DRDO ACEM Apprentice Program: Eligibility, Stipend, How to Apply

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

DRDO ACEM Apprentice Vacancy Details

The DRDO ACEM Apprentice recruitment includes both Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice positions.

Graduate Apprentice Vacancies

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

Technician Apprentice Vacancies

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.

DRDO ACEM Apprentice Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the DRDO ACEM Apprentice program, candidates must satisfy all of these conditions:

• You must be a fresh pass-out from 2024, 2025, or 2026.
• Candidates should hold the required degree or diploma in the relevant branch.
• NATS 2.0 registration is compulsory.
• Candidates with one year or more job experience after qualification are not eligible.
• SC/ST/OBC candidates must provide valid category certificates.

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.

₹12,300 Monthly Stipend Details

The stipend structure is straightforward.

• Graduate Apprentices: ₹12,300 per month
• Technician Apprentices: ₹10,900 per month

The graduate stipend is better than what many private manufacturing firms offer freshers during training periods.

DRDO ACEM Apprentice Selection Process

The selection process will be handled by the Apprentice Selection Committee at ACEM.

• Selection may happen through merit basis or interview.
• Only shortlisted candidates will receive offer letters.
• Communication will happen through email only.

DRDO specifically warned candidates to check spam or bulk folders regularly. Missing an email could cost you the opportunity.

How to Apply for DRDO ACEM Apprentice

The application period for the last cycle closed on July 26, 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year.

1. Register on NATS 2.0 - Candidates applying for graduate or diploma apprenticeship must register on the NATS 2.0 portal at https://nats.education.gov.in.
2. Download the official application form - Use the official DRDO PDF notification here:Download Application Form and Advertisement PDF.
3. Fill the application form carefully - You need to type the form, paste a recent passport-size photograph, and sign it before scanning.
4. Attach required documents - Include educational certificates, mark sheets, caste certificate if applicable, NATS enrollment number proof, and the CGPA-to-percentage conversion formula issued by your university or college.
5. Create a single PDF - Merge the filled application form and all supporting documents into one PDF file.
6. Send through email only - Email the PDF to apprentice.acem@gov.in.

Do not send hard copies. ACEM has clearly stated that only email applications will be accepted.

Documents Required for DRDO ACEM Apprentice

• Filled application form
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Degree or diploma mark sheets
• NATS registration proof
• Aadhaar card
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• CGPA to percentage conversion formula document
• Medical fitness certificate (for selected candidates)
• Police verification certificate (for selected candidates)

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.

Important Terms Students Should Know

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.