CFA Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for 47 Posts

Cordite Factory, Aruvankadu (CFA), a unit of Munitions India Limited under the Ministry of Defence, has released HRD Advertisement No. 1457 dated 11.07.2026, inviting online-form-download/offline applications from Indian citizens for engagement as Trade Apprentices (Non-ITI & ITI candidates) for the 59th Batch under the Trade Apprentices Act, 1961. This article summarises the official notification in full, based strictly on the details published by CFA. Where the notification does not mention a particular detail, this article states that clearly instead of assuming it.

Quick Overview - CFA Aruvankadu Recruitment 2026

Important Note Before You Apply

As per the official notification, candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship and possess a National Apprentice Certificate (NAC) are not eligible to apply for this recruitment.

CFA Aruvankadu Recruitment 2026: Important Dates

Candidates are advised in the notification to submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid last-minute rush. CFA states it will not take responsibility for candidates who are unable to submit their applications by the last day for any reason.

CFA Aruvankadu Vacancy Details 2026

The total number of vacancies is 47, described in the notification as 20 Non-ITI, 20 Ex-ITI, and 7 Ex-ITI Laboratory posts. The notification also provides a detailed, category-wise vacancy table (Annexure-1) for Cordite Factory, Aruvankadu, Tamil Nadu, reproduced below exactly as published:

Note on the vacancy table: The official annexure labels all three trades with the prefix "Ex ITI" in the printed table, even though the introductory paragraph of the notification separately describes the 47 vacancies as 20 Non-ITI, 20 Ex-ITI, and 7 Ex-ITI Laboratory. This is exactly how the figures appear in the source document; candidates should verify the applicable trade and category against the official PDF/website before applying.

The notification also clarifies that the notified vacancy numbers are provisional, and PH/PWD candidates may apply against available vacancies as per their eligibility, with reservation applied within the total vacancies (not as a separate quota) as per applicable rules.

CFA Aruvankadu Eligibility Criteria 2026

Age Limit (as on closing date of application, i.e., 31.07.2026)

• Minimum age: 18 years for designated trades related to hazardous industries, as per Section 3(a) of the Apprentices Act, 1961, and amendments thereof.
• Maximum age: 35 years for all categories, as per Clause 3 of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 (NAPS-2) issued by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship vide MSDE-5/01/2022-AP dated 25.08.2023.

Educational Qualification

CFA Aruvankadu Stipend / Salary 2026

As per Rule 11(1) of the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, and Gazette Notification G.S.R. 610(E) dated 03.09.2025 (Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Letter No. DGT-36/1/2021-AP dated 15.10.2025), the monthly stipend is as follows:

No other allowance is paid during the entire apprenticeship training period. For Ex-ITI candidates, the stipend consideration also accounts for any apprenticeship period already undergone. The stipend amount is subject to change based on future government notifications.

Application Fee

The official notification does not mention any application fee. No fee amount, payment mode, or fee exemption details are specified in the source document, so this information is not available.

CFA Aruvankadu Selection Process 2026

Selection is made purely on the basis of merit, with separate merit lists prepared for the Non-ITI and Ex-ITI categories.

• Non-ITI merit list: Based on the overall average percentage of marks obtained in Madhyamik/Matriculation (Class X or equivalent) - either aggregate of all subjects or the best 5 subjects, as per the concerned Board's criteria.
• Ex-ITI merit list: Based on the simple average of percentage of marks in both Matriculation and ITI (minimum 50% aggregate required in each).

CGPA/GPA Conversion Rule

Where a candidate's Class X result is declared in CGPA/GPA, marks must be entered after conversion as per the concerned Board's own criteria (not the CGPA grade itself). If the Board has not issued a clear conversion formula, or if the candidate does not know it, a standard multiplication factor of 9.5 is applied uniformly. Using an incorrect conversion formula (different from the one mandated by the Board) will lead to rejection at the document verification stage.

Grade-to-Percentage Conversion Table (used only if the Board provides no conversion formula)

Tie-Breaker Rule (Resolution)

1. The older candidate (higher age) is preferred.
2. If the date of birth is also the same, the candidate holding a Matriculation certificate of an earlier passing year is preferred.
3. If the year of passing Matriculation is also the same, the candidate whose name comes first in English alphabetical order is preferred.

Based on the vacancy position, select lists are prepared, and only provisionally selected candidates are called for document verification and medical examination. CFA Management reserves the right to revise the select list at any time in case of any error or oversight, and its decision is final.

Reservation for SC/ST/OBC and PH/PWD Candidates

Reservation applies as per the relevant schedule under the Apprentices Act, 1961, the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and existing Government of India rules. Vacancies for PH/PWD candidates are not separate but are included within the total notified vacancies. If the prescribed number of SC or ST candidates is not available, unfilled seats are transferred as per the standard inter-category rules described in the notification (SC/ST interchange, and OBC seats going to non-OBC candidates if unfilled).

Duration of Training

• Non-ITI and ITI candidates: As specified under the Trade Apprentices Act, 1961, and Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, and amendments thereof.
• Ex-ITI candidates: As per Schedule I of the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, and amendments thereof, for the respective trade.

Medical Examination and Physical Fitness

Physical fitness standards follow the Apprentices Act, 1961, and Apprenticeship Rules, 1992. After successful document verification, provisionally selected candidates undergo a medical examination at Cordite Factory premises. The date, time, and venue will be communicated separately by the factory. Only candidates who pass the medical examination proceed to Trade Apprentice training. Medical fitness is certified by the Cordite Factory Hospital.

