Vacancies: 93 (indicative) · Posts: 18 trades · Type: Apprenticeship Training · Mode: Walk-in · Fee: Nil (not mentioned) · Walk-in: 08–09 September 2026, Avadi · Stipend: ₹10,560–₹11,040/month · Selection: ITI marks + Walk-in Interview · Location: Avadi, Chennai
Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a DRDO laboratory under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, is taking ITI-qualified candidates for apprenticeship training at Avadi, Chennai. Advt No. CVRDE/ADMIN/2026-27 opens 93 indicative seats across 18 trades at the Avadi campus (PIN 600054).
This is not an online form drive. Eligible candidates report in person on 08 September 2026 or 09 September 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, after mandatory registration on the NCVT/SCVT MIS portal at ncvtmis.gov.in. Stipend is ₹10,560 or ₹11,040 per month by trade.
Only regular ITI pass-outs from 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 whose results were declared by 30 August 2026 can attend. Engagement is under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Completion does not create a right to regular DRDO employment.
On this page
Also Read: NPOL Kochi Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 – DRDO Fellowship at Thrikkakara
Who Should Apply?
- NCVT/SCVT ITI (minimum two-year trade) → Draughtsman (Mechanical), Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Machinist, Turner, Electronics Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker, Photographer, Book Binder – 66 seats (indicative)
- NCVT/SCVT ITI (two-year duration not required) → COPA, Painter, Plumber, Welder, Food Production (General) – 25 seats (indicative)
- NCVT/SCVT ITI in named computer trades → Computer Networking Technician, Computer & Peripherals Hardware Repair & Maintenance Mechanic, CAD-CAM Operator Cum Programmer – 5 seats (indicative)
Who cannot apply
- Private / non-regular ITI candidates
- Candidates who passed the qualifying exam before 2023
- Candidates whose ITI result was not declared by 30 August 2026
- Candidates without an NCVT/SCVT MIS registration number
- OBC candidates holding an expired OBC certificate
No separate domicile bar is stated. Training is only at CVRDE Avadi, Chennai. Indian citizens who can report there with originals may attend if they meet the conditions above.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification/advertisement | 02 September 2026 (Advt No. CVRDE/ADMIN/2026-27) |
| Age reckoned as on | 01 September 2026 |
| ITI result must be declared by | 30 August 2026 |
| Walk-in interview | 08 September 2026 and 09 September 2026 |
| Reporting time | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Online application window | Not applicable (walk-in only) |
There is no separate last date for a portal form. Presence at Avadi on either walk-in day, with documents and MIS number, is the application.
Quick Overview – CVRDE ITI Apprentice 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), DRDO |
| Parent body | Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Sector | Defence research & combat vehicle development |
| Advertisement No. | CVRDE/ADMIN/2026-27 |
| Training seats | 93 (indicative; may change after assessment of eligible candidates) |
| Designation | ITI Apprentice Trainee (18 trades) |
| Job / training location | CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai – 600054, Tamil Nadu |
| Official website | DRDO vacancies / recruitment page |
| Last date/walk-in | 08–09 September 2026, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Apply / register | Register on NCVT/SCVT MIS before the CVRDE Avadi walk-in |
| Notification PDF | Download CVRDE ITI Apprentice Trainees 2026 notification PDF |
| Application mode | Walk-in interview after MIS pre-registration |
| Fee | Not mentioned in the notification |
| Stipend | ₹10,560 or ₹11,040 per month by trade |
| Selection | Shortlisting on ITI marks → walk-in interview → on-the-spot joining letter |
| Nature | Apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961; no job guarantee |
What Posts Are Available? – CVRDE Vacancy & Eligibility 2026
CVRDE Avadi has listed 93 indicative apprenticeship seats. COPA (13) and Electrician (12) carry the highest counts. Painter, Sheet Metal Worker, Computer Networking Technician and Hardware Repair each have only 1 seat. Category split across all trades: UR 40, OBC 25, SC 13, EWS 9, ST 6. Numbers can change after the establishment counts eligible walk-ins.
