Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification has been released by DESIDOC, DRDO for engagement of 20 apprentices across Library & Information Science, Computer Science, and Photography/Videography disciplines. The training period is 12 months during Financial Year 2026-2027, with a monthly stipend ranging from ₹10,900 to ₹12,300 depending on qualification level. Applications must be submitted by post or in person within 21 days from the advertisement date on https://www.drdo.gov.in.
Note: The application window closes on 01/07/2026 – only 18 days remain to apply.
Candidates are required to register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal before submitting their application. This is a mandatory step, and applications from unregistered candidates will be rejected. The recruitment targets recent graduates and diploma/ITI holders who completed their qualifying course in 2024 or 2025 and do not have prior job training experience.
DRDO DESIDOC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), DRDO, Delhi |
| Posts | Library & Information Science, Computer Science, Photography/Videography |
| Total Vacancies | 20 (subject to revision) |
| Training Period | 12 months (FY 2026-2027) |
| Application Mode | By post or by hand |
| Job Location | Delhi |
| Official Website | https://www.drdo.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Release | 10/06/2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 01/07/2026 |
| Application Window | 21 days from the advertisement date |
DRDO DESIDOC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Vacancy Breakdown
| Discipline | Vacancies | Monthly Stipend (Graduation/Diploma/ITI) |
|---|---|---|
| Library & Information Science | 16 | ₹12,300 (Graduation) / ₹10,900 (Diploma/ITI) |
| Computer Science | 2 | ₹12,300 (Graduation/B.E.) / ₹10,900 (Diploma) |
| Photography/Videography | 2 | ₹10,900 (Diploma/ITI) |
Vacancy numbers may increase or decrease as per organisational requirements and are subject to revision without notice.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates with specific educational qualifications, aged 28 years or below, and who have not undertaken prior apprenticeship or job training are eligible to apply for DRDO DESIDOC Apprentice Recruitment 2026.
Educational Qualification by Discipline
| Discipline | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Library & Information Science | Bachelor’s Degree + One-year Degree in Library & Information Science from a recognised university/institute |
| Computer Science | Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Computer Science OR Three-year Diploma in Computer Science from a recognised university/institute |
| Photography/Videography | Three-year Diploma in Photography/Videography OR ITI Certificate in the relevant field from a recognised institute |
Pass-Out Year Requirement
Only candidates who completed their qualifying course in 2024 or 2025 are eligible. Candidates who passed before 2024 cannot apply. Post-graduate degree holders are also ineligible.
Age Limit
| Category | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General | 28 years |
| SC/ST | 33 years (5 years relaxation) |
| OBC | 31 years (3 years relaxation) |
Age is calculated as on the date of the written test or interview, whichever is conducted.
Work Experience Restriction
Candidates who have completed one year or more of job training or apprenticeship after their qualifying qualification are not eligible. This restriction applies across any organisation or institute.
Prior Termination Bar
Candidates terminated from any apprenticeship program previously are ineligible to apply.
Mandatory NATS Registration
Every candidate must register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal before applying. Registration is free and mandatory. Unregistered candidates will face automatic rejection.
Is This Recruitment Right for You?
- You completed a degree or diploma in Library Science, Computer Science, or Photography between 2024 and 2025 – early passers are not eligible.
- You are aged 28 years or below (relaxation up to 33 years for SC/ST candidates and 31 years for OBC candidates).
- You have not completed one year or more of paid job training or apprenticeship after your qualification.
- You have never been terminated from an apprenticeship program previously.
- You are willing to work at DESIDOC’s Delhi office and undergo a 12-month training contract under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
Stipend and Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend (Graduates/B.E. Holders) | ₹12,300 |
| Monthly Stipend (Diploma/ITI Holders) | ₹10,900 |
| Nature of Engagement | Apprenticeship (not employment) |
| Accommodation | Not provided |
| Transport | Not provided |
| TA/DA | Not paid for any selection stage |
| Medical Fitness Certificate | Required at time of joining |
The stipend is fixed under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme and does not represent a salary. Successful completion of the 12-month training period does not confer any right to employment or permanent appointment in DESIDOC or DRDO.
