid as per Government of India norms for apprentices.
- No TA/DA for document verification or training joining.
📢 Communication & Enquiry Policy
- 📧 All communication from DRDL will be sent only to the registered email ID
- ❌ No phone calls, SMS, or postal letters will be issued
- ❌ No correction window or grievance redressal mechanism is mentioned in the notification
- ❌ No individual query, RTI, or personal follow-up will be entertained
Candidates are solely responsible for regularly checking their email (including spam/junk folder).
🧑💼 Important Note for Working Candidates
Candidates who are currently employed in any organization must produce a valid relieving letter from their employer on the date of joining the apprenticeship training.
Failure to submit the relieving letter at the time of joining may result in cancellation of candidature, even after selection.
🌐 Important Links
- Download Application Form here
- Official Notification pdf download here
- Official Website: drdo.gov.in
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⚠️ Common Problems Applicants Face (And How to Fix Them)
❌ Mistake 1: Name/DOB Mismatch Between Aadhar & Certificates
Fix: Ensure exact match between Aadhar, SSC and ITI certificates before applying.
❌ Mistake 2: Only Online Application Submitted
Fix: Always submit offline Appendix-A copy with proofs.
❌ Mistake 3: Illegible Document Uploads
Fix: Scan documents clearly; poor quality scans often lead to rejection.
❌ Mistake 4: Missing Offline Deadline
Fix: Post well ahead of the last date or submit in person.
❌ Mistake 5: Not Checking Email Regularly
Fix: Check spam/junk folders; official communication will be via email only.
📌 Final Advice
This DRDO ITI Apprentice program through DRDL, Hyderabad offers hands-on technical experience, making it highly valuable for entry-level industry exposure. However, the process is strict and documentation-driven. Prepare your documents early, complete both online and offline steps, and double-check every detail to avoid rejection.