DRDO DEAL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 | 77 Vacancies | Apply by 22 July | Dehradun

Last Updated on July 18, 2026 by Admin

DRDO DEAL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 has been announced by the Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory, Dehradun, for the engagement of Graduate, Diploma and ITI apprentices. A total of 77 apprenticeship vacancies are available across electronics, mechanical, electrical, computer science, library science and multiple ITI trades.

The apprenticeship programme will be conducted for one year under the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules, 1992. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the NATS 2.0 portal or the Apprenticeship India portal, depending on their qualification.

The last date to apply for DRDO DEAL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is 22 July 2026. Candidates should complete registration and submit the relevant application well before the closing date to avoid portal-related difficulties.

DRDO DEAL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview

DRDO DEAL Apprentice Vacancy Details

The 77 apprenticeship openings have been divided among Graduate, Diploma and ITI candidates. The notification provides the combined number of vacancies for each apprenticeship level rather than a separate trade-wise vacancy count.

The stipend may be revised according to rates notified by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. For Graduate and Diploma apprentices, 50% of the stipend will be paid by DEAL and the remaining 50% through BOAT under the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme.

Graduate Apprentice Disciplines

A total of 19 Graduate Apprentice positions are available in the following disciplines:

• Electronics and Communication Engineering – Post Code G-1
• Mechanical Engineering – Post Code G-2
• Computer Science and Engineering – Post Code G-3
• Electrical Engineering – Post Code G-4
• Library Science – Post Code G-5

Graduate Apprentice Qualification

Candidates applying for engineering disciplines must hold a B.E., B.Tech or equivalent qualification with at least 60% marks in the relevant discipline.

For Library Science, candidates must possess a B.Sc. in PCM or PCB and a B.Lib. or B.L.I.Sc. qualification with at least 60% marks in each degree.

Diploma Apprentice Disciplines

A total of eight Diploma Apprentice vacancies are available in the following disciplines:

• Electronics and Communication Engineering – Post Code D-1
• Mechanical Engineering – Post Code D-2
• Computer Science or Computer Engineering – Post Code D-3
• Electrical Engineering – Post Code D-4

Diploma Apprentice Qualification

Applicants must hold a Diploma in Engineering or Technology, or an equivalent qualification, with at least 60% marks in the relevant discipline.

ITI Apprentice Trades

DRDO DEAL has announced 50 ITI Apprentice vacancies across the following trades:

• Electronics Mechanic
• Information and Communication Technology System Maintenance
• Mechanic Auto Electrical and Electronics
• Mechanic-cum-Operator Electronics Communication System
• Electrician
• Fitter
• Machinist
• Machinist Grinder
• Turner
• Instrument Mechanic
• Mechanic Motor Vehicle
• Mechanic Diesel
• Mechanic Communication Equipment Maintenance
• Draughtsman Mechanical
• Computer Operator and Programming Assistant
• Library Assistant
• Stenographer
• Electroplater
• Sheet Metal Worker
• Wireman
• Lineman

ITI Apprentice Qualification

Applicants must have passed ITI and possess an NCVT or SCVT certificate in the relevant trade.

DRDO DEAL Apprentice Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must carefully verify the following eligibility requirements before applying:

• Only Indian nationals are eligible.
• The prescribed qualification must have been obtained from a recognised board, university or institution.
• Only candidates who passed their qualifying examination during 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible.
• The qualifying examination result must be declared and available before the application deadline.
• The qualification must have been completed as a regular candidate.
• Candidates possessing a qualification higher than the prescribed qualification are not eligible.
• The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• Maximum age and applicable relaxations will be governed by the Apprentices Act, Apprenticeship Rules and NATS or NAPS guidelines.
• Candidates who have already completed or are presently undergoing apprenticeship training are not eligible.
• Candidates possessing one year or more of work experience after obtaining the essential qualification are not eligible.
• PwBD candidates are eligible only for designated trades permitted under the Apprenticeship Rules.

How to Apply for DRDO DEAL Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Applications will be accepted only through the designated online apprenticeship portals. Applications submitted through email, post or any other mode will not be accepted.

Application Process for Graduate and Diploma Candidates

1. Visit the NATS 2.0 portal.
2. Complete the candidate registration process.
3. Log in using the registered credentials.
4. Search for vacancies advertised by Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory.
5. Use the DEAL establishment ID NUKDDC000015.
6. Select the relevant discipline and submit the online application.
7. Upload scanned copies of all mandatory documents.

Application Process for ITI Candidates

1. Visit the Apprenticeship India or NAPS portal.
2. Register and log in to the candidate account.
3. Open “My Opportunities” and select “All Opportunities.”
4. Use the establishment filter and search for “Defence Electronics Application Laboratory.”
5. Use the DEAL establishment code E01160500005.
6. Open the relevant ITI trade opportunity and submit the application.

Candidates must enter their qualifying examination marks as a percentage. Applicants whose results are provided in CGPA must convert the CGPA into percentage according to the rules of their university or institution.

