Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), under DRDO, has released its 2026 apprentice recruitment notification for 20 positions. Applications are invited for the 12-month training period during the Financial Year 2026-2027. Training disciplines include Library & Information Science, Computer Science, and Photography/Videography.
Depending on qualification level, the monthly stipend ranges from ₹10,900 to ₹12,300. Eligible candidates must submit their applications by post or by hand within 21 days from the advertisement date (10/06/2026). The final deadline for submission is 01/07/2026.
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 | Offline (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 |
Vacancy Breakdown & Stipend Details
| Discipline | Vacancies | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
Note: Vacancies are subject to revision as per organisational requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the DRDO DESIDOC Apprentice Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet specific educational, age, and graduation-year requirements.
Educational Qualifications
| 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 |
Age Limit
| Category | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General | 28 years |
| OBC | 31 years (3 years relaxation) |
| SC/ST | 33 years (5 years relaxation) |
Age is calculated as on the date of the written test or interview.
Key Eligibility Restrictions
- Pass-Out Year: Only candidates who passed their qualifying course in 2024 or 2025 are eligible. Post-graduate degree holders are not eligible.
- Work Experience: Candidates with one year or more of job training or apprenticeship after their essential qualification are barred from applying.
- Prior Termination: Anyone terminated from an apprenticeship program previously is ineligible.
- NATS Registration: Registration on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal is absolutely mandatory before applying.
Selection Process
The selection board constituted by the Director of DESIDOC will review all offline applications. Candidates will be evaluated through: 1. Merit-Based Shortlisting (based on marks/percentage in essential qualifications) 2. Written Examination and/or Interview 3. Document Verification
No TA/DA is paid to candidates attending the selection process. Selected candidates will be notified exclusively via email or offer letter.
How to Apply Offline
Applications for the DRDO DESIDOC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 are accepted strictly offline (by post or by hand). No application fee is charged. Follow these steps:
- Register on NATS: Enroll at http://www.mhrdnats.gov.in or http://nats.education.gov.in and note your registration number.
- Download Form: Download the official application form from the “What’s New” section of https://www.drdo.gov.in.
- Fill & Attach Documents: Complete the application and attach self-attested copies of educational certificates, mark sheets, ID proof, and a Central Government format caste certificate (if applicable).
- Submit Application: Superscribe the envelope with the discipline name (e.g., “Library & Information Science”) and send it to:
Director, Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), Metcalfe House, Civil Lines, Delhi – 110 054.
Ensure your application reaches the office by 01/07/2026.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| NATS Portal (MHRD) | Click Here |
| NATS Portal (Education) | Click Here |
| DRDO Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is NATS registration actually required for this apprenticeship?
Ans. Yes, it’s absolutely mandatory. Before you send in your application, you need to register on the NATS portal (either mhrdnats.gov.in or nats.education.gov.in) to get an enrolment number. If you apply without one, DESIDOC will automatically reject your application.
Q2. Can I apply if I graduated back in 2023 or earlier?
Ans. Unfortunately, no. This recruitment is strictly limited to fresh graduates who completed their qualifying degrees or diplomas in either 2024 or 2025. If you passed out before 2024, you aren’t eligible for this specific training batch.
Q3. What’s the maximum age limit to apply?
Ans. The standard upper age limit is 28 years for general category candidates. However, there are relaxations in place: OBC applicants can apply up to age 31, and SC/ST applicants have an upper limit of 33 years. Your age is calculated based on the date of your written test or interview.
Q4. If I already have a year of work experience, am I still eligible?
Ans. No, you won’t be eligible. The DRDO explicitly states that anyone who has already completed a year or more of job training or another apprenticeship after their qualifying degree cannot apply.
Q5. How will DESIDOC contact me about the selection process?
Ans. All communication from DESIDOC will be sent via email only. Make sure you write your email address very clearly on the application form. If there’s a typo, you could completely miss your shortlist notice or interview call.
Q6. Will the DRDO provide housing or cover my travel expenses?
Ans. No, the DRDO does not offer travel allowances (TA/DA) for attending the selection process. You also won’t receive hostel accommodation, quarters, or transport facilities during your 12-month training in Delhi, so you’ll need to arrange your own stay.
Q7. Does finishing this training guarantee a permanent job at DRDO?
Ans. No, it doesn’t. This is strictly a 12-month training program under the Apprentices Act of 1961. Once your training is complete, you’ll receive a valuable completion certificate, but it does not lead to permanent employment at DESIDOC or any other DRDO lab.
Q8. Can I send in applications for multiple disciplines?
Ans. The official notification doesn’t explicitly permit applying for more than one discipline. To avoid having your application rejected or causing administrative confusion, it’s highly recommended that you choose your most relevant discipline and apply for just that one.
