DRDO ACEM Apprenticeship Guide: Prepare for the Next Cycle

The Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM) under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) offers Apprenticeship Training. Applications for the 2025-26 financial year cycle closed on 15th June 2025. The next application cycle is expected to open around the same time next year. This guide helps engineering graduates, diploma holders, and general degree holders prepare for future opportunities at a premier government R&D facility.

While applications for the last cycle are closed, you can use this time to review the eligibility criteria and prepare your documents. Being ready in advance will help you apply quickly when the next cycle opens.

Apprenticeship Categories & Vacancies

ACEM offers one-year apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act 1961 (as amended). The available positions are divided into two categories:

1. Graduate Apprentices (General & Engineering Streams)

Total Graduate Apprentice Vacancies: 30

2. Technician (Diploma) Apprentices

Total Technician Apprentice Vacancies: 11

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Degree or Diploma in the relevant discipline as mentioned above.
• Passing Year: Only those who have passed in 2024 or 2025 are eligible to apply.
• Training/Job Experience: Candidates must not have undergone apprenticeship training or held a job for 1 year or more after their qualification.
• Nationality: Indian citizens only.
• Age Limit: As per Apprenticeship Rules (generally 18+).

Reservation Policy

As per government norms:

• SC: 3 Slots
• ST: 2 Slots
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 11 Slots

Applicants claiming reservation must submit a valid caste certificate issued by the competent authority.

Stipend Details

• Graduate Apprentices: ₹12,000/month
• Technician (Diploma) Apprentices: ₹10,000/month

No other allowances, accommodations, or transport facilities will be provided.

Important Dates (Past Cycle)

Note: No hard copy submission is required. All communication will be done via email.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process (for next cycle)

Step 1: Register on NATS Portal

All applicants must register on the NATS 2.0 portal (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme):
https://nats.education.gov.in

• Get your NATS Registration/Enrollment Number before proceeding.

Step 2: Download & Fill the Application Form

• Type (do not handwrite) your details in the application form.
• Paste a passport-size photo and sign the form.
• Attach all supporting documents including:
  • Educational Certificates (Diploma/Degree)
  • CGPA to Percentage Conversion Proof
  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Aadhaar Card
  • NATS Enrollment Proof

Format: Scan all documents into a single PDF file.

Step 3: Email Submission

• Email your filled and signed application form with all documents to:
  apprentice.acem@gov.in

Make sure your email subject is appropriate and your attachments are correctly formatted.

Step 4: Submit Google Form

In addition to the email, it is mandatory to fill out the Google form and upload the same set of documents.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHBK0nV9IrLUGANSdqEVuxzv4n73-kOYHmErM0NkuqkrIkEg/viewform

Selection Procedure

• Candidates will be shortlisted based on merit or interview as decided by the Apprenticeship Selection Committee.
• Final selection will be communicated through an offer letter via email only.
• Ensure your email is active and does not send mail to spam.

Documents Required (at the time of joining)

• Medical Fitness Certificate
• Police Verification Certificate
• Originals of all academic and identity documents

Terms & Conditions

1. Duration of Apprenticeship is 1 year only.
2. This is a training opportunity only, not a guarantee of employment.
3. No prior job experience or apprenticeship training should be held.
4. Incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected.
5. Suppression of facts will lead to disqualification at any stage.
6. Canvassing in any form will disqualify the candidate.
7. ACEM reserves the right to alter or cancel the selection process without notice.
8. Accommodation, transport, and hostel facilities will not be provided.

Contact Details

• Email: apprentice.acem@gov.in
• Phone: 02550-282543 / 527
• Fax: 02550-282504 / 505
• Address:
  Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM),
  DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Ambe Hill, Ojhar, Nashik – 422 207

Common Questions Answered

Q: Is there any fee to apply?
No. The application process is completely free.

Q: Can final-year students apply?
No. Only those who have passed in 2024 or 2025 are eligible.

Q: Will I get a job after training?
No. This is a non-employment training program.

Q: Can I apply for multiple trades?
Apply for one discipline only that matches your qualification.