Ordnance Factory Craftsman Technician is a skilled technical post in India's defence manufacturing establishments. Craftsmen in ordnance factories manufacture and maintain weapons, ammunition, military vehicles, clothing, and other defence equipment for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. AWEIL (Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited), MIL (Munitions India Limited), GLFL (Gliders India Limited), and other defence PSUs formed after corporatization of Ordnance Factory Board in 2021 recruit craftsmen. The work involves precision machining, assembly, quality control, and maintenance in a highly regulated manufacturing environment. It is a Group C post with excellent job security and central government benefits.

Ordnance Factories and defence PSUs recruit craftsmen in a wide range of ITI trades including Fitter, Turner, Machinist, Welder (Gas and Electric), Electrician, Electroplater, Millwright, Grinder, Moulder, Foundry Man, Carpenter, Tailor, and various other specialized trades. The trades required vary by factory type — weapon manufacturing factories need Fitters and Machinists, ammunition factories need Chemists and Explosive Workers (special licensing required), vehicle factories need Automobile Mechanics and Welders, and clothing factories need Tailors. Each notification specifies the exact trades and number of vacancies.

Ordnance Factory Craftsmen are Group C industrial employees and draw Pay Level 2 (Rs. 19,900–63,200) under the 7th Pay Commission. With Dearness Allowance (around 50% of basic pay in 2026), HRA, Transport Allowance, and other allowances, the total monthly compensation is approximately Rs. 40,000–55,000 depending on location. Defence manufacturing establishments provide additional benefits including subsidized housing (factory quarters), canteen facilities, medical coverage for self and family, children's education allowances, and Leave Travel Concession (LTC). The job offers permanent employment with pension under NPS (National Pension System) and various welfare schemes.

The Ordnance Factory Craftsman exam is highly competitive — typically thousands of ITI pass candidates apply for each vacancy. In the last large recruitment drive, the selection ratio was approximately 1:50 or higher for popular trades in accessible locations. The competition is especially fierce in trades like Fitter, Electrician, and Turner in factories located in major cities. For specialized or uncommon trades or factories in remote locations, competition may be lower. Candidates who have scored above 60% in both ITI exams and the recruitment written test have good chances. The trade practical test (where applicable) and medical fitness also play important roles.

India has ordnance factories and defence PSUs spread across many states. Key locations include Ambarnath and Bhandara in Maharashtra, Kanpur and Allahabad in UP, Jabalpur in MP, Kolkata (Cossipore) and Ishapore in West Bengal, Hazratpur and Shahjahanpur in UP, Avadi and Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad in Telangana, Medak in Telangana, Ambajhari in Nagpur, Aruvankadu in Tamil Nadu, and many more. Candidates should track notifications on oFBgrp.gov.in and individual defence PSU websites. Recruitment is centralized by trade category and candidates from across India can apply.