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The Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE)—a key laboratory under DRDO—has issued a notification for the recruitment of ITI apprentices for training under the Apprentices Act, 1961.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for ITI graduates to launch a career in the defense sector. The Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), a major laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released a notification to recruit ITI apprentices for training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Notably, there will be no written examination for this recruitment; candidates will be selected directly through a walk-in interview.

Total Vacancies and Interview Schedule

A total of 93 apprentice training positions are being filled through this recruitment drive. Walk-in interviews will be held on September 8 and 9, 2026, at the CVRDE campus in Avadi, Chennai. The interviews are scheduled from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Interested candidates must arrive at the venue at the scheduled time with all necessary documents.

Available Trades

Recruitment is being conducted across 18 different trades. These include 13 posts for Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA), 10 for Draftsman (Mechanical), 12 for Electrician, 10 for Fitter, 8 for Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), and 5 for Machinist. Additionally, there are vacancies for Painter (1 post), Plumber (3 posts), Turner (5 posts), Welder (5 posts), and Electronics Mechanic (6 posts). There is one vacancy each for the roles of Sheet Metal Worker, Computer Networking Technician, and Computer & Peripherals Hardware Repair & Maintenance Mechanic; meanwhile, four positions are designated for Photographer, two for Bookbinder, three for CAD-CAM Operator-cum-Programmer, and three for Food Production (General Trade).

Monthly Stipend Details

Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend during the training period. For most trades, the stipend is set at approximately ₹11,040 per month, whereas for trades such as COPA, Painter, Welder, Computer Networking Technician, Computer & Peripherals Hardware Repair Mechanic, and CAD-CAM Operator-cum-Programmer, the amount is fixed at approximately ₹10,560 per month.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for this apprenticeship must possess an ITI certificate in the relevant trade from an institute recognized by NCVT or SCVT. For most trades, the minimum duration of the ITI course must be two years; however, trades such as COPA, Painter, Plumber, Welder, and Food Production are exempt from this specific requirement. Additionally, only candidates who passed their ITI examination in 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible to apply; those who passed prior to these years will not be considered. Candidates are also required to register on the NCVT/SCVT MIS portal and must provide their registration number at the time of application, which will be verified during the walk-in interview.

Selection Process

The selection process begins with shortlisting candidates based on the marks obtained in their ITI examination. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for a walk-in interview, where their documents will be verified. The final selection will be made after completing all these stages, and selected candidates will be issued their joining letters on the spot at CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai, that very day.

Mandatory Documents

Candidates appearing for the walk-in interview must carry documents such as their Class 10 or 12 mark sheet, ITI mark sheet, NCVT/SCVT certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and Aadhaar card.