Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, has released a notification for the engagement of ITI Apprentice Trainees at the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi, Chennai. Eligible ITI candidates can participate in the walk-in interview scheduled from September 8 to September 9, 2026.
The recruitment is being conducted under the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules. A total of 93 ITI Apprentice vacancies are available across various trades.
Candidates interested in the DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 should check the trade-wise vacancies, stipend, age limit, educational qualification and documents required before attending the walk-in interview.
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Establishment | Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Recruitment | ITI Apprentice Trainees |
| Advertisement No. | CVRDE/ADMIN/2026-27 |
| Total Vacancies | 93 |
| Selection Method | Shortlisting based on ITI marks + Walk-in Interview |
| Interview Mode | Walk-in |
| Walk-in Dates | September 8 to September 9, 2026 |
| Interview Time | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Venue | CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai – 600054 |
| Training | As per Apprentices Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules |
| Employment After Training | No employment guarantee |
DRDO CVRDE ITI Apprentice Vacancy 2026
A total of 93 vacancies have been notified for ITI Apprentice Trainees in 18 different trades.
| S. No. | Trade | Stipend per Month | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA) | ₹10,560 | 13 |
| 2 | Draughtsman (Mechanical) | ₹11,040 | 10 |
| 3 | Electrician | ₹11,040 | 12 |
| 4 | Fitter | ₹11,040 | 10 |
| 5 | Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) | ₹11,040 | 8 |
| 6 | Machinist | ₹11,040 | 5 |
| 7 | Painter | ₹10,560 | 1 |
| 8 | Plumber | ₹11,040 | 3 |
| 9 | Turner | ₹11,040 | 5 |
| 10 | Welder | ₹10,560 | 5 |
| 11 | Electronics Mechanic | ₹11,040 | 6 |
| 12 | Sheet Metal Worker | ₹11,040 | 1 |
| 13 | Computer Networking Technician | ₹10,560 | 1 |
| 14 | Computer & Peripherals Hardware Repair & Maintenance Mechanic | ₹10,560 | 1 |
| 15 | Photographer | ₹11,040 | 4 |
| 16 | Book Binder | ₹11,040 | 2 |
| 17 | CAD-CAM Operator Cum Programmer | ₹10,560 | 3 |
| 18 | Food Production (General) | ₹10,560 | 3 |
| Total | 93 |
The number of vacancies is indicative and may be changed at a later stage depending on the final assessment of eligible applications received.
Category-Wise Vacancy Details
The notified 93 apprentice slots are distributed among different categories as follows:
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| SC | 13 |
| ST | 6 |
| OBC | 25 |
| EWS | 9 |
| UR | 40 |
| Total | 93 |
Candidates claiming reservation benefits must produce the applicable valid category certificate during document verification.
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Stipend 2026
The stipend varies according to the trade.
Candidates in several trades, including Draughtsman (Mechanical), Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Machinist, Plumber, Turner, Electronics Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker, Photographer and Book Binder, will receive a stipend of ₹11,040 per month.
The stipend for COPA, Painter, Welder, Computer Networking Technician, Computer & Peripherals Hardware Repair & Maintenance Mechanic, CAD-CAM Operator Cum Programmer and Food Production (General) is ₹10,560 per month.
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed eligibility requirements to participate in the walk-in selection process.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed the relevant ITI trade from an NCVT/SCVT-recognised ITI.
For most trades, candidates are required to have passed an ITI course of minimum two years’ duration.
The minimum two-year duration requirement does not apply to the following trades:
- Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA)
- Painter
- Plumber
- Welder
- Food Production
The ITI qualification must be recognised by NCVT/SCVT as prescribed in the notification.
Year of Passing
Only candidates who passed the qualifying ITI examination in 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible.
Candidates who passed the qualifying examination before 2023 are not eligible to apply.
Candidates whose qualifying examination results had not been declared by August 30, 2026 will not be considered for the apprenticeship training.
Regular Candidates Only
Candidates who have completed the qualifying examination as regular candidates are eligible to apply.
Age Limit
The age limit is calculated as on September 1, 2026.
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Unreserved | Maximum 27 years |
| OBC | Maximum 30 years |
| SC/ST | Maximum 32 years |
| PwD | Maximum 37 years |
Candidates must satisfy the applicable age criteria as on the specified date.
NCVT/SCVT MIS Registration Mandatory
Registration on the NCVT/SCVT MIS portal is mandatory for ITI candidates.
Candidates must provide their NCVT/SCVT MIS registration number while filling out the application. The registration number will also be verified during the walk-in interview and document verification process.
Candidates should therefore complete their registration before attending the interview and carry the relevant details with them.
OBC Certificate Requirement
Candidates applying under the OBC category must carry a valid OBC certificate.
An OBC certificate whose validity has expired will not be accepted.
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of shortlisting based on marks obtained in the qualifying ITI examination, followed by a walk-in interview.
The selection process can be broadly understood as:
ITI qualification → Shortlisting based on ITI marks → Walk-in Interview → Document Verification → Selection/Joining Letter
Candidates who are shortlisted will participate in the walk-in interview.
Selected candidates will be issued the joining letter on the spot at CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai.
Candidates will also be informed on the spot regarding the status of their selection.
DRDO CVRDE Walk-In Interview Dates 2026
The walk-in interview will be conducted on:
Dates: September 8 and September 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Venue: Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi, Chennai – 600054
Candidates must report to the specified venue with all required documents for verification.
Documents Required for DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Interview
Candidates are required to bring the necessary documents along with the application for document verification.
