DRDO DEAL Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 77 Vacancies, Eligibility & Apply Now
The Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL), a prestigious unit under the DRDO, has officially announced the DRDO DEAL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 for 77 Apprentice Posts. This recruitment drive offers a golden opportunity for engineering graduates, diploma holders, and ITI pass-outs to gain professional training in a premier national defence research facility.
| Organization | Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL), DRDO |
| Total Posts | 77 Vacancies |
| Application Start | 23 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 23 July 2026 |
| Application Fee | Nil (No Fee) |
| Apply Mode | Online via NATS 2.0 / NAPS |
Eligibility Criteria for DRDO DEAL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
To be considered for the DRDO DEAL Apprentice Recruitment 2026, candidates must strictly adhere to the educational and age-related requirements set by the organization. The apprenticeship is governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961, and the subsequent rules established by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.
Age Limit: The minimum age for all applicants is 18 years. While there is no specific upper age limit mentioned for general candidates, age relaxation is provided for candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD categories as per the prevailing government norms and the Apprentices Act.
Educational Qualification: Applicants must hold a valid degree or diploma in the relevant engineering discipline or an ITI certificate in the designated trade from a recognized university or board. Candidates appearing for their final year examinations are generally advised to check the specific notification for eligibility status regarding their results.
Vacancy Details / Post-wise Breakdown
| Category | Total Vacancies | Qualification Requirement | Stipend Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | As per Notification | B.E./B.Tech | Govt. Norms |
| Diploma Apprentice | As per Notification | Diploma in Engg. | Govt. Norms |
| ITI Apprentice | As per Notification | ITI Certificate | Govt. Norms |
Application Fee Details
There is no application fee required for the DRDO DEAL Apprentice Recruitment 2026. This initiative is part of the government's skill development program, and candidates are not expected to pay any charges for registration or submission of their application forms.
How to Apply Online for DRDO DEAL Apprentice 2026
- Step 1: Determine your category (Graduate/Diploma use NATS 2.0; ITI use NAPS portal).
- Step 2: Visit the official NATS 2.0 or NAPS portal as per your qualification.
- Step 3: Complete your registration by providing your personal details, email, and mobile number.
- Step 4: Search for "Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory" using the specific establishment code E01160500005.
- Step 5: Select the relevant trade or discipline for which you wish to apply.
- Step 6: Upload all necessary documents, including academic certificates and identity proof.
- Step 7: Review your application thoroughly to ensure all details are accurate.
- Step 8: Submit the application and save a copy of the submission acknowledgement for future reference.
Selection Process
The selection procedure for the DRDO DEAL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is based on merit and the verification of credentials. The laboratory will review the applications submitted through the official portals. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for document verification. The final selection is contingent upon the successful online approval of the apprenticeship contract by the relevant government authorities. No written examination is typically conducted for this specific apprenticeship program; instead, the selection relies heavily on the academic performance of the candidates.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 23 June 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 23 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 23 July 2026 |
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, this apprenticeship is strictly for training purposes. Completing the tenure does not guarantee permanent employment within DRDO or any other government department.
The stipend is provided as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. It is paid through a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme via the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT).
Generally, candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training in any other organization are not eligible to apply for this program, as per the Apprentices Act, 1961.
The establishment code for the Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory is E01160500005. You must use this code specifically when applying through the NAPS portal.
The apprenticeship training program at DRDO DEAL is conducted for a duration of one year, providing hands-on experience in various technical fields.
🎯 Key Takeaways
- A total of 77 apprentice positions are available for graduates, diploma holders, and ITI candidates.
- The application process is entirely online through the NATS 2.0 and NAPS official portals.
- Applicants must ensure they have their academic certificates ready before starting the registration.
- The deadline for submission is 30 days from the date of the official notification (23 July 2026).
- This is a paid apprenticeship program governed by the Central Government's Apprentices Act.