DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 195 Graduate, Diploma & ITI Apprentice Vacancies

Introduction to DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad, has invited online applications for the engagement of 195 Apprentices for the year 2027 under Advertisement Notification No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027.

The recruitment covers Graduate Apprentice, Technician Apprentice (Diploma) and Trade Apprentice (ITI) categories. Selected candidates will undergo apprenticeship training for one year under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and subsequent amendments.

B.E./B.Tech and Diploma candidates have to register and apply through the NATS 2.0 portal, while ITI candidates must use the Apprenticeship India portal. The official notification states that applications must be submitted within 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in the newspaper.

Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO Overview

Research Centre Imarat is a premier laboratory of DRDO's Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The establishment is located at Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad, Telangana. The current engagement provides eligible engineering graduates, diploma holders and ITI pass-outs an opportunity to undergo one year of apprenticeship training at RCI.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 At a Glance

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Important Dates

Note: Candidates should calculate the closing date from the actual date on which the advertisement was published in the newspaper and check the DRDO website for any clarification or corrigendum.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Vacancy 2026

A total of 195 tentative apprenticeship vacancies have been announced. Graduate Apprentices account for 50 vacancies, Technician (Diploma) Apprentices for 30 vacancies and ITI Trade Apprentices for 115 vacancies.

The number of vacancies is tentative and may vary. Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS candidates will be applicable according to the Apprentices Act, Apprentice Rules and applicable Apprenticeship Amendment Rules.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfil the prescribed educational qualification, minimum marks, passing-year, age and apprenticeship-related conditions before submitting the application.

Graduate Apprentice Qualification

Candidates should possess B.E./B.Tech in any of the following specified disciplines:

• Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE)
• Instrumentation Engineering
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE)
• Computer Science Engineering (CSE)
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Safety Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Civil Engineering

Technician Apprentice (Diploma) Qualification

Candidates should possess a Diploma in one of the following disciplines:

• Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE)
• Instrumentation Engineering
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE)
• Computer Science Engineering (CSE)
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Safety Engineering

Trade Apprentice ITI Qualification

Candidates should be ITI pass-outs with NCVT/SCVT affiliation in one of the prescribed trades:

• Fitter
• Welder
• Turner
• Machinist
• Mechanic-Diesel
• Electronic-Mechanic
• Electrician
• COPA (Computer Operator & Programming Assistant)
• Draughtsman Engineering (Mechanical)
• Grinder

DRDO RCI Apprentice 2026 Minimum Marks and Passing Year

The qualification requirements are stricter than simply possessing a B.E./B.Tech, Diploma or ITI certificate. Candidates must satisfy the following conditions:

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Age Limit

Candidates should not be less than 18 years of age as on 1 September 2026.

Candidates should rely on the official advertisement and applicable apprenticeship rules rather than assuming a category-wise upper age limit that is not stated in the notification.

Who Is Not Eligible for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

RCI has specifically listed several conditions that can make an applicant ineligible.

• Candidates possessing a higher qualification than the qualification prescribed for the apprenticeship category are not eligible.
• Candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training are not eligible.
• Candidates currently undergoing apprenticeship training in any organisation are not eligible.
• Candidates having more than one year of work experience are not eligible.
• Candidates not meeting the prescribed regular-course, marks or qualifying-year requirements are not eligible.
• Suppression of facts can result in disqualification during selection or even during the apprenticeship period.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Stipend 2026

The official notification states that apprentices will receive stipend according to Government norms, referring to the Gazette Notification dated 3 September 2025. It does not provide a category-wise rupee amount in the advertisement.

For Graduate and Technician Apprentices, candidates must have an Aadhaar-seeded/linked bank account because 50% of the stipend is to be received from the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Selection Process 2026

Selection will be made on the basis of Academic Merit / Interview as required, subject to satisfactory verification of documents.

Online Application → Shortlisting on Academic Merit / Interview as Required → Document Verification → Apprenticeship Contract → Training

• Shortlisting may be based on academic merit.
• An interview may be conducted as required.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed through the email ID provided in their application.
• Original and self-attested copies of the prescribed documents must be produced during document verification/joining.
• Document verification takes place before creation of the apprenticeship contract.
• The notification does not specify a written examination.

How to Apply for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The application procedure depends on whether the candidate is applying for a Graduate/Technician apprenticeship or an ITI Trade apprenticeship.

For B.E./B.Tech and Diploma Candidates

1. Visit the NATS 2.0 portal at nats.education.gov.in.
2. Complete the mandatory NATS registration process.
3. Log in to your registered account.
4. Search for Research Centre Imarat, DRDO.
5. Select Enrolment ID STLRAC000010.
6. Select the appropriate apprenticeship opportunity/discipline.
7. Enter the required details carefully.
8. Submit the application within the prescribed deadline.
9. Save your application details and NATS profile for future reference.

For ITI Trade Candidates

1. Visit apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
2. Complete the mandatory Apprenticeship India registration.
3. Log in and open Apprenticeship Opportunities.
4. Search using the Establishment Name RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT.
5. Use Establishment ID E05203600040.
6. Select the relevant ITI trade.
7. Click the Apply option and complete the application.
8. Submit the application within the prescribed deadline.
9. Retain the registration/application details for future use.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Documents Required

Shortlisted candidates must carry the prescribed documents in original along with self-attested copies during document verification/joining.

• Duly filled application form.
• NATS/NAPS profile printout.
• 10th Class mark sheet and certificate.
• Consolidated/final mark sheet of qualifying examination.
• Original/provisional certificate of qualifying examination.
• Caste certificate, if applicable.
• PwD certificate, if applicable.
• Valid EWS certificate, if applicable.
• Government-issued photo ID such as PAN Card, Voter ID or Driving Licence.
• Aadhaar Card - mandatory.
• Copy of Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook/statement.
• Medical fitness certificate issued by a Government Civil Assistant Surgeon.
• Two latest passport-size photographs.

Selected candidates must also produce a valid Police Verification Certificate from their permanent address or place of last residence for at least the previous one year at the time of joining.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Important Conditions

• The apprenticeship training period is one year.
• No TA/DA will be paid to candidates called for any stage of selection.
• RCI will not provide hostel accommodation, quarters or transport during the interview or apprenticeship period.
• Selected candidates must execute an apprenticeship contract through the applicable portal before commencement of training.
• Selected candidates will generally not be allowed to withdraw from training except for reasons beyond their control.
• Canvassing or personal follow-up concerning selection can result in immediate cancellation of candidature.
• RCI reserves the right to amend, refix, cancel or suspend the selection process.
• Legal disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of the Hon'ble High Court, Hyderabad, Telangana.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Important Links

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Application Checklist

Before submitting the application, candidates should verify that they are at least 18 years old as on 1 September 2026, passed the prescribed qualification during 2022-2026 as a regular candidate, secured at least 70% marks or CGPA 7.5, do not possess a disqualifying higher qualification, have not previously completed or currently undergone apprenticeship training, and do not have more than one year of work experience.

B.E./B.Tech and Diploma candidates should ensure that their NATS 2.0 registration is complete and use RCI Enrolment ID STLRAC000010. ITI candidates should complete Apprenticeship India registration and search for RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT using Establishment ID E05203600040.

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