The DRDO ITR Recruitment 2026 notification has been released by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The organisation has invited applications from eligible Indian nationals for Graduate Apprentice and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice positions across multiple disciplines.
DRDO ITR Recruitment 2026: Overview
The following table presents the key details of the ITR Chandipur recruitment notification.
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Recruiting Establishment | Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur |
| Advertisement Number | ITR/HRD/AT/11/2026 |
| Post Categories | Graduate Apprentice and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice |
| Training Duration | 12 Months |
| Job Location | Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Application Submission | Speed Post / Registered Post only |
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Application Deadline | 2 November 2026 |
| Official Website | DRDO Official Website |
| NATS Registration | NATS Portal |
DRDO ITR Vacancy 2026: Training Categories and Disciplines
Under DRDO ITR Recruitment 2026, applications are invited for Graduate Apprentice and Technician (Diploma) Apprentice training. The notification covers engineering, computer science, electronics, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, library science, administration, accounting, and selected diploma disciplines.
1. Graduate Apprentice Vacancies
Candidates with the relevant bachelor’s degree may apply for the Graduate Apprentice category, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions.
| Discipline / Qualification | Indicative Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Computer Science and Related Disciplines | 8 |
| Electronics and Related Disciplines | 8 |
| Electrical Engineering | 2 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 1 |
| Aerospace Engineering | 1 |
| Library Science | 2 |
| Safety Engineering | 2 |
| Administration / HR | 4 |
| Financial Accounting / Cost Accounting | 4 |
The notification specifies B.E./B.Tech qualifications for the applicable engineering disciplines, B.Lib.Sc. for Library Science, BBA for Administration/HR, and B.Com for Financial Accounting/Cost Accounting.
The Computer Science group includes specified disciplines such as Information Technology, Computer Science and Engineering, Computer Technology, Information Science and Engineering, and related listed branches. The Electronics group includes Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Instrumentation Technology, Embedded System, and other disciplines expressly mentioned in the notification.
2. Technician (Diploma) Apprentice Vacancies
Candidates with a relevant diploma may apply for the Technician Apprentice category.
| Discipline / Qualification | Indicative Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Computer Science and Related Disciplines | 8 |
| Electronics and Related Disciplines | 8 |
| Electrical Engineering | 2 |
| Cinematography | 2 |
| Medical Laboratory Technology | 2 |
The notification lists the relevant diploma branches under Computer Science and Electronics separately. Applicants should check the exact branch names in the official advertisement before applying.
Important: The vacancy numbers are indicative and may change at a later stage, as stated in the official notification.
DRDO ITR Recruitment 2026: Educational Qualification
Educational qualification is one of the most important requirements for candidates applying for DRDO ITR Jobs 2026. Applicants must possess the prescribed qualification for the specific training category and discipline they select.
- Graduate Apprentice: Relevant B.E./B.Tech, BBA, B.Com, or B.Lib.Sc. qualification, depending on the discipline.
- Technician Apprentice: Relevant diploma qualification in the discipline specified in the notification.
- Year of Passing: Candidates must have passed the qualifying examination in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026.
- Regular Candidates: The qualifying examination must have been completed as a regular candidate.
- Higher Qualifications: Candidates possessing higher qualifications are not eligible under this notification.
- Previous Training or Employment: Candidates who have completed one year or more of training or job experience after obtaining the essential qualification are not eligible under the stated apprenticeship conditions.
- NATS Registration: Eligible B.E./B.Tech, diploma, BBA, B.Com, and B.Lib.Sc. candidates must register on the NATS portal. The notification states that non-registered candidates are likely to be rejected.
Candidates should verify that their degree or diploma branch matches the specific discipline listed in the official advertisement. A broadly related qualification should not be assumed eligible without checking the notification.
DRDO ITR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Age Limit
The minimum age prescribed in the notification is 18 years. The maximum age limit and applicable age relaxations are governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961, the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, and the relevant NATS 2.0/NAPS guidelines.
Candidates should consult the applicable rules and official instructions to determine whether they qualify under the age criteria. The advertisement does not provide a single fixed maximum age in its eligibility section.
