DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic Exam 2026 | DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic Exam Eligibility | DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic Exam Syllabus | DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic Exam Pattern | PYQ DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic | Mock Test DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic | Previous Year Question Papers DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic | DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic Recruitment 2026 Preparation Strategy & Career Growth

The DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic Exam is part of the Defense Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) Apprenticeship program for Trade Apprentices (Mechanic/ITI). DRDO under the Ministry of Defense, Government of India — engages young talent as apprentices to provide hands-on training in technical and mechanical trades across its laboratories and research centers.

This apprenticeship is not a typical “job” exam like SSC or UPSC; instead it’s a structured apprenticeship training pathway where candidates gain practical experience, on-the-job learning, and stipend during their training period. It’s an excellent starting point for candidates with ITI Trade (Mechanic & associated trades) aiming for a career in defense research, maintenance, and allied technical services.

Likh Padh will provide a well structured latest test series for DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic exam 2026 along with all DRDO exams with free PYQ, sample papers, mock test and previous year question papers bank. Likh Padh free online test series, PYQ for DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic exam based on the trend analysis of DRDO updates exam previously asked questions in DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic exam.

DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic 2026 — Highlights (At a Glance)

What is Apprenticeship Training & Why It Matters

Apprenticeship programs are structured training initiatives mandated under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961, aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and industrial skills. Under DRDO’s apprenticeship:

• Candidates work on actual projects and equipment
• Learn under mentorship of experienced professionals
• Receive a stipend during training
• Get certification on completion, boosting employability

For 2026, the DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic role continues this tradition, empowering ITI Mechanic holders to gain meaningful experience with defense R&D institutions — such as Research Centre Imarat, DRDL, ARDE, DMRL, and more.

Eligibility Criteria (Expected for 2026)

The official DRDO Apprentice 2026 notification will likely mirror the eligibility structure of 2025. Key eligibility components include:

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have completed ITI (NCVT/SCVT) in relevant trades such as:

• Mechanic (Diesel/Vehicle)
• Fitter
• Turner
• Machinist
• Electrician
• Electronics Mechanic
• COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant)
• Draughtsman (Mechanical)

These trades are typically specified by DRDO in the official notification for Trade Apprentice positions — including Mechanic trades.

Age Limit

• Minimum age: 18 years (as on a specified cut-off date)
• Upper age limit: Likely up to 25–27 years (with relaxations as per Government rules)

Age relaxation is provided for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates as per Government of India norms.

Nationality

• Must be a citizen of India
• Valid proof of identity and certificates required

Other Conditions

• The candidate must not have already undergone apprenticeship earlier under Apprenticeship Act 1961
• Those with more than one year of work experience may not be eligible
• Candidate should have passed qualifying exam within specified recent years (typically last 2–3 batches).

Detailed DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic 2026 Application Process

While official dates for 2026 are expected with the formal notification, here’s a step-by-step application guide you should be ready with:

Step 1 — Check the Official Notification

• Visit the official DRDO careers page: drdo.gov.in
• Look for apprenticeship notifications under “Career / Vacancy” section
• Download the detailed notification before starting your application

Note: Official DRDO notifications provide exact trade lists, eligibility criteria, and important dates.

Step 2 — Register on Required Portals

For ITI Trade Apprentice (Including Mechanic):

• 👉 Register on Apprenticeship India Portal
• URL: apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
• Create login & complete profile
• Search for DRDO Establishment Name & apply

For Graduate/Diploma Categories (Not for ITI)

• Use NATS 2.0 Portal
• Enter correct Enrollment ID
• Only ITI trade candidates use Apprenticeship India portal

Note: You must have a valid registration number before filling the DRDO application.

Step 3 — Fill & Submit Application

1. Log in to Apprenticeship India Portal
2. Find DRDO listings for Trade Apprentice positions
3. Select the relevant trade (Mechanic, Fitter etc.)
4. Fill in personal, educational & contact details
5. Upload required documents (ITI certificate, Aadhar, photo, signature)
6. Submit the application before the deadline

No application or registration fee is usually required.

Step 4 — Application Confirmation

• After submission, download/print the application
• Preserve registration details for future communication
• Check email & portal dashboard for updates

Selection Process — How Candidates Are Shortlisted

Unlike many competitive exams, the selection for DRDO Trade Apprentices (including Mechanic) is usually merit-based and document verification oriented:

1. Shortlisting Based on Merit

• Shortlisting generally depends on the applicant’s ITI marks/percentage
• Some DRDO labs may issue merit lists based on trade performance

No separate written exam or interview is always guaranteed — selection is usually based on merit lists.

2. Document Verification

Candidates shortlisted need to appear for document verification
Carry original certificates:

• ITI certificate & mark sheets
• Aadhar & photo ID
• Passport-size photos
• Domicile & category certificates (if applicable)

3. Medical Fitness Test

As these apprentices work in technical settings, DRDO may require a medical fitness examination ensuring candidates meet health standards for technical tasks.

