DRDO ISSA Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply for 21 Graduate & Technician Posts

DRDO ISSA Recruitment 2026: The Institute for Systems Studies and Analyses (ISSA), a premier lab of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released the official notification for the recruitment of Graduate and Technician Apprentices for the year 2026. This recruitment (Advt No. ISSA/HRD/Apprentice/2026/01) offers a total of 21 vacancies for fresh engineering graduates, M.Sc. Mathematics students, and diploma holders. If you are looking for a prestigious apprenticeship in Delhi, this is a golden opportunity to work under the Ministry of Defence. The last date to submit your application via email is February 27, 2026.

DRDO ISSA Notification 2026: Overview

The DRDO ISSA Apprentice vacancy is a 12-month training program designed to provide practical exposure to young Indian nationals in the field of system analysis and computer science.

Important Dates

Candidates must ensure their application reaches the department before the deadline. Selection will be based on merit, and no late applications will be entertained.

Vacancy Details

The 21 posts are distributed across different disciplines as mentioned below:

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for DRDO ISSA Apprentice Bharti 2026, candidates must meet the following educational and age requirements.

Educational Qualification

• Graduate Apprentice (CSE): B.E/B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering from a recognized university.

• Graduate Apprentice (Maths): M.Sc in Mathematics from a recognized university.

• Technician Apprentice: Diploma in Computer Science from a recognized State/Central Board.

• Note: Candidates must have passed the qualifying exam with First Division in the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025.

Age Limit

• The age limit is as per the Apprenticeship Act, 1961 and Government of India rules.

• Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates as per norms.

Selection Process

There is NO written exam or interview for this recruitment.

1. Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on the marks obtained in the qualifying degree/diploma.

2. Merit List: A category-wise merit list (UR/SC/ST/OBC) will be prepared.

3. Communication: Selected candidates will receive an offer letter only via Email.

Salary / Stipend

• Graduate Apprentices: ₹12,300 per month.

• Technician (Diploma) Apprentices: ₹10,900 per month.

• Note: No boarding, lodging, or TA/DA will be provided during the training period.

Application Fee

• General / OBC / EWS: ₹0/- (No Fee)

• SC / ST / PwD / Female: ₹0/- (No Fee)

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

The application process is Offline via Email. Follow these steps:

1. NATS Registration: Candidates must first register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal: nats.education.gov.in.

2. Download Form: Download the application form from the "What's New" section of the DRDO website.

3. Fill Details: Fill the form in block letters and sign it.

4. Scan Documents: Create a single PDF file containing the filled form and self-attested copies of 10th, 12th, Degree/Diploma mark sheets, NATS enrollment proof, and Category certificate.

5. Send Email: Email the PDF to hrd.issa@gov.in with the subject line: "Application for Apprentice - [Your Subject] - [Your Name]".

Important Links

FAQs

Q1: Can 2020 pass-out candidates apply?

A: No, only candidates who passed their degree/diploma between 2021 and 2025 are eligible.

Q2: Is there any application fee for DRDO ISSA?

A: No, the application is completely free for all categories.

Q3: What is the training location for this apprentice?

A: The training will take place at ISSA, Civil Lines, Delhi – 110054.

Q4: Is NATS enrollment mandatory?

A: Yes, applications without a valid NATS Enrollment Number will be rejected.

Q5: Will DRDO provide a permanent job after 1 year?

A: No, this is purely a 12-month apprenticeship training. There is no obligation for permanent employment.