What is the Ordnance Factory Craftsman Technician post and what work does it involve?

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.

What trades are recruited for Ordnance Factory Craftsman posts?

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.

What is the pay scale and benefits for Ordnance Factory Craftsmen?

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.

How competitive is the Ordnance Factory Craftsman exam?

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.

Are there ordnance factories near my state where I can apply?

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.

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OF Craftsman Technician Preparation Guide

Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) / Ordnance Factory Board

Your Complete Preparation Guide for OF Craftsman Technician 2027 — strategy, study plan, tips & more.

DifficultyModerate

Total Marks100

Duration90 min

Start Practising Now →Free Mock Tests

Exam Overview

Mode

Online (CBT)

Frequency

As per vacancy notification (periodic)

Next Exam Date

As per notification

EEligibility Criteria

Matriculation (10th pass) + ITI in relevant trade from NCVT/SCVT recognized institute; age 18–32 years

ANumber of Attempts

Maximum 3 attempts (age-based restriction)

Study Plan by Subject

Trade Theory

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

General Studies

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Mathematics

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Expert Preparation Tips

Focus on advanced trade theory from all 4 semesters of NCVT syllabus — precision measurement, tolerance, workshop processes, and trade safety.

General Studies should cover basic Indian history, geography, polity, current affairs, and defence-related news.

Mathematics preparation from Class 10 level: focus on mensuration, trigonometry, and trade-relevant calculations.

Study previous Ordnance Factory Craftsman exam papers (2015–2024) available on coaching websites to understand the exact trade-wise question pattern.

Exam Pattern at a Glance

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration (est.)
Trade Theory	33	33	30 min
General Studies	33	33	30 min
Mathematics	33	33	30 min
Total	100	100	90 min

Important Dates

Registration Opens

As per notification

Next Exam Date

As per notification

Conducted By

Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) / Ordnance Factory Board

Frequently Asked Questions

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