According to the recruitment notification, RCI is offering a total of 195 apprenticeship opportunities for eligible candidates. The vacancies include 50 Graduate Apprentice posts, 30 Technician (Diploma) Apprentice posts and 115 Trade Apprentice posts. The apprenticeship training will be for a period of one year.
The notification covers engineering graduates, diploma holders and ITI-qualified candidates in several technical disciplines. Candidates interested in gaining practical exposure in a premier DRDO laboratory can apply through the appropriate government apprenticeship portal.
Important: The uploaded notification is titled โEngagement of Apprentices for the Year 2027โ and carries Advertisement Notification No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027. Therefore, candidates should verify the applicable recruitment year and deadline from the official DRDO advertisement before submitting an application.
The notification specifies that B.E./B.Tech and Diploma candidates must register through the NATS 2.0 portal, while ITI candidates must register through the Apprenticeship India portal.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026
๐ข DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27 โ Overview
Research Centre Imarat is located at the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad. The organisation has invited applications for one-year apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act.
The recruitment is suitable for candidates who have recently completed their engineering degree, diploma or ITI qualification and want to gain structured industrial training experience.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO |
| Ministry | Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Recruitment | RCI Apprentice Recruitment |
| Advertisement No. | RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 |
| Training Duration | One Year |
| Total Vacancies | 195* |
| Graduate Apprentice | 50* |
| Technician Apprentice | 30* |
| Trade Apprentice | 115* |
| Application Mode | Online |
| B.E./B.Tech/Diploma Portal | NATS 2.0 |
| ITI Portal | Apprenticeship India |
| Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| hrd.apply@gov.in | |
| Official Organization | DRDO |
| Stipend | As per Government norms |
*The notification specifically states that vacancies may vary.
๐ DRDO RCI Apprentice Vacancy 2026-27
RCI has announced apprenticeship opportunities across three broad categories. The first category is for engineering graduates, the second is for diploma holders and the third is for candidates who have completed ITI training in specified trades. DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026
1. Graduate Apprentice โ 50 Posts
There are 50 Graduate Apprentice vacancies. Candidates holding a B.E. or B.Tech qualification in the disciplines specified in the notification can apply.
The eligible engineering branches include:
- 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
Candidates should ensure that their qualification and branch exactly match the requirements before applying.
2. Technician Apprentice โ 30 Posts
RCI has notified 30 Technician Apprentice vacancies for candidates holding a Diploma in specified engineering disciplines.
Eligible diploma disciplines include:
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Safety Engineering
This category is particularly relevant for candidates who have completed a diploma and are looking for structured technical apprenticeship training.
3. Trade Apprentice โ 115 Posts
The largest portion of the recruitment is for ITI Trade Apprentices, with 115 vacancies.
Candidates who have completed ITI under NCVT/SCVT affiliation in the specified trades can apply.
The listed trades are:
- Fitter
- Welder
- Turner
- Machinist
- Mechanic Diesel
- Electronic Mechanic
- Electrician
- COPA โ Computer Operator and Programming Assistant
- Draughtsman Engineering (Mechanical)
- Grinder
The notification specifically mentions NCVT/SCVT affiliation for the ITI qualification.
๐ Important Links โ DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment
| Purpose | Link / Details |
|---|---|
| DRDO Official Website | Click Here |
| NATS 2.0 Portal | Link |
| Apprenticeship India Portal | Link |
| NATS Enrolment ID | STLRAC000010 |
| RCI ITI Establishment ID | E05203600040 |
| RCI Email | hrd.apply@gov.in |
The portal details and establishment/enrolment IDs above are taken directly from the RCI notification.
๐งโ๐ DRDO RCI Apprentice Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the RCI apprenticeship, candidates should carefully check the eligibility requirements. The notification contains specific conditions relating to age, academic performance, qualification year and previous apprenticeship experience. DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Age Limit
Candidates must be at least 18 years old as on 01 September 2026.
The notification states that candidates below 18 years of age as on the specified date are not eligible to apply.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the relevant qualification for the apprenticeship category they are applying for.
For Graduate Apprentice positions, the required qualification is B.E./B.Tech in the specified engineering disciplines.
For Technician Apprentice positions, candidates need a Diploma in the specified disciplines.
For Trade Apprentice positions, candidates must have an ITI qualification in one of the trades mentioned in the advertisement.
Minimum Marks
One of the important eligibility conditions is the academic performance requirement.
Only regular candidates who secured 70% marks or 7.5 CGPA and above in the qualifying examination are eligible.
The qualifying examinations must have been completed in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 for the applicable Graduate, Diploma or ITI category. DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Higher Qualification
Candidates possessing a higher qualification than the required qualification are not eligible to apply.
This is an important point because candidates should apply only for the apprenticeship category corresponding to the qualification specified in the notification.
