The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, has invited online applications for 195 Apprentice vacancies for the 2027 training year. The recruitment is being conducted under Advertisement No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027.
Eligible Indian nationals can apply for Graduate Apprentice, Technician Apprentice (Diploma), and ITI Trade Apprentice positions. Candidates must have passed their qualifying examination between 2022 and 2026 and secured at least 70% marks or a CGPA of 7.5 or above.
The apprenticeship training will be for one year at Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, Telangana. Applications are submitted through the NATS 2.0 portal for Graduate and Diploma candidates and the Apprenticeship India portal for ITI candidates.
Candidates should read the official notification carefully before applying to confirm their eligibility and complete the application process within the prescribed deadline.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Laboratory | Research Centre Imarat (RCI) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Advertisement Number | RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 |
| Apprenticeship Year | 2027 |
| Post Name | Graduate, Technician and ITI Trade Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 195 (tentative) |
| Training Duration | One year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Minimum Age | 18 years as on 1 September 2026 |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 70% or CGPA 7.5 and above |
| Selection Process | Academic merit / interview, if required, and document verification |
| Job Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Publication Date | 1 October 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 1 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 1 November 2026 |
| Age Calculation Date | 1 September 2026 |
| Training Duration | One year |
Note: The notification states that applications must be submitted within 30 days of the advertisement’s publication in the newspaper. The official DRDO vacancy listing gives 1 November 2026 as the closing date. Candidates should check the official portal before submitting their applications.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Vacancy Details 2026
A total of 195 tentative vacancies have been announced across three apprenticeship categories.
| Apprenticeship Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice (B.E./B.Tech) | 50 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | 30 |
| ITI Trade Apprentice | 115 |
| Total | 195 |
The number of vacancies may change as per the official notification.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the relevant qualification for their chosen apprenticeship category. The qualifying examination must have been passed in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026.
1. Graduate Apprentice
Candidates must have a B.E. or B.Tech degree in one of the following disciplines:
- Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE)
- Computer Science Engineering (CSE)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Safety Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Civil Engineering
2. Technician Apprentice (Diploma)
Candidates must possess a Diploma in one of the following disciplines:
- Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE)
- Computer Science Engineering (CSE)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Safety Engineering
3. ITI Trade Apprentice
Candidates must have passed ITI in the relevant trade from an institute affiliated with NCVT or SCVT.
Eligible trades include:
- Fitter
- Welder
- Turner
- Machinist
- Mechanic Diesel
- Electronic Mechanic
- Electrician
- COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant)
- Draughtsman Engineering (Mechanical)
- Grinder
Minimum Marks Requirement
Candidates must have secured at least 70% marks or a CGPA of 7.5 and above in their qualifying examination. The notification specifies eligibility for regular candidates who passed their Graduate, Diploma or ITI qualification during 2022–2026.
All qualifications must be obtained from Indian institutions recognised by the appropriate statutory authority.
Age Limit
The minimum age requirement is as follows:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Age Calculation Date | 1 September 2026 |
| Maximum Age | Not specified in the notification |
Candidates must be at least 18 years old on 1 September 2026. The notification does not specify a maximum age limit in the eligibility conditions reproduced above. Candidates should consult the complete official advertisement for any applicable category-specific provisions.
Other Eligibility Conditions
Before applying, candidates should check the following conditions:
- Previous apprenticeship: Candidates who have already completed apprenticeship training or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under any organisation are not eligible.
- Work experience: Candidates with more than one year of work experience are not eligible.
- Higher qualifications: Candidates possessing qualifications higher than those prescribed for the relevant apprenticeship are not eligible.
- Recognised qualifications: All qualifications must be from Indian institutions recognised by the appropriate statutory authority.
- Regular candidates: The notification specifies regular candidates who passed the qualifying examination during 2022–2026.
- Aadhaar-linked bank account: Graduate and Technician Apprentices 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 verify all eligibility requirements before submitting their applications.
Application Fee
The uploaded notification does not specify an application fee. Candidates should check the official application portals and detailed advertisement for any applicable instructions rather than relying on unofficial fee information.
Stipend and Training Duration
Selected candidates will undergo apprenticeship training for one year at Research Centre Imarat, DRDO, Hyderabad.
The stipend will be paid according to Government norms applicable to the respective apprenticeship category. The notification refers to the Gazette dated 3 September 2025 for the relevant stipend provisions.
For Graduate and Technician Apprentices, an Aadhaar-seeded bank account is mandatory to receive the applicable 50% contribution from BOAT under the DBT scheme.
The notification does not provide a fixed monthly stipend amount for each category.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Selection Process 2026
Selection will be made on the basis of academic merit and an interview, if required, subject to satisfactory verification of documents.
The main stages are:
- Application screening: Applications will be examined against the prescribed eligibility conditions.
- Academic merit: Candidates will be considered on the basis of their qualifying examination performance.
- Interview, if required: RCI may conduct an interview where necessary.