The important documents include:
- 10th or 12th marksheet and certificate
- ITI marksheets
- NCVT/SCVT certificate
- NCVT/SCVT MIS registration details/registration number
- Caste certificate, wherever applicable
- Aadhaar Card
- Other documents required for verification, as applicable
Candidates should carry the original documents as well as appropriate copies for the verification process.
Police Verification After Selection
Candidates who are finally selected will have to submit a valid police verification certificate at the time of joining.
The certificate must be obtained from the candidate’s last place of residence or permanent address, as applicable.
Training Period
The duration of apprenticeship training will be governed by the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961, Apprenticeship Rules and amendments issued from time to time.
Candidates should note that apprenticeship is intended as training and does not constitute a regular government job appointment.
No Guarantee of Employment After Apprenticeship
Completion of apprenticeship training at CVRDE does not guarantee employment.
The notification specifically states that there will be no guarantee of employment after completion of the apprenticeship training.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates should carefully follow the instructions before attending the walk-in interview.
- Candidates must satisfy all eligibility conditions before appearing for the interview.
- NCVT/SCVT MIS registration is mandatory.
- Only candidates who passed the qualifying examination in 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible.
- Candidates who passed before 2023 are not eligible.
- Qualifying examination results must have been declared by August 30, 2026.
- Only candidates who completed the qualifying examination as regular candidates are eligible.
- Candidates must carry all required original documents for verification.
- OBC candidates must produce a valid OBC certificate.
- Candidates should report within the prescribed walk-in interview timings.
- Selected candidates will receive the joining letter on the spot.
- A police verification certificate will be required at the time of joining.
- Providing false or forged information/documents can lead to cancellation of candidature or appointment.
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Cut-off date for age | September 1, 2026 |
| Last date by which qualifying results should be declared | August 30, 2026 |
| Walk-in Interview | September 8–9, 2026 |
| Interview Time | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Venue | CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai – 600054 |
How to Apply for DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The recruitment is being conducted through a walk-in interview.
Eligible candidates should ensure that their NCVT/SCVT MIS registration is completed and then attend the walk-in interview at CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai, on September 8 or September 9, 2026.
Candidates must bring the required application and supporting documents for verification.
There is no regular online application process mentioned in the provided notification in place of the walk-in process. Candidates should therefore follow the instructions in the official CVRDE/DRDO notification carefully.
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights
The recruitment provides 93 apprenticeship opportunities across a wide range of ITI trades at CVRDE, Avadi. The available trades include technical fields such as Electrician, Fitter, Machinist, Turner, Welder, Electronics Mechanic, Draughtsman (Mechanical), CAD-CAM Operator and COPA, among others.
The stipend ranges from ₹10,560 to ₹11,040 per month depending on the trade. Candidates must meet the prescribed age, qualification and year-of-passing requirements and must have completed their ITI qualification through an NCVT/SCVT-recognised institution.
Since the selection involves shortlisting based on ITI marks followed by a walk-in interview, eligible candidates should carry complete and valid documentation to avoid problems during verification.
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Official Notification
Candidates are advised to refer to the official DRDO/CVRDE recruitment notification for the complete terms and conditions before attending the walk-in interview.
Recruitment: ITI Apprentice Trainees
Advertisement No.: CVRDE/ADMIN/2026-27
Total Vacancies: 93
Walk-in Dates: September 8–9, 2026
Venue: CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai – 600054
Applicants should verify all eligibility requirements and document requirements from the official notification before appearing for the selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are available in DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 93 ITI Apprentice Trainee vacancies are available across 18 different trades.
2. What is the DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 selection process?
Candidates will be shortlisted based on their marks obtained in the ITI qualifying examination, followed by a walk-in interview and document verification.
3. When will the DRDO CVRDE walk-in interview be conducted?
The walk-in interview will be held on September 8 and September 9, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
4. Where will the DRDO CVRDE Apprentice interview be held?
The walk-in interview will be conducted at Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi, Chennai – 600054.
5. What is the stipend for DRDO CVRDE ITI apprentices?
The stipend is ₹10,560 or ₹11,040 per month, depending on the trade.
6. What is the age limit for DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment?
The minimum age is 18 years. The maximum age is 27 years for UR candidates, 30 years for OBC candidates, 32 years for SC/ST candidates and 37 years for PwD candidates, as on September 1, 2026.
7. Which ITI pass-out years are eligible for the recruitment?
Candidates who passed the qualifying examination in 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible. Candidates who passed before 2023 are not eligible.
8. Is NCVT/SCVT MIS registration mandatory?
Yes. NCVT/SCVT MIS portal registration is mandatory for ITI candidates, and the registration number will be verified during the selection/document verification process.
9. Is there any employment guarantee after completing the apprenticeship?
No. Completion of apprenticeship training at CVRDE does not guarantee employment.
10. What documents should candidates carry for the walk-in interview?
Candidates should carry their 10th/12th marksheet and certificate, ITI marksheets, NCVT/SCVT certificate, caste certificate where applicable, Aadhaar Card and NCVT/SCVT MIS registration details, along with the required application documents.
Conclusion
DRDO CVRDE Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers 93 apprenticeship opportunities for eligible ITI candidates across multiple technical and vocational trades. Candidates who meet the prescribed qualification, age and year-of-passing requirements can participate in the walk-in interview on September 8 and 9, 2026, at CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai.
Candidates should complete their NCVT/SCVT MIS registration, keep all original documents and required copies ready, and carefully verify their eligibility before attending the interview. Since selection will involve shortlisting based on ITI marks followed by a walk-in interview, candidates should report to the venue within the specified timings.
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