Use “apprenticeship seats” in planning. These are training opportunities, not regular DRDO posts.
Computer and IT trades
| Trade | Seats | Qualification | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA) | 13 | NCVT/SCVT ITI (COPA); 2-year duration not required | ₹10,560 |
| CAD-CAM Operator Cum Programmer | 3 | NCVT/SCVT ITI in the trade | ₹10,560 |
| Computer Networking Technician | 1 | NCVT/SCVT ITI in the trade | ₹10,560 |
| Computer & Peripherals Hardware Repair & Maintenance Mechanic | 1 | NCVT/SCVT ITI in the trade | ₹10,560 |
Mechanical and production trades
| Trade | Seats | Qualification | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draughtsman (Mechanical) | 10 | NCVT/SCVT ITI, min. 2-year duration | ₹11,040 |
| Fitter | 10 | NCVT/SCVT ITI, min. 2-year duration | ₹11,040 |
| Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) | 8 | NCVT/SCVT ITI, min. 2-year duration | ₹11,040 |
| Machinist | 5 | NCVT/SCVT ITI, min. 2-year duration | ₹11,040 |
| Turner | 5 | NCVT/SCVT ITI, min. 2-year duration | ₹11,040 |
| Welder | 5 | NCVT/SCVT ITI (Welder); 2-year duration not required | ₹10,560 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | 1 | NCVT/SCVT ITI, min. 2-year duration | ₹11,040 |
Electrical, electronics and allied trades
| Trade | Seats | Qualification | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 12 | NCVT/SCVT ITI, min. 2-year duration | ₹11,040 |
| Electronics Mechanic | 6 | NCVT/SCVT ITI, min. 2-year duration | ₹11,040 |
| Plumber | 3 | NCVT/SCVT ITI (Plumber); 2-year duration not required | ₹11,040 |
| Painter | 1 | NCVT/SCVT ITI (Painter); 2-year duration not required | ₹10,560 |
Other trades
| Trade | Seats | Qualification | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photographer | 4 | NCVT/SCVT ITI, min. 2-year duration | ₹11,040 |
| Food Production (General) | 3 | NCVT/SCVT ITI; 2-year duration not required | ₹10,560 |
| Book Binder | 2 | NCVT/SCVT ITI, min. 2-year duration | ₹11,040 |
| Total | 93 |
Two-year duration is waived only for COPA, Painter, Plumber, Welder and Food Production, as written in Part-5 of the official PDF.
What Is the Age Limit?
Age is reckoned as on 01 September 2026.
| Category | Minimum | Maximum as on 01 September 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| UR | 18 years | 27 years |
| EWS | 18 years | 27 years (same as UR; no extra years stated) |
| OBC | 18 years | 30 years |
| SC / ST | 18 years | 32 years |
| PwD | 18 years | 37 years |
Examples: ✅ A 26-year-old UR candidate born on 01 September 2000 — eligible (within the 27-year limit as on 01 September 2026). ❌ A 28-year-old UR candidate born on 01 September 1998 — not eligible (exceeds maximum age by 1 year).
Use our Age Eligibility Calculator to check instantly.
Eligibility – Education, Passing Year & Certificates
Candidates must hold an ITI certificate from an NCVT/SCVT-recognised institute, as per the Gazette notification of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Only those who completed the qualifying examination as regular candidates are eligible.
The passing year is restricted to 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 only. Anyone who passed before 2023 is out. Results must have been declared by 30 August 2026. A provisional certificate is acceptable at joining; the final NCVT/SCVT certificate must follow.
Expired OBC certificates will not be accepted. Use the Percentage Calculator if you need to convert ITI marks before comparing with other walk-in candidates. Use the conversion method on your mark sheet; the official certificate prevails.
✅ Confirmed: NCVT/SCVT ITI, regular candidate only, 2023–2026 pass, result by 30 August 2026, MIS registration mandatory. ❓ Not specified: minimum ITI percentage cut-off, hostel or transport, exact training months beyond “as per the Apprentices Act, 1961”.
