Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a laboratory of the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex under DRDO, has released the DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification. The notification is for engaging apprentices for the year 2027 under the Apprentices Act, 1961. RCI is inviting online applications from Indian nationals for Graduate Apprentice, Technician (Diploma) Apprentice and Trade Apprentice (ITI) training. The training period is one year, and the training location is Hyderabad.
A total of 195 vacancies have been announced, but the notification says the number may vary. Graduate candidates with a B.E. or B.Tech, diploma holders and ITI pass-outs in the listed trades can apply, provided they meet the marks and pass-out year conditions. Candidates must register on the NATS 2.0 portal or the Apprenticeship India portal before applying, depending on their qualification.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Name | DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 |
| Organization | Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO, Ministry of Defence |
| Advertisement Number | RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 |
| Engagement Year | 2027 |
| Post Name | Graduate Apprentice, Technician (Diploma) Apprentice, Trade Apprentice (ITI) |
| Total Vacancies | 195 (tentative) |
| Training Duration | One year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500 069 |
| Stipend | As per Government norms |
| Selection Process | Academic merit and/or interview, after document verification |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
The notification lists 195 vacancies in three categories. The notification states that the vacancies are tentative and may change. It does not give a trade-wise split inside each category.
| Apprenticeship Category | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | 50 |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | 30 |
| Trade Apprentice (ITI) | 115 |
| Total | 195 |
A category-wise table for UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS and PwBD is not given in the notification. It only says reservation will follow the Apprentices Act 1961, the Apprentice Rules 1992 and the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules 2019 and 2025.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Eligibility
To apply for the DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026, a candidate must meet all the conditions below.
- The candidate must be an Indian national.
- The candidate must hold the required qualification from an Indian institution recognised by the proper statutory authority.
- Only regular candidates who scored 70 percent marks or a CGPA of 7.5 and above in the qualifying exam can apply.
- The qualifying exam must have been passed in the year 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026.
- Candidates with a higher qualification than the one required are not eligible.
- Candidates who have already completed apprenticeship training, or are doing it now in any organization, are not eligible.
- Candidates with more than one year of work experience are not eligible.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Educational Qualification
| Category | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E. or B.Tech in ECE, Instrumentation, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgical, Safety, Aeronautical, Aerospace or Civil Engineering |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | Diploma in ECE, Instrumentation, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgical or Safety Engineering |
| Trade Apprentice | ITI (NCVT or SCVT affiliated) in Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Mechanic Diesel, Electronic Mechanic, Electrician, COPA, Draughtsman (Mechanical) or Grinder |
Qualification details are checked at the document verification stage. If a candidate does not match the required qualification, the candidature will be rejected.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Age Calculation Date | 01 September 2026 |
| Maximum Age | Not mentioned in the official notification |
| Age Relaxation | Not mentioned in the official notification |
A candidate must not be below 18 years of age on 01 September 2026. Since the notification gives no upper age limit or relaxation, this article does not list any.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | Not mentioned in the official notification |
| Application Mode | Online through NATS 2.0 or Apprenticeship India |
The notification does not talk about any application fee. Candidates should not pay money to any agent or unofficial website for this recruitment.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Salary and Job Profile
Apprentices will get a stipend, not a regular salary. The notification says the stipend is paid as per Government norms and asks candidates to refer to the Gazette notification dated 03 September 2025. It does not state the exact monthly amount for each category.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend | As per Government norms |
| Reference | Gazette dated 03 September 2025 |
| Bank Account Rule | Aadhaar seeded bank account is mandatory for Graduate and Technician Apprentices |
For Graduate and Technician Apprentices, 50 percent of the stipend comes from the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) through Direct Benefit Transfer. That is why the bank account must be linked with Aadhaar.
This is a training engagement under the Apprentices Act. The notification clearly says there is no obligation to give a job after the training is complete. Specific job duties are not listed in the notification.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Shortlisting | Based on academic merit |
| Interview | If required |
| Document Verification | Original and self-attested copies checked for shortlisted candidates |
| Apprenticeship Contract | Signed on the NATS or NAPS portal before training starts |
| Police Verification | Certificate needed at the time of joining |
Selection is based on academic merit and/or interview, as required, and depends on satisfactory document verification. No written test is mentioned. Shortlisted candidates will be informed by the email ID given in the application, so keep that email active. RCI will not be responsible if a candidate misses a message because of a changed mobile number or email.
Reservation for SC, ST, OBC, PwD and EWS candidates applies as per the apprenticeship rules. The management can change, cancel or suspend the selection process at any time, and its decision is final.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Written Exam | Not mentioned in the official notification |
| Exam Pattern | Not applicable |
| Syllabus | Not applicable |
| Selection Basis | Academic merit and/or interview |
There is no written exam, exam pattern or syllabus in the official notification. Marks in your qualifying exam matter the most here, so keep your final mark sheets ready.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Documents Required
Shortlisted candidates must bring the original and a self-attested copy of each document at the time of document verification or joining.
