The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially released the DRDO NSTL Apprenticeship 2026 Notification for 42 apprentice vacancies at its premier naval research lab — Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), located in Visakhapatnam.
This is one of the best government apprenticeship opportunities in 2026 for fresh B.E./B. Tech, Diploma, and ITI pass-outs who want to gain real-time experience in the defence research sector. If you’re aiming for PSU jobs or defence careers, this apprenticeship can significantly strengthen your profile.
In this detailed SEO blog post, you’ll find vacancy details, eligibility criteria, stipend, selection process, important dates, and step-by-step application process.
📌 DRDO NSTL Apprenticeship 2026 — Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Laboratory | Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) |
| Post Names | Graduate Apprentice, Technician Apprentice, Technician (Vocational) Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 42 |
| Qualification | B.E./B.Tech, Diploma, ITI |
| Job Location | Visakhapatnam |
| Training Duration | 12 Months |
| Application Mode | Online + Email Submission |
| Selection Process | Merit-Based (Marks) + Test/Interview (if required) |
| Stipend | As per Govt. of India norms (DBT) |
| Application Fee | ₹0 (No Fee) |
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Eligible Passouts | 2023 / 2024 / 2025 |
| Experience Limit | Less than 1 Year |
| Application Start Date | 04 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 May 2026 |
📊 DRDO NSTL Vacancy 2026 Details
The 42 vacancies are divided across three categories:
| Apprentice Category | Qualification | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E./B.Tech | 10 |
| Technician Apprentice | Diploma | 10 |
| Technician (Vocational) Apprentice | ITI | 22 |
| Total | — | 42 |
These vacancies are distributed across various engineering branches and ITI trades based on NSTL requirements.
DRDO NSTL Apprenticeship 2026 Eligible Courses & Branches
Graduate Apprentice (B.Tech / B.E.)
Candidates must have completed engineering in:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering
- Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE)
Diploma Apprentice
Eligible diploma streams include:
- Computer Science Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering
- Electronics & Instrumentation
- DCCP (Commercial Practice)
ITI Apprentice Trades
Candidates with ITI certification in:
- Electrician
- Fitter
- COPA
- Electronics
- Diesel Mechanic
- Photographer
- Stenographer
✅ DRDO NSTL Apprenticeship 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, ensure you meet all eligibility conditions:
📅 Year of Passing
- Only candidates who passed in 2023, 2024, or 2025 are eligible
- Earlier pass-outs are not allowed
🎯 Educational Qualification
- Must hold B.E./B.Tech, Diploma, or ITI from a recognised institute
🚫 Experience Criteria
- Candidates with more than 1 year of experience are not eligible
❌ Other Restrictions
- Postgraduates (PG) are not eligible
- Candidates who have already completed an apprenticeship cannot apply
🎂 Age Limit
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Upper age: As per apprenticeship rules
💰 DRDO NSTL Apprenticeship 2026 Stipend
The stipend is paid in accordance with Government of India norms via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
| Category | Stipend Type |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | NATS Rate |
| Diploma Apprentice | NATS Rate |
| ITI Apprentice | NAPS Rate |
👉 Important:
- This is a training stipend, not a salary
- No additional benefits like TA/DA, accommodation, or transport
🧠 DRDO NSTL Selection Process 2026
The selection process is straightforward and merit-based:
- Shortlisting based on academic marks
- Written Test (if required)
- Interview (if required)
- Document Verification
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- Police Verification
👉 No national-level exam is conducted.
📝 How to Apply for DRDO NSTL Apprenticeship 2026
Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Register on the Official Portal
- Graduate/Diploma → NATS 2.0 portal
- ITI → Apprenticeship India (NAPS)
Step 2: Apply for NSTL
- Search for NSTL Visakhapatnam listing and apply
Step 3: Fill Annexure-A Form
- Download from the notification
- Fill in details accurately
- Convert CGPA into a percentage
Step 4: Email Application
Send scanned documents to:
📧 admin2.dept.nstl@gov.in
Step 5: Prepare Documents
- 10th marksheet
- Degree/Diploma/ITI certificates
- Aadhaar
- Bank details
- Category certificate (if applicable)
DRDO NSTL Apprenticeship 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 04 May 2026 |
| Application Start | 04 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 25 May 2026 |
👉 Apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
DRDO NSTL Apprenticeship 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | ₹0 (Free) |
👉 Beware of fake websites asking for payment.
⭐ Why You Should Apply for DRDO NSTL Apprenticeship
Joining DRDO as an apprentice provides:
- Hands-on experience in defence R&D
- Exposure to naval systems and underwater technologies
- Strong resume value for PSU and government jobs
- Real-world engineering/project experience
Even though it’s not a permanent job, the DRDO certificate carries huge weight in future career opportunities.
📍 Job Location
The training will be conducted at NSTL in:
📍 Visakhapatnam
This is a major defence research hub in India.
DRDO NSTL Apprenticeship 2026 — Important Links Table
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Organization Website | Defence Research and Development Organisation |
| NSTL Lab Information Page | Naval Science and Technological Laboratory |
| Apply Online (Graduate/Diploma – NATS 2.0) | https://nats.education.gov.in |
| Apply Online (ITI – NAPS Portal) | https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
| Official Notification PDF | Download |
| Application Email Submission | admin2.dept.nstl@gov.in |
| Job Location Details | VIGYAN NAGAR, VISAKHAPATNAM-530 027 |
❓ FAQs — DRDO NSTL Apprenticeship 2026
1. Is the DRDO NSTL apprenticeship a permanent job?
No, it is a 1-year training program only.
2. Can final-year students apply?
No, only passed candidates (2023–2025) can apply.
3. Is there any entrance exam?
No, selection is mainly merit-based.
4. Is experience required?
No, freshers are preferred.
5. Is there any fee?
No, application is completely free.
🔚 Final Words
The DRDO NSTL Apprenticeship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for fresh graduates and ITI candidates to enter the defence research ecosystem. If you’re serious about building a career in engineering, defence, or PSUs, this apprenticeship can be a strong stepping stone.
👉 With no application fee, merit-based selection, and high-value training exposure, there’s no reason to miss this opportunity.
Apply before 25 May 2026 and take your first step towards a career in DRDO!
