Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO, Hyderabad has announced a one-year apprenticeship intake for 195 seats under Advertisement No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027. The intake covers Graduate Apprentices, Technician Apprentices (Diploma) and ITI Trade Apprentices for the year 2027.
DRDO published the recruitment on 1 October 2026 and lists the application period through 1 November 2026. Graduate and Diploma applicants use the NATS 2.0 portal, while ITI applicants use the Apprenticeship India portal.
Candidate note: This is apprenticeship training, not a promise of regular employment. RCI states that completing the training does not create an obligation to offer a job afterwards.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Defence Research & Development Organisation |
| Location | Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Advertisement No. | RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 |
| Apprenticeship year | 2027 |
| Total seats | 195 (vacancies may vary) |
| Training duration | 1 year |
| Application mode | Online through NATS 2.0 / Apprenticeship India |
| Applications open | 1 October 2026 |
| Last date | 1 November 2026 |
| Minimum age | 18 years as on 1 September 2026 |
| Academic threshold | 70% or CGPA 7.5 and above |
| Eligible passing years | 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 |
| Selection | Academic merit / interview as required, followed by document verification |
| Stipend | As per Government norms; notice refers to Gazette dated 3 September 2025 |
| Application fee | Not specified in the advertisement |
Vacancy Breakdown
| Apprenticeship category | Seats |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | 50 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | 30 |
| Trade Apprentice – ITI | 115 |
| Total | 195 |
RCI marks the vacancy figures as provisional and states that they may vary.
Qualification by Apprenticeship Category
| Category | Eligible qualification / disciplines |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E./B.Tech in ECE, Instrumentation Engineering, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgical, Safety, Aeronautical, Aerospace or Civil Engineering |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Diploma in ECE, Instrumentation Engineering, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgical or Safety Engineering |
| Trade Apprentice | NCVT/SCVT-affiliated ITI in Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Mechanic-Diesel, Electronic-Mechanic, Electrician, COPA, Draughtsman Engineering (Mechanical) or Grinder |
The qualification must come from an Indian institution recognised by the relevant statutory authority.
Marks, Passing Year and Age Conditions
The advertisement uses three important filters in addition to the required branch or trade:
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum marks | 70% or CGPA 7.5 and above in the qualifying examination |
| Passing years accepted | 2022–2026, regular candidates only |
| Minimum age | 18 years as on 1 September 2026 |
| Higher qualification | Candidates holding a higher qualification than the prescribed one are not eligible |
| Previous/current apprenticeship | Candidates who already completed or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training are not eligible |
| Work experience | Applicants whose work experience exceeds one year are not eligible |
If your result is expressed as marks, the Regal Naukri Percentage Calculator can help with arithmetic. For a CGPA result, first identify the conversion rule accepted by your institution or the recruitment, then use the CGPA to Percentage Calculator for the arithmetic. You can also check your age on the notified cut-off date with the Age Calculator.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| DRDO vacancy page publication | 1 October 2026 |
| Application start | 1 October 2026 |
| Age reckoning date | 1 September 2026 |
| Application closing date shown by DRDO | 1 November 2026 |
| Training / joining date | To be communicated to selected candidates |
The advertisement itself states that online applications close 30 days from publication of the newspaper advertisement. DRDO's recruitment page currently displays 1 November 2026 as the end date.
How to Apply
There is no single common application form for all three apprentice categories. Use the portal matching your qualification.
Graduate and Diploma candidates — NATS 2.0
- Register or update your profile on the NATS 2.0 Portal.
- Log in and search for Research Centre Imarat, DRDO.
- Use RCI Enrolment ID STLRAC000010 to identify the establishment.
- Select the eligible apprenticeship opportunity and submit the application.
- Save the submitted application/profile details for later verification.
ITI candidates — Apprenticeship India
- Register or update your account on the Apprenticeship India Portal.
- Open Apprenticeship Opportunities.
- Search for RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT, DRDO.
- Confirm Establishment ID E05203600040.
- Choose the applicable ITI trade and submit the application.
Before applying, read the official RCI apprentice advertisement and make sure the qualification, passing year and marks shown in your portal profile match your certificates.
Selection Process
RCI states that selection will be based on academic merit or interview, as required, subject to satisfactory document verification. The notification does not announce a written examination.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted through the email address entered in the application. Keep that email active and check it regularly until the process is complete.
Documents for Verification / Joining
Shortlisted candidates should be prepared to produce the applicable originals and self-attested copies listed in the advertisement:
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Application form | Duly filled copy |
| Portal profile | NATS / NAPS profile printout |
| Class 10 record | Marksheet and certificate |
| Qualifying examination | Consolidated/final marksheet and original/provisional certificate |
| Reservation documents | Caste / PwD / EWS certificate, if applicable |
| Photo identity | Government-issued photo ID |
| Aadhaar | Mandatory |
| Bank proof | Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook/statement |
| Medical fitness | Certificate from a Government Civil Assistant Surgeon |
| Photographs | Two recent passport-size photographs |
| Police verification | Valid certificate required at joining |
Use the Regal Naukri Government Job Document Checklist to organise the documents before verification.
Stipend and Bank Requirement
The advertisement does not print a fixed monthly rupee stipend. It states that stipend will be paid according to Government norms and refers to the Gazette dated 3 September 2025.
For Graduate and Technician Apprentices, an Aadhaar-seeded bank account is mandatory because 50% of the stipend is paid by the Board of Apprenticeship and Training (BOAT) through the Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism.
Training Conditions Candidates Should Notice
- The apprenticeship period is one year.
- Selected candidates must execute the apprenticeship contract on the relevant portal before training starts.
- RCI does not provide hostel accommodation, quarters or transport during selection or apprenticeship.
- No TA/DA is payable for attending stages of the selection process.
- The engagement does not guarantee employment after training.
- Canvassing or personal follow-up on behalf of a candidate can lead to cancellation of candidature.
Important Links
| Link | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Official DRDO RCI Apprentice Advertisement | Full 4-page recruitment advertisement |
| Official DRDO Recruitment Page | Advertisement number, publication date and application window |
| NATS 2.0 Portal | Graduate and Diploma apprentice registration/application |
| Apprenticeship India Portal | ITI Trade Apprentice registration/application |
| DRDO Official Website | Recruiting organisation website |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many DRDO RCI apprentice seats are available?
The advertisement lists 195 seats: 50 Graduate Apprentice, 30 Technician Apprentice (Diploma) and 115 ITI Trade Apprentice seats. RCI notes that the vacancy figures may vary.
What marks are required?
Regular candidates from the accepted 2022–2026 passing years must have at least 70% marks or CGPA 7.5 and above in the applicable qualifying examination.
Is there a written examination?
The advertisement does not list a written test. It says selection will use academic merit / interview as required, followed by satisfactory verification of documents.
What is the last date to apply?
DRDO's recruitment page currently lists 1 November 2026 as the end date. The advertisement describes the deadline as 30 days from newspaper publication, so candidates should complete the correct portal application early rather than waiting for the final day.
Are applicants with over one year of work experience eligible?
No. The notice excludes applicants whose work experience is longer than one year.
Does the apprenticeship guarantee a permanent DRDO job?
No. The notification explicitly states that there is no obligation to provide employment after completion of apprenticeship training.