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Application Form | Duly filled |
| NATS or NAPS Profile | Printout |
| 10th Mark Sheet and Certificate | Required |
| Qualifying Exam Mark Sheet | Consolidated or final mark sheet |
| Qualifying Exam Certificate | Original or provisional |
| Caste Certificate | If applicable |
| PwD Certificate | If applicable |
| EWS Certificate | Valid certificate, if applicable |
| Photo ID | PAN Card, Voter ID or Driving Licence |
| Aadhaar Card | Mandatory |
| Bank Passbook or Statement | Copy of Aadhaar seeded account, mandatory |
| Medical Fitness Certificate | From a Government Civil Assistant Surgeon |
| Photographs | Two latest passport-size photographs |
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Application Process
The way to apply depends on your qualification. Registration on the right portal is compulsory.
- Read the full advertisement on the official DRDO website and confirm that you meet all the conditions.
- B.E., B.Tech and Diploma candidates should register on the NATS 2.0 portal.
- Log in to NATS 2.0 and apply by selecting Research Centre Imarat, DRDO. The Enrolment ID is STLRAC000010.
- ITI candidates should register on the Apprenticeship India portal.
- Log in, click on Apprenticeship Opportunities, and search by Establishment Name as RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT. The Establishment ID is E05203600040.
- Choose your trade and click Apply.
- Submit the application within 30 days of the newspaper publication of the advertisement.
- Save a printout of your NATS or NAPS profile and application for use at document verification.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
The official notification does not give a fixed calendar date for the last date. It only says the last date is 30 days from the newspaper publication of the advertisement. Some job websites show 01 November 2026 as the closing date, but this is not written in the official PDF. Please check the DRDO website for the exact date before you apply.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Calculation Date | 01 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 days from the date the advertisement was published in a newspaper |
| Admit Card Date | Not applicable, as no written exam is mentioned |
| Exam Date | Not applicable, as no written exam is mentioned |
Important Points To Know
- Check the marks rule first. You need 70 percent or a CGPA of 7.5 and above, and your pass-out year must be between 2022 and 2026.
- Do not apply if you have a higher qualification than required, have more than one year of work experience, or have done apprenticeship before.
- Pick the right portal. Graduate and Diploma candidates use NATS 2.0, and ITI candidates use Apprenticeship India.
- Select the correct establishment name and ID while applying, so your form reaches RCI.
- Make sure your bank account is linked with Aadhaar, especially if you are a Graduate or Technician Apprentice.
- Use an email ID and mobile number that will stay active, since RCI will contact shortlisted candidates by email.
- Keep your caste, EWS or PwD certificate ready if you are claiming any reservation.
- Confirm the exact last date on the DRDO website, because it depends on the newspaper publication date.
- Do not ask anyone to recommend you. The notification says canvassing or personal follow up can cancel your candidature.
- No TA or DA is paid, and no hostel, quarters or transport is provided by RCI.
- Apply only on official websites and avoid agents who ask for money.
Important Links
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Online (B.E., B.Tech, Diploma) | Click Here |
| Apply Online (ITI Trade) | Click Here |
The DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is open to B.E., B.Tech, Diploma and ITI candidates who scored at least 70 percent or a CGPA of 7.5 and passed between 2022 and 2026. Before you submit the form, check that your trade or branch is on the list, that you have no extra qualification or work experience beyond the limit, and that you have not done apprenticeship before. Also make sure your Aadhaar is linked to your bank account and that your email is active.
The last date depends on when the advertisement appeared in the newspaper, so read the latest notice on the official DRDO website and confirm it. Complete your registration and application on NATS 2.0 or Apprenticeship India well before the deadline, and keep your documents ready in case you are shortlisted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many vacancies are there in DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
There are 195 tentative vacancies. Of these, 50 are for Graduate Apprentices, 30 are for Technician (Diploma) Apprentices and 115 are for Trade (ITI) Apprentices. The number may change.
Q. Who can apply for the RCI apprentice posts?
Indian nationals with a B.E., B.Tech, Diploma or ITI in the listed branches or trades can apply. They must have scored 70 percent or a CGPA of 7.5 and above, and passed in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026.
Q. What is the age limit for this recruitment?
A candidate must be at least 18 years old on 01 September 2026. The notification does not mention a maximum age limit or any age relaxation.
Q. Is there an application fee?
The official notification does not mention any application fee. Candidates should apply only through the official portals and should not pay anyone for the form.
Q. How can I apply for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Graduate and Diploma candidates must register and apply on the NATS 2.0 portal using Enrolment ID STLRAC000010. ITI candidates must register on the Apprenticeship India portal and apply using Establishment ID E05203600040.
Q. Is there a written exam for the RCI apprentice posts?
No written exam is mentioned. Selection is based on academic merit and/or interview, as required, after document verification.
Q. What is the last date to apply?
The last date is 30 days from the date the advertisement was published in a newspaper. The notification does not give a fixed date, so check the DRDO website for the exact closing date.