DRDO DEAL Apprentice Selection Process

Selection may be carried out through shortlisting based on academic merit, a written examination, an interview, a walk-in interview or a combination of these methods. The final method will depend on the number of vacancies and applications received for each category and discipline.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo document verification. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee shortlisting or selection. DEAL reserves the right to determine its shortlisting methodology, increase or reduce the number of vacancies or cancel the recruitment process.

Documents Required for Verification

Shortlisted candidates should be prepared to produce the following original documents along with one set of self-attested photocopies:

• Signed printout of the submitted online application
• Signed copy of the NATS 2.0 or NAPS profile
• Class 10 marksheet and certificate
• Class 12, B.Sc., B.E., B.Tech, Diploma or ITI certificates, as applicable
• Aadhaar card or another valid photo identity document
• Address proof
• Two recent passport-size colour photographs
• SC, ST, OBC Non-Creamy Layer, EWS or PwBD certificate, where applicable

Documents Required at the Time of Joining

Selected candidates may also be required to provide:

• Valid police verification certificate
• Physical fitness certificate issued by an authorised medical officer of a government hospital
• Undertaking to comply with the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923
• Undertaking to follow applicable Ministry of Defence IT rules and regulations
• Aadhaar-linked bank account details for DBT stipend payments
• Bank passbook front page or cancelled cheque
• Three recent passport-size photographs

Important Conditions

• The apprenticeship training period will be one year.
• Selected candidates must execute an apprenticeship contract.
• Final selection will be subject to online approval of the apprenticeship contract by the competent authority.
• No permanent, temporary or contractual employment at DEAL or DRDO is guaranteed after completion of training.
• Apprentices cannot claim employment with DEAL or DRDO after completing the programme.
• No TA, DA, accommodation, transport or medical facility will be provided during the selection process or training.
• Providing incorrect information or forged documents may result in cancellation of candidature at any stage.
• Canvassing or attempting to influence the selection process will lead to disqualification.

Important Official Links

• Download the DRDO DEAL Apprentice Official Notification
• Visit the Official DRDO Vacancies Page
• NATS 2.0 Registration Portal
• Apprenticeship India Registration Portal
• Read the Apprentices Act, 1961 on India Code

Prepare for Apprentice Tests and Interviews

Candidates can strengthen their technical fundamentals through the Basic Electronics course on Coursera, the Hands-on Introduction to Engineering Simulations on edX and the Electronics Basics course on Udemy. Course prices, access conditions, schedules and certificate availability may change on the respective learning platforms.

Use AI-Powered Career Preparation Tools

Applicants preparing for government apprenticeship tests, technical interviews and future engineering opportunities can use Construction Career Hub. The platform provides tools such as Interview Copilot, Resume Lab, ATS Resume Score, Career Planner, Salary Calculator, LinkedIn Profile Optimizer and personalised job alerts for engineering and construction professionals.

Candidates looking for additional recruitment opportunities can also follow the regularly updated construction and engineering walk-in interview alerts.

Recommended Career Ebooks

Useful career resources available from the Digitslick ebook library include Hidden Construction Careers That Pay More Than Engineering, Construction Jobs Interview: An Ultimate Interview Preparation Guide and An Ultimate Guide to Launch Your Career in Digital Construction. These resources can help candidates understand alternative career paths, improve interview preparation and explore emerging technology-based roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many vacancies are available in DRDO DEAL Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

There are 77 apprenticeship vacancies, including 19 Graduate Apprentice positions, eight Diploma Apprentice positions and 50 ITI Apprentice positions.

What is the last date to apply for DRDO DEAL Apprenticeship 2026?

The last date to submit the online application is 22 July 2026.

Where will the apprenticeship training be conducted?

The apprenticeship training will be conducted at the Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

What is the stipend for DRDO DEAL apprentices?

Graduate apprentices will receive Rs.12,300 per month, Diploma apprentices Rs.10,900 per month and ITI apprentices Rs.10,560 per month, or the applicable rates notified by the competent ministry.

Can candidates who graduated before 2022 apply?

No. Only candidates who passed the qualifying examination during 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible.

Can candidates with higher qualifications apply?

No. The official notification states that candidates possessing qualifications higher than the prescribed minimum qualification are not eligible.

Is previous work experience allowed?

Candidates with one year or more of work experience after obtaining the essential qualification are not eligible. Those who have already completed or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training are also ineligible.

How can Graduate and Diploma candidates apply?

Graduate and Diploma candidates must register on the NATS 2.0 portal and apply against the DEAL establishment ID NUKDDC000015.

How can ITI candidates apply?

ITI candidates must register on the Apprenticeship India or NAPS portal and search for Defence Electronics Application Laboratory using establishment code E01160500005.

Will apprentices receive permanent employment after training?

No. Completion of apprenticeship training does not create any right to permanent, temporary or contractual employment with DEAL or DRDO.

Is there a written examination for DRDO DEAL Apprentice selection?

The selection process may involve academic merit, a written examination, an interview, a walk-in interview or a combination of these methods, depending on the number of vacancies and applications.

Disclaimer: Candidates should read the complete official DRDO DEAL notification before applying. Recruitment conditions, vacancies and selection procedures may be amended or cancelled by the organisation. ConstructionPlacements.com does not participate in the recruitment or candidate selection process.