DRDO ARDE Apprentice Recruitment 2025: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) located in Pune and functioning under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has issued a call for applications to fill 120 apprentice positions. These openings are divided into two categories: 50 positions for Graduate and Diploma holders, and 70 for ITI-qualified candidates. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring candidates to gain valuable hands-on experience in a highly prestigious government research organization.
This article provides in-depth details regarding the number of available posts, eligibility standards, required qualifications, age restrictions, stipend structure, selection procedures, the application process, and other critical timelines. Candidates who wish to enhance their skills in a high-tech defence environment are encouraged to apply at the earliest, as the last date for online registration is April 20, 2025.
Overview of DRDO ARDE Apprentice Vacancies 2025
Total Vacant Positions: 120
These vacancies are distributed as follows:
1. Graduate & Diploma Apprentices (ARDE/HRD/AppTrng/2025/01): 50 Positions
- Graduate Apprentices – 32 Posts
Fields: Computer Science, Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics & Telecommunication (ENTC), Metallurgical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, MBA (HR), MSc (HR/Data Analytics) - Diploma Apprentices – 18 Posts
Specializations: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, ENTC, Metallurgy
2. ITI Trade Apprentices (ARDE/HRD/NAPS/2025/01): 70 Positions
These 70 seats are allotted across various trades such as:
- Electrician – 8 posts
- Fitter – 17 posts
- Machinist – 8 posts
- COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant) – 16 posts
- Turner – 10 posts
- Others – Includes trades such as Carpenter, Photographer, Welder, etc.
DRDO ARDE Apprentice Stipend and Monthly Allowance
Selected candidates will be entitled to a monthly stipend based on their category:
- Graduate Apprentices: ₹15,000
- Diploma Apprentices: ₹14,000
- ITI Apprentices: ₹13,000
This stipend will be provided for the full training duration as per apprenticeship norms and is meant to cover basic expenses during the training.
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DRDO ARDE Apprentice Recruitment 2025 Step-by-Step Application Process
Applicants must register on the respective government portals before submitting their applications to ARDE. Here’s how:
For Graduate and Diploma Apprentices:
- Visit nats.education.gov.in
- Complete your profile and search for the establishment:
- Name: Armament Research and Development Establishment
- Code: WMHPUC000042
- Name: Armament Research and Development Establishment
- Apply for the desired apprenticeship program listed under ARDE.
For ITI Trade Apprentices:
- Go to www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
- Complete your profile and search for:
- Name: Armament Research and Development Establishment
- Code: E05202702691
- Name: Armament Research and Development Establishment
- Select the appropriate trade and submit your application.
It is essential for all applicants to ensure that their profiles are complete and accurate before applying. Any discrepancies may lead to rejection during document verification.
Eligibility Requirements for DRDO ARDE Apprenticeship 2025
The eligibility criteria for apprentices vary slightly for each category:
1. Graduate Apprentices
- Candidates must hold a full-time Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology in a relevant stream.
- Alternatively, MBA (HR) or MSc in HR/Data Analytics are acceptable for specific posts.
- The qualification must have not before obtained 2021.
- Degrees must be from universities or institutions recognized by the UGC/AICTE.
2. Diploma Apprentices
- A full-time Diploma in Engineering in a relevant discipline is required.
- The diploma must be obtained from a State Technical Education Board or a recognized university after 2021.
3. ITI Trade Apprentices
- Must possess an ITI certificate in the respective trade from an institute approved by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) or State Council for Vocational Training (SCVT).
- Only those candidates who have passed their ITI after 2021 are eligible to apply.
Age Criteria and Relaxation
The age limit specifications are provided below:
- ITI Apprentices: Must be between 18 and 30 years as of April 1, 2025.
- Graduate & Diploma Apprentices: No fixed age limit is mentioned, but candidates must meet the academic timeline condition (passed after 2021).
Age Relaxation: Applicable relaxations in upper age limits will be offered as per Government of India rules. Candidates claiming age relaxation under SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories must furnish valid supporting documents at the time of verification.
DRDO ARDE Apprentice Selection Methodology
The selection process is straightforward and merit-based. Here’s how candidates will be shortlisted:
- Academic Performance: The initial screening will be based on marks obtained in the qualifying academic exams.
- Shortlisting: Based on merit, shortlisted candidates will be called for further rounds such as a trade test or skill-based assessment (where applicable).
- Final Selection: The final merit list will be compiled post-document verification, medical examination, and police clearance.
There will be no written exam or interview unless specified otherwise by ARDE. The organization reserves the right to modify the selection process if necessary.
Key Dates to Remember
- Start Date of Online Application: April 4, 2025
- Last Date to Submit Application: April 20, 2025
Applicants are encouraged to avoid waiting until the last day to apply, as portal traffic may cause technical delays.
DRDO ARDE Apprentice Recruitment Application Fee
Good news for applicants—no application fee is required for any category of candidates. Regardless of financial status, this makes all eligible candidates to participate in the process.
Important Links for Applicants
To make your application process smoother, here are some essential links:
- Official Notification for Graduate and Diploma Apprentices – PDF
- Official Notification for ITI Apprentices – PDF
- DRDO Official Website
These documents provide further clarity on training terms, conditions, and detailed instructions for online submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the final deadline to submit an application for the DRDO ARDE apprenticeship program?
20 April, 2025 is last date to apply this program. Applicant should submitted their application before last date.
2. What monthly stipend will selected apprentices receive?
Graduate apprentices will get ₹15,000, diploma holders ₹14,000, and ITI trade apprentices ₹13,000 per month.
3. How should candidates apply for these apprenticeships?
Applications must be submitted online via the NATS (for Graduate/Diploma) or Apprenticeship India portal (for ITI) using the respective establishment names or codes.
4. Is there an application fee for participating in this recruitment drive?
No, the entire application process is free of cost.
5. Does this apprenticeship guarantee a permanent job at DRDO or ARDE after completion?
No, there is no job guarantee post-apprenticeship. These positions are strictly for training purposes.
Conclusion: A Gateway to Professional Excellence
The DRDO ARDE Apprenticeship 2025 offers a golden opportunity for young graduates, diploma holders, and ITI pass-outs to work in a cutting-edge defence research environment. The structured training program helps build practical skills, technical competence, and workplace discipline.
Although the apprenticeship does not assure a permanent job, the experience gained during this period can significantly enhance one’s employability in both public and private sector industries. The exposure to projects involving national defence research and development will undoubtedly add weight to any resume.
Aspiring candidates should seize this opportunity and submit their applications promptly to avoid missing out. Keep all documents ready, stay updated through the official DRDO website, and prepare yourself for a fruitful learning journey with ARDE.
Vivek Verma is a seasoned writer with over two years of experience covering government schemes, job recruitments, internships, education, finance, economics, politics, geopolitics, ethics, policies, and related topics. A graduate of Ranchi University, he brings a deep understanding of government policies and job markets. With a decade-long experience in UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) preparation, he provides well-researched and insightful content, making complex subjects easily accessible to readers.
