Last Updated on July 18, 2026 by Admin
DRDO ACEM Apprentice Recruitment 2026 has been announced by the Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials under the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Applications are invited for 41 Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice positions at ACEM, Ambe Hill, Ojhar, Nashik.
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The apprenticeship programme will provide one year of training in engineering, science, commerce, computer science and library science disciplines. Eligible fresh pass-outs from the 2024, 2025 and 2026 batches can submit their applications through email on or before 26 July 2026.
Applicants must register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme NATS 2.0 portal before submitting the application. The application form, supporting certificates and the university or college CGPA-to-percentage conversion formula must be combined into a single PDF file.
Table of Contents
DRDO ACEM Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview
| Recruiting Organisation | Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials, DRDO |
| Advertisement Number | ACEM/HRD/APPRENTICESHIP/2026-27 |
| Apprenticeship Categories | Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 41 |
| Graduate Apprentice Vacancies | 30 |
| Technician Apprentice Vacancies | 11 |
| Training Duration | One year |
| Graduate Apprentice Stipend | ₹12,300 |
| Technician Apprentice Stipend | ₹10,900 |
| Eligible Passing Years | 2024, 2025 and 2026 |
| Job Location | Ambe Hill, Ojhar, Nashik – 422207 |
| Application Mode | Email only |
| Last Date | 26 July 2026 |
| Application Email | apprentice.acem@gov.in |
About DRDO Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials
The Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials is a specialised DRDO establishment operating a state-of-the-art composite-propellant processing facility. ACEM functions under the Ministry of Defence and conducts research, development and processing activities connected with energetic and advanced materials.
The apprenticeship programme is designed to give recently qualified graduates and diploma holders practical exposure in a specialised defence research and industrial environment. The engagement is temporary and does not guarantee permanent employment after completion of training.
DRDO ACEM Graduate Apprentice Vacancy Details
A total of 30 Graduate Apprentice vacancies are available across engineering, science, commerce and library science disciplines.
| Qualification or Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| BE/BTech in Chemical Engineering or Chemical Technology | 5 |
| BE/BTech in Mechanical Engineering | 5 |
| BE/BTech in Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering | 2 |
| BE/BTech in Computer and Information Science, Computer Engineering or BSc Computer Science | 2 |
| BE/BTech in Electrical Engineering or Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering | 3 |
| BE/BTech in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering | 3 |
| BSc Chemistry | 3 |
| BSc Physics | 2 |
| Bachelor of Commerce | 4 |
| BLIS or Library Science | 1 |
| Total | 30 |
Selected Graduate Apprentices will receive a stipend of ₹12,300 as specified in the official notification.
DRDO ACEM Technician Apprentice Vacancy Details
A total of 11 Technician Apprentice vacancies are available for diploma holders.
| Diploma Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Diploma in Mechanical Engineering | 4 |
| Diploma in Chemical Engineering | 2 |
| Diploma in Electrical Engineering | 2 |
| Diploma in Electronics Engineering | 2 |
| Diploma in Computer Science, Computer Science and Information Technology or Web Designing | 1 |
| Total | 11 |
Selected Technician Apprentices will receive a stipend of ₹10,900 as stated in the recruitment notice.
Reservation Details
Reservation will be implemented according to the Apprentices Act, 1961, the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 and subsequent amendments. The notification specifies the following reserved apprenticeship slots:
| Category | Number of Slots |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste | 2 |
| Scheduled Tribe | 2 |
| Other Backward Classes | 11 |
SC, ST and OBC Non-Creamy Layer applicants must produce caste certificates in the prescribed format issued by a competent authority.
DRDO ACEM Apprentice Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility conditions before submitting the application:
- Only candidates who passed the relevant degree or diploma programme in 2024, 2025 or 2026 can apply.
- Graduate and diploma candidates must register on the NATS 2.0 portal.
- The qualification must correspond to one of the disciplines listed in the vacancy table.
- Degree or diploma holders with training or job experience of one year or more after obtaining the required qualification are not eligible.
- Applicants must provide complete and accurate information in the application form.
- Category applicants must possess a valid certificate in the prescribed government format.
NATS 2.0 Registration Requirement
NATS 2.0 registration is compulsory for both Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice applicants. Candidates who have not registered should complete their enrolment through the official NATS student registration page.
The NATS registration or enrolment number must be entered in the ACEM apprenticeship application form. Applicants should complete any required email, mobile and e-KYC verification procedures on the NATS portal before sending the application.
How to Apply for DRDO ACEM Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Download the official DRDO ACEM notification and apprenticeship application form.
- Complete NATS 2.0 registration and note the registration or enrolment number.
- Type all required information in the prescribed application form.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph in the space provided.
- Sign the completed application form.
- Attach all relevant educational and supporting documents.
- Include the CGPA-to-percentage conversion formula officially adopted by the university or college.
- Scan the application form and supporting documents and combine everything into a single PDF file.
- Email the PDF to apprentice.acem@gov.in on or before 26 July 2026.
Important: Applications must be submitted by email only. Hard copies should not be sent to ACEM.
