Apprenticeship Engagement for 195 Graduate, Technician & ITI Trade Apprentices
The Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, a flagship laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has officially announced the recruitment notification for 195 Apprentice vacancies under Advertisement No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 for the apprenticeship training year 2027.
Vacancies are categorized into 50 Graduate Apprentices (B.E./B.Tech), 30 Technician Apprentices (Diploma), and 115 Trade Apprentices (ITI). Eligible candidates possessing relevant engineering qualifications passed between 2022 and 2026 with at least 70% marks (or 7.5 CGPA) can submit their online applications through the NATS 2.0 Portal or Apprenticeship India (NAPS) Portal within 30 days of newspaper advertisement publication.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Quick Summary
- Recruiting Organisation: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – Research Centre Imarat (RCI).
- Advertised Cadres: Graduate Apprentice (50), Technician Apprentice (30), ITI Trade Apprentice (115).
- Total Vacancies: 195 Apprentice Positions.
- Essential Educational Qualifications: B.E./B.Tech (Degree), Engineering Diploma, or ITI in relevant engineering/technical trades (Min. 70% marks / 7.5 CGPA).
- Qualifying Passing Years: Candidates passing out in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are strictly eligible.
- Application Fee: ₹0 (Free / No application fee for all categories).
- Selection Procedure: Academic Merit in Qualifying Exam / Interview (if required) + Document Verification. No written exam.
- Training Duration & Location: One Year (12 Months) at Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, Telangana.
DRDO Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Recruiting Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Laboratory / Unit | Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad |
| Advertisement Number | RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 |
| Apprenticeship Batch Year | 2027 (Training Period 2027) |
| Total Vacancies | 195 Posts |
| Apprenticeship Categories | Graduate Apprentice, Technician (Diploma) Apprentice, ITI Trade Apprentice |
| Training Duration | One Year (12 Months under Apprentices Act 1961/1973) |
| Application Mode | Online (via NATS 2.0 & Apprenticeship India Portals) |
| Minimum Age Limit | 18 Years (as on 01 September 2026) |
| Selection Process | Academic Merit in Qualifying Exam / Interview + Document Verification |
| Job / Training Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
The official advertisement was released on 1 October 2026. As specified in the notification, the application window remains active for 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in the Employment News / Newspapers.
| Recruitment Milestone | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| Release of Official Notification | 01 October 2026 |
| Online Application Commencement Date | 01 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 Days from Newspaper Publication (approx. 01 November 2026) |
| Crucial Cut-Off Date for Age Calculation | 01 September 2026 |
| Apprenticeship Training Duration | One Year (12 Months) |
| Shortlist Intimation & Interview Dates | Communicated individually via candidate's registered email ID |
DRDO RCI Apprentice Vacancy 2026: Category-Wise Breakdown
A total of 195 tentative apprentice vacancies have been announced by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad. The category-wise vacancy distribution is detailed below:
| S. No. | Apprenticeship Category | Target Qualification | Tentative Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Graduate Apprentice | B.E. / B.Tech in Relevant Engineering Discipline | 50 |
| 2 | Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | Diploma in Relevant Engineering Discipline | 30 |
| 3 | Trade Apprentice (ITI) | ITI Certificate from NCVT/SCVT in Relevant Trade | 115 |
| Total Apprenticeship Vacancies Advertised | 195 | ||
DRDO RCI Apprentice Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must satisfy all mandatory educational qualifications, minimum percentage criteria, year of graduation rules, and age limits before applying:
| Apprenticeship Category | Prescribed Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice |
• B.E. / B.Tech degree in relevant engineering disciplines from a recognized Indian University or Institute.
• Eligible streams: ECE, Instrumentation Engineering, EEE, CSE / IT, Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgical, Safety, Aeronautical, Aerospace, and Civil Engineering.
• Minimum 70% aggregate marks or a CGPA of 7.5 or above in the qualifying examination.
|
| Technician Apprentice |
• Diploma in Engineering in relevant disciplines from a recognized State Board of Technical Education or AICTE-approved institution.
• Minimum 70% aggregate marks or a CGPA of 7.5 or above in the diploma programme.
|
| Trade Apprentice |
• ITI pass certificate in relevant designated trade from a recognized NCVT / SCVT industrial training institute.
