Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), a unit of DRDO, has announced apprenticeship openings for the financial year 2026‑2027. A total of 20 seats are available across three disciplines, with a stipend that varies by qualification.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC), DRDO – Delhi |
| Posts | Library & Information Science, Computer Science, Photography/Videography |
| Total Vacancies | 20 (subject to increase or decrease) |
| Training Period | 12 months (Financial Year 2026‑2027) |
| Application Mode | By post or by hand to DESIDOC, Delhi |
Post & Organization Details
The apprenticeship is offered by DESIDOC, a premier documentation centre under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Candidates will undergo a 12‑month training programme in the selected discipline.
Vacancy Details
| Discipline | Vacancies | Stipend (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Library & Information Science | 16* | ₹12,300 (Graduates) • ₹10,900 (Diploma/ITI) |
| Computer Science | 2* | ₹12,300 (Graduates) • ₹10,900 (Diploma) |
| Photography/Videography | 2* | ₹10,900 (Diploma/ITI) |
*Numbers may increase or decrease as per organisational requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
| Discipline | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Library & Information Science | Graduation + Degree in Library & Information Science (1‑year) from a recognised university/institute |
| Computer Science | B.E. in Computer Science or 3‑year Diploma in Computer Science from a recognised university/institute |
| Photography/Videography | 3‑year Diploma in Photography or Videography or ITI Certificate from a recognised university/institute |
- Only candidates who passed out in 2024 or 2025 are eligible.
- Candidates with one year or more of training or job experience after qualification are ineligible.
- Upper age limit: 28 years as on the date of written test/interview.
- Age relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC.
- Candidates previously terminated from any apprenticeship are not eligible.
- Mandatory registration on the NATS portal (MHRD NATS or NATS Education) before applying.
Pay Scale & Salary
Apprentices will receive a monthly stipend, not a salary. The stipend amount depends on the candidate’s qualification:
- ₹12,300 per month for graduates (and B.E. holders) in Library & Information Science and Computer Science.
- ₹10,900 per month for diploma/ITI holders in all three disciplines.
Stipend is paid for the entire 12‑month training period. Completion of the apprenticeship does not guarantee employment with DESIDOC or DRDO.
Application Fee
The notification does not mention any application fee. No fee is required for any category.
Important Dates
| Details | Dates |
|---|---|
| Start date to apply | 10‑06‑2026 |
| Last date to apply | 01‑07‑2026 |
Selection Process
- Shortlisting of candidates on the basis of merit (percentage/marks in the essential qualification).
- Shortlisted candidates appear for a written test and/or interview as decided by DESIDOC.
- A Selection Board, constituted by the Director, DESIDOC, evaluates the performance.
- Selected candidates receive an offer letter or email.
- Document verification at the time of interview/selection.
No travel allowance (TA/DA) will be provided at any stage of the selection process.
How to Apply
- Register on the NATS portal (www.mhrdnats.gov.in or nats.education.gov.in) and note your enrolment number.
- Download the application form from the DRDO website (www.drdo.gov.in) – look under the “What’s New” section.
- Fill in the form completely and attach self‑attested photocopies of all required documents.
- SC/ST/OBC candidates must attach a valid caste certificate in the prescribed Central Government format.
- Superscribe the outer envelope with the name of the discipline you are applying for.
- Submit the application by post or hand‑delivery to:
Director, Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre (DESIDOC),
Metcalfe House, Civil Lines, Delhi – 110 054, within 21 days of the advertisement date.
Important Links
- Application form & notification (PDF)
- NATS registration (MHRD)
- NATS enrolment (Education portal)
- Helpline: 011‑23902523
FAQ’s
- What is the last date to apply for DRDO DESIDOC Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Applications must be submitted within 21 days from the date the advertisement is published on the DRDO website. The explicit last date mentioned is 01‑07‑2026. - How many vacancies are available?
A total of 20 seats are notified – 16 in Library & Information Science, 2 in Computer Science, and 2 in Photography/Videography. The numbers may vary as per organisational requirements. - What is the age limit for DESIDOC apprenticeship 2026?
The upper age limit is 28 years as on the date of the written test/interview. Relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC candidates applies.