What Is the Stipend? – CVRDE ITI Apprentice 2026
| Stipend band | Trades | Indicative monthly amount |
|---|---|---|
| ₹11,040 | Draughtsman (Mechanical), Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic (MV), Machinist, Plumber, Turner, Electronics Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker, Photographer, Book Binder | ₹11,040 |
| ₹10,560 | COPA, Painter, Welder, Computer Networking Technician, Hardware Repair Mechanic, CAD-CAM Operator Cum Programmer, Food Production (General) | ₹10,560 |
This is an apprenticeship stipend, not 7th CPC salary. No DA, HRA or NPS figure is printed in the advertisement. Treat ₹10,560–₹11,040 as the notified monthly stipend. The stipend is payable subject to attendance, applicable rules and successful continuation of training.
There is no pension, MACP or regular increment during training. Plan living costs in Avadi / Chennai on this amount alone. Because the figure is well below typical income-tax slabs for a single stipend source, TDS is usually not the main issue; actual tax still depends on your total income from all sources.
What Is the Application Fee?
No application fee is mentioned in Advt No. CVRDE/ADMIN/2026-27 for any category. Do not pay anyone who claims a “DRDO Chennai processing fee” on phone or WhatsApp.
How to Attend the Walk-in?
No CVRDE online application form is prescribed. The process is MIS registration plus physical reporting.
- Register as an ITI candidate on the NCVT/SCVT MIS portal and write down the registration number. The number will be verified at the walk-in.
- Report at Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment, Avadi, Chennai – 600054 on 08 September 2026 or 09 September 2026, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
- Carry originals and photocopies of the 10th or 12th mark sheet and certificate, ITI mark sheets and NCVT/SCVT certificate, caste certificate if applicable, Aadhaar, and the MIS number.
- Shortlisting on ITI marks and interview will happen at the venue. Selected candidates may receive the joining letter on the spot.
Gate/room number inside the campus is not printed in the PDF. Follow directions displayed at CVRDE Avadi on the walk-in days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping NCVT/SCVT MIS registration and arriving with only ITI mark sheets. The registration number is mandatory.
- Treating this as a NAPS/NATS employer search. This advertisement points to ncvtmis.gov.in, not apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
- Bringing an expired OBC certificate. It will be rejected.
- Attending with a 2022 or earlier ITI pass year. Those batches are ineligible.
- Assuming a joining letter means a DRDO regular post. The PDF states no employment is guaranteed after training.
சிவிஆர்டிஇ ஆவடி ஐடிஐ பயிற்சி தேர்வு 2026 – சென்னை டிஆர்டிஓ-வில் 93 பயிற்சி இடங்கள்
காம்பாட் வாகனங்கள் ஆராய்ச்சி மற்றும் மேம்பாட்டு நிலையம் (சிவிஆர்டிஇ), பாதுகாப்பு ஆராய்ச்சி மற்றும் மேம்பாட்டு அமைப்பு (டிஆர்டிஓ), பாதுகாப்பு அமைச்சகம், ஆவடி, சென்னை – 600054-ல் ஐடிஐ பயிற்சிக்காக 93 இடங்களை (குறிப்பளவில்) அறிவித்துள்ளது. விளம்பர எண் CVRDE/ADMIN/2026-27. நேர்காணல் 08 மற்றும் 09 செப்டம்பர் 2026, காலை 9:00 முதல் மாலை 5:00 வரை. இது நிரந்தர வேலை அறிவிப்பு அல்ல; பயிற்சிச் சட்டம் 1961-ன் கீழ் பயிற்சி இடங்கள்.
