DRDO ACEM Apprentice Recruitment 2026 — 41 Apprentice Posts for Freshers at Nasik
Here is a great opportunity for fresh graduates and diploma holders who want to work with a top defence organisation. The Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), a unit of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) at Nasik, has invited applications for Apprenticeship Training 2026-27 (Advt. No. ACEM/HRD/APPRENTICESHIP/2026-27). A total of 41 apprentice posts are open under the Apprentices Act, 1961. These are among the most valued entry-level defence sector jobs for young candidates.
Selected apprentices will get one year of hands-on training at a state-of-the-art DRDO facility, along with a monthly stipend of up to Rs 12,300. Freshers who passed their degree or diploma in 2024, 2025 or 2026 can apply. The last date to apply is 26 July 2026, and candidates must register on the NATS 2.0 portal. Read all the details below, and keep GovtJobsAlert.in open for more apprentice openings.
Key Highlights — DRDO ACEM Apprentice 2026
ACEM is DRDO’s advanced facility for composite propellant processing, working on cutting-edge defence technology. Training here gives you rare industry exposure and a strong line on your resume, even though it is a training programme and not a permanent job.
- Recruiting Body: Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), DRDO
- Advertisement No.: ACEM/HRD/APPRENTICESHIP/2026-27
- Post Names: Graduate Apprentice, Technician (Diploma) Apprentice
- Total Vacancies: 41 posts
- Stipend: Rs 10,900 – Rs 12,300 per month
- Training Duration: 1 year
- Job Location: Nasik, Maharashtra
- Last Date to Apply: 26 July 2026
Vacancy Breakdown — DRDO ACEM Apprentice 2026
The 41 seats are divided into Graduate Apprentices and Technician (Diploma) Apprentices, as shown below. The stipend is fixed as per Apprentices Act rules.
| Apprentice Category | Stipend (Rs/month) | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice (BE / B.Tech / General) | 12,300 | 30 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | 10,900 | 11 |
| Total | — | 41 |
Among the 30 Graduate seats, the discipline-wise split is: Chemical (5), Mechanical (5), Aerospace / Aeronautical (2), Computer Science (2), Electrical / Instrumentation (3), Electronics & Telecomm (3), B.Sc Chemistry (3), B.Sc Physics (2), B.Com (4) and BLIS / Library Science (1). The 11 Technician seats cover Mechanical (4), Chemical (2), Electrical (2), Electronics (2) and Computer Science (1) diploma holders.
Reservation of Seats — DRDO ACEM Apprentice 2026
Reservation is applied as per the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules. The category-wise reserved slots are given below.
| Category | Reserved Seats |
|---|---|
| SC | 02 |
| ST | 02 |
| OBC | 11 |
Eligibility Criteria — DRDO ACEM Apprentice 2026
Only fresh pass-outs of the last three years can apply. Please check both the qualification and the year-of-passing rules carefully before applying.
Educational Qualification
- Graduate Apprentice: B.E. / B.Tech. in engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer, Electrical, Electronics), or B.Sc. (Chemistry / Physics / Computer Science), B.Com, or BLIS in the respective discipline.
- Technician Apprentice: Diploma in Engineering in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Electronics or Computer Science, in the respective discipline.
Who Can Apply (Year of Passing)
- Only candidates who passed their course in 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible.
- Candidates who have one year or more of training or job experience after the essential qualification are not eligible for apprenticeship.
What is the Stipend & Salary for DRDO ACEM Apprentice 2026?
Selected apprentices are paid a fixed monthly stipend (salary) during the one-year training period, as per Government rules.
- Graduate Apprentice: Rs 12,300 per month
- Technician (Diploma) Apprentice: Rs 10,900 per month
The stipend is paid every month during training, so you learn valuable defence-sector skills and earn at the same time.
Please note that ACEM is not bound to offer any permanent job after the apprenticeship. Also, no hostel, quarters or transport is provided during training.
What is the Selection Process for DRDO ACEM Apprentice 2026?
The selection is simple and merit-based. There is no big written exam like other jobs.
- Merit List: Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of merit (marks in the qualifying degree / diploma).
- Interview: The Apprentice Selection Committee may hold an interview to finalise the selection.
- Offer Letter: Only the selected candidates will be informed through an offer letter.
Since selection is merit-based, strong academic marks give you a clear advantage. You can also brush up your basics using exam and study resources.
How to Apply for DRDO ACEM Apprentice 2026?
The application is submitted by email — no hard copy is accepted. Follow these steps carefully.
- Register yourself on the NATS 2.0 portal (link given in Essential Links below).
- Download the application form attached with the official notification and fill it by typing.
- Affix your passport-size photograph and sign the form.
- Scan the filled form along with all required documents into a single PDF file.
- Email the single PDF to the official ACEM apprentice email ID mentioned in the notification, before the last date.
- Do not send any hard copy of the application by post.
Documents Required for DRDO ACEM Apprentice Application
Keep these documents scanned and ready before sending your application:
- Degree / Diploma certificate and all mark sheets
- Class 10 certificate (for date of birth)
- NATS 2.0 registration / enrolment number
- CGPA to percentage conversion formula of your university / college
- Category / caste certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar card and a recent passport-size photograph
Important Dates — DRDO ACEM Apprentice 2026
The single most important date is the last date to email your application. Do not wait for the final day.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Submit Application (by Email) | 26 July 2026 |
Application Fee — DRDO ACEM Apprentice 2026
There is no application fee for this apprenticeship recruitment. Candidates from all categories can apply free of cost. Selected candidates will need to submit a Medical Fitness Certificate and a Police Verification Certificate at the time of joining.
Essential Links — DRDO ACEM Apprentice 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Register / Apply on NATS 2.0 Portal
- Visit DRDO Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
A DRDO apprenticeship at ACEM Nasik is a smart, low-cost way to gain real defence-sector experience right after your degree or diploma. If you are a 2024-2026 pass-out, register on NATS, prepare your documents, and email your application well before 26 July 2026. For more government jobs in Maharashtra and DRDO updates, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in.