• Minimum 70% aggregate marks or equivalent grading in the ITI examination.
|
Eligible Engineering Disciplines for Graduate & Technician Apprentices
DRDO RCI Apprentice Age Limit & Relaxations
Age eligibility is evaluated strictly with respect to the cut-off date of 1 September 2026:
| Age Criteria Parameter | Prescribed Norms |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age Limit | 18 Years (as on 01.09.2026) |
| Maximum Upper Age Limit | No specific upper age ceiling defined in notification |
| Age Relaxation for SC / ST / OBC / PwBD | As per Central Government apprenticeship guidelines |
| Age Reckoning Date | 01 September 2026 |
Crucial Eligibility Conditions & Exclusions
Candidates must carefully note the following statutory disqualifications and mandatory conditions before registering on the portals:
- Passing Year Limit (2022 to 2026): Only candidates who have passed their qualifying degree, diploma, or ITI examination in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible. Candidates passing prior to 2022 will be rejected.
- No Prior Apprenticeship: Candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training in any establishment or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act are strictly ineligible.
- Work Experience Bar: Candidates possessing more than one year of regular work experience post-qualification are not eligible.
- Higher Qualification Bar: Candidates having higher qualifications than the prescribed qualification (e.g., M.E./M.Tech/Ph.D. holders for Graduate Apprentice, or B.E./B.Tech holders for Technician Diploma Apprentice) are not eligible and their candidature will be cancelled.
- Recognition of Institute: Degrees, diplomas, and ITI certificates must be issued by statutory recognized Indian institutions approved by UGC/AICTE/NCVT/SCVT.
- No Employment Guarantee: Apprenticeship engagement is purely temporary training for one year and carries no promise, claim, or guarantee of permanent absorption or employment in DRDO.
DRDO Apply Online 2026: Official Portal Links & IDs
Applications are processed entirely online via central apprenticeship portals. Please select the correct portal and establishment ID according to your educational qualification:
| Qualification / Stream | Designated Portal | Establishment Name & ID | Direct Apply Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.E. / B.Tech (Graduate) & Diploma (Technician) | NATS 2.0 Portal | Research Centre Imarat, DRDO Enrolment ID: STLRAC000010 | Apply on NATS → |
| Trade Apprentice (ITI Trades) | Apprenticeship India (NAPS) | RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT Establishment ID: E05203600040 | Apply on NAPS → |
How to Apply for DRDO Recruitment 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
The registration process varies according to your category. Follow the detailed steps below:
Step-by-Step for B.E./B.Tech & Diploma (via NATS 2.0)
- Visit the official National Apprenticeship Training Scheme portal: nats.education.gov.in.
- Complete student registration/enrolment on NATS 2.0 if not already registered, generating your unique Student Enrolment ID.
- Log in to your student dashboard using your registered credentials.
- Navigate to the “Establishment Request” / “Find Establishment” tab.
- Search for “Research Centre Imarat, DRDO” or enter Enrolment ID STLRAC000010.
- Click on “Apply” against the relevant Graduate or Technician vacancy corresponding to your engineering branch.
- Upload your consolidated mark sheet and CV, review all entered details, and submit your application.
- Save and print your submitted application confirmation for future reference.
Step-by-Step for ITI Candidates (via Apprenticeship India)
- Visit the official Apprenticeship India portal: apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
- Register as a Candidate and complete 100% profile verification including e-KYC and bank details linking.
- Log in to your candidate account.
- Click on the “Apprenticeship Opportunities” section from the navigation menu.
- In the Search Establishment field, type RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT or enter Establishment Code E05203600040.
- Select your respective ITI trade opportunity from the search results.
- Click on “Apply for this Opportunity”, select your preferred location, and confirm submission.
- Download and keep a copy of your profile page and application receipt for document verification.
Documents Required for Document Verification & Joining
Candidates shortlisted for document scrutiny will have to present original certificates along with self-attested photocopies of the following credentials:
DRDO RCI Apprentice Selection Process & Training Details
The selection procedure for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is transparent and merit-oriented:
- Application Scrutiny: Applications submitted via NATS and NAPS portals are verified against educational eligibility, passing years (2022–2026), and percentage cut-offs (min 70% or 7.5 CGPA).
