DRDO SSPL Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Golden Opportunity in Defence Sector
The Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released an official notification for the engagement of Apprentices for the year 2026. This is a massive opportunity for students who have completed their ITI, Diploma, or Graduation and are looking to kickstart their career with a prestigious government organization. Located in Timarpur, Delhi, SSPL is offering a 12-month training program that provides hands-on experience in cutting-edge defence technology.
If you have passed your qualifying exam between 2021 and 2025, you are eligible to apply. The recruitment drive aims to fill multiple slots, including 33 specific vacancies for Diploma holders and various positions for ITI and Graduate candidates. The selection will be based on a written test or interview. Read this complete guide to understand the eligibility, stipend, and step-by-step application process. The last date to submit the online application is 15 January 2026.
Key Highlights: DRDO SSPL Apprentice Notification 2026
The Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) is renowned for its work in solid-state materials and devices. Joining as an apprentice here adds significant value to your resume.
- Recruiting Body: Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), DRDO
- Post Names: Graduate, Diploma, and ITI Apprentice
- Total Vacancies: 33 (Diploma) + Various (ITI/Grad)
- Stipend: As per Government Apprenticeship Rules
- Job Location: Timarpur, Delhi
- Application Mode: Online (Google Form)
- Application Dates: 01 January 2026 to 15 January 2026
DRDO SSPL Apprentice Vacancy Breakdown 2026
The vacancies are distributed across three main categories. While the number of seats for Diploma apprentices is fixed at 33, the seats for ITI and Graduate apprentices will vary based on the laboratory’s requirement.
| Apprentice Category | Streams / Trades Covered | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma Apprentice | Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, Instrumentation, Computer Science | 33 (Combined for All Posts) |
| ITI Apprentice | Fitter, Electronics Mechanic, Electrician, COPA, Machinist | 33 (Combined for All Posts) |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E./B.Tech, B.Sc, B.A., B.Com | 33 (Combined for All Posts) |
Eligibility Criteria for DRDO SSPL Apprentice 2026
Candidates must strictly fulfill the educational and passing year criteria mentioned in the notification.
Educational Qualification
- ITI Apprentice: Candidates must have passed 10th Class with First Division AND possess an ITI Certificate (First Division) in Fitter, Electronics Mechanic, Electrician, Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA), or Machinist.
- Diploma Apprentice: Candidates must have passed 10th Class with First Division AND possess a Diploma (First Division) in Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, Instrumentation, or Computer Science engineering.
- Graduate Apprentice:
- Engineering: B.E./B.Tech (First Division) in Electronics, Mechanical, Electrical, Communication Engineering, VLSI, or Chemical Engineering.
- Non-Engineering: Regular Graduation Degree (First Division) in Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Computer Science OR B.A. / B.Com.
Passing Year Criteria
- Only candidates who have passed their qualifying examination in the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 are eligible to apply.
- Candidates who passed before 2021 are not eligible.
Other Requirements
- Candidates must be regular students (Distance learning degrees are not accepted).
- Candidates must register on the NATS portal (for Degree/Diploma) or NAPS portal (for ITI) before applying.
Salary and Benefits: DRDO Apprentice Stipend
Selected candidates will be engaged as apprentices for a period of one year (12 months). During this training period, candidates will not receive a regular salary but a monthly stipend.
- Monthly Stipend: The stipend will be paid strictly as per the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Government of India rules. While the exact amount is not specified in the notification, it generally ranges from ₹7,000 to ₹9,000 per month depending on the qualification level (Graduate/Diploma/ITI).
- No Other Allowances: Candidates will not be entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), Travel Allowance (TA), or any other allowances.
- Accommodation: The laboratory will not provide any government quarters, hostel accommodation, or transport facilities. Candidates must make their own arrangements in Delhi.
- Certificate: Upon successful completion of the training, candidates will receive a prestigious Apprenticeship Certificate from DRDO, which is highly valued in the job market.
Selection Process Explained
The selection procedure for DRDO SSPL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is transparent and merit-oriented.
- Shortlisting: Applications will be screened based on the eligibility criteria and marks obtained in the qualifying examination.
- Written Test / Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a Written Test or Interview at SSPL, Delhi.
- Document Verification: Selected candidates must produce original certificates for verification. A Police Verification Certificate is mandatory after joining.
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must be medically fit as per the rules.
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this simple guide to submit your application successfully.
- Portal Registration:
- For Diploma/Graduate: Register on the NATS 2.0 Portal (nats.education.gov.in).
- For ITI: Register on the Apprenticeship India (NAPS) portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in).
- Note down your Registration Number as it is mandatory.
- Open Application Form: Click on the “Apply Online” link provided in the “Essential Links” section below (Google Form).
- Fill Details: Enter your Name, Father’s Name, Date of Birth, NATS/NAPS Registration Number, Marks, and other required details accurately.
- Submit Form: Verify all the information and submit the Google Form.
- Confirmation: You will not receive a separate email immediately, but keep a screenshot of the submission for reference. All future communication regarding the interview/test will be sent to your registered email ID.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Published Date | 01 January 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 01 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 15 January 2026 |
Application Fees
There is No Application Fee for any candidate (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PWD). The application process is completely free.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | Nil (₹0) |
Essential Links
Use the direct links below to access the official notification and application form.
- Official Notification PDF: Download Notification
- Apply Online (Google Form): Apply Here
- NATS Registration (Graduate/Diploma): Register Here
- NAPS Registration (ITI): Register Here
- Official Website: Visit DRDO
- WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs: Join Here
- Telegram Channel for Government Jobs: Join Here
- Follow us on Our Indian App Arattai: Follow Here
- Delhi Government Jobs Telegram: Join Delhi Channel
The DRDO SSPL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a fantastic stepping stone for your career. It offers a unique chance to work alongside top scientists in the country without any application fee. Ensure you meet the “First Division” criteria and apply before the deadline of 15 January 2026. Don’t miss this chance to serve the nation through science and technology!