DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Online Application for 195 Graduate, Technician & Trade Seats

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026: A Complete Guide

The Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, a premier laboratory under the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced its apprenticeship engagement for the year 2027. Through Advertisement No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027, the organization is inviting online applications from eligible Indian citizens for a total of 195 apprentice training seats. This is an excellent opportunity for fresh engineering graduates, diploma holders, and ITI pass-outs to gain hands-on experience in a prestigious defence research environment. The application window opens on 10 October 2026 and will remain active until 08 November 2026.

Important Dates to Remember

• Online Application Start Date: 10/10/2026
• Last Date for Apply Online: 08/11/2026 (up to 23:59 Hrs)
• Merit List / Interview Date: Notified Later
• Document Verification Date: After Merit List

Application Fee

There is no application fee for any candidate category. General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, PwD, Female, and ESM candidates are all exempted from paying any fee on the NATS or NAPS portals.

Age Limit (As on 01/09/2026)

• Minimum Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Age: As per Apprenticeship Rules / DRDO Norms
• Age Relaxation: Upper age relaxation is admissible for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates as per Government of India apprenticeship guidelines.

Vacancy & Eligibility Details

Selection Process

1. Selection will be made based on Academic Merit (percentage of marks/CGPA secured in essential qualification) and/or Personal Interview as decided by the screening committee.
2. Shortlisted candidates will be called for verification of original credentials, educational marksheets, degree/diploma certificates, caste certificate, and valid photo ID.
3. Pre-engagement medical fitness certification from an authorized medical officer.
4. Engagement is purely as an Apprentice for 12 months under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This engagement does not confer any right or claim whatsoever for regular absorption or permanent employment in DRDO.

How to Apply

For Graduate & Diploma (Technician) Candidates:

1. Visit the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS 2.0) portal at nats.education.gov.in.
2. Complete your student profile 100% and obtain your Enrollment ID.
3. Go to Apprenticeship Opportunities and search for "Research Centre Imarat, DRDO" using Establishment Enrollment ID: STLRAC000010.
4. Select your engineering branch and click on "Apply".

For ITI Trade Candidates:

1. Visit the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
2. Register and complete candidate profile with e-KYC.
3. Under Apprenticeship Opportunities, search by Establishment Name "RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT" (Establishment ID: E05203600040).
4. Locate your ITI trade listing and submit your application online.

Submit the online application on or before 08 November 2026 (23:59 Hrs) and take a printout of the submitted profile/application status for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the last date to apply online for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The last date for submitting online applications on the apprenticeship portals is 08 November 2026 up to 23:59 Hrs.

Q2. How many total vacancies are announced under Advt. No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027?
A total of 195 apprentice training seats have been announced (50 Graduate, 30 Technician Diploma, and 115 ITI Trade Apprentices).

Q3. What is the minimum qualifying percentage and passing year requirement?
Candidates must have completed their B.E./B.Tech, Diploma, or ITI between 2022 and 2026 with a minimum of 70% aggregate marks or a CGPA of 7.5 and above.

Q4. What is the application fee for DRDO RCI Apprentice?
There is no application fee (Rs. 0/- / NIL) for any candidate category.

Q5. What are the establishment IDs to search and apply on the portals?
For Graduate and Diploma applicants on the NATS portal, use Establishment Enrollment ID STLRAC000010. For ITI applicants on the NAPS portal, use Establishment ID E05203600040.