
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has opened applications for 50 apprentice posts at its Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE) in Chandipur, Balasore, Odisha. The one-year apprenticeship covers 15 Graduate Apprentice and 35 Technician Apprentice positions in engineering disciplines.

Graduate Apprentice roles (B.Tech required) offer a stipend of Rs 12,300 per month, with vacancies in Electronics and Communication (4), Mechanical (4), Computer Science (5) and Chemical (2). Technician Apprentice roles (diploma required) pay Rs 10,900 per month, with openings in Civil (10), Computer Science (5), Electronics and Communication (5), Mechanical (8), Chemical (1), Electrical (2), Cinematography (2) and Automobile (2).
Candidates must have completed their qualifying course between 2022 and 2026 through regular mode. The last date to submit applications is October 12, 2026. Applications must be typed, sent via Speed Post or Registered Post to PXE, Chandipur, and include registration on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal. Shortlisted candidates will face a written test or interview.
The 50 vacancies at PXE Chandipur offer a structured entry point for recent engineering graduates and diploma holders into a defence research environment, though DRDO explicitly states the training carries no job guarantee. The application process imposes several barriers: typed forms only, postal submission by 12 October, mandatory NATS portal registration, and rejection of handwritten or incomplete applications. Selection is based first on academic marks, then a written test or interview. Candidates who already have one year of training or job experience are ineligible, which tilts the opportunity toward freshers. The stipend, at Rs 12,300 for graduates and Rs 10,900 for technicians, is modest. No accommodation or travel allowance is provided.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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