Previous Apprenticeship
Candidates who have already completed apprenticeship training or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under any organisation are not eligible.
Candidates having more than one year of work experience are also not eligible to apply.
๐ DRDO RCI Apprentice Application Process
The application procedure differs according to the candidate’s qualification.
For B.E./B.Tech and Diploma Candidates
Candidates belonging to the Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice categories must register on the NATS 2.0 portal.
After completing registration, candidates can log in and search for Research Centre Imarat, DRDO.
The notification provides the following NATS enrolment ID:
STLRAC000010
Candidates should select Research Centre Imarat and apply for the relevant apprenticeship opportunity.
For ITI Candidates
ITI Trade Apprentice candidates must register on the Apprenticeship India portal.
After logging into the portal, candidates should go to Apprenticeship Opportunities and search using the establishment name:
RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT
The notification gives the establishment ID as:
E05203600040
Candidates should select their relevant ITI trade and submit the application through the portal.
๐ DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27 Last Date
The supplied notification does not explicitly print โ01 November 2026โ as the final date in the extracted text.
Instead, it states that the last date for receipt of the online application is 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in the newspaper.
Therefore, candidates should check the official DRDO advertisement/newspaper publication date and the live apprenticeship portal before applying.DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026
If another official update specifies 01 November 2026 as the closing date, candidates should follow that latest official deadline.
๐ฐ DRDO RCI Apprentice Stipend
The notification states that the stipend will be paid as per Government norms, with reference to the Gazette dated 03 September 2025.
For Graduate and Technician Apprentices, the notification also highlights an important banking requirement. Candidates must have an Aadhaar-seeded bank account to receive the applicable 50% stipend contribution from the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme.
Candidates should therefore ensure that their bank account is properly linked and Aadhaar seeded before joining the apprenticeship.
๐ฆ Aadhaar-Linked Bank Account Requirement
This is an important requirement that candidates should not overlook.
For Graduate and Technician Apprentices, the notification states that an Aadhaar-seeded bank account is mandatory for receiving the 50% stipend contribution from BOAT through DBT.
During document verification/joining, candidates are also required to provide a copy of their Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook or bank statement.
๐ DRDO RCI Apprentice Selection Process
The selection process will primarily depend on academic merit and/or interview, wherever required.
The selection will be subject to satisfactory verification of the candidate’s documents.
Candidates who are shortlisted will receive communication through the email address provided in their application. RCI advises candidates to regularly check their email and keep their registered contact details active until the selection process is completed. DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Selection Stages
The broad selection process can be understood as follows:
- Registration on the appropriate apprenticeship portal.
- Submission of the RCI apprenticeship application.
- Screening/shortlisting based on eligibility and academic merit.
- Interview, wherever required.
- Document verification.
- Medical fitness verification.
- Police verification.
- Execution of the apprenticeship contract.
- Commencement of apprenticeship training.
The notification also makes it clear that document verification is carried out for shortlisted candidates before creation of the apprenticeship contract. Any mismatch or non-conformity with the required qualification can result in rejection of candidature.
๐ Documents Required for RCI Apprentice Recruitment
Shortlisted candidates must carry original documents along with self-attested copies during document verification or joining.
The required documents include:
- Duly filled application form
- NATS/NAPS profile printout
- Class 10 mark sheet and certificate
- Consolidated/final mark sheet of the qualifying examination
- Original or provisional qualifying certificate
- Caste certificate, where applicable
- PwD certificate, where applicable
- Valid EWS certificate, where applicable
- Government-issued photo ID such as PAN Card, Voter ID or Driving Licence
- Aadhaar Card
- Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook/statement
- Medical fitness certificate issued by a Government Civil Assistant Surgeon
- Two recent passport-size photographs
Candidates should keep these documents ready before the selection stage to avoid last-minute problems.
โ ๏ธ Important Instructions for Applicants
Candidates should read the official notification carefully before applying. Meeting the educational qualification alone does not guarantee selection.
RCI has specified several conditions that applicants must follow.
First, all qualifications must be obtained from Indian institutions recognised by the appropriate statutory authority.
Second, candidates must not suppress any relevant information. Suppression of facts can result in disqualification at any stage of the selection or apprenticeship period.
Candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under another organisation are not eligible.
Similarly, candidates with more than one year of work experience cannot apply.
Candidates should also note that RCI will not provide hostel accommodation, quarters or transport during the interview or apprenticeship period.
No TA/DA will be paid to candidates called for any stage of the selection process.
๐ข About Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
Research Centre Imarat is described in the notification as a premier laboratory of the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, DRDO.
The centre is located at Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad โ 500 069, Telangana.
RCI is inviting young and meritorious Indian nationals for one-year apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act. The opportunity covers graduate, diploma and ITI trade candidates, making it relevant to candidates from different technical education backgrounds.