- Merit Shortlisting: Shortlisting is conducted on the basis of marks scored in the qualifying degree, diploma, or ITI trade.
- Interview (if conducted): An interview may be conducted by RCI Hyderabad for shortlisted candidates wherever considered necessary.
- Email Intimation: Shortlisted candidates will be notified exclusively via their registered email ID regarding interview / document verification schedule.
- Document Verification & Medical: Verification of original academic and identity certificates, followed by medical fitness clearance.
- Contract Execution: Execution of the mandatory online apprenticeship training contract through NATS/NAPS portal prior to commencement of training.
- Training Period & Stipend: Apprentices will undergo 1 Year (12 months) intensive training at RCI Hyderabad. Monthly stipend will be disbursed directly into the candidate's bank account as per Government of India apprenticeship rates.
Important Highlights to Remember Before Applying
• No Application Fee: Application submission through NATS 2.0 and Apprenticeship India is completely free of cost.
• Email Monitoring: Ensure your registered email ID and mobile number remain active, as all recruitment communications and call letters are dispatched electronically.
• No TA/DA: No Travelling Allowance (TA) or Dearness Allowance (DA) will be provided for attending document verification or interview.
• Hostel / Accommodation: RCI does not guarantee hostel or residential accommodation during the apprenticeship tenure; selected candidates must make their own arrangements.
DRDO RCI Apprentice 2026: Official Direct Links
| Important Link Description | Action Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online for Degree & Diploma (NATS 2.0 Portal) | Apply on NATS → |
| Apply Online for ITI Trades (Apprenticeship India NAPS) | Apply on NAPS → |
| Download Official Notification PDF (Advt RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/2027) | Download PDF ↓ |
| DRDO Official Web Portal | drdo.gov.in ↗ |
| Explore All Active Defence Jobs | View Defence Jobs → |
| Explore All Latest Central & State Government Jobs | Browse Latest Jobs → |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – DRDO RCI Apprentice 2026
1. How many total vacancies are announced under DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 195 tentative apprentice vacancies have been released under Advt. No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027, comprising 50 Graduate Apprentice (B.E./B.Tech), 30 Technician Apprentice (Diploma), and 115 ITI Trade Apprentice posts.
2. What is the last date to apply online for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment?
The closing date for applications is 30 days from the publication date of the advertisement in the newspaper (published on 1 October 2026, making the tentative last date approximately 1 November 2026). Candidates should apply promptly on the portals.
3. What is the minimum percentage required to apply for DRDO RCI Apprentice posts?
Candidates must possess at least 70% marks or a minimum CGPA of 7.5 or above in their qualifying Degree, Diploma, or ITI examination.
4. Which passing out years are eligible for DRDO RCI Apprenticeship?
Only candidates who passed their qualifying examination in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible. Candidates who completed their education prior to 2022 are not eligible.
5. What is the age limit for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment?
Candidates must be at least 18 years old as on 1 September 2026. The official advertisement does not specify an upper age limit; age relaxations for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD apply as per statutory Government norms.
6. Is there any written examination for DRDO RCI Apprentice selection?
No written examination is conducted. Selection is based on academic merit scored in the qualifying degree/diploma/ITI and an interview, if considered necessary, followed by document scrutiny.
7. Can candidates with work experience apply for this apprenticeship?
No. Candidates who have more than one year of post-qualification work experience are not eligible to apply.
8. Can candidates who have completed an apprenticeship earlier apply again?
No. Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training in any organization under the Apprentices Act cannot apply.
9. Where should engineering and ITI candidates submit their online applications?
B.E./B.Tech and Diploma candidates must apply via the NATS 2.0 portal (nats.education.gov.in) searching Enrolment ID ‘STLRAC000010’. ITI candidates must apply through Apprenticeship India (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) using Establishment ID ‘E05203600040’.
10. Does DRDO RCI apprenticeship guarantee permanent employment?
No. The apprenticeship engagement is purely for a one-year training period and provides no claim or right to permanent absorption or employment in DRDO.