Training — What Happens After Selection

Once selected, candidates undergo apprenticeship training for approximately 12 months (1 year):

Hands-On Practical Training

• Work under senior technical officers
• Operate/maintain mechanical equipment
• Attend workshops & development sessions

Stipend & Benefits

Apprentices receive a monthly stipend as per Government rules. The amount varies by trade and government notifications, but in most DRDO apprenticeships:

💰 ITI Trade Apprentice stipend is paid monthly under apprentice guidelines, usually a fixed amount.

Skill Development & Certification

On completion of training, apprentices receive a certificate of apprenticeship recognized across industries. This credential significantly increases employability

DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic — Expected Syllabus / Knowledge Areas

Unlike competitive “exam based” tests, the Trade Apprentice Mechanic emphasis is on practical skills and trade knowledge, especially for ITI Mechanic. However, preparing the following subjects can boost selection chances:

1. Trade-Specific Technical Knowledge

• Mechanical Workshop Practice
• Machine Tools Operation (lathe, milling, drilling)
• Fitting and Assembly Work
• Power Tools and Safety Handling
• Motor & Diesel Engine Basics
• Machine Maintenance Procedures

2. Basic Science & Applied Maths

• Basic Mathematics (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry)
• Units & Measurement
• Material Strength Basics
• Mechanical Properties of Materials

3. General Aptitude (Often Useful)

• Reasoning Basics
• Simple Problem Solving
• Understanding Technical Instructions

Preparation Tips for Maximum Success

The Likh Padh mobile test App provides everything which we have discussed above. Likh Padh test App provides free CBT mock papers for DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic exam 2026 along with detailed explanation and solution. The Likh Padh Test App also provide DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic free PYQ question papers that are asked in the previous years papers for DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic exam. Likh Padh also provides free previous year question paper PDF download for DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic exam 2026.

Even if there is no written exam, preparing thoroughly can help in shortlist verification, interview calls or overall career growth:

Preparation Strategy

• Revise ITI Trade Syllabus thoroughly
• Practice workshop math & mechanical drawings
• Revise basic electrical/mechanical principles

Study Resources

• NCVT/SCVT ITI textbooks
• Online video tutorials on Mechanic/Trade training
• Apprenticeship India learning modules

Time Management

• Allocate at least 2–3 hours daily
• Practice hands-on tasks where possible
• Prepare documentation early

Career Scope After DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic

Completing DRDO apprenticeship opens a wide range of opportunities:

1. Government Sector Jobs

• Central Govt Technician posts
• DRDO Technical assistant jobs
• Army / Navy technical roles
• PSUs and defense production units

2. Private Sector Technical Roles

• Maintenance Engineer
• Machine Operator
• Quality Technician

Certifications from DRDO training add credibility.

3. Higher Education and Skill Enhancement

After apprenticeship, candidates can pursue:

• Diploma courses
• Advanced training certifications
• Supervisory and managerial modules

Important Dates — Expected Timeline for 2026

Official dates will be announced in the DRDO Apprentice 2026 notification. Based on previous patterns:

• Notification Release: Mid-2026
• Application Start: Soon after notification
• Application Close: Within 30–45 days
• Merit List Announcement: After applications close
• Training Start: Early Post-selection

Always check DRDO’s official website regularly for updates.

FAQs — DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic 2026

Q1. Is there a written exam for DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic?

Answer: Usually, DRDO Trade Apprentice selection is merit-based on ITI marks and does not involve a written exam like typical competitive tests.

Q2. What is the minimum qualification needed?

Answer: ITI pass certificate in relevant trades from NCVT/SCVT recognized institutes.

Q3. Is there an age relaxation for reserved categories?

Answer: Yes — SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD candidates receive age relaxation as per Government norms.

Q4. What stipend do apprentices get?

Answer: Stipend is provided monthly as per Government Apprenticeship rules and may vary by trade.

Q5. Does apprenticeship guarantee a job in DRDO?

Answer: No. Apprenticeship enhances skills but does not guarantee direct employment. However, it significantly improves your profile for technical jobs in both govt and private sectors.

Conclusion

The DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic Exam 2026 is a golden opportunity for ITI graduates (Mechanic and allied trades) to gain prestigious, structured apprenticeship training at one of India’s most respected defense research organizations. With proper preparation, meticulous application, and strong understanding of your trade, you can build a solid foundation for a rewarding technical career.

Likh Padh online mobile app free online test series, PYQ, mock test, previous year question papers to crack DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic exam 2026. It is designed for DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic exam and is developed according to the latest pattern of DRDO exam. These online test series are best for the exam preparation as it also covers the previous years asked questions of DRDO Trade Apprentice Mechanic exam.

Stay updated with the official DRDO website for the 2026 notification and important dates. Apply early, prepare smartly, and make the most of this career-boosting opportunity!