For many young engineering, diploma and ITI candidates, an apprenticeship can provide an opportunity to gain practical exposure in an established technical organisation. However, candidates should remember that apprenticeship training does not automatically result in permanent employment.
The notification specifically states that there is no obligation for employment after completion of the apprenticeship training.
๐ Key Points Candidates Should Remember
Before submitting the application, candidates should check the following points:
- The notification offers 195 vacancies, subject to variation.
- Graduate Apprentices: 50 posts.
- Technician Apprentices: 30 posts.
- Trade Apprentices: 115 posts.
- Training duration is one year.
- B.E./B.Tech and Diploma candidates must use NATS 2.0.
- ITI candidates must use Apprenticeship India.
- Minimum age is 18 years as on 01 September 2026.
- Candidates generally need 70% marks or 7.5 CGPA and above.
- Qualifying examinations must fall within the years 2022 to 2026 as specified.
- Candidates with more than one year of work experience are not eligible.
- Candidates who have completed or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training are not eligible.
- Aadhaar-seeded bank account is mandatory for the specified stipend DBT requirement.
- Candidates must undergo document verification if shortlisted.
- A medical fitness certificate is required.
- Police verification is required at joining.
- No hostel, quarters or transport facility will be provided.
- There is no guaranteed employment after apprenticeship completion.
โ DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27 โ FAQs
What is the total number of RCI Apprentice vacancies?
The notification lists 195 apprenticeship vacancies, consisting of 50 Graduate Apprentice, 30 Technician Apprentice and 115 Trade Apprentice vacancies. The notification also states that vacancies may vary.
Who can apply for Graduate Apprentice posts?
Candidates with B.E./B.Tech qualifications in the engineering disciplines listed by RCI can apply, subject to fulfilling all other eligibility conditions.
Who can apply for Technician Apprentice posts?
Candidates possessing a Diploma in one of the disciplines specified in the notification can apply.
Which ITI trades are eligible?
The notification lists Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Mechanic Diesel, Electronic Mechanic, Electrician, COPA, Draughtsman Engineering (Mechanical) and Grinder.
What is the minimum age for RCI apprenticeship?
The candidate should not be below 18 years of age as on 01 September 2026.
What percentage is required?
Candidates who secured 70% marks or 7.5 CGPA and above in the relevant qualifying examination are eligible, subject to the other conditions of the notification.
Where should B.E./B.Tech candidates apply?
Graduate candidates should register and apply through the NATS 2.0 portal and select Research Centre Imarat, DRDO, using the specified enrolment ID.
Where should ITI candidates apply?
ITI candidates should use the Apprenticeship India portal, search for Research Centre Imarat and select their respective trade.
Is previous apprenticeship experience allowed?
No. Candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training are not eligible.
Is there a guarantee of a DRDO job after apprenticeship?
No. The notification clearly states that completion of apprenticeship training does not create an obligation for employment.
๐ How to Apply for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27?
Eligible candidates should first identify the apprenticeship category that matches their qualification. Graduate and Diploma candidates should complete registration on NATS 2.0, while ITI candidates should register on Apprenticeship India.
After registration, applicants should search for Research Centre Imarat/DRDO using the identification details provided in the notification and apply for the appropriate apprenticeship opportunity.
Before final submission, candidates should carefully verify their educational details, marks/CGPA, personal information, contact details and uploaded documents.
Candidates should also ensure that the email address and mobile number used during registration remain active because shortlisted candidates will be contacted through the details provided in their application.
Finally, applicants should keep a copy or printout of their submitted application and apprenticeship portal profile for future reference.
๐ Final Words
The DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment is an important apprenticeship opportunity for engineering graduates, diploma holders and ITI candidates looking to gain practical training in a premier DRDO laboratory.
With 195 listed apprenticeship opportunities across Graduate, Technician and Trade categories, the recruitment provides opportunities across several engineering disciplines and technical trades.
However, applicants should pay particular attention to the eligibility requirements. The 70% marks/7.5 CGPA condition, qualifying-year restriction, age requirement, previous apprenticeship restriction and work-experience limit can affect eligibility. DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Candidates should also remember that the application route depends on their qualification: NATS 2.0 for B.E./B.Tech and Diploma candidates, and Apprenticeship India for ITI candidates.
Most importantly, candidates should verify the latest official advertisement before submitting the application. The supplied notification is headed โEngagement of Apprentices for the Year 2027โ, while the recruitment information supplied for this article refers to 2026. The notification itself states that the last date is 30 days from newspaper publication, so applicants should rely on the latest official DRDO/RCI communication for the final closing date.
Candidates who meet the prescribed conditions should complete their registration and application well before the applicable deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Disclaimer: This article is prepared from the RCI apprenticeship notification supplied for this post. Candidates should read the official notification and verify all details on the official DRDO and relevant apprenticeship portals before applying. Vacancy numbers, dates and other recruitment conditions may be changed by the organisation.
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