DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 : The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), through its Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) in Avadi, Chennai, has released a notification for the recruitment of ITI Apprentice Trainees. The selection will be done through a Walk-in Interview scheduled for September 8 and 9, 2026.
This is an excellent opportunity for ITI pass-outs in various trades to gain valuable training and experience at one of India’s premier defence research establishments. The apprenticeship is strictly under the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961.
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The Walk-in Interview will be conducted on September 8 and 9, 2026, from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM at CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai. Candidates must report to the venue with all necessary documents for verification. The selection will be based on a shortlisting on the marks obtained in the ITI qualifying exam, followed by a Walk-in Interview.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation Name | Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) |
| Establishment | Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi, Chennai |
| Post | ITI Apprentice Trainees |
| Advt No | CVRDE/ADMIN/2026-27 |
| Vacancies | 93 (Tentative) |
| Mode of Application | Walk-in Interview |
| Walk-in Interview Dates | September 8, 2026, to September 9, 2026 (09:00 AM to 05:00 PM) |
| Eligibility | Qualification: ITI Pass from NCVT/SCVT Board. Passing Year: 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026. Age: 18 to 27 years (as on 01.09.2026, with relaxations). |
| Stipend | Rs. 10,560/- to Rs. 11,040/- per month (as per trade) |
| Official Venue | CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai – 600054 |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting on ITI Marks → Walk-in Interview |
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DRDO CVRDE Apprentice 2026: Which Trades Are Included?
The recruitment is for 18 different ITI trades. A total of 93 vacancies (tentative) have been announced.
| Trade | Stipend (Rs.) | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA) | 10,560/- | 13 |
| Draughtsman (Mechanical) | 11,040/- | 10 |
| Electrician | 11,040/- | 12 |
| Fitter | 11,040/- | 10 |
| Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) | 11,040/- | 8 |
| Machinist | 11,040/- | 5 |
| Painter | 10,560/- | 1 |
| Plumber | 11,040/- | 3 |
| Turner | 11,040/- | 5 |
| Welder | 10,560/- | 5 |
| Electronics Mechanic | 11,040/- | 6 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | 11,040/- | 1 |
| Computer Networking Technician | 10,560/- | 1 |
| Computer & Peripherals Hardware Repair & Maintenance Mechanic | 10,560/- | 1 |
| Photographer | 11,040/- | 4 |
| Book Binder | 11,040/- | 2 |
| CAD-CAM Operator Cum Programmer | 10,560/- | 3 |
| Food Production (General) | 10,560/- | 3 |
| Total | 93 |
DRDO CVRDE ITI Apprentice Vacancy 2026 (Category-wise)
The category-wise distribution of the 93 tentative vacancies is as follows:
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 40 |
| OBC | 25 |
| SC | 13 |
| ST | 06 |
| EWS | 09 |
| Total | 93 |
Who Can Apply for DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must check the minimum eligibility criteria before applying.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | ITI Certificate from NCVT/SCVT Board in the relevant trade. Passing Year: Must have passed in the year 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026. (Candidates who passed earlier than 2023 are not eligible). Regular Candidates: Only those who have completed the qualifying exam as regular candidates are eligible. |
| Age Limit (as on 01.09.2026) | Minimum: 18 Years. Maximum: Unreserved (UR): 27 Years. OBC: 30 Years (3 years relaxation). SC/ST: 32 Years (5 years relaxation). PwBD: 37 Years (10 years relaxation). |
| Nationality | Indian citizens. |
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DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Application Process 2026 (Walk-in Interview)
Candidates need to appear for a Walk-in Interview with all the required documents.
Walk-in Interview Details:
- Dates: September 8, 2026, to September 9, 2026.
- Time: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
- Venue: CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai – 600054.
Documents to Carry:
Candidates must bring the following documents in original along with self-attested copies:
- 10th or 12th Mark Sheet and Certificate.
- ITI Mark Sheets (All years/semesters).
- NCVT/SCVT ITI Certificate (Provisional/Final).
- Caste Certificate (if applicable, OBC certificate must be valid).
- Aadhaar Card.
- Passport-size Photographs.
- Registration Number from the NCVT/SCVT MIS Portal (Registration is mandatory).
Important Note: Candidates must ensure they have registered on the NCVT/SCVT MIS portal (https://ncvtmis.gov.in) and bring their registration number.
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice 2026 Selection Process & Stipend
Selection Process:
- Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on the marks obtained in their ITI qualifying examination.
- Walk-in Interview: Shortlisted candidates will have to appear for a Walk-in Interview on the scheduled dates. The interview will assess their suitability for the apprenticeship.
- Final Selection: Selected candidates will be issued a joining letter on the spot at CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai.
Stipend:
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend as per their trade, in accordance with the Apprentices Act, 1961.
- Rs. 10,560/- per month: For COPA, Painter, Welder, Computer Networking Technician, Computer & Peripherals Hardware Repair & Maintenance Mechanic, CAD-CAM Operator Cum Programmer, and Food Production.
- Rs. 11,040/- per month: For Draughtsman (Mechanical), Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Machinist, Plumber, Turner, Electronics Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker, Photographer, and Book Binder.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- No Employment Guarantee: It is important to note that selection and training are strictly under the Apprentices Act, 1961. No employment is guaranteed upon completion of the training.
- Mandatory NCVT/SCVT Registration: Registration on the NCVT/SCVT MIS portal is mandatory. The registration number must be provided during the application process.
- Result Declaration: Candidates whose results are declared on or before August 30, 2026 are only eligible.
- False Documents: If any information or document is found to be false or forged, the candidature/appointment will be withdrawn immediately.
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How to Apply for DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The application process is a Walk-in Interview. Candidates do not need to apply online.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all the required documents (listed above) and make self-attested copies.
- Register on NCVT/SCVT MIS: Ensure you have registered on the NCVT/SCVT MIS portal and have your registration number.
- Visit the Venue: Report to the venue (CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai) on September 8 or 9, 2026, between 09:00 AM and 05:00 PM.
- Document Verification: Submit your documents for verification.
- Participate in Interview: Attend the Walk-in Interview.
- Receive Joining Letter: If selected, you will receive a joining letter on the spot.
Important Links
| Link Description | URL |
|---|---|
| Notification PDF | Click to Download |
| NCVT/SCVT MIS Portal | https://ncvtmis.gov.in |
| DRDO Official Website | https://drdo.gov.in |
FAQs
What is the salary/stipend for DRDO CVRDE Apprentice?
The stipend varies by trade. It is either Rs. 10,560/- or Rs. 11,040/- per month as per the Apprentices Act.
How many vacancies are to be filled through DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 93 vacancies (tentative) are to be filled for ITI Apprentice Trainees.
What is the educational qualification required for DRDO CVRDE Apprentice?
Candidates must have an ITI Certificate from NCVT/SCVT Board in the relevant trade, passed in the years 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026.
What is the selection process for DRDO CVRDE Apprentice?
The selection process consists of shortlisting on the basis of ITI marks, followed by a Walk-in Interview.
Is there any application fee for DRDO CVRDE Apprentice?
No, there is no application fee mentioned. The application process is a Walk-in Interview.
Is employment guaranteed after the apprenticeship?
No. As per the notification, “NO EMPLOYMENT IS GUARANTEED TO THE APPRENTICES ON COMPLETION OF THEIR TRAINING.”