The Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM) under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has opened applications for Apprenticeship Training for the financial year 2025-26. This is a valuable opportunity for engineering graduates, diploma holders, and degree holders in general streams to gain practical experience at a premier government R&D facility.
Apprenticeship Categories & Vacancies
ACEM offers one-year apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act 1961 (as amended). The available positions are divided into two categories:
1. Graduate Apprentices (General & Engineering Streams)
| Qualification Required | Discipline | Vacancies | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.E/B.Tech | Chemical Engineering / Chemical Technology | 5 | ₹12,000/month |
| B.E/B.Tech | Mechanical Engineering | 5 | ₹12,000/month |
| B.E/B.Tech | Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineering | 2 | ₹12,000/month |
| B.E/B.Tech or B.Sc | Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Computer & Information Science | 2 | ₹12,000/month |
| B.E/B.Tech | Electrical / Electrical & Instrumentation | 3 | ₹12,000/month |
| B.E/B.Tech | Electronics & Telecommunication | 3 | ₹12,000/month |
| B.Sc | Chemistry | 3 | ₹12,000/month |
| B.Sc | Physics | 2 | ₹12,000/month |
| B.Com | Commerce | 4 | ₹12,000/month |
| BLIS | Library Science | 1 | ₹12,000/month |
Total Graduate Apprentice Vacancies: 30
2. Technician (Diploma) Apprentices
| Qualification Required | Discipline | Vacancies | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Mechanical Engineering | 4 | ₹10,000/month |
| Diploma | Chemical Engineering | 2 | ₹10,000/month |
| Diploma | Electrical Engineering | 2 | ₹10,000/month |
| Diploma | Electronics Engineering | 2 | ₹10,000/month |
| Diploma | Computer Science / IT / Web Designing | 1 | ₹10,000/month |
Total Technician Apprentice Vacancies: 11
Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Degree or Diploma in the relevant discipline as mentioned above.
- Passing Year: Only those who have passed in 2024 or 2025 are eligible to apply.
- Training/Job Experience: Candidates must not have undergone apprenticeship training or held a job for 1 year or more after their qualification.
- Nationality: Indian citizens only.
- Age Limit: As per Apprenticeship Rules (generally 18+).
Reservation Policy
As per government norms:
- SC: 3 Slots
- ST: 2 Slots
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 11 Slots
Applicants claiming reservation must submit a valid caste certificate issued by the competent authority.
Stipend Details
- Graduate Apprentices: ₹12,000/month
- Technician (Diploma) Apprentices: ₹10,000/month
No other allowances, accommodations, or transport facilities will be provided.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | Ongoing |
| Last Date to Apply | 15th June 2025 |
| Shortlisting / Communication | To be notified via Email |
Note: No hard copy submission is required. All communication will be done via email.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Register on NATS Portal
All applicants must register on the NATS 2.0 portal (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme):
https://nats.education.gov.in
- Get your NATS Registration/Enrollment Number before proceeding.
Step 2: Download & Fill the Application Form
- Type (do not handwrite) your details in the application form.
- Paste a passport-size photo and sign the form.
- Attach all supporting documents including:
- Educational Certificates (Diploma/Degree)
- CGPA to Percentage Conversion Proof
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar Card
- NATS Enrollment Proof
Format: Scan all documents into a single PDF file.
Step 3: Email Submission
- Email your filled and signed application form with all documents to:
apprentice.acem@gov.in
Make sure your email subject is appropriate and your attachments are correctly formatted.
Step 4: Submit Google Form
In addition to the email, it is mandatory to fill out the Google form and upload the same set of documents.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHBK0nV9IrLUGANSdqEVuxzv4n73-kOYHmErM0NkuqkrIkEg/viewform
Selection Procedure
- Candidates will be shortlisted based on merit or interview as decided by the Apprenticeship Selection Committee.
- Final selection will be communicated through an offer letter via email only.
- Ensure your email is active and does not send mail to spam.
Documents Required (at the time of joining)
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- Police Verification Certificate
- Originals of all academic and identity documents
Terms & Conditions
- Duration of Apprenticeship is 1 year only.
- This is a training opportunity only, not a guarantee of employment.
- No prior job experience or apprenticeship training should be held.
- Incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected.
- Suppression of facts will lead to disqualification at any stage.
- Canvassing in any form will disqualify the candidate.
- ACEM reserves the right to alter or cancel the selection process without notice.
- Accommodation, transport, and hostel facilities will not be provided.
Contact Details
- Email: apprentice.acem@gov.in
- Phone: 02550-282543 / 527
- Fax: 02550-282504 / 505
- Address:
Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM),
DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Ambe Hill, Ojhar, Nashik – 422 207
Common Questions Answered
Q: Is there any fee to apply?
No. The application process is completely free.
Q: Can final-year students apply?
No. Only those who have passed in 2024 or 2025 are eligible.
Q: Will I get a job after training?
No. This is a non-employment training program.
Q: Can I apply for multiple trades?
Apply for one discipline only that matches your qualification.