DRDO HEMRL Graduate Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 50 Posts, Apply Offline by 28 August

One-Year Apprenticeship Across 12 Disciplines at DRDO’s HEMRL, Pune

High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Sutarwadi, Pune — a premier DRDO establishment under the Ministry of Defence — has opened 50 Graduate Apprentice seats spanning Chemical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer, Electrical, Electronics, and Civil Engineering, alongside Chemistry, Arts, Commerce, Library Science and Business Administration streams. Registration on NATS 2.0 comes first, followed by an offline application that must reach HEMRL by 28 August 2026.

CTA: Register on NATS 2.0 and Apply Offline Before 28 August

Introduction

A one-year apprenticeship at a DRDO laboratory carries a different kind of value than a typical training stint — HEMRL works on high energy materials and propulsion technologies at the heart of India’s defence R&D. The 2026-27 apprentice intake spreads 50 seats across a dozen educational disciplines, from Chemical and Aerospace Engineering to Commerce and Library Science, all carrying the same ₹15,000 monthly stipend.

Because this is an offline recruitment routed through the NATS 2.0 apprenticeship portal, the process has more moving parts than a typical online form. This guide covers the discipline-wise vacancy split, who’s eligible, what documents you’ll need at verification and at joining, and the exact application sequence.

Key Details at a Glance

Organisation	High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), DRDO
Advertisement No.	HEMRL/HRD/APPRENTICE/2026-27/01
Post	Graduate Apprentice
Total Vacancies	50
Training Duration	One year
Monthly Stipend	₹15,000
Application Mode	Offline (after NATS 2.0 registration)
Job Location	Sutarwadi, Pune, Maharashtra
Last Date	28 August 2026

Discipline-wise Vacancy Breakup

Chemical Engineering / Technology	10
Mechanical Engineering	8
Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineering	2
Computer Science / IT / B.Sc. Computer Science	5
Electrical / Instrumentation Engineering	2
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering	3
Civil Engineering	2
B.Sc. Chemistry	9
Bachelor of Arts	3
Bachelor of Commerce	3
Library Science (BLIS)	2
Business Administration (BBA)	1
Total	50

Eligibility Criteria

Indian nationals only, holding the specified qualification from a recognised Board/University
Must have passed the qualifying exam within the last five years (2022–2026)
Candidates awaiting results as of the application deadline are not eligible
Candidates holding a qualification higher than that specified for the post cannot apply
Must have passed as a regular candidate — not through distance/private mode
Not eligible if you’ve already completed, or are currently undergoing, apprenticeship elsewhere, or have one year or more of post-qualification job experience
PwBD candidates are considered only for trades designated under the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992

Age Limit

The minimum age is 18 years. Maximum age and any relaxations follow the Apprentices Act 1961, Apprentice Rules 1992, and NATS 2.0 Guidelines rather than a fixed figure in this notification.

Stipend

All Graduate Apprentice disciplines carry a uniform monthly stipend of ₹15,000, disbursed via DBT to an Aadhaar-seeded bank account.

Selection Process

HEMRL shortlists based on academic merit, and may add a written test, interview, or walk-in interview depending on the discipline and number of applicants — all subject to satisfactory document verification. Meeting the minimum eligibility does not guarantee shortlisting; HEMRL retains discretion over its own selection method and vacancy numbers.

Documents Required

At Document Verification

Ink-signed printout of the application and signed NATS 2.0 profile
Mark sheets/certificates from Class 10 through your qualifying degree
Aadhaar card or photo ID, plus address proof
Two recent passport-size colour photos
SC/ST/OBC-NCL, PwBD, or EWS certificate, where applicable

At Joining (Selected Candidates)

Police verification certificate from current and permanent address
Medical fitness certificate from a government hospital’s authorised medical officer
Undertakings on the Official Secrets Act and Ministry of Defence IT rules
Aadhaar-linked bank account proof for stipend disbursement
Three additional passport-size photographs

Why Choose This Opportunity

Hands-on exposure at a top-tier DRDO defence R&D laboratory, valuable across engineering and science career paths
12 disciplines open at once, from core engineering branches to Commerce, Arts and Library Science
A defined, uniform ₹15,000 monthly stipend regardless of discipline
A structured one-year contract with clear document and conduct expectations set upfront

Application Process

Register on the NATS 2.0 portal first — this is mandatory before applying
Download the application form from drdo.gov.in/drdo/en/offerings/vacancies
Fill it in, converting CGPA to percentage using your university’s official formula if needed
Sign the form and attach the required documents
Post the completed application to: The Director, HEMRL, DRDO, Sutarwadi, Pashan, Pune – 411021 (Attn: HRD, HEMRL)
Ensure it reaches HEMRL on or before 28 August 2026 — late or incomplete applications are rejected outright

Frequently Asked Questions

How many apprentice posts does HEMRL have in 2026-27?

50 Graduate Apprentice posts across 12 disciplines including Chemical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunication, and Civil Engineering, plus Chemistry, Arts, Commerce, Library Science and BBA.

Is the application online or offline?

Offline. Candidates must first register on NATS 2.0, then post a signed physical application to HEMRL by 28 August 2026.

What is the stipend?

₹15,000 per month for every discipline under this apprenticeship.

Does completing the apprenticeship guarantee a DRDO job?

No. The notification explicitly states no permanent, temporary, or contractual employment is offered at HEMRL or DRDO after training, and no apprentice can claim one.

Who is not eligible to apply?

Candidates who already hold a higher qualification than required, who passed more than five years ago, who are awaiting results, or who have a year or more of job experience or prior apprenticeship.