The Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), Delhi, under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, has invited applications for engagement of ITI pass-out apprentices in various trades. According to the notification, 24 apprenticeship vacancies are available, including opportunities for Steward, COPA, Desktop Publishing Operator, Photographer, Secretariat Assistant, IT/IT ESM and Multimedia & Web Page Designer.
The official DRDO vacancy listing confirms that the DIPR apprenticeship advertisement was published on 22 September 2026, with the application window ending on 13 October 2026.
This article explains the recruitment in a candidate-focused manner, including trade-wise vacancies, stipend, eligibility, apprenticeship registration, application process, selection method, important conditions and documents.
Important: This is an apprenticeship training opportunity, not a regular DRDO government job. Completion of the apprenticeship does not create a right to regular employment in DIPR.
DRDO DIPR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) |
| Parent Organization | Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence |
| Recruitment | ITI Pass-Out Apprentices |
| Advertisement No. | 0675/Apprentice/DIPR/Adm |
| Total Vacancies | 24 |
| Qualification | ITI Pass in the relevant trade |
| Training Duration | 1 Year for the listed ITI trades |
| Stipend | ₹9,600 to ₹10,560 per month |
| Application Mode | Apprenticeship Portal and prescribed application by email |
| Apprenticeship Portal | apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
| Establishment Code | E08260700022 |
| Last Date | 13 October 2026 |
| Job/Training Location | DIPR, Timarpur, Delhi |
| Website | apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
The 24 vacancies and trade-wise stipend figures are given in the notification.
DRDO DIPR Apprentice Vacancy 2026
DIPR has announced 24 tentative apprenticeship positions across seven trades.
Trade-wise Vacancy and Stipend
| S. No. | Trade | Training Duration After Rebate | Vacancies | Minimum Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steward | 1 Year | 1 | ₹9,600/month |
| 2 | Desktop Publishing Operator | 1 Year | 2 | ₹9,600/month |
| 3 | Secretariat Assistant – English / Hindi | 1 Year | 2 | ₹9,600/month |
| 4 | Photographer | 1 Year | 1 | ₹10,560/month |
| 5 | COPA | 1 Year | 14 | ₹9,600/month |
| 6 | IT / IT ESM (Information and Communication Technology System Maintenance) | 1 Year | 2 | ₹10,560/month |
| 7 | Multimedia & Web Page Designer | 1 Year | 2 | ₹9,600/month |
| Total | 24 | — | ||
The notification states that the number of vacancies may increase or decrease depending on DIPR’s requirements.
DRDO DIPR Apprentice Eligibility Criteria 2026
The primary requirement is that candidates must have passed ITI in the relevant trade. The advertisement specifically includes candidates certified under SCVT and NCVET.
Candidates must also be registered on the Apprenticeship Portal. Registration is mandatory for consideration of candidature. Applications from candidates who are not registered on the portal will not be considered.
The notification further states that candidates must satisfy the educational and physical qualification requirements, if applicable, prescribed for their respective trade under the applicable NAPS 2.0 apprenticeship norms.
Trade-wise Qualification
The notification identifies the requirement as ITI in the relevant trade. It does not provide a separate detailed trade-to-ITI-qualification mapping beyond the trade names in the vacancy table.
Therefore, candidates should verify that their ITI qualification corresponds to the trade for which they are applying.
DRDO DIPR Apprentice Age Limit 2026
The notification does not provide specific numerical minimum and maximum age figures in the advertisement.
It states that candidates must have attained the prescribed minimum age and must not exceed the prescribed maximum age applicable under the Apprentices Act, 1961, Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 and applicable guidelines, as amended from time to time.
| Age Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | Not specified in the provided notification. |
| Maximum Age | Not specified in the provided notification. |
| Applicable Rule | Apprentices Act, 1961, Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 and applicable guidelines |
Important: We have not inserted a guessed age limit because the DIPR notification itself does not state a numerical age limit.
DRDO DIPR Apprentice Stipend 2026
The monthly stipend depends on the trade.
Candidates selected for Photographer and IT / IT ESM are listed with a minimum stipend of ₹10,560 per month.
The remaining listed trades carry a minimum stipend of ₹9,600 per month.
The notification states that stipend will be paid monthly through the prescribed banking mode. Candidates are required to provide valid bank account details linked with Aadhaar wherever required at joining.
DRDO DIPR Apprentice Training Duration
For the listed ITI trades, the table specifies one year of apprenticeship training after rebate.
The terms and conditions also clearly state that the apprenticeship training period is 12 months and is not extendible.
After completion of the prescribed training, apprentices undergo an applicable assessment. Assessment marks and attendance details are uploaded on the Apprenticeship Portal, and the results may be considered for generation/issuance of the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) as applicable.
DRDO DIPR Apprentice Reservation 2026
For the 24 advertised vacancies, the notification provides the following reservation roster:
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 14 |
| OBC | 06 |
| SC | 03 |
| ST | 01 |
| Total | 24 |
The notification says reservation will be provided according to the Apprentices Act, 1961, Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 and applicable Government instructions/guidelines.
