Introduction: DRDO ARDE Apprentice Recruitment 2025

The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (DRDO ARDE), Pune, has announced a significant recruitment drive for apprentices for the year 2025. This is a golden opportunity for eligible Graduate Engineers, Diploma holders, and ITI certified candidates seeking valuable hands-on training in a premier defence research organization. A total of 120 vacancies are available across various disciplines for a 12-month apprenticeship program. Interested candidates must apply online through the designated portals before the deadline of April 20, 2025.

Organization Details: About DRDO ARDE

Hiring Organization: Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
Number of Posts: 120 Apprentice Vacancies (Graduate, Diploma, ITI).
Location: ARDE, Dr. Homi Bhabha Marg, Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra – 411021.

DRDO ARDE is a leading laboratory under DRDO, focused on the research, design, and development of conventional armaments for the Indian Armed Forces. An apprenticeship here offers unparalleled exposure to cutting-edge defence technologies and work environments.

DRDO ARDE Vacancy Breakdown 2025

The 120 apprentice vacancies are distributed across Graduate, Diploma, and ITI categories as follows. Please note that these numbers are indicative and may change at the discretion of ARDE management.

Category 1: Graduate Engineer & MBA/MSc Apprentices (Total: 32)

Stipend: ₹15,000/- per month.
Duration: 12 Months.

Sr. No.	Discipline	Number of Vacancies
1.	Computer Engineering	3
2.	Aero Engineering	1
3.	Electrical Engineering	2
4.	Mechanical Engineering	11
5.	Electronics & Telecomm. (ENTC) Engg.	9
6.	Metallurgy Engineering	1
7.	Instrumentation Engineering	3
8.	MBA/MSc. (HR / Data Analytics)	2
	Total	32

Category 2: Diploma Apprentices (Total: 18)

Stipend: ₹14,000/- per month.
Duration: 12 Months.

Sr. No.	Discipline	Number of Vacancies
1.	Computer Engineering	2
2.	Electrical Engineering	2
3.	Mechanical Engineering	10
4.	Electronics & Telecomm. (ENTC) Engg.	3
5.	Metallurgy Engineering	1
	Total	18

Category 3: Trade (ITI) Apprentices (Total: 70)

Stipend: ₹13,000/- per month.
Duration: 12 Months.

Sr. No.	Discipline	Number of Vacancies
1.	Electrician	8
2.	Fitter	17
3.	Machinist	8
4.	Machinist Grinder	1
5.	Mechanic Machine Tool Maintenance (MMTM)	1
6.	Computer Operator & Prog. Assistant (COPA)	16
7.	Mechanic Motor Vehicle (MMV)	1
8.	Refrigeration & Air Conditioning (R&AC)	1
9.	Photographer	2
10.	Turner	10
11.	Welder	2
12.	Carpenter	1
13.	Draftsmen Mechanical	2
	Total	70

Eligibility Criteria for DRDO ARDE Apprenticeship

Candidates must carefully check the eligibility criteria before applying:

Educational Qualification:
- Graduate Apprentices: Must possess a full-time Engineering Degree in the relevant discipline OR an MBA / MSc (HR / Data Analytics) from a recognized Indian University/Institute. Candidates must have passed their qualifying examination after 2021.
- Diploma Apprentices: Must possess a full-time Diploma in Engineering in the relevant discipline from the State Board of Technical Education or a recognized Indian University. Candidates must have passed their qualifying examination after 2021.
- ITI Apprentices: Must possess a full-time ITI certificate in the relevant trade from an Indian Institute recognized by the State/Government of India.
Age Limit:
- ITI Apprentices: Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years of age as of April 1, 2025. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) as per government guidelines. (Note: Age limit for Graduate/Diploma apprentices was not specified in the provided documents).
Previous Experience/Training: Candidates who have already completed or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961, or those who possess one year or more of job experience are not eligible to apply.
Reservation: Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates will be applicable as per the guidelines under the Apprentices Act. Candidates claiming reservation must provide the necessary certificate in the prescribed format during document verification.

Important Dates

Keep track of these crucial dates for the DRDO ARDE Apprentice Recruitment 2025:

Activity	Date
Online Application Starting Date	April 04, 2025
Last Date for Enrollment on NATS/Apprenticeship India Portal	April 20, 2025
Last Date for Applying to DRDO ARDE Establishment on Portals	April 20, 2025

Applications submitted after the deadline will be rejected.

Salary & Benefits: Stipend Details

Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend during the 12-month training period as follows:

Graduate Apprentices: ₹15,000/- per month.
Diploma Apprentices: ₹14,000/- per month.
ITI Apprentices: ₹13,000/- per month.

Other Benefits:

Apprentices can avail facilities like lunch, tea, and snacks from the ARDE canteen on a payment basis.
No boarding or lodging expenses will be provided by ARDE.
Completion of apprenticeship training does not guarantee employment at DRDO ARDE. A completion certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the 12-month training.

Selection Process

The selection process for the DRDO ARDE Apprenticeship involves the following stages:

Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based purely on the marks obtained in their respective qualifying examinations (Degree/Diploma/ITI).
Screening & Intimation: After screening the online applications, shortlisted candidates will be notified via email or phone call to appear for the next stage.
Examination/Trade Test:
- Graduate/Diploma: Shortlisted candidates may need to appear for an examination.
- ITI: Shortlisted candidates may need to appear for a trade test.
Merit List: A final merit list will be prepared based on marks and category (General/SC/ST/OBC/PwD).
Final Selection: The engagement for apprenticeship is subject to the selected candidates successfully clearing the Medical Examination and Police Verification.

Note: Furnishing incomplete, incorrect, or misleading information will lead to rejection of the application.

How to Apply for DRDO ARDE Apprentice Recruitment 2025

The application process is entirely online. Candidates must first register on the relevant government portal before applying to the DRDO ARDE establishment.

Step-by-Step Guide:

For Graduate & Diploma Apprentices:
1. If not already registered, go to the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal: nats.education.gov.in
2. Click on “Enroll” and complete the application form to generate your unique Enrollment Number.
3. Log in using your credentials.
4. Navigate to the “Establishment Request Menu” and click “Find Establishment”.
5. Upload your resume and required documents.
6. Search for the establishment by typing “Armament Research and Development Establishment” or the Establishment ID “WMHPUC000042”.
7. Click “Apply” for the desired apprenticeship position.
For ITI Apprentices:
1. If not already registered, go to the Apprenticeship India portal: apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
2. Complete the registration process to get your registration number.
3. Log in to the portal.
4. Search for apprenticeship opportunities.
5. Find the DRDO ARDE establishment by searching for “Armament Research and Development Establishment” or Establishment ID “E05202702691”.
6. Apply for the relevant trade.

Application Fees

No application fees is required to be paid by the candidates.

Official Notification & Apply Links

Official Notification PDF (Graduate / Diploma): DRDO ARDE Graduate/Diploma Notification
Official Notification PDF (ITI): DRDO ARDE ITI Notification
Online Application Link (Graduate / Diploma – NATS Portal): nats.education.gov.in
Online Application Link (ITI – Apprenticeship India Portal): Apply via Apprenticeship India
DRDO Official Website: Visit Now

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