யார் விண்ணப்பிக்கலாம்? என்சிவிடி / எஸ்சிவிடி அங்கீகரித்த ஐடிஐ முடித்த வழக்கமான மாணவர்கள் மட்டுமே தகுதி. தேர்ச்சி ஆண்டு 2023, 2024, 2025 அல்லது 2026 ஆக இருக்க வேண்டும். 30 ஆகஸ்ட் 2026க்குள் முடிவு வெளியாகியிருக்க வேண்டும். இரு ஆண்டு கால வரம்பு COPA, பெயிண்டர், ப்ளம்பர், வெல்டர், உணவு தயாரிப்பு தவிர மற்ற தொழில்களுக்கு பொருந்தும். தனியார் வேட்பாளர்கள் தகுதியற்றவர்கள். காலாவதியான ஓபிசி சான்றிதழ் ஏற்கப்படாது. வயது 01 செப்டம்பர் 2026 அன்று: குறைந்தபட்சம் 18; அதிகபட்சம் பொது 27, ஓபிசி 30, எஸ்சி/எஸ்டி 32, மாற்றுத்திறனாளி 37.
உதவித்தொகை மற்றும் தேர்வு எப்படி? மாதாந்திர உதவித்தொகை தொழிலைப் பொறுத்து ₹10,560 அல்லது ₹11,040. ஐடிஐ மதிப்பெண் அடிப்படையில் குறுகிய பட்டியல், பின் வॉक-இன் நேர்காணல். தேர்வானவர்களுக்கு ஆவடியில் அன்றே இணைப்புக் கடிதம் வழங்கப்படலாம். பயிற்சி முடிந்ததும் வேலை உத்தரவாதம் இல்லை. இணைப்பின்போது காவல் சரிபார்ப்பு சான்றிதழ் தேவை.
எப்படி செல்ல வேண்டும்? முதலில் ncvtmis.gov.in-ல் பதிவு செய்து எண்ணைக் குறித்துக்கொள்ளுங்கள். பிறகு சிவிஆர்டிஇ, ஆவடி, சென்னை – 600054-க்கு 10ஆம்/12ஆம் மதிப்பெண் தாள், ஐடிஐ சான்றிதழ், ஆதார், சாதி சான்றிதழ் (பொருந்தினால்) ஆகியவற்றுடன் நேரில் செல்லுங்கள். தனியார் கட்டணம் கேட்பவரை நம்ப வேண்டாம். அதிகாரப்பூர்வ அறிவிப்பு: DRDO CVRDE PDF. தமிழ்நாட்டில் இது ஐடிஐ வேலைவாய்ப்பு (வேலைவாய்ப்பு) தேடல்களுக்கு பொருந்தும் பயிற்சி அறிவிப்பு.
How Are Candidates Selected?
Selection is a two-step process, not marks alone.
- Shortlisting on marks in the qualifying ITI examination.
- Walk-in interview on 08 or 09 September 2026 at CVRDE Avadi.
- On-the-spot status and, if selected, joining letter at Avadi, Chennai – 600054.
- Joining condition: valid police verification certificate from last residence or permanent address.
- Document check of originals listed in the advertisement.
No written CBT syllabus is published. No interview-exemption clause exists; the walk-in interview is part of selection. Ties, if any, will be resolved as per the procedure prescribed in the notification (no separate tie-break rule is printed).
Why Does CVRDE Avadi Matter?
CVRDE is the DRDO laboratory at Avadi that works on tracked combat vehicles and related systems for the Indian Army. Parent organisation is the Defence Research and Development Organisation under the Ministry of Defence. Training happens inside a live defence R&D campus, not a generic industrial shed.
Candidates search “DRDO Chennai apprentice”, “CVRDE Avadi ITI”, and “Arjun tank lab training” because Avadi is a known defence-industrial cluster next to Heavy Vehicles Factory and related units. A completed NCVT/SCVT apprenticeship on a DRDO campus is useful on a résumé for later PSU or defence-PSU trade tests.
The honest limit is simple. This laboratory is recruiting apprentices, not regular Technician-A or STA-B staff. Those who treat a 93-seat walk-in as a backdoor into DRDO service will be disappointed. Also see DRDO organisation notes, defence sector jobs, and Tamil Nadu government jobs.