DRDO DIPR Apprentice Important Dates 2026
The official DRDO vacancy listing records the advertisement as published on 22 September 2026 and shows the closing date as 13 October 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Published on DRDO Portal | 22 September 2026 |
| Application Start | Within the application window announced through the DRDO portal |
| Last Date to Apply | 13 October 2026 |
The PDF itself states that the last date is within 21 days from the date of publication of the advertisement on the DRDO portal.
How to Apply for DRDO DIPR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
DIPR has provided an apprenticeship-portal route as well as an application-form/email route.
Method 1: Apprenticeship Portal
Candidates should:
- Visit the Apprenticeship Portal.
- Register themselves if they have not already done so.
- Search for the concerned establishment.
- Use Establishment Code: E08260700022.
- Select the relevant apprenticeship trade.
- Submit the application through the portal.
The notification specifically states that candidates can search the establishment using the above establishment code and apply for the relevant trade.
Method 2: Application Form by Email
The notification also allows candidates to submit the prescribed application form along with the required documents/certificates.
Scanned copies of the completed application form and supporting documents are to be submitted in PDF format through email only at:
The application must reach the specified email address before the closing date.
What Is the Establishment Code for DIPR Apprentice Recruitment?
The establishment code mentioned in the notification is:
E08260700022
Candidates using the Apprenticeship Portal can search the concerned establishment using this code before applying for the relevant trade.
Documents Required for DIPR Apprentice Application
The application form attached to the notification asks candidates to provide information such as:
- Full name
- Father’s/Husband’s name
- Date of birth and present age
- Correspondence address
- Permanent address with proof
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Category
- NATS/NAPS enrolment number
- Educational qualification
- Marks and percentage
- Experience, if applicable
- Other relevant information
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
The application form is provided on page 7 of the notification.
At the time of joining, selected candidates must bring original documents relating to their educational qualification, ITI certificate, caste certificate where applicable and other relevant documents.
DRDO DIPR Apprentice Selection Process 2026
The selection process is based primarily on the marks obtained in the relevant qualifying examination/trade.
According to the notification:
Qualifying Examination/Trade Marks → Shortlisting → Interaction/Interview, if applicable → Category-wise Final Merit → Offer Letter
The interaction/interview may be conducted depending on the number of candidates applying for the advertised vacancies.
A duly constituted board will scrutinize applications and shortlist candidates based on:
- Prescribed eligibility
- Selection criteria
- Number of available vacancies
Selected candidates will receive the offer letter through email only.
Is There a Written Exam for DRDO DIPR Apprentice Recruitment?
The notification does not specify a separate written examination.
Instead, it states that selection will be based on marks obtained in the respective qualifying examination/trade, followed by an interaction/interview where applicable.
Therefore, candidates should not assume that a separate written test will be conducted unless DIPR issues further instructions.
Important Conditions Candidates Should Know
1. Apprenticeship Is Not a Regular DRDO Job
This is one of the most important points.
Completion of the apprenticeship does not give the apprentice a right to regular employment or extension of the apprenticeship in DIPR. DIPR is also under no obligation to offer employment after the training period.
2. No Government Accommodation or Transport
DIPR will not provide:
- Government quarters
- Hostel accommodation
- Transport facilities
during the apprenticeship training period.
3. Police Verification
Selected candidates are required to submit a Police Verification Certificate after joining, according to the applicable requirements of the establishment.
4. Apprentices Are Treated as Trainees
The notification states that apprentices are treated as trainees and not workers, subject to the applicable provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961.
5. Valid Email ID Is Important
All correspondence, including the offer letter, will be made through email. Candidates should therefore provide a valid and functional email address and check it regularly.
6. Incorrect Information Can Lead to Rejection
Incomplete, incorrect, misleading or illegible information/documents may result in rejection of the application or candidature.
Suppression or misrepresentation of material facts can lead to cancellation/disqualification at any stage of the selection or apprenticeship process.
Who Meets the Key Conditions to Apply?
A candidate should first check the following objective conditions:
- You have passed ITI in the relevant trade.
- Your ITI qualification is applicable to the trade you are applying for.
- You are registered on the Apprenticeship Portal.
- You satisfy the applicable age provisions under the apprenticeship rules.
- You satisfy any applicable educational or physical requirements under NAPS 2.0.
- You can provide the required certificates/documents.
- You can submit the application before the closing date.
Registration on the Apprenticeship Portal is mandatory according to the notification.
Who Should Avoid Applying for a Particular Trade?
A candidate should not submit an application for a trade unless their ITI qualification and other eligibility conditions match the applicable requirements.
In particular, candidates should avoid applying without first checking:
- Relevant ITI trade
- Apprenticeship Portal registration
- Applicable age requirement
- Required documents
- Category information
- NAPS 2.0 requirements
The notification places responsibility on candidates to ensure that they satisfy the Essential Qualification Requirements and all other eligibility conditions before applying.
