DRDO DESIDOC Apprenticeship: Guide to Eligibility and Application

Want a government research internship that actually pays? DRDO offers them in Delhi. This one is for fresh graduates and diploma holders.

The DRDO DESIDOC Apprenticeship invites candidates for a one-year training program at the Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC). The stipend is up to ₹12,300 per month. The program runs for 12 months.

Applications for the 2026 cycle closed on July 01, 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year. In the meantime, review the eligibility criteria and required documents. Preparing these now will help you apply quickly when the next cycle opens.

Only recent pass-outs can apply. If you finished your course in 2024 or 2025, this one is worth a serious look.

Program DRDO DESIDOC Apprenticeship
| Organization  | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
| Lab  | Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), Delhi
| Total Seats  | 20
| Duration  | 12 Months
| Stipend  | ₹12,300/month (Graduates) or ₹10,900/month (Diploma/ITI)
| Eligible Pass-out Years  | 2024 and 2025
| Application Mode  | Offline (Post or Hand Submission)
| Last Date  | 01 July 2026 (Applications closed)
| Location  | Metcalfe House, Civil Lines, Delhi

If you are exploring other DRDO labs as well, check our detailed DRDO Internships guide. Several labs open applications throughout the year and many students apply to multiple ones.

DRDO DESIDOC Apprenticeship Disciplines & Seats

The apprenticeship is open in three fields. Most seats are in Library and Information Science. This makes sense since DESIDOC functions as DRDO’s knowledge and documentation center.

Discipline Vacancies Required Qualification
| Library & Information Science  | 16  | Graduation + Degree in Library & Information Science (1 year)
| Computer Science  | 2  | B.E. in Computer Science or 3-Year Diploma in Computer Science
| Photography / Videography  | 2  | 3-Year Diploma in Photography/Videography or ITI certificate

The number of seats may increase or decrease depending on the lab’s requirements.

₹12,300/Month Stipend Details

The stipend depends on your qualification level.

• Graduate / B.E. candidates: ₹12,300 per month
• Diploma or ITI candidates: ₹10,900 per month

For a government apprenticeship in Delhi, this stipend is fairly standard. Many DRDO labs offer around ₹5,000 to ₹30,000 depending on the program. For example, the DRDO NPOL Internship offers a higher stipend, while labs like DRDO CAIR Internship focus more on research exposure.

DRDO DESIDOC Apprenticeship Eligibility

Before filling the form, make sure you meet all the eligibility conditions. DRDO tends to reject applications quickly if the criteria are not satisfied.

• Applicants must have completed Graduation, Diploma, or ITI in the relevant discipline.
• Only candidates who passed their qualification in 2024 or 2025 are eligible.
• Candidates who passed before 2024 cannot apply.
• Postgraduate candidates are not eligible.
• Applicants with one year or more of job experience after qualification are not eligible.
• Maximum age: 28 years (with 5 years relaxation for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC).
• Candidates must register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal.

This program is strictly an apprenticeship. Completing it does not guarantee a job in DRDO. Many students assume it leads to direct recruitment. It doesn’t.

Mandatory NATS Registration

Before applying for the DRDO DESIDOC Apprenticeship, candidates must register on the official apprenticeship portal.

You can register here:

• http://www.mhrdnats.gov.in
• http://nats.education.gov.in

Once registered, you will receive a NATS Enrollment Number. This number must be mentioned in the application form. Applications without NATS registration may be rejected.

Complete this step first.

Documents Required for Application

You must attach self-attested copies of relevant documents along with the application form.

• Class 10 certificate (for date of birth)
• Class 12 marksheet
• Graduation/Diploma/ITI certificates
• Marksheets of qualifying examination
• NATS Enrollment Number
• Caste certificate (if applying under SC/ST/OBC)
• Recent passport-size photograph

The form itself asks for academic details, subjects studied, university name, passing year, course duration, and marks obtained. Candidates must also sign a declaration confirming the information provided is accurate.

How to Apply for DRDO DESIDOC Apprenticeship

1. Download the Official Form
   Visit the DRDO vacancy page and download the official application document. You can directly access it here: Download Advertisement and Application Form. The file contains the full notification and the application format.
2. Fill the Application Form Carefully
   The form asks for personal details, educational history, category, NATS enrollment number, and contact details. Make sure your email ID and mobile number are correct since all communication will happen via email.
3. Attach Required Documents
   Add self-attested photocopies of all relevant certificates and mark sheets. Don’t forget to paste a recent passport-size photograph on the form.
4. Write the Discipline on the Envelope
   On the envelope, clearly mention the discipline you are applying for. For example: “Application for Apprenticeship – Computer Science”.
5. Send the Application
   Submit the completed form by post or by hand to the following address:

Director
 Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC)
 Metcalfe House, Civil Lines
 Delhi – 110054

Your application must reach before the deadline.

Selection Process at DRDO DESIDOC

The selection process is fairly straightforward.

• Applications are first shortlisted based on merit (marks in qualifying exam).
• Shortlisted candidates may be called for a written test or interview.
• Original documents will be verified during the interview stage.

The final selection is made by a board constituted by the Director of DESIDOC.

No TA or DA is provided for attending the interview, so candidates need to cover travel costs themselves.

Important Terms Candidates Should Know

A few conditions from the official notification deserve attention.

• The apprenticeship training lasts exactly 12 months.
• Selected candidates must sign an apprenticeship contract under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
• A medical fitness certificate must be submitted at joining.
• DESIDOC does not provide hostel accommodation or transport.
• Providing false information can lead to disqualification at any stage.

If you are exploring multiple DRDO labs, it’s also worth checking openings like the DRDO VRDE Paid Internship or browsing similar announcements on our hub to browse all opportunities on Talentd.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

Competition for DRDO training programs can be unpredictable. Some labs receive hundreds of applications even for small batches.

• Apply early instead of waiting for the last week.
• Double-check your NATS registration details.
• Ensure all documents are properly self-attested.
• Use a clear subject line on the envelope mentioning the discipline.

Write your email ID clearly. If DRDO can’t contact you, the opportunity moves to the next candidate.