The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has invited applications for the engagement of Graduate and Technician Apprentices at the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad. This recruitment is conducted under the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961, as amended in 1961, 1973, and 2014.
This is a prestigious opportunity for engineering graduates and diploma holders who wish to gain hands-on experience in defense research and high-energy systems. The CHESS, DRDO, is a leading laboratory focusing on advanced scientific research, particularly in high-energy systems, electronics, mechanical, and chemical engineering applications.
Important Dates
- Notification Date: 29th May 2025
- Last Date for Submission of Applications: 22nd September 2025
- Apprenticeship Period: 12 months starting from the date the contract is signed.
Recruitment Overview
DRDO CHESS is seeking applications for a one-year apprenticeship program for both Graduate Apprentices (B.E/B.Tech) and Technician Apprentices (Diploma holders). These apprenticeships offer hands-on training in relevant fields while providing a stipend for the duration of the training.
Key Details:
- Date of Notification: 29th May 2025
- Duration: 12 months
- Mode of Application: Offline submission after online registration on NATS 2.0 portal
Number of Vacancies and Stipend
The total number of vacancies is distributed across various disciplines for both graduate and diploma apprentices.
| Apprenticeship Category | Essential Qualification | Total Vacancies | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate (Degree) Apprentice | B.E/B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering / Communication & Computer Engineering / Computer Science & Information Technology / Computer Science & System Engineering / Computer Technology & Information Technology / Information & Communication Technology / Information Science & Engineering | 2 | ₹9,000 |
| B.E/B.Tech in Electronics Engineering / Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering / Instrumentation Technology / Electrical & Electronics Engineering / Electronics & Communication Engineering / Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering / Applied Electronics & Instrumentation / Control Engineering / Electronics & Computer Engineering / Embedded System | 3 | ₹9,000 | |
| B.E/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering / Manufacturing Process & Automation Engineering / Marine Engineering / Material Science & Engineering / Mechanical & Production Engineering / Mechanical Engineering (Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning) / Mechatronics | 3 | ₹9,000 | |
| B.E/B.Tech in Chemical Engineering / Chemical Technology | 2 | ₹9,000 | |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | Diploma in Computer Science / Information Technology / Communication | 5 | ₹8,000 |
| Diploma in Electronics / Telecommunication / Instrumentation / Electrical & Electronics Engineering / Electronics & Communication Engineering | 4 | ₹8,000 | |
| Diploma in Mechanical / Manufacturing / Production Engineering | 5 | ₹8,000 | |
| Diploma in Chemical Engineering / Chemical Technology | 1 | ₹8,000 |
Stipend Details
- Graduate Apprentices: ₹9,000 per month
- Technician Apprentices: ₹8,000 per month
Eligibility Criteria
1. Graduate (Degree) Apprentices
- Educational Qualification: B.E/B.Tech in the specified streams.
- Passing Year: Only candidates who passed in 2022, 2023, or 2024 are eligible.
- Postgraduate Qualification: Candidates with post-graduate qualifications are not eligible.
- Experience: Candidates with more than one year of training or work experience after completing their degree are not eligible.
- Mode of Study: Only regular course candidates are eligible.
2. Technician (Diploma) Apprentices
- Educational Qualification: Diploma in specified engineering streams.
- Passing Year: Candidates who completed their diploma in 2022, 2023, or 2024.
- Experience: Diploma holders with more than one year of work or training experience are not eligible.
- Mode of Study: Only regular course candidates are considered.
Age Limit
There is no specific age limit mentioned, but candidates must be fresh pass-outs from their respective courses.
Nationality
- Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
Application Procedure
Step 1: Online Registration
- Register as a candidate if not already registered.
- Complete your registration by filling in your personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload scanned copies of educational certificates and other required documents.
- Incomplete or unregistered applications will be rejected.
Step 2: Offline Application Submission
- Fill the application form duly typed and attach self-attested copies of academic qualifications.
- Label the envelope with “Application for Apprenticeship Vacancy.”
- Send the application via speed post to:
Director Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), DRDO RCI Campus, PO: Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad-500069 - Candidates must bring a signed printout of the application and original documents during joining.
Selection Proces
The selection of apprentices at CHESS is merit-based and ensures fair evaluation.
Graduate Apprentices
- Evaluation of Academic Performance: Candidates will be shortlisted based on the percentage of marks secured at the essential qualification level.
- Eligibility Check: Only candidates passing their respective courses in 2022, 2023, or 2024 are eligible.
- Verification of Credentials: Selected candidates will undergo document verification before finalizing the contract.
Technician Apprentices
- Diploma Marks Assessment: Candidates will be shortlisted according to the scores achieved in their diploma exams.
- Eligibility Check: Only fresh pass-outs from 2022–2024 are eligible.
- Document Verification: Selected candidates must provide original certificates during joining.
Terms & Conditions of Engagement
- The apprenticeship training will last for 12 months, starting from the date the contract is signed.
- Chosen candidates are required to provide a Medical Fitness Certificate upon joining.
- SC, ST, and OBC candidates must produce caste certificates in the prescribed format issued by a competent authority.
- Candidates found ineligible or misrepresenting information will have their applications rejected at any stage.
- Apprentices will not have any claim for permanent employment in DRDO post-training.
Advantages of Joining DRDO CHESS Apprenticeship
- Hands-on Experience: Candidates gain exposure to real-time defense projects, high-energy systems, and advanced research technologies.
- Skill Development: Apprentices learn critical technical, analytical, and project management skills.
- Professional Networking: Opportunity to work alongside experienced scientists, engineers, and technicians in a leading defense research organization.
- Career Enhancement: Provides a strong foundation for future roles in government, defense, or private sector R&D organizations.
- Structured Learning: Training is designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, aligning with industry standards.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Ensure all eligibility criteria are met before applying.
- Only fresh graduates who passed the qualifying degree/diploma in 2022–2024 are eligible.
- Post-graduate degree holders and candidates with more than one year of work or training experience are not eligible.
- Applications must be sent through speed post only, offline submissions are mandatory.
- Carry the original documents along with a signed copy of your application for verification during joining.
Reservation Policy
The CHESS apprenticeship program adheres to the Apprentices Act, 1961 guidelines, which include provisions for reservation of SC/ST/OBC candidates as per government rules. Candidates must produce valid certificates during the joining process to avail of the reserved seats.