DRDO DIPR Apprentice 2026 – Important Candidate Checklist
Before submitting the application, candidates should verify:
✔ ITI certificate available
✔ Relevant trade selected
✔ Apprenticeship Portal registration completed
✔ Establishment Code E08260700022 checked
✔ NAPS/NAPS-related enrolment details available where applicable
✔ Category information entered correctly
✔ Educational documents ready
✔ Caste certificate ready where applicable
✔ Recent passport-size photograph ready
✔ Valid mobile number and email ID provided
✔ Application form filled completely
✔ Documents scanned clearly
✔ Application submitted before 13 October 2026
This checklist is intended as a practical self-check based on the requirements and application form in the notification.
The official DRDO vacancy listing identifies the DIPR advertisement as 0675/Apprentice/DIPR/Adm, published on 22 September 2026, with an end date of 13 October 2026.
DRDO DIPR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
Q1. What is DRDO DIPR Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Ans: It is an apprenticeship engagement drive by the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), under DRDO and the Ministry of Defence, for ITI pass-out candidates in various trades.
Q2. How many vacancies are available?
Ans: The notification advertises 24 apprenticeship vacancies.
Q3. Which trades are included?
Ans: Steward, Desktop Publishing Operator, Secretariat Assistant – English/Hindi, Photographer, COPA, IT/IT ESM and Multimedia & Web Page Designer.
Q4. What is the highest stipend?
Ans: The highest listed minimum stipend is ₹10,560 per month for Photographer and IT/IT ESM.
Q5. What is the stipend for COPA?
Ans: The listed minimum stipend for COPA is ₹9,600 per month.
Q6. What is the educational qualification?
Ans: Candidates must have passed ITI in the relevant trade, subject to the applicable apprenticeship requirements.
Q7. Is Apprenticeship Portal registration mandatory?
Ans: Yes. The notification states that registration on the Apprenticeship Portal is mandatory for consideration of candidature.
Q8. What is the DIPR establishment code?
Ans: The establishment code is E08260700022.
Q9. What is the last date to apply?
Ans: The official DRDO listing shows 13 October 2026 as the closing date.
Q10. What is the apprenticeship duration?
Ans: The training duration for the listed ITI trades is one year after rebate, and the terms state that the apprenticeship period is 12 months and not extendible.
Q11. What is the age limit?
Ans: A numerical age limit is not specified in the provided notification. Candidates must satisfy the applicable age provisions under the Apprentices Act, Apprenticeship Rules and applicable guidelines.
Q12. Is there a written examination?
Ans: No separate written examination is specified in the notification. Selection is based on qualifying/trade marks followed by interaction/interview where applicable.
Q13. How will candidates be selected?
Ans: Applications will be scrutinized and candidates shortlisted according to eligibility, selection criteria and available vacancies. Qualifying/trade marks form the basis of selection, followed by interaction/interview where applicable.
Q14. How will selected candidates receive the offer letter?
Ans: The offer letter will be issued through email only.
Q15. Can candidates apply through the Apprenticeship Portal?
Ans: Yes. Candidates can search for the establishment using code E08260700022 and apply for the relevant trade.
Q16. Can candidates also submit the application by email?
Ans: Yes. The prescribed application form and required documents can be scanned in PDF format and submitted through email to admindipr.dipr@gov.in before the closing date.
Q17. Will DIPR provide hostel accommodation?
Ans: No. The notification states that government quarters, hostel accommodation and transport facilities will not be provided during apprenticeship training.
Q18. Is there a job guarantee after apprenticeship?
Ans: No. Completion of the apprenticeship does not create a right to regular employment or extension of apprenticeship in DIPR.
Q19. Is police verification required?
Ans: Selected candidates are required to submit a Police Verification Certificate after joining, as applicable to the establishment.
Q20. What happens if a candidate provides incorrect information?
Ans: Incomplete, incorrect, misleading or invalid information/documents may result in rejection or cancellation of candidature.
Final Words
The DRDO DIPR ITI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 provides 24 apprenticeship opportunities for ITI pass-out candidates across seven trades. The listed minimum stipend ranges from ₹9,600 to ₹10,560 per month, while the training period is one year.
The most important points candidates should verify before applying are their relevant ITI trade, Apprenticeship Portal registration, applicable age requirements, documents and application deadline.
Most importantly, applicants should understand that this is an apprenticeship training opportunity rather than a permanent DRDO appointment. The notification specifically states that completion of apprenticeship does not create a right to regular employment in DIPR.
For current-date verification, the official DRDO vacancy listing shows the DIPR advertisement was published on 22 September 2026 and closes on 13 October 2026.
DRDO DIPR Apprentice 2026 Official Links
Official Links – DRDO DIPR Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Use Establishment Code E08260700022 to locate the concerned DIPR establishment on the Apprenticeship Portal.
Candidates should verify the latest instructions on the official DRDO portal before submitting an application.