DRDO ITR Recruitment 2026: Stipend and Training Duration
The official notification specifies the following monthly stipend rates for the two training categories.
| Training Category | Monthly Stipend | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | ₹12,300 | 12 Months |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | ₹10,900 | 12 Months |
The training period begins upon execution of the apprenticeship contract and continues for 12 months. Selected candidates must execute the required contract in accordance with the applicable apprenticeship provisions.
Candidates should understand that this is a fixed-term training engagement. The notification clearly states that ITR Chandipur is not obligated to provide employment after completion of the training period.
DRDO ITR Recruitment 2026: Application Process
The application process for DRDO ITR Recruitment 2026 is offline. Candidates must complete the prescribed application form and send it with self-attested copies of the required documents to the address mentioned in the notification.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official DRDO website and obtain the prescribed application form provided as Annexure A.
- Fill in the application form in capital letters and type all the required information. Handwritten applications, except for the signature, will not be accepted.
- Enter the correct advertisement number, NATS enrolment number, training category, discipline, personal information, educational qualifications, and marks.
- Attach self-attested photocopies of all required educational certificates, mark sheets, caste certificate where applicable, and identity proof.
- Mention the qualifying examination marks as a percentage. Candidates whose results are recorded in CGPA must convert their scores into a percentage according to their university’s rules.
- Place the completed form and supporting documents in a sealed envelope. Superscribe the envelope with the category and discipline for which the application is submitted.
- Send the application through Speed Post or Registered Post only.
- Ensure that the application reaches the designated address on or before 2 November 2026.
Application Submission Address
The Director
Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur
Balasore, Odisha – 756025
Candidates should retain a copy of the submitted application for their records. Applications must reach the destination by the deadline; candidates should not rely on the date of dispatch alone.
Documents Required for DRDO ITR Recruitment 2026
Applicants should prepare the required documents before sending their applications. The notification specifies self-attested copies of educational records and supporting documents.
The document checklist includes:
- Class 10 certificate and mark sheet
- Class 12 certificate and mark sheet, where applicable
- Diploma certificate and mark sheets, where applicable
- B.E./B.Tech certificate and mark sheets, where applicable
- BBA, B.Com, or B.Lib.Sc. certificate and mark sheets, as applicable
- Caste certificate, where applicable
- Identity proof
- Recent passport-size photograph for the application form
Candidates should include documents relevant to their qualifications and application category. Ensure that the information provided in the application matches the supporting records.
DRDO ITR Recruitment 2026: Selection Process
The selection process for DRDO ITR Recruitment 2026 will be based on a written test, personal interview, or both, as applicable to shortlisted candidates.
ITR reserves the right to adopt its own method of shortlisting candidates. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee shortlisting or selection.
Candidates should regularly check the official DRDO website and their registered email addresses for updates concerning the written test, interview, call letters, and other recruitment-related instructions. The notification states that call letters will not be sent as physical hard copies by post.
Applicants should also note that no travel allowance or daily allowance will be paid to candidates called for any stage of the selection process.
Important Instructions for Applicants
Before applying for DRDO ITR Recruitment 2026, candidates should carefully consider the following instructions:
- Ensure that the selected discipline matches the qualification specified in the notification.
- Complete NATS registration as required.
- Provide accurate educational details and qualifying examination percentages.
- Submit the application in typed form, with the candidate’s signature.
- Send the application and supporting documents through the permitted postal methods only.
- Keep a copy of the application and monitor the official website and email for updates.
- Do not attempt to influence the selection process, as canvassing may lead to disqualification.
- Be prepared to submit a medical fitness certificate at the time of joining if selected.
- Note that government quarters, hostel accommodation, and transport will not be provided by the establishment.
The selected candidates will undergo training for 12 months under the applicable apprenticeship provisions. Completion of training does not guarantee permanent employment with DRDO or ITR.
DRDO ITR Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 2 November 2026 |
| Application Receipt Method | Speed Post / Registered Post |
| Training Duration | 12 Months |
Candidates should refer to the official notification for any updates or changes to the recruitment schedule.
Why Candidates Should Read the Official Notification
The DRDO ITR Recruitment 2026 advertisement contains discipline-specific qualifications, eligibility restrictions, application requirements, and selection conditions. Candidates should review the complete notification before submitting their forms, particularly where similar degree or diploma branches have different eligibility requirements.
For official information, visit the DRDO website and the NATS portal.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Official Website |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Link | Click Here |
| More Jobs Updates | Click Here |