Application Fee
No application fee is charged for the DRDO DESIDOC Apprentice Recruitment 2026. Applications from all categories are free of cost.
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Merit-Based Shortlisting | Candidates shortlisted on merit based on marks or percentage in the essential qualification |
| Written Test and/or Interview | Shortlisted candidates will appear for the written examination and/or interview as decided by the Selection Board |
| Document Verification | Selected candidates must bring all original certificates at the time of document verification/interview |
| Selection Board Review | Director, DESIDOC, constitutes the Selection Board that scrutinises all applications and selects final candidates |
| Offer and Communication | Only selected candidates are informed via an offer letter or email |
The selection mode and number of stages may be modified by DESIDOC based on organisational requirements. No TA/DA (Travel Allowance/Dearness Allowance) is paid to candidates attending any stage of the selection process.
How to Apply for DRDO DESIDOC Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal at http://www.mhrdnats.gov.in or http://nats.education.gov.in and note your enrolment number.
- Download the official application form from the DRDO website at https://www.drdo.gov.in under the “What’s New” section.
- Fill in all details in the application form carefully and completely. Ensure your email address is correct – all communication from DESIDOC will be sent by email only.
- Attach self-attested photocopies of all required documents, such as educational certificates, mark sheets, and proof of identity.
- If you belong to the SC/ST/OBC category, attach a valid caste certificate in the prescribed Central Government format (state government format certificates will not be accepted).
- Superscribe the envelope with the name of the discipline you are applying for (Library & Information Science / Computer Science / Photography & Videography).
- Submit the application by post or by hand to: Director, Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), Metcalfe House, Civil Lines, Delhi – 110 054, within 21 days of the advertisement date (01/07/2026).
DESIDOC will not be held responsible for loss of email due to incorrect email ID, spam filters, or other technical issues. Downloading and printing the application form is your own responsibility. Ensure you submit well before the deadline to avoid postal delays, as the 21-day window is calculated from the advertisement date on the DRDO website.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Not registering on NATS before applying – your application will be rejected if you do not have an active NATS enrolment number. Complete NATS registration before filling the application form.
- Incorrect or unclear email address – DESIDOC communicates exclusively by email, and even a small typo means you will miss the shortlist notice, interview call, and offer letter.
- Submitting original documents instead of self-attested photocopies – applications must include only self-attested copies, not originals.
- Forgetting to superscribe the envelope with the discipline name – envelopes without the discipline name may be misfiled or delayed.
- Submitting a caste certificate in state government format – SC/ST/OBC certificates must be in the prescribed Central Government format; state formats will not be accepted for a reservation claim.
- Applying too close to the deadline – the 21-day window is from the advertisement date (10/06/2026), not from when you discover the notification. Allow extra time for postal delivery.
Documents Required
- Self-attested photocopies of educational certificates (degree/diploma)
- Mark sheets or academic transcripts
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, Voter ID, or Driving Licence)
- Valid caste certificate in Central Government format (for SC/ST/OBC candidates only)
- Curriculum Vitae or resume
- Passport-size photograph (affix on application form)
- Email address (written clearly to avoid miscommunication)
What Happens After You Apply
- Application submission closes on 01/07/2026.
- DESIDOC will shortlist candidates based on merit (percentage/marks in the essential qualification).
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for a written test and/or interview as per the official schedule.
- Selected candidates will be informed via an offer letter or email with joining details.
- Selected candidates must submit a medical fitness certificate before joining.
- Apprenticeship training begins during the Financial Year 2026-2027 for a period of 12 months.
- Upon successful completion of training, candidates will receive a completion certificate under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
Terms and Conditions
- Engagement is under the Apprentices Act, 1961, for a fixed term of 12 months – no permanent appointment is guaranteed.
- A written contract of apprenticeship must be executed by all selected candidates.
