The Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has released an official notification for the engagement of apprentices for the financial year 2025-26. The apprenticeship program will be conducted under the Apprentices Act, 1961 (as amended in 1973 & 2014).
This recruitment drive offers a unique opportunity for young aspirants to gain hands-on technical experience in one of the country’s most advanced defence R&D establishments.
About ACEM – Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials
The Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM) is a state-of-the-art facility of DRDO that specializes in composite propellant processing and high-energy materials research. Located in Ojhar, Nasik, ACEM plays a critical role in the development and processing of energetic materials used in missiles, rockets, and other advanced defence applications.
As a part of DRDO, ACEM contributes significantly to India’s strategic defence programs and provides an excellent training environment for young engineers and graduates who wish to pursue careers in research, development, and defence technology.
The apprenticeship program at ACEM is designed not only to impart industrial exposure but also to align young professionals with national defence research projects.
Vacancy Details
The recruitment is divided into Graduate Apprenticeship and Technician Apprenticeship (Diploma) categories. The discipline-wise vacancy distribution is as follows:
Graduate Apprentices (Stipend: ₹12,000 per month)
| Discipline | Qualification | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering / Chemical Technology | B.E. / B.Tech. | 05 |
| Mechanical Engineering | B.E. / B.Tech. | 05 |
| Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineering | B.E. / B.Tech. | 02 |
| Computer & Information Science / Computer Engineering / Computer Science | B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Sc. | 02 |
| Electrical / Electrical & Instrumentation Engineering | B.E. / B.Tech. | 03 |
| Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering | B.E. / B.Tech. | 03 |
| Chemistry | B.Sc. | 03 |
| Physics | B.Sc. | 02 |
| Commerce | B.Com | 04 |
| Library Science | BLIS (Bachelor of Library & Information Science) | 01 |
| Total (Graduate Apprentices) | 30 |
Technician Apprentices (Diploma) (Stipend: ₹10,000 per month)
| Discipline | Qualification | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | Diploma | 04 |
| Chemical Engineering | Diploma | 02 |
| Electrical Engineering | Diploma | 02 |
| Electronics Engineering | Diploma | 02 |
| Computer Science / IT / Web Designing | Diploma | 01 |
| Total (Technician Apprentices) | 11 |
Total Apprenticeship Positions = 41
Reservation Details
Reservation will be implemented strictly as per the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 (as amended).
- SC (Scheduled Caste): 03 slots
- ST (Scheduled Tribe): 02 slots
- OBC (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer): 11 slots
Candidates claiming reservation must provide valid caste certificates issued by the competent authority in the prescribed format.
Stipend / Salary
- Graduate Apprentices: ₹12,000 per month
- Technician Apprentices (Diploma): ₹10,000 per month
The stipend will be paid as per DRDO and Apprenticeship Act guidelines. No additional allowances such as accommodation, transport, or medical benefits will be provided.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following requirements before applying:
Educational Qualification
- Graduate Apprentices:
- B.E. / B.Tech. in relevant engineering disciplines
- B.Sc. in Chemistry / Physics / Computer Science
- B.Com (Commerce)
- BLIS (Library Science)
- Technician Apprentices:
- Diploma in Mechanical / Chemical / Electrical / Electronics / Computer Science / IT / Web Designing
Year of Passing
- Only fresh pass-outs from 2024 and 2025 are eligible.
Experience Restriction
- Candidates who already have training or job experience of one year or more after attaining the essential qualification are not eligible.
Other Requirements
- Candidates must be medically fit and provide a Medical Fitness Certificate at the time of joining.
- Candidates must also submit a Police Verification Certificate before joining.
Age Limit
The age limit will be followed as per the Apprenticeship Act, 1961 and rules framed by DRDO. Relaxations for SC, ST, OBC, and other reserved categories will apply as per government norms.
Age Limit (as on the closing date of application)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 35 years
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): 10 years
- Ex-Servicemen: As per Government of India rules
Selection Procedure
The final selection of candidates will be made by the Apprentice Selection Committee of ACEM.
- The selection will be based on merit and/or interview performance.
- Shortlisted candidates will be informed only through email.
- Offer letters will be sent to selected candidates’ registered email IDs.
Note: ACEM will not be responsible for any email delivery failures due to incorrect email IDs, spam filters, or other issues.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates must apply through the following steps:
Step 1 – Fill the Application Form
- Download the application form from the official notification.
- Type the required details, affix a recent passport-sized photograph, and sign the form.
Step 2 – Prepare Documents
Scan all the required documents in PDF format, including:
- Duly filled application form
- Educational certificates (mark sheets & degree)
- CGPA-to-percentage conversion formula adopted by university/college
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Any other relevant certificates
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: May 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 28 Oct 2025
- Mode of Application: Email + Google Form submission only
- Duration of Apprenticeship: 1 year
Terms & Conditions
- The apprenticeship is purely for training purposes under the Apprentices Act. No job assurance is given after training completion.
- Selected candidates must execute a one-year training contract with ACEM.
- Suppression of facts or false information at any stage will lead to immediate disqualification.
- ACEM reserves the right to increase/decrease apprenticeship seats or cancel the recruitment process without prior notice.
- No hostel, transport, or quarters will be provided during the training period.
- Canvassing in any form will result in cancellation of candidature.
- All communication will be done only through email.
- Candidates must produce all original documents at the time of verification.
