DRDO HEMRL Apprenticeship: Seats, Stipend and How to Apply

DRDO's High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune has opened applications for its 2026-27 apprentice training cycle. This is a one-year paid training program for Indian nationals with 50 openings across multiple streams. The stipend is Rs 15,000 per month. Applications close on 28 August 2026.

If you're exploring other DRDO opportunities, check our guide to DRDO internships for more options.

ProgramHEMRL Apprentice 2026-27Organisation | High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), DRDO
Location | Pune, Maharashtra
Total Vacancies | 50
Stipend | Rs 15,000 per month
Duration | One year
Last Date | 28 August 2026
Application Mode | Offline (after NATS 2.0 registration)

HEMRL Apprentice 2026 Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

Only Indian nationals are eligible. You must have passed the qualifying exam as a regular candidate in one of the last five years (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026). Candidates with a higher qualification than the required degree are not eligible. Also, if you have already completed apprenticeship training or have one year or more of job experience after your degree, you cannot apply.

• Minimum age is 18 years. Maximum age and relaxation follow the Apprentices Act 1961 and NATS 2.0 guidelines.
• You need a degree from a recognized board or university in one of the listed branches.
• PwBD candidates are eligible only for trades designated under the Apprenticeship Rules 1992.

Vacancy Distribution Across Branches

The 50 seats are spread across engineering and non-engineering streams. Here's the breakdown:

DisciplineVacanciesChemical Engineering / Chemical Technology | 10
Mechanical Engineering | 8
Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineering | 2
Computer & Information Science / Computer Engineering / B.Sc Computer Science | 5
Electrical / Electrical & Instrumentation Engineering | 2
Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering | 3
Civil Engineering | 2
B.Sc Chemistry | 9
Bachelor of Arts (BA) | 3
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) | 3
BLIS (Library Science) | 2
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | 1

Stipend Rs 15,000/Month and One Year Training

Selected apprentices get Rs 15,000 per month as stipend. The training period is one year, starting from the date you sign the apprenticeship contract. The stipend is paid through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to your Aadhaar-seeded bank account.

How to Apply for HEMRL Apprentice 2026

Follow these steps carefully. Only offline applications are accepted. Incomplete or late applications will be rejected.

1. Register on NATS 2.0 - Go to the NATS 2.0 portal and complete your registration as a degree apprentice. Note down your NATS enrolment number.
2. Download the application form - Get the official advertisement and application form from the DRDO website. Use this link: Download Advertisement and Application Form.
3. Fill the form in capital letters - Write your name, category, subject, NATS enrolment number, Aadhaar number, father's and mother's names, nationality, gender, date of birth, email, addresses, mobile numbers, and educational qualifications. Attach a recent passport-size photo.
4. Convert CGPA to percentage - If your marks are in CGPA, convert to percentage using the formula: % = CGPA x 9.5 (unless your university provides a different formula). Mention the percentage in the form.
5. Send the application by post - Post the ink-signed application along with self-attested copies of all required documents to: The Director, HEMRL, Ministry of Defence, DRDO, Sutarwadi, Pashan, Pune - 411021. Write "Kind Attention: HRD, HEMRL, Pune" on the envelope.
6. Ensure it reaches before 28 August 2026 - Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Selection Process for HEMRL Apprentice

Selection is based on shortlisting. HEMRL will shortlist candidates based on academic merit, a written test, an interview, a walk-in interview, or a combination of these. The shortlisting criteria are at HEMRL's discretion. Simply meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.

Documents Needed for the Application

Attach these documents with your application (original and one set of self-attested photocopies):

• Ink-signed printout of the application form.
• Signed copy of your NATS 2.0 profile.
• Mark sheets and certificates from 10th onwards up to your minimum educational qualification (12th, B.Sc, BE/B.Tech, BA, B.Com, BBA, BLIS, etc.).
• Aadhaar card or photo ID proof and address proof.
• Two recent passport-size color photographs (6x7).
• SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), PwBD, and EWS certificates if applicable.

At the time of joining, you will need a valid police verification certificate, a physical fitness certificate from a government hospital, an undertaking for the Official Secrets Act 1923, an undertaking to follow IT rules, Aadhaar-seeded bank account details, and three recent passport-size photos.

Important Rules and Conditions

• No TA/DA, accommodation, transport, or medical facilities are provided during selection or training.
• Completing the apprenticeship does not guarantee a job at HEMRL or DRDO.
• If you don't join by the scheduled date, your candidature may be forfeited.
• Canvassing or influencing the selection process leads to disqualification.

For any clarification, contact 020-25912751.