The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst’s Take
Southern Railway’s much larger Act Apprentice drive in the same city is the closest tab most Chennai ITI holders already have open. That railway cycle offers thousands of seats and a familiar workshop culture. CVRDE offers far fewer seats, a defence R&D campus, and a two-day walk-in instead of a long online form. Do not confuse this with CEPTAM Technician-A, which is a regular Group C recruitment with CBT.
Best fit: 2023–2026 regular NCVT/SCVT pass-outs in Electrician, Fitter, COPA, Draughtsman (Mechanical) or Mechanic (MV) who can reach Avadi on 08 or 09 September and already hold an MIS number. High ITI percentage matters because shortlisting is marks-first.
Who should skip: Anyone expecting absorption into DRDO after one year; private ITI candidates; 2022-or-earlier pass-outs; and candidates who cannot produce police verification at joining.
Practical tip: Register on ncvtmis.gov.in today, print the registration proof, and carry two photocopy sets. Seat counts for Painter, Sheet Metal and Networking are one each. If your trade is one of those, still attend, but keep a parallel plan such as the Southern Railway apprentice list.
Realistic timeline from similar DRDO lab walk-ins: decision the same day or shortly after, joining after police verification. Career path after this training is outside CVRDE unless a separate regular notification opens later.
Also Read: NIT Trichy Project Associate & Assistant Recruitment 2026 – Apply Offline for 2 Posts
What Documents Are Required?
Bring originals and copies:
- 10th or 12th mark sheet and certificate
- ITI mark sheets and NCVT/SCVT certificate (provisional accepted at joining; final certificate later)
- Caste certificate, if applicable (OBC must be valid, not expired)
- Aadhaar Card
- NCVT/SCVT MIS portal registration number
Selected candidates must later produce a valid police verification certificate from last residence or permanent address.
Document alert: MIS number is checked at the venue. A photocopy of the portal acknowledgement saves argument at the gate. Do not submit laminated-only certificates if the board asks to see original security features.
Service Conditions
Training duration follows the Apprentices Act, 1961, the Apprenticeship Rules, and later amendments. Exact months per trade are not tabulated in this advertisement.
False documents lead to immediate withdrawal of candidature or appointment without further reason. Hostel, canteen or transport are not promised in the PDF; do not assume campus housing.
What Happens After Selection?
- You are told the result at the Avadi venue and, if selected, given a joining letter on the spot.
- You produce police verification from last residence or permanent address at joining.
- You join as an ITI apprentice trainee in the allotted trade at CVRDE Avadi, Chennai – 600054.
- You undergo training for the period fixed under the Apprentices Act, 1961, with stipend subject to attendance.
- You submit the final NCVT/SCVT certificate when it arrives, if you joined on a provisional document.
- On completion, you receive apprenticeship training completion as per statute. There is no automatic conversion to regular DRDO service.
Contact & Helpline
- Authority: Director, Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE)
- Address: CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai – 600054, Tamil Nadu
- Website: DRDO official website
- Notification: CVRDE/ADMIN/2026-27 PDF
A recruitment cell phone or email is not printed in this advertisement. Use the Director’s office address above for written queries. Do not treat social media handles as a helpline.
⚠️ Contact details sourced from the official notification/website. Verify before contacting. NEVER pay any money over phone or to any person claiming to offer job assistance. Report fraud to cybercrime.gov.in.
Important Links – CVRDE ITI Apprentice 2026
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Notification PDF | Download CVRDE ITI Apprentice Trainees 2026 official PDF |
| NCVT/SCVT MIS pre-registration | Register on NCVT/SCVT MIS for the CVRDE Avadi walk-in |
| Official website | Visit the DRDO website for current vacancy notices |
| Walk-in venue | CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai – 600054 (08–09 September 2026, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM) |
FAQs – CVRDE ITI Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Q1: What is the last date to apply for CVRDE ITI Apprentice 2026?
A: There is no online form deadline. You must attend the walk-in on 08 or 09 September 2026, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at CVRDE Avadi, Chennai – 600054, after NCVT/SCVT MIS registration. Late physical reporting after 5:00 PM is not provided for in the notice.