Documents Required for CFA Aruvankadu Application

To Be Submitted with the Application

• Recent clear colour photograph (3.5 cm x 3.5 cm), not older than three months from the date of publication of the notification, plus one extra self-attested photograph (signed on the back)
• Clear scanned signature on white paper in black/blue ink (3.5 cm x 3.5 cm)
• 12-digit Aadhaar Card number, or the first 14-digit Aadhaar Enrolment ID (if Aadhaar is not yet issued)
• Identity Card copy (such as Voter ID), if Aadhaar is unavailable
• SSC/Matriculation (Class X) or equivalent mark sheet
• Consolidated mark sheet for all semesters of the relevant ITI pass trade, or Provisional National Trade Certificate showing marks
• National Trade Certificate (NCVT) or Provisional National Trade Certificate (NCVT/SCVT) for ITI-pass candidates
• Caste certificate for SC/ST/OBC candidates, wherever applicable; OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates must also submit their non-creamy layer certificate issued within the last three years
• Physical Disability certificate for PH/PWD candidates, issued by a competent Medical Board/Authority

Alternative ID Proof (if Aadhaar/Aadhaar Enrolment ID is unavailable)

This provision applies to candidates from all States and Union Territories except Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Meghalaya, and Assam. Eligible candidates from other states/UTs may submit any one of the following as ID proof:

• Voter ID Card
• Passport
• Driving Licence
• Photo ID card issued by Central/State Government
• Student Identity Card with photograph issued by a recognised school/college
• Photo-bearing nationalised bank passbook

Address Proof Documents (required at the time of document verification)

• Bank passbook
• Voter Identity Card
• Passport
• Latest electricity bill
• Latest telephone bill
• Driving Licence
• Property tax receipt
• Aadhaar Card

How to Apply for CFA Aruvankadu Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026

1. Download the Application Form using the link provided on the official website and take a printout.
2. Fill the form in BLOCK LETTERS only, entering personal details carefully. Name, father's name, date of birth, and marks must exactly match your Matriculation/equivalent certificate.
3. Attach all required enclosures, including one extra self-attested photograph (signed on the back).
4. Superscribe the envelope as: "APPLICATION FOR THE INDUCTION OF TRADE APPRENTICES - (ATTENDANT OPERATOR CHEMICAL PLANT)" as printed in the notification.
5. Send the completed application by post to the address below.

Postal Address for Application Submission

The Chief General Manager,
Cordite Factory, Aruvankadu,
The Nilgiris District,
Tamil Nadu - 643202

The notification advises candidates to keep their mobile number and email ID active throughout the recruitment process, as all important communication will be sent via email/SMS and will be deemed to have been read by the candidate.

Terms and Conditions of Engagement

• Selected candidates must execute a Contract of Apprenticeship (by the guardian, if the candidate is a minor).
• During training, apprentices are entitled to medical treatment only from the Cordite Factory Hospital, as per rules.
• Training is subject to registration with the respective RDSDE (Regional Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship). If registration is not granted for any reason, the candidate's training will be terminated immediately.
• On completing training and passing the NCVT-conducted test, a Certificate of Proficiency in the concerned trade is issued.
• If a candidate's Contract of Apprenticeship is prematurely terminated due to non-compliance with contract terms, the candidate/surety must pay the training cost amount determined by the Apprenticeship Adviser.
• There is no obligation on CFA to offer employment after training, nor any obligation on the apprentice to accept an offer if made.
• No Transport Allowance is payable to candidates called for document verification or medical examination.

Important Instructions for Candidates

• Submission of the application form does not guarantee selection as a Trade Apprentice; selection depends on the merit/select list and available vacancies.
• Candidature remains provisional at all stages until document scrutiny, police verification, medical examination, and other eligibility checks are completed. However, a pending or delayed police verification report will not be grounds for rejecting an otherwise eligible candidate.
• Candidates must regularly check the official website (https://www.ddpdoo.gov.in) for updates and changes.
• Canvassing of any kind will lead to disqualification.
• Suppression of material facts or submission of forged certificates will lead to rejection of candidature at any stage.
• CFA's decision on eligibility and acceptance/rejection of any application is final and binding; no correspondence will be entertained.
• Any dispute relating to this recruitment is subject to the jurisdiction of courts/tribunals covering the city/town where Cordite Factory is situated.

Grounds for Rejection of Candidature

As per the notification, an application/candidature may be rejected for reasons including:

• Incomplete application, or unclear/illegible documents submitted
• Not possessing the prescribed qualification as on the date of the advertisement
• Overage or underage, or date of birth not filled/wrongly filled
• Submitting double or multiple applications (including applying for both ITI and Non-ITI vacancies)
• Where multiple applications exist, only the latest one is considered - others stand cancelled
• Application without a photo, or with an unclear, capped, goggled, disfigured, or unidentifiable photo; unclear signature or documents
• Candidate's name appearing in a debarred list
• Any other irregularity that CFA considers renders the candidature invalid
• Mismatch between the name, father's name, date of birth, marks, or year of passing entered in the form and the actual Class X/ITI certificate
• Mismatch between the applied trade and the candidate's ITI trade certificate/technical qualification

CFA Aruvankadu Recruitment 2026: Important Links