The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially released a fresh apprenticeship notification for 2026 through its prestigious Delhi-based institute — Institute for Systems Studies and Analyses (ISSA). This recruitment is an excellent opportunity for fresh engineering graduates, postgraduates, and diploma holders who want hands-on experience in a central government research environment without facing any written exam or interview.
Under the Apprentices Act, 1961, ISSA–DRDO is inviting applications for one-year paid apprenticeship training in Computer Science and Mathematics disciplines. Candidates will be selected purely on the basis of marks, making this notification highly attractive for academically strong students.
If you are searching for a DRDO apprenticeship with stipend, no exam government opportunity, or a career-boosting training program after graduation, this article explains everything in detail — eligibility, vacancies, stipend, selection method, application process, common mistakes, and FAQs.
⚡ Quick Review – DRDO ISSA Apprentice 2026 (At a Glance)
- 🏛️ Organization: DRDO – ISSA, Delhi
- 📍 Location: Civil Lines, Delhi
- 🎓 Posts: Graduate & Technician Apprentices
- 💰 Stipend: ₹10,900 – ₹12,300 per month
- 📝 Selection: Merit-based (No Exam, No Interview)
- 📆 Last Date: 27 February 2026
- 🌐 Mode: Email application (PDF)
- ⏳ Training Duration: 12 Months
- 🔗 Mandatory: NATS Registration
🏢 About DRDO ISSA (Why This Matters)
The Institute for Systems Studies and Analyses (ISSA) works under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence. ISSA plays a critical role in systems analysis, operational research, data modelling, and defence decision-support systems.
Training at ISSA is not like private apprenticeships — it provides:
- Exposure to real defence research projects
- Experience with government-grade systems & data
- Strong value for future PSU, GATE, SSC, and tech careers
📌 DRDO ISSA Apprentice Vacancy Details 2026
🎓 Graduate Apprentice Posts
- Computer Science & Engineering – 15 Vacancies
- Qualification: B.E / B.Tech (Regular, First Division)
- Mathematics – 01 Vacancy
- Qualification: M.Sc Mathematics (Regular, First Division)
💰 Monthly Stipend: ₹12,300
🛠️ Technician Apprentice (Diploma)
- Computer Science (Diploma) – 05 Vacancies
- Qualification: Diploma in Computer Science (Regular)
💰 Monthly Stipend: ₹10,900
✅ Can DRDO Apprentices Get Permanent Job? Truth, Rules & Reality Explained here
🎯 Eligibility Criteria (Read Carefully – Most Rejections Happen Here)
✔️ Educational Qualification
- Course must be FULL-TIME & REGULAR
- Degree/Diploma from a recognized Indian institution
- First Division is mandatory for Graduate Apprentices
- CGPA candidates must convert marks using: Percentage = CGPA × 9.5
📆 Year of Passing Condition (Very Important)
Only candidates who passed in:
2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025
❌ Passed before 2021 → Not eligible
❌ Passed in 2026 → Not eligible
🚫 Experience Restriction
You are NOT eligible if you:
- Have already completed apprenticeship earlier
- Are currently undergoing apprenticeship
- Have 1 year or more work experience
👉 This opportunity is strictly for freshers.
🧾 Reservation Policy
- Reservation available for SC / ST / OBC / PwD
- Certificate must be:
- As per Government format
- Produced during document verification
❌ Invalid or missing certificate = reservation cancelled
🎂 Age Limit (as on Last Date)
- 📌 No specific age limit has been mentioned in the official DRDO ISSA Apprentice 2026 notification.
- 🧾 Eligibility is strictly determined by:
- Year of passing (2021–2025 only)
- Freshers status (no prior apprenticeship or 1+ year experience)
- 🏛️ Age relaxation, if any, will be applicable as per Apprentices Act, 1961 rules for reserved categories.
👉 Practical Insight: Even if you are above typical govt job age limits, you can apply as long as you meet the educational year criteria.
📅 Important Dates – DRDO ISSA Apprentice 2026
- 📰 Notification Released: February 2026
- 📝 Application Start Date: Already Started
- ⏳ Last Date to Apply: 27 February 2026
- 📧 Mode of Application: Email (PDF format only)
- 📢 Merit List / Selection Email: To be notified via registered email
⚠️ Tip for Applicants: Apply at least 2–3 days before the last date to avoid email delivery or document errors.
🧠 Selection Process (No Exam, No Interview)
This is one of the biggest advantages of this recruitment.
- Selection is purely based on marks
- Merit list prepared category-wise:
- UR / SC / ST / OBC / PwD
- Applications screened by a Board constituted by Director, ISSA
📌 No written test, no interview, no skill test
📝 How to Apply for DRDO ISSA Apprentice 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Step 1️⃣: Mandatory NATS Registration
Register first on:
⚠️ Applications without valid NATS Enrollment Number are rejected automatically.
Step 2️⃣: Download Application Form
- Visit www.drdo.gov.in
- Download ISSA Apprentice Application Form
Step 3️⃣: Fill & Prepare Documents
- Fill form clearly (BLOCK LETTERS preferred)
- Scan form + documents
- Combine all files into ONE PDF
Step 4️⃣: Email Submission
Send PDF only via email to:
❌ No postal applications
❌ No Google Drive links
❌ No multiple emails
⏰ Last Date to Apply
- 27 February 2026
- Late applications will be rejected without notice
📂 Documents Required (Self-Attested)
- 10th Certificate (DOB proof)
- 10th & 12th Mark Sheets
- Diploma / Degree / PG Mark Sheets
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- NATS Enrollment Proof
❌ Common Problems Faced by Applicants (And How to Avoid Them)
❗ Problem 1: Application Rejected Without Reason
✔️ Solution: Ensure single PDF, readable scans, correct email subject
❗ Problem 2: NATS Number Invalid
✔️ Solution: Complete NATS profile fully before applying
❗ Problem 3: Marks Not Converted from CGPA
✔️ Solution: Mention percentage using CGPA × 9.5
❗ Problem 4: Expecting Job Guarantee
✔️ Reality: Apprenticeship does NOT guarantee DRDO job
📜 Important Terms & Conditions
- Training Duration: 12 Months
- No hostel / lodging / food facility
- No TA/DA
- DRDO has no obligation to offer employment
- False information → Immediate termination
📞 Official Contact for Queries
- ☎️ 011-23882128
- For clarification only (not selection status)
🔍 Why You Should Not Miss This Opportunity
- No exam, no interview
- Central Government exposure
- Monthly stipend
- High resume value
- Ideal for CS freshers & Maths postgraduates
📢 Final Words
The DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for fresh graduates and diploma holders who want to gain real government research experience while earning a monthly stipend. However, eligibility rules are strict, and even a small mistake can lead to rejection.
Apply carefully, double-check documents, and don’t wait till the last date.
🌐 Important Links
🟢 Download Official Notification Pdf Here
- Official Website: drdo.gov.in
✅ You can Check Live & Upcoming Govt Exam Recruitments Here
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