Graduate Apprentices: ₹12,300/month; Technician Apprentices: ₹10,900/month
1 year apprenticeship training
Fresh pass-outs from 2024, 2025, and 2026 with relevant degree or diploma qualifications can apply. NATS 2.0 registration is mandatory.
Filled application form, passport-size photo, mark sheets, NATS registration proof, caste certificate if applicable, CGPA conversion formula document, medical fitness certificate and police verification certificate for selected candidates
DRDO's ACEM Apprentice program attracts many applicants due to the variety of eligible branches. From Mechanical and Chemical Engineering to B.Com and Library Science, 41 apprenticeship seats were available at ACEM Nasik for the last cycle.
The stipend is up to ₹12,300 per month for graduate apprentices. Freshers from 2024, 2025, and 2026 batches were eligible. Many students overlook DRDO apprenticeship openings, thinking they are only for hardcore defence researchers. That is not the case here.
The application period for the last cycle has closed. Applications closed on July 26, 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year. While you wait, review the eligibility criteria and required documents. Preparing these now will ensure you are ready to apply when the next cycle opens.
If you are exploring more defence internships, you should also check our complete DRDO Internships guide and browse all opportunities on Talentd.
ParticularDetailsOrganization | Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), DRDO
Program | Apprenticeship Training 2026-27
Total Vacancies | 41
Location | Nasik, Maharashtra
Duration | 1 Year
Graduate Apprentice Stipend | ₹12,300 per month
Technician Apprentice Stipend | ₹10,900 per month
Eligible Batches | 2024, 2025, 2026 pass-outs
Application Mode | Email submission only
Last Date | 26 July 2026
NATS Registration | Mandatory
The DRDO ACEM Apprentice recruitment includes both Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice positions.
DisciplineVacanciesChemical Engineering / Chemical Technology | 5
Mechanical Engineering | 5
Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineering | 2
Computer Science / Computer Engineering / B.Sc CS | 2
Electrical / Electrical & Instrumentation | 3
Electronics & Telecommunication | 3
B.Sc Chemistry | 3
B.Sc Physics | 2
B.Com | 4
BLIS (Library Science) | 1
Total Graduate Apprentice seats: 30
DisciplineVacanciesDiploma Mechanical Engineering | 4
Diploma Chemical Engineering | 2
Diploma Electrical Engineering | 2
Diploma Electronics Engineering | 2
Diploma Computer Science / IT / Web Designing | 1
Total Technician Apprentice seats: 11
Reservation applies as per Apprenticeship Act norms. The official notice mentions reserved slots for SC, ST, and OBC categories.
To apply for the DRDO ACEM Apprentice program, candidates must satisfy all of these conditions:
ACEM does not provide hostel accommodation, transportation, or quarters during training. If you are applying from outside Maharashtra, plan your stay expenses early.
Students looking for similar DRDO openings can also explore the DRDO RCI Paid Internship and DRDO VRDE Paid Internship.
The stipend structure is straightforward.
The graduate stipend is better than what many private manufacturing firms offer freshers during training periods.
The selection process will be handled by the Apprentice Selection Committee at ACEM.
DRDO specifically warned candidates to check spam or bulk folders regularly. Missing an email could cost you the opportunity.
The application period for the last cycle closed on July 26, 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year.
Do not send hard copies. ACEM has clearly stated that only email applications will be accepted.
That CGPA conversion formula document catches many applicants off guard. If your college uses CGPA grading, make sure you get the official conversion proof from your institute.
The apprenticeship duration is one year. Selected candidates will have to sign an apprenticeship contract under the Apprentices Act.
Completing the apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment at DRDO. ACEM has explicitly mentioned this in the notification.
ACEM reserves the right to increase or decrease seats depending on requirements.
If you are specifically interested in DRDO paid programs, you can also read about the DRDO CAIR Internship and DRDO ARDE Internship.
Guide
Explore all DRDO Internships
Technical Content Writer
Radhika is a Technical Content Writer at Talentd, where she creates clear, practical, and research-driven content focused on jobs, internships, career guidance, and technology. She specializes in simplifying complex technical topics and turning them into easy-to-understand resources for students and fresh graduates. At Talentd, Radhika contributes to articles related to hiring updates, interview preparation, career roadmaps, and industry trends, helping thousands of learners stay informed and make better career decisions. Her work focuses on delivering accurate, actionable, and student-friendly content that supports the growing Talentd community.
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