- A medical fitness certificate is mandatory at the time of joining.
- No hostel, quarters, or transport accommodation will be provided during training.
- Suppression of facts or submission of false/fabricated information will lead to disqualification at any stage of selection.
- Any attempt to influence the selection process will result in immediate cancellation of candidature.
- Selected candidates must be prepared to join within the notified date or forfeit the appointment.
About the Apprentice Role in DRDO
Apprenticeship at DESIDOC (Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre) offers exposure to defence research and scientific documentation work under a structured 12-month training framework. Roles in Library & Information Science involve cataloguing, classification, and management of defence research documentation; Computer Science roles focus on systems, software, and IT infrastructure support; Photography/Videography roles encompass capturing and editing content for documentation and communication purposes. This is a skill-building engagement under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme – not a direct employment opportunity – and is suited for fresh graduates or diploma holders seeking practical training in their field before pursuing regular employment. The training imparts government-standard work practices, technical expertise, and certification recognised under national apprenticeship guidelines.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Register on the NATS Portal (MHRD) | Click Here |
| Register on the NATS Portal (Education) | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the mandatory NATS registration, and can I apply without it?
Ans. NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme) registration is mandatory. You must enrol on either http://www.mhrdnats.gov.in or http://nats.education.gov.in and obtain your enrolment number before submitting your application. Applications from unregistered candidates are liable to be rejected outright.
Q2. I passed my degree in 2023. Am I eligible for DRDO DESIDOC Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Ans. No. Only candidates who completed their qualifying course in 2024 or 2025 are eligible. Candidates who passed before 2024 cannot apply, regardless of other qualifications. This eligibility criterion is strictly enforced.
Q3. What is the upper age limit, and is relaxation available?
Ans. The general upper age limit is 28 years as on the date of the written test or interview. SC/ST candidates receive 5 years relaxation, making their upper limit 33 years. OBC candidates receive 3 years of relaxation, making their upper limit 31 years.
Q4. I have one year of job experience after completing my diploma. Can I apply?
Ans. No. The notification explicitly states that candidates with one year or more of job training or apprenticeship experience after their qualifying qualification are ineligible. This bar applies regardless of the type of experience.
Q5. What happens if my email address has a typo in the application form?
Ans. DESIDOC communicates exclusively by email. An incorrect email address means you will miss the shortlist notification, interview call letter, and offer letter. Always double-check your email address before submission and ensure it is active and accessible.
Q6. Do I get any TA/DA or accommodation during the apprenticeship?
Ans. No. DESIDOC does not provide travel allowance (TA/DA) for attending any stage of the selection process. Additionally, no hostel, quarters, or transport accommodation is provided during the 12-month training period. You must arrange your own accommodation and commute.
Q7. Is completion of this apprenticeship a guarantee of employment at DESIDOC or DRDO?
Ans. No. This is an apprenticeship engagement under the Apprentices Act, 1961, not a direct employment opportunity. Successful completion of the 12-month training confers no right to permanent appointment or employment in DESIDOC or DRDO. You receive a completion certificate upon finishing the training.
Q8. Can I apply for more than one discipline in the DRDO DESIDOC Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The notification does not explicitly permit multiple applications. It is best practice to apply for only one discipline to avoid complications. Candidates are advised to verify with DESIDOC or the official notification before submitting multiple applications.
What to Do Next
Eligible candidates must complete NATS registration immediately at http://www.mhrdnats.gov.in or http://nats.education.gov.in and note the enrolment number before downloading the application form from https://www.drdo.gov.in. Submit the completed application by post or in person to DESIDOC, Metcalfe House, Civil Lines, Delhi – 110 054, before 01/07/2026. After the application deadline, DESIDOC will shortlist candidates based on merit in their qualification, and shortlisted candidates will be called for a written test and/or interview as per the official schedule. Bookmark MyNaukriAlert.com to stay updated on the DRDO DESIDOC apprentice shortlist, interview calls, and final result announcements as they are published.