Q2: What is the age limit for CVRDE ITI Apprentice?
A: 18 to 27 years for UR as of 01 September 2026. OBC can go up to 30, SC/ST up to 32, and PwD up to 37. EWS follows the UR ceiling in this advertisement. Check the date of birth against 01 September 2026 before you travel.
Q3: Is there an exam for CVRDE ITI Apprentice, or is it interview-based?
A: No CBT is notified. Selection is based on shortlisting ITI marks followed by a walk-in interview at Avadi. Joining letters, if issued, are given at the same campus. Prepare originals and be ready to explain your trade work, not a written syllabus.
Q4: What is the stipend for this apprenticeship?
A: ₹10,560 or ₹11,040 per month depending on trade. COPA and several computer or food trades are on ₹10,560. Core mechanical and electrical trades are mostly on ₹11,040. This is a training stipend, not a regular salary with DA and HRA.
Q5: Can final-year students or result-awaited candidates apply for CVRDE 2026?
A: No, if the ITI result was not declared by 30 August 2026. Those applications will not be considered for training. A provisional certificate is only for joining after selection, not a substitute for an undeclared result.
Q6: Is CVRDE ITI Apprentice a permanent government job?
A: No. This is apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The advertisement states that no employment is guaranteed on completion. Regular DRDO technical posts are filled through separate notifications such as CEPTAM.
Q7: Can candidates from other states apply for this recruitment?
A: Yes, no state domicile lock is written in the PDF. You still need NCVT/SCVT ITI, the 2023–2026 pass window, age, and the ability to report at Avadi, Chennai with originals and later police verification.
Q8: Where will I be posted if I get selected?
A: At CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai – 600054. This advertisement does not offer a choice of other DRDO labs. Plan stay and travel around Avadi for the full training period fixed under the Apprentices Act.
Q9: Will I get a permanent job after CVRDE apprenticeship?
A: No. Completion gives apprenticeship training credentials only. Absorption into DRDO is not part of this advertisement. Keep applying to CEPTAM, railway apprentices-to-job routes, and public-sector trade tests separately.
Q10: Is ITI mandatory for this DRDO Avadi training?
A: Yes. Only NCVT/SCVT Board ITI holders in the listed trades are eligible. Private candidates and non-ITI graduates cannot convert a degree into these 93 seats. Match your exact trade name with the vacancy table before travelling.
Q11: Is a DRDO ITI apprenticeship worth doing or just cheap labour?
A: Worth knowing before you apply: the stipend is modest for Chennai rents, and there is no job guarantee. The value is structured shop-floor exposure inside a Ministry of Defence combat-vehicle lab and a recognised Act apprenticeship certificate, not a hidden Technician vacancy.
Q12: Do defence labs actually hire apprentices after training ends?
A: Sometimes through later open recruitments, not automatically. Unlike a PSU that may publish a limited absorption clause, this CVRDE notice forbids reading training as employment. Treat any later DRDO offer as a fresh competition.
Q13: What is the stipend range for ITI apprentices in defence workshops?
A: In this notification, the band is ₹10,560–₹11,040 a month. Other defence or railway workshops may notify different NAPS/Act rates. Always read the stipend column of that specific advertisement rather than assuming one national figure.
Pre-Apprenticeship Checklist – Before You Apply
- You meet age (as on 01 September 2026) and NCVT/SCVT ITI criteria for your exact trade.
- You understand this is apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961, with no automatic permanent claim.
- You passed as a regular candidate in 2023–2026, and your result was declared by 30 August 2026.
- You have an NCVT/SCVT MIS registration number from ncvtmis.gov.in.
- You can report at CVRDE, Avadi, Chennai – 600054 on 08 or 09 September 2026, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with originals.
- You accept a stipend of ₹10,560 or ₹11,040 and an attendance-linked payment.
- You can produce police verification at joining if selected.
📄 Source: Official notification released by CVRDE (DRDO) as Advt No. CVRDE/ADMIN/2026-27. All details are sourced from the CVRDE official notification PDF.
