DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Powerful Opportunity for Engineering & Science Graduates

The Institute for Systems Studies and Analyses (ISSA), functioning under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, has released an official notification inviting applications for Apprentice Recruitment 2026. This recruitment drive offers a golden career-defining opportunity for eligible engineering graduates, M.Sc. candidates in mathematics, and diploma holders to undergo a one-year apprenticeship in a prestigious defense research environment.

The DRDO ISSA Apprentice Job 2026 aims to engage young, talented, and meritorious candidates under the Apprentices Act, 1961, providing them with practical exposure, structured training, and a monthly stipend. Interested candidates must submit their applications offline via email within the stipulated timeline.

DRDO ISSA Apprentices 2026—Highlights

• Recruiting apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961
• Organization: DRDO – Institute for Systems Studies and Analyses (ISSA)
• Training duration: 12 months
• Location: Delhi
• Total vacancies: 21
• Disciplines: Computer Science & Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science Diploma
• Monthly stipend up to ₹12,300
• Selection based purely on merit
• No application fee
• Excellent exposure in the defense research ecosystem

Total Vacancies

21 Posts

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ISSA/HRD/Apprentice/2026/01 advtISSA06022026

DRDO ISSA Apprentice Jobs – Short Description

The DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is conducted for the engagement of Graduate Apprentices and Technician Apprentices at ISSA, Delhi. The program is designed to provide hands-on training, professional mentoring, and research exposure to candidates who have completed their degrees or diplomas between 2021 and 2025. Selected apprentices will receive a fixed monthly stipend as prescribed by the Apprentices Act.

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited applications for Apprentice Recruitment 2026. Detailed eligibility, terms of reference, and application instructions are available in the DRDO ISSA Notification (PDF) .

Important Dates and Application Fee – DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Application Begins

• From the date of advertisement on the DRDO portal

Last Date to Apply

• 27 February 2026 (21 days from advertisement date)
• Admit Card
  • Not applicable (selection based on merit)

Examination Date

• Not applicable

Application Fee

Category	Fee
General / EWS / OBC	Nil
SC / ST / PwBD / Women	Nil

Mode of Payment

• Not applicable

Posts, Vacancy, Age Limit, Pay Scale, and Qualification Details – DRDO ISSA Apprentice 2026

Post Name / Pay Scale	Total Vacancy	Educational Qualification
Graduate Apprentice (Computer Science & Engineering) – ₹12,300	15	B.E./B.Tech (Regular, Full-Time) with First Division
Graduate Apprentice (Mathematics) – ₹12,300	1	M.Sc. Mathematics (Regular, Full-Time) with First Division
Technician Apprentice (Computer Science Diploma) – ₹10,900	5	Diploma in Computer Science (Regular, Full-Time)

Note:

• Age Limit: As per the Apprentices Act, 1961
• Age Relaxation: Applicable as per the Government of India rules
• Cut-Off Date for Age Calculation: As on the last date of application submission

Only candidates who passed qualifying examinations in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025 are eligible

How to Apply for DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Eligible candidates must apply offline through email mode only by following these steps:

1. Download the application form from the official DRDO website.
2. Ensure mandatory registration on the NATS portal (https://nats.education.gov.in).
3. Fill the application form carefully in block letters.
4. Scan the completed application along with the required documents.
5. Convert all documents into a single PDF format.
6. Send the PDF file to [email protected] before the last date.

Applications submitted through any other mode will be rejected without notice

Documents Required – DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Candidates must attach self-attested scanned copies of the following documents:

• Recent passport-size photograph
• 10th class certificate (Proof of Date of Birth)
• 12th mark sheet
• Diploma / Degree / M.Sc. mark sheets
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD, if applicable)
• NATS enrollment confirmation
• Aadhaar card
• Experience declaration certificate (if applicable)

Selection Process – DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The selection will be conducted in a transparent and merit-based manner:

1. Preparation of the merit list based on marks obtained in the qualifying examination
2. Category-wise merit list (UR/SC/ST/OBC/PwBD)
3. Shortlisting by a board constituted by the Director, ISSA
4. Final selection intimation through email only
5. Document verification before joining

No written test or interview will be conducted

Important Instructions for Candidates

• NATS registration is mandatory before applying.
• Candidates who are already undergoing or have completed an apprenticeship earlier are not eligible.
• No boarding or lodging facilities will be provided.
• Completion of an apprenticeship does not guarantee employment in DRDO.
• Incomplete or incorrect applications will be summarily rejected.
• ISSA management reserves the right to cancel or modify vacancies.

Why This Job Is Perfect for Engineering & Science Graduates

The DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an ideal opportunity for candidates aspiring to build a strong foundation in research, defense technology, and analytical systems. Apprentices gain exposure to real-world defence projects, work alongside experienced scientists, and develop high-value technical skills. The structured training, central government recognition, and DRDO brand value make this apprenticeship extremely beneficial for future careers in PSUs, research labs, and advanced technology sectors.

FAQs:

Important Links

• Official Website
• Application Form
• Official Notification PDF: As released by DRDO ISSA
• NATS Portal
• Application Email ID: [email protected]

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