If you are a Diploma holder in Electronics or allied branches and looking for a prestigious Government apprenticeship in 2026, then this update from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is extremely important for you.
The Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, one of DRDO’s premier missile and defence testing laboratories, has officially released a Walk-in-Interview notification for Technician (Diploma) Apprentices for the year 2026. This apprenticeship offers hands-on defence R&D exposure, a monthly stipend of ₹10,900, and a strong career value for PSU, DRDO, ISRO, and GATE aspirants.
Unlike long online processes, this recruitment is direct, transparent, and interview-based, making it highly attractive for fresh diploma pass-outs.
📌 You can also check Live & Upcoming Government Jobs Here
⚡ Quick Review – DRDO ITR Apprentice 2026
- Organization: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Lab Name: Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur
- Post Name: Technician Apprentice (Diploma)
- Total Vacancies: 07
- Discipline: Electronics & Allied Branches
- Stipend: ₹10,900 per month
- Training Duration: 12 Months
- Selection Mode: Written Test / Interview
- Interview Date: 04 February 2026
- Reporting Time: 08:00 AM – 09:30 AM
- Interview Time: 10:00 AM
- Job Location: Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha
🏢 About DRDO ITR, Chandipur
The Integrated Test Range (ITR) is a critical DRDO laboratory located at Chandipur, Odisha. It plays a key role in:
- Missile flight testing
- Radar & telemetry systems
- Defence electronics validation
- National strategic weapon programs
Doing an apprenticeship at ITR means direct exposure to India’s defence technology ecosystem, which significantly boosts your technical profile.
🧑🎓 Post Details & Vacancies
🔧 Technician Apprentice (Diploma)
- Vacancies: 07
- Eligible Branches:
- Electronics Engineering
- Electronics & Communication (ECE)
- Electronics & Telecommunication (ETC)
- Instrumentation & Electronics (I&E)
- Electronics & Instrumentation (EI)
- Any allied electronics branch
💰 Stipend & Training Period
- Monthly Stipend: ₹10,900
- Training Duration: 12 months (1 year)
- Apprenticeship is governed under Apprentices Act, 1961
👉 Important: This is training, not a permanent job, but the experience certificate holds high value across government and private sectors.
✅ Eligibility Criteria (Read Carefully)
🎓 Educational Qualification
- Diploma in relevant Electronics discipline
- Passed year must be 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025
- Regular candidates only (no distance/private mode)
🌐 Mandatory NATS Registration
- Candidate must be registered on National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal
- Website: https://www.nats.education.gov.in
- Non-registered candidates are likely to be rejected
❌ Who is NOT Eligible?
- Diploma passed before 2021
- Candidates with 1 year or more job/training experience after diploma
- Candidates without NATS enrollment
(Eligibility conditions strictly as per official notice)
📝 Selection Process Explained
Selection may involve:
- Written Test
- Personal Interview
- Or both, after document verification
📌 Final decision rests with DRDO ITR authorities.
🗓️ Walk-In Interview Details
- Date: 04 February 2026
- Reporting Time: 08:00 AM – 09:30 AM
- Interview Time: 10:00 AM
- Venue:
Integrated Test Range (ITR),
Chandipur – 756025,
Balasore, Odisha
⚠️ Late reporting candidates may not be allowed.
📂 Documents to Carry (Common Rejection Reason)
Carry original + one self-attested photocopy of:
- 10th Marksheet & Certificate
- 12th Marksheet & Certificate
- Diploma Marksheet & Certificate
- NATS Enrollment Proof
- Aadhaar / Valid ID Proof
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Duly filled application form (Annexure-A)
🚫 Common Problems Faced by Candidates (And Solutions)
❓ “I forgot NATS registration”
➡️ Solution: Register immediately on NATS before interview.
❓ “I completed diploma in 2020”
➡️ Not eligible as per notification.
❓ “Will DRDO give job after apprenticeship?”
➡️ No guarantee. Apprenticeship does not ensure employment.
❓ “Is TA/DA provided?”
➡️ No TA/DA will be paid.
❓ “Is hostel or accommodation available?”
➡️ No accommodation or transport is provided.
📌 Important Terms & Conditions
- Apprenticeship is purely temporary
- Medical fitness certificate required at joining
- All communication via email only
- Canvassing leads to direct disqualification
- Legal jurisdiction: Odisha High Court, Cuttack
(Terms as per official DRDO ITR notice)
📞 Contact Details
- 📞 Phone: 06782-272144
- 📧 Email: hrd.itr@gov.in
- 🌐 Official Website: www.drdo.gov.in
🔍 Why This Apprenticeship Is Worth Applying For
- DRDO brand value
- Real defence R&D exposure
- Strong resume enhancement
- Ideal for GATE / PSU aspirants
- Central Government apprenticeship
🌐 Important Links
- Official Notification Pdf : Download Here
- Official Website: drdo.gov.in
📌 Candidates can also check Exam Updates here
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🔔 Final Advice for Applicants
Reach the venue early, double-check documents, and ensure NATS registration is complete. Missing even one requirement can lead to on-the-spot rejection.