- Document verification: Shortlisted candidates must produce their original documents and self-attested copies.
- Medical fitness and police verification: Selected candidates must satisfy the applicable joining requirements.
- Apprenticeship contract: Candidates must execute the apprenticeship contract through the respective portal before training begins.
Shortlisted candidates will be informed through the email address provided in their applications. Applicants should keep their registered email addresses active and check them regularly.
The notification does not prescribe a separate written examination in the selection procedure described.
How to Apply Online for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Applications must be submitted through the appropriate apprenticeship portal according to the candidate’s qualification.
For Graduate and Diploma Candidates
B.E./B.Tech and Diploma candidates must apply through the NATS 2.0 portal.
- Visit the official NATS 2.0 website: https://nats.education.gov.in/
- Register on the portal if you have not already done so.
- Log in using your registered credentials.
- Search for Research Centre Imarat, DRDO.
- Select the establishment using Enrolment ID STLRAC000010.
- Choose the appropriate Graduate Apprentice or Technician Apprentice opportunity.
- Complete the required application details and submit the application.
- Save a copy of the application and your NATS profile for future reference.
For ITI Trade Candidates
ITI candidates must apply through the Apprenticeship India portal.
- Visit https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/
- Register as a candidate or log in to your existing account.
- Open the Apprenticeship Opportunities section.
- Search by establishment name using RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT, DRDO.
- Verify Establishment ID E05203600040.
- Select the relevant ITI trade.
- Complete the required application steps and submit the application.
- Keep a copy of the application and candidate profile for future reference.
Candidates should ensure that their portal registration details, qualification information and supporting documents are accurate.
Documents Required for Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates must carry original documents along with self-attested copies as specified in the notification.
- Completed application form.
- NATS or NAPS profile printout.
- Class 10 mark sheet and certificate.
- Consolidated or final mark sheet of the qualifying examination.
- Original or provisional certificate of the qualifying examination.
- Caste certificate, if applicable.
- PwD certificate, if applicable.
- Valid EWS certificate, if applicable.
- Government-issued photo identity proof, such as PAN card, Voter ID or Driving Licence.
- Aadhaar card.
- Copy of the passbook or bank statement for an Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- Medical fitness certificate issued by a Government Civil Assistant Surgeon.
- Two recent passport-size photographs.
Candidates should follow any additional instructions communicated in their shortlist or joining correspondence.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Read the complete official notification before applying.
- Register on the correct apprenticeship portal according to your qualification.
- Ensure that the qualifying examination was passed between 2022 and 2026.
- Confirm that you meet the minimum marks and age requirements.
- Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training are not eligible.
- Candidates with more than one year of work experience are not eligible.
- Selected candidates must provide a valid Police Verification Certificate at the time of joining, as specified in the notification.
- No TA/DA will be paid to applicants attending any stage of the selection process.
- Hostel accommodation, quarters and transport will not be provided by the establishment.
- Completion of apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment in DRDO.
- Keep the registered email address active for selection-related communication.
Important Links
| Link Description | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online – Graduate and Diploma Apprentices | NATS 2.0 Portal |
| Apply Online – ITI Trade Apprentices | Apprenticeship India Portal |
| Official Recruitment Notification | View on DRDO Website |
| DRDO Official Website | https://www.drdo.gov.in/ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are available in DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 195 tentative vacancies are available: 50 Graduate Apprentice, 30 Technician Apprentice and 115 ITI Trade Apprentice positions.
2. What is the last date to apply for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment?
The official DRDO listing gives 1 November 2026 as the closing date. Candidates should confirm the deadline on the official portal before applying.
3. What is the minimum qualification required?
Candidates must possess the relevant B.E./B.Tech degree, Engineering Diploma or ITI qualification for their chosen apprenticeship category.
4. What percentage is required for DRDO RCI Apprenticeship?
Candidates must have secured at least 70% marks or a CGPA of 7.5 and above in the qualifying examination.
5. Which passing years are eligible?
Candidates who passed their qualifying examination in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible, subject to the other conditions in the notification.
6. What is the minimum age limit?
Candidates must be at least 18 years old as on 1 September 2026.
7. How can Graduate and Diploma candidates apply?
Graduate and Diploma candidates must apply through the NATS 2.0 portal and select Research Centre Imarat, DRDO, using Enrolment ID STLRAC000010.
8. How can ITI candidates apply?
ITI candidates must apply through the Apprenticeship India portal by searching for RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT, DRDO, using Establishment ID E05203600040.
9. What is the duration of the apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship training period is one year.
10. Is permanent employment guaranteed after training?
No. The notification explicitly states that completion of apprenticeship does not create an obligation for DRDO to provide employment.
11. What is the selection process?
Selection is based on academic merit and an interview, if required, followed by satisfactory document verification.
12. Is an Aadhaar-linked bank account required?
Yes. The notification makes an Aadhaar-seeded bank account mandatory for Graduate and Technician Apprentices to receive the applicable BOAT stipend contribution under DBT.