Introduction
Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released an official notification for apprenticeship engagement for the year 2026-27. This apprenticeship is for one-year training in different disciplines for graduate and diploma candidates. The notification clearly states that this is a temporary training opportunity under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
ACEM is a state-of-the-art composite propellant processing facility located at Ojhar, Nashik, Maharashtra. The institute is inviting applications from fresh pass-out candidates who meet the eligibility criteria mentioned in the notification. Since this is an apprenticeship notice, selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend instead of a regular salary.
Quick Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), DRDO |
| Advertisement No. | ACEM/HRD/APPRENTICESHIP/2026-27 |
| Training Period | One year |
| Application Mode | |
| Last Date to Apply | 26th July 2026 |
| Location | Ambe Hill, Ojhar, Nashik – 422 207 |
| Graduate Apprentice Stipend | Rs. 12,300/- per month |
| Technician Apprentice Stipend | Rs. 10,900/- per month |
| Selection Mode | Merit / Interview |
| Official Email | apprentice.acem@gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 01/07/2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 26th July 2026 |
Note: The notification does not mention any starting date for application submission.
Vacancy Details
ACEM has announced vacancies for both Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice categories. The total number of graduate apprentice vacancies is 30, while the total number of technician apprentice vacancies is 11. The notification also gives category-wise reservation slots as SC 02, ST 02, and OBC 11.
| Apprentice Category | Discipline / Qualification | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E / B.Tech in Chemical Engineering / Chemical Technology | 05 |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E / B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering | 05 |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E / B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering / Aeronautical Engineering | 02 |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E / B.Tech in Computer & Information Science / Computer Engineering / B.Sc in Computer Science | 02 |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E / B.Tech in Electrical / Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering | 03 |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E / B.Tech in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering | 03 |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.Sc Chemistry | 03 |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.Sc Physics | 02 |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.Com | 04 |
| Graduate Apprentice | BLIS (Library Science) | 01 |
| Apprentice Category | Discipline / Qualification | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Technician Apprentice | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering | 04 |
| Technician Apprentice | Diploma in Chemical Engineering | 02 |
| Technician Apprentice | Diploma in Electrical Engineering | 02 |
| Technician Apprentice | Diploma in Electronics Engineering | 02 |
| Technician Apprentice | Diploma in Computer Science / Computer Science & Information Technology / Web Designing | 01 |
| Category | Slots |
|---|---|
| SC | 02 |
| ST | 02 |
| OBC | 11 |
Eligibility
Only fresh pass-out candidates are eligible to apply. The notification clearly states that candidates who passed their respective course in 2024, 2025, and 2026 only can apply. Candidates who have completed training or job experience of one year or more after obtaining the essential qualification will not be eligible.
Graduate Apprentice applicants must have the required degree in the relevant discipline mentioned in the notice. Technician Apprentice applicants must have a diploma in the relevant branch. All candidates should also register themselves on the NATS 2.0 portal before applying.
Graduate Apprentice Eligibility
- B.E / B.Tech in Chemical Engineering / Chemical Technology.
- B.E / B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering.
- B.E / B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering / Aeronautical Engineering.
- B.E / B.Tech in Computer & Information Science / Computer Engineering / B.Sc in Computer Science.
- B.E / B.Tech in Electrical / Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering.
- B.E / B.Tech in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering.
- B.Sc Chemistry.
- B.Sc Physics.
- B.Com.
- BLIS (Library Science).
Technician Apprentice Eligibility
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
- Diploma in Chemical Engineering.
- Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
- Diploma in Electronics Engineering.
- Diploma in Computer Science / Computer Science & Information Technology / Web Designing.
Age Limit
The official notification does not mention any specific age limit for applicants. Therefore, the age limit is Not Mentioned in Official Notification. Candidates should still ensure they meet all other eligibility conditions before applying.
Salary
The stipend for Graduate Apprentices is Rs. 12,300 per month. The stipend for Technician Apprentices is Rs. 10,900 per month. The notification does not mention any extra allowance, so any such detail is Not Mentioned in Official Notification.
Selection Process
The selection procedure will be decided by the Apprentice Selection Committee. The notification states that selection will be based on merit and/or interview. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed through an offer letter.
The exact merit criteria are not described in the notice. So the detailed weightage, cutoff rules, or interview marking scheme are Not Mentioned in Official Notification. Candidates should therefore prepare according to their academic profile and supporting documents.
Exam Pattern
No written examination pattern is mentioned in the notification. The available selection method is merit or interview only. So the exam pattern is Not Mentioned in Official Notification.
Syllabus
The notification does not provide any syllabus for the apprenticeship selection process. Since no written exam is mentioned, the syllabus is also Not Mentioned in Official Notification.
Required Documents
Candidates must attach the scanned copies of the filled application form and all required supporting documents in a single PDF file. The notification also says that it is compulsory to include the CGPA-to-percentage conversion formula adopted by the university or college.
