What's Official: DRDO SSPL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), a premier agency under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has announced a significant apprenticeship opportunity for aspiring candidates. The Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) in Timarpur, Delhi, is inviting applications for its apprenticeship training program for the 2026-27 session. This is an exceptional chance for ITI, Diploma, and Graduate candidates to gain invaluable practical experience within a leading national research and development facility.
The DRDO SSPL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 drive aims to onboard eligible candidates who meet the specific educational and registration requirements. This apprenticeship offers a structured learning environment over a period of 12 months, providing hands-on training that is crucial for career development in technical and scientific fields. The training will be conducted at the state-of-the-art SSPL facility, located at Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, offering a unique exposure to cutting-edge research and defence technology.
A total of 41 Diploma Apprentice positions have been explicitly specified in the official notification. Beyond this, opportunities are available under the ITI Apprentice and Graduate Apprentice categories, with specific trade and discipline details listed separately. Candidates should be aware that the number of available apprenticeship slots is subject to change. SSPL retains the authority to adjust the intake, either increasing or decreasing positions, based on its operational requirements and prevailing conditions at the time of selection.
A critical detail for all applicants is the mode of application: it is entirely offline. Interested candidates must download the detailed notification and the prescribed application format from the official DRDO website. Once completed, the application form, along with all necessary supporting documents, must physically reach the SSPL office by the deadline of August 21, 2026. Given the offline nature of the process and the importance of timely submission, aspirants are strongly advised to send their applications well in advance of the last date to ensure it is received by the stipulated deadline. Only applications successfully received by August 21, 2026, will be considered for this prestigious apprenticeship.
Eligibility at a Glance: Who Can Apply?
Eligibility criteria for the DRDO SSPL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 are meticulously defined and vary according to the apprenticeship category. It is imperative for all candidates to thoroughly review their qualifications against the specified requirements before submitting their application to avoid disqualification. All qualifying degrees or diplomas must have been obtained from a recognized university or institution, with a consistent requirement for a First Division standing in the respective examinations.
For **DRDO ITI Apprentice Eligibility**, candidates must have successfully passed Class 10 and hold a First Division ITI certificate in one of the prescribed trades. The eligible trades include: Fitter, Electronics Mechanic, Electrician, Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA), Machinist, and Carpenter. This hands-on experience at the ITI level is foundational for the practical training offered at SSPL.
Candidates aspiring for **DRDO Diploma Apprentice positions** are required to possess a First Division Diploma in one of the following engineering disciplines: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or Computer Science Engineering. Additionally, these applicants must also have passed Class 10 with a First Division. The 41 specified vacancies fall under this highly sought-after category.
Finally, for **DRDO Graduate Apprentice Eligibility**, applicants need a First Division degree in the prescribed disciplines. The eligible qualifications encompass a broad range of academic backgrounds, including: BSc in Physics, BSc in Chemistry, BSc in Mathematics, BSc in Computer Science, BA, BCom, and BE or BTech in Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Communication Engineering, VLSI, or Chemical Engineering. This wide array of disciplines reflects DRDO's multidisciplinary research environment.
Beyond the specific educational qualifications, certain **additional eligibility criteria** must be strictly adhered to. Candidates must have completed their qualifying ITI, Diploma, or Degree during the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026. It is explicitly stated that candidates who completed their qualifying course prior to 2022 are not eligible for this apprenticeship recruitment. Furthermore, the required ITI, Diploma, or Degree must have been completed through the regular mode, underscoring the importance of formal, full-time education. This rigorous set of criteria ensures that only the most dedicated and recently qualified individuals are considered for this valuable opportunity.