Information Required in the Application Form
The prescribed application form requires the following details:
- Candidate’s full name
- Graduate or Technician Apprentice category
- NATS 2.0 registration or enrolment number
- Father’s name
- Nationality and date of birth
- Aadhaar number
- UR, SC, ST or OBC category
- Email address and mobile number
- Correspondence and permanent addresses
- Diploma and degree qualifications in chronological order
- Board or university, subject, year of passing and marks or CGPA
- University or college CGPA conversion formula
- Recent passport-size photograph and candidate’s signature
DRDO ACEM Apprentice Selection Process
The Apprentice Selection Committee will determine the selection procedure. Selection may be based on academic merit, an interview or a combination of both.
Only selected candidates will receive an offer letter. All communication will be carried out electronically, making it important to provide an active and accurate email address. Candidates should regularly check the inbox, spam and bulk-mail folders for communication from ACEM.
Documents Required at the Time of Joining
Selected candidates must submit the following certificates at the time of joining:
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- Police Verification Certificate
- Original educational and supporting documents for verification, wherever requested
- Valid category certificate, where applicable
Selected apprentices will also be required to execute an apprenticeship contract for the one-year training period under the applicable provisions of the Apprentices Act and rules.
Important Terms and Conditions
- The apprenticeship engagement is temporary and valid for one year.
- Completion of apprenticeship training does not create an obligation for ACEM to offer employment.
- Suppression or misrepresentation of information can result in disqualification at any stage.
- Canvassing or personal follow-up intended to influence the selection process will result in cancellation of candidature.
- ACEM may increase or decrease the number of apprenticeship seats.
- ACEM may withdraw or cancel the advertisement or selection process without assigning a reason.
- Hostel accommodation, residential quarters and transportation will not be provided during training.
- Applicants are responsible for downloading and printing electronic correspondence or offer letters.
- All correspondence must be sent to apprentice.acem@gov.in.
Official and Authoritative Links
- DRDO ACEM official advertisement and application form
- Defence Research and Development Organisation
- National Apprenticeship Training Scheme portal
- Apprentices Act, 1961 on India Code
- All India Council for Technical Education
Career Preparation Resources for Applicants
Applicants seeking structured career preparation can explore ConstructionCareerHub.com. The platform provides an AI Interview Copilot, Resume Lab, ATS Resume Score, Career Planner, Salary Calculator, LinkedIn Profile Optimizer and construction job alerts for students and experienced professionals.
Additional career-development resources available from Digitslick include Hidden Construction Careers That Pay More Than Engineering, Passive Income for Construction Professionals: 15 Proven Strategies for 2026 and The Remote Job Hunting System. Product pricing and availability may change on the publisher’s website.
Candidates can also follow the regularly updated construction and engineering walk-in interview alerts for upcoming recruitment drives across India and international locations.
Recommended Online Courses
The following optional courses can help candidates strengthen their technical and professional knowledge. These courses are not part of the DRDO ACEM eligibility requirements, and availability, pricing and certificate conditions may change.
- Chemical Process Safety – Coursera for chemical, mechanical and process-engineering candidates.
- Engineering Project Management: Initiating and Planning – Coursera for project-planning and documentation skills.
- Introduction to Aerospace Structures and Materials – edX for aerospace, aeronautical and mechanical graduates.
- PLC Fundamentals: PLC Programming from Scratch – Udemy for electrical, electronics and instrumentation candidates.
DRDO ACEM Contact Details
Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials
Defence Research and Development Organisation
Ambe Hill, Ojhar, Nashik – 422207
Telephone: 02550-282543/527
Email: apprentice.acem@gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available under DRDO ACEM Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
There are 41 apprenticeship vacancies, consisting of 30 Graduate Apprentice positions and 11 Technician Apprentice positions.
What is the last date to apply for DRDO ACEM apprenticeships?
The completed application and supporting documents must reach apprentice.acem@gov.in by email on or before 26 July 2026.
Who can apply for the DRDO ACEM apprenticeship programme?
Eligible graduate and diploma candidates who passed the relevant qualification in 2024, 2025 or 2026 can apply. The qualification must match one of the advertised disciplines.
Is NATS registration mandatory for ACEM Apprentice Recruitment?
Yes. Both Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice applicants must register on the NATS 2.0 portal and mention the enrolment number in the application form.
What is the stipend for DRDO ACEM apprentices?
The notification specifies a stipend of ₹12,300 for Graduate Apprentices and ₹10,900 for Technician Apprentices.
How should the application be submitted?
The typed and signed application form, photograph and supporting documents must be combined into a single PDF and emailed to apprentice.acem@gov.in. Hard-copy applications should not be sent.
What is the DRDO ACEM Apprentice selection process?
The Apprentice Selection Committee may select candidates based on academic merit, an interview or both. Only selected candidates will be informed through an offer letter.
Will ACEM provide accommodation or transportation?
No. ACEM will not provide hostel accommodation, residential quarters or transportation during the apprenticeship period.
Does completion of the apprenticeship guarantee permanent employment?
No. ACEM is not obligated to offer employment after the apprentice completes the one-year training programme.
Can candidates with previous work experience apply?
Graduate or diploma holders who have accumulated one year or more of training or job experience after obtaining the essential qualification are not eligible.
Disclaimer: Candidates should read the official DRDO ACEM notification carefully before applying. Vacancy numbers, selection procedures and administrative conditions may be changed or cancelled by the recruiting organisation.