- Filled application form.
- Passport-size photograph affixed on the form.
- Signature on the application form.
- Educational certificates and marksheets.
- CGPA to percentage conversion formula document.
- NATS 2.0 registration/enrollment number.
- Caste certificate, if applicable.
- Medical Fitness Certificate at the time of joining.
- Police Verification Certificate at the time of joining.
How to Apply
The application process is completely through email. Candidates must type the application form, affix a passport-size photograph, sign it, scan the filled form along with all documents, and send everything in a single PDF format to the official email ID. Hard copy submission is not allowed.
- Register on the NATS 2.0 portal if applying for Graduate or Technician Apprentice.
- Fill the application form by typing the required details.
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph and sign the form.
- Scan the application form and all required documents into one PDF file.
- Include the CGPA to percentage conversion formula document.
- Email the complete application to apprentice.acem@gov.in.
- Submit the application before 26th July 2026.
Note: ACEM will not be responsible for email loss due to wrong email ID or spam/bulk folder issues.
Important Instructions
- Only fresh pass-out candidates of 2024, 2025, and 2026 can apply.
- Graduate and diploma holders with one year or more work/training experience after qualification are not eligible.
- Reservation will be followed as per the Apprentices Act and Apprenticeship Rules.
- SC, ST, and OBC candidates must produce caste certificates in the prescribed format.
- Selected candidates must submit medical fitness and police verification certificates at joining.
- The apprenticeship training period is one year.
- No employment guarantee is given after completion of apprenticeship.
- Suppression of facts may lead to disqualification.
- ACEM may increase or decrease the number of seats.
- Canvassing or personal follow-up will lead to immediate cancellation.
- ACEM may withdraw or cancel the recruitment process without reason.
- No quarters, hostel accommodation, or transportation will be provided.
- All correspondence must be done only through email.
Why Apply?
This apprenticeship is a good opportunity for fresh graduates and diploma holders who want practical training in a DRDO establishment. The training is offered in a reputed defense research environment, which can add value to a candidate’s career profile. It is especially useful for those looking to gain experience in a government-backed technical setup.
Another advantage is the clear one-year training structure and fixed stipend. For eligible candidates, this is a structured way to build practical knowledge without needing prior work experience.
Common Mistakes
- Not registering on the NATS 2.0 portal before applying.
- Applying without checking fresh pass-out eligibility.
- Forgetting to include the CGPA-to-percentage conversion formula.
- Sending multiple files instead of one single PDF.
- Forgetting to sign the application form.
- Missing the deadline of 26th July 2026.
- Applying after gaining one year or more of work/training experience.
- Using an incorrect or inactive email ID.
Important Links
| Link | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Email | apprentice.acem@gov.in |
| NATS 2.0 Portal | nats.education.gov.in |
| Organization | Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials, DRDO |
Use only the official email and portal mentioned in the notification.
FAQs
1. What is the last date to apply for ACEM Apprenticeship 2026-27?
The last date to receive the application is 26th July 2026.
2. How many total vacancies are available?
The notification mentions 30 Graduate Apprentice vacancies and 11 Technician Apprentice vacancies.
3. What is the stipend for Graduate Apprentices?
The stipend for Graduate Apprentices is Rs. 12,300 per month.
4. What is the stipend for Technician Apprentices?
The stipend for Technician Apprentices is Rs. 10,900 per month.
5. Is there any written exam?
No written exam is mentioned in the notification.
6. What is the selection process?
The selection will be decided on the basis of merit and/or interview.
7. Is NATS 2.0 registration compulsory?
Yes. Candidates applying for Graduate and Technician Apprentice posts must register on the NATS 2.0 portal.
8. Who can apply for this apprenticeship?
Fresh pass-out candidates of 2024, 2025, and 2026 only can apply.
9. Can candidates with job experience apply?
No. Candidates with one year or more training or job experience after qualification are not eligible.
10. Will ACEM provide permanent employment after training?
No. The notification clearly says there is no obligation to offer employment after apprenticeship.
11. Will accommodation or transport be provided?
No quarters, hostel accommodation, or transportation will be provided during the training period.
12. What documents are mandatory while applying?
The filled form, photograph, signature, qualification documents, and CGPA-to-percentage conversion formula document are required.
13. How should the application be sent?
The application should be sent by email only in a single PDF file.
14. Is hard copy submission allowed?
No. Hard copy submission is not allowed.
15. What should SC, ST, and OBC candidates submit?
They must submit caste certificates in the prescribed format issued by the competent authority.
16. Can ACEM change the number of seats?
Yes. ACEM reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of seats.
Final Note: This article is written only from the official ACEM DRDO apprenticeship notification. Wherever the notice does not give details, the content is marked as Not Mentioned in Official Notification.
