DRDO ACEM Apprentice Recruitment 2026 — 41 Vacancies

About This Job

ACEM Nasik, a research lab of DRDO under the Ministry of Defence, is taking in 41 apprentices for one-year training in 2026-27. If you are a fresh B.E/B.Tech, B.Sc, B.Com, BLIS or Diploma pass-out of 2024, 2025 or 2026, you can apply. You get a monthly stipend of Rs. 10,900 to Rs. 12,300. The last date to apply is 26 July 2026, and you apply by email after registering on the NATS 2.0 portal.

Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2026 - 41 Posts

The Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM) is a state-of-the-art composite propellant processing facility of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at Ambe Hill, Ojhar, Nasik. It is engaging apprentices under the Apprentices Act 1961 for one year of hands-on training. This notice covers 30 Graduate Apprentice and 11 Technician (Diploma) Apprentice seats across engineering, science and commerce streams. Apprenticeship is a training programme — it does not guarantee a job at ACEM or DRDO after the training ends.

Vacancy Breakdown

Graduate Apprentice (Stipend Rs. 12,300/month) — 30 posts:

• Chemical Engineering / Chemical Technology: 5 posts
• Mechanical Engineering: 5 posts
• Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com): 4 posts
• Electrical / Electrical & Instrumentation Engineering: 3 posts
• Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering: 3 posts
• B.Sc Chemistry: 3 posts
• Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineering: 2 posts
• Computer & Information Science / Computer Engineering / B.Sc Computer Science: 2 posts
• B.Sc Physics: 2 posts
• BLIS (Library Science): 1 post

Technician (Diploma) Apprentice (Stipend Rs. 10,900/month) — 11 posts:

• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering: 4 posts
• Diploma in Chemical Engineering: 2 posts
• Diploma in Electrical Engineering: 2 posts
• Diploma in Electronics Engineering: 2 posts
• Diploma in Computer Science / CS & IT / Web Designing: 1 post

Reserved seats: SC — 2, ST — 2, OBC — 11, as per the reservation policy under the Apprentices Act.

Who Can Apply?

Graduate Apprentice

• You need a B.E/B.Tech in Chemical, Mechanical, Aerospace/Aeronautical, Computer, Electrical/Instrumentation, or Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering.
• Or a B.Sc in Chemistry, Physics or Computer Science, a B.Com, or a BLIS (Library Science) degree.

Technician Apprentice

• You need a Diploma in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Science / IT / Web Designing.

Common Conditions

• Fresh pass-outs only: You must have passed in 2024, 2025 or 2026.
• No experience: If you have one year or more of training or job experience after your degree or diploma, you cannot apply.
• NATS 2.0: You must register on the NATS 2.0 portal before you apply.
• SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates need a valid caste certificate in the prescribed format.

Age Limit

• The notification does not mention a specific age limit.
• The main condition is that you must be a fresh pass-out of 2024, 2025 or 2026.

Stipend

• Graduate Apprentice: Rs. 12,300 per month.
• Technician (Diploma) Apprentice: Rs. 10,900 per month.
• ACEM will not provide any quarters, hostel or transport, so plan your stay and travel in Ojhar or Nasik from this stipend.

Application Fee

• There is no application fee for this apprenticeship.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

An Apprentice Selection Committee decides the selection. There is no common written exam.

1. Merit / Interview: You are shortlisted on the basis of your academic merit and/or an interview.
2. Document Verification: You must show your original certificates and the CGPA-to-percentage conversion formula of your college.
3. Joining Formalities: Selected candidates submit a Medical Fitness Certificate and a Police Verification Certificate at the time of joining.

Only selected candidates are informed through an offer letter by email.

How to Apply

1. Register yourself on the NATS 2.0 portal at nats.education.gov.in.
2. Download the application form from the ACEM advertisement and fill it by typing (not by hand).
3. Affix your passport-size photo and sign the form.
4. Scan the filled form with all certificates and the CGPA-to-percentage conversion document into a single PDF file.
5. Email the single PDF to apprentice.acem@gov.in before 26 July 2026.
6. Do not send any hard copy — applications are accepted by email only.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 1 July 2026
• Application Start: 1 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply (by email): 26 July 2026
• Selection / Interview Date: To be announced

• Attend the one-year apprenticeship training at ACEM, Nasik as per the schedule
• Learn hands-on skills in your engineering, science or commerce discipline
• Assist scientists and technical staff with day-to-day lab, workshop and office tasks
• Follow all safety rules and standard procedures while working at the propellant facility
• Maintain proper records of your training activities and assignments
• Complete the training modules and tasks given by your mentor or supervisor
• Update your training progress on the NATS 2.0 portal when required