The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi, Chennai has released the official notification for engagement of ITI Apprentice Trainees 2026 under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Eligible ITI candidates can participate in the walk-in interview process for apprenticeship training.
A total of 93 ITI Apprentice vacancies have been announced for various trades including COPA, Draughtsman (Mechanical), Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Machinist, Painter, Plumber, Turner, Welder, Electronics Mechanic and other trades.
The DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Walk-in Interview will be conducted on 08 September 2026 to 09 September 2026 at CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai. Candidates must report along with all required original documents for verification.
Official Notification PDF: DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 - Overview
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Establishment | Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) |
| Location | Avadi, Chennai |
| Advertisement Number | CVRDE/ADMIN/2026-27 |
| Post Name | ITI Apprentice Trainees |
| Total Vacancies | 93 |
| Training Type | Apprenticeship Training |
| Application Mode | Walk-in Interview |
| Interview Date | 08 September 2026 to 09 September 2026 |
| Interview Timing | 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Vacancy 2026 Details
| Trade | Stipend | Total Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA) | Rs. 10,560/- | 13 |
| Draughtsman (Mechanical) | Rs. 11,040/- | 10 |
| Electrician | Rs. 11,040/- | 12 |
| Fitter | Rs. 11,040/- | 10 |
| Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) | Rs. 11,040/- | 8 |
| Machinist | Rs. 11,040/- | 5 |
| Painter | Rs. 10,560/- | 1 |
| Plumber | Rs. 11,040/- | 3 |
| Turner | Rs. 11,040/- | 5 |
| Welder | Rs. 10,560/- | 5 |
| Electronics Mechanic | Rs. 11,040/- | 6 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | Rs. 11,040/- | 1 |
| Computer Networking Technician | Rs. 10,560/- | 1 |
| Computer & Peripherals Hardware Repair & Maintenance Mechanic | Rs. 10,560/- | 1 |
| Photographer | Rs. 11,040/- | 4 |
| Book Binder | Rs. 11,040/- | 2 |
| CAD-CAM Operator Cum Programmer | Rs. 10,560/- | 3 |
| Food Production (General) | Rs. 10,560/- | 3 |
| Total | - | 93 |
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Category Wise Vacancy 2026
| Category | Slots |
|---|---|
| SC | 13 |
| ST | 06 |
| OBC | 25 |
| EWS | 09 |
| UR | 40 |
The number of vacancies mentioned is indicative and may change depending on the final assessment of eligible applications received.
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Age Limit 2026
The age limit will be calculated as on 01 September 2026.
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| UR Category Maximum Age | 27 Years |
| OBC Maximum Age | 30 Years |
| SC/ST Maximum Age | 32 Years |
| PwD Maximum Age | 37 Years |
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates applying for DRDO CVRDE ITI Apprentice Training must fulfil the educational qualification and other conditions mentioned in the notification.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed ITI from an NCVT/SCVT recognised institute as per the Gazette Notification of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
The minimum ITI course duration should be two years except for:
- Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA)
- Painter
- Plumber
- Welder
- Food Production
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Passing Year Eligibility 2026
Only candidates who have passed their qualifying examination during 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible to apply.
Candidates who passed before 2023 are not eligible for apprenticeship training.
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice NCVT/SCVT Registration Requirement
Registration on the NCVT/SCVT MIS portal is mandatory for ITI candidates. Candidates must provide their registration number during the application process and the same will be verified during the walk-in interview/document verification.
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Selection Process 2026
The selection process will be based on shortlisting candidates according to marks obtained in the ITI qualifying examination followed by a walk-in interview.
- Shortlisting based on ITI marks
- Walk-in Interview
- Document Verification
- Final Selection
Selected candidates will be issued joining letters on the spot at CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai.
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Documents Required 2026
Candidates must bring the following documents along with the application:
- 10th or 12th Mark Sheet and Certificate
- ITI Mark Sheets
- NCVT/SCVT Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar Card
All applicants are required to bring the mentioned documents for verification during the walk-in interview.
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Walk-in Interview Details 2026
| Interview Date | 08 September 2026 to 09 September 2026 |
| Reporting Time | 09:00 AM |
| Closing Time | 05:00 PM |
| Venue | Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi, Chennai - 600054 |
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Important Instructions 2026
- The apprenticeship training will be governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules.
- Completion of apprenticeship does not guarantee employment in DRDO/CVRDE.
- Candidates must fulfil all eligibility conditions before appearing for interview.
- False or forged documents will result in cancellation of candidature/training.
- Expired OBC certificates will not be accepted.
- Only regular candidates who completed the qualifying examination are eligible.
- Selected candidates must submit valid police verification certificate at the time of joining.
