DRDO RCI Hyderabad Apprentice Recruitment 2027: 195 Graduate, Diploma & ITI Apprentice Posts
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has released a notification for the engagement of apprentices at Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad for the year 2027. RCI is a premier laboratory of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, and applications are invited from eligible Indian nationals for Graduate, Technician Diploma and ITI Trade Apprentice training.
A total of 195 apprentice vacancies are available under this recruitment. The apprenticeship training will be for a period of one year. Interested candidates who meet the required educational qualification and other conditions can apply through the respective apprenticeship portals. advtRCI01102026
The recruitment includes 50 Graduate Apprentice posts, 30 Technician Apprentice posts and 115 ITI Trade Apprentice posts. Candidates should carefully check the eligibility conditions before registering because the notification has specific requirements regarding marks, passing year, age, previous apprenticeship training and work experience. advtRCI01102026

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2027 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Laboratory | Research Centre Imarat (RCI) |
| Recruitment | Apprentice Engagement 2027 |
| Notification No. | RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 |
| Training Period | One year |
| Total Vacancies | 195 |
| Graduate Apprentice | 50 |
| Technician Apprentice | 30 |
| ITI Trade Apprentice | 115 |
| Job Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Selection | Academic Merit / Interview, as required |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 30 days from newspaper publication of advertisement |
The RCI notification states that the vacancies may vary. The stipend will be paid as per applicable Government norms. advtRCI01102026
DRDO RCI Apprentice Vacancy 2027
RCI has announced vacancies in three categories. Candidates should apply under the category corresponding to their qualification.
Graduate Apprentice – 50 Vacancies
There are 50 Graduate Apprentice vacancies for candidates who have completed B.E. or B.Tech in the relevant engineering disciplines.
The disciplines mentioned in the notification are:
- Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE)
- Computer Science and Engineering (CSE)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Safety Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Civil Engineering
Candidates with a qualifying B.E./B.Tech degree in the above disciplines can apply, subject to fulfilment of the other eligibility conditions. advtRCI01102026
Technician Apprentice – 30 Vacancies
There are 30 Technician Apprentice vacancies for Diploma holders.
Eligible diploma disciplines include:
- ECE
- Instrumentation Engineering
- EEE
- CSE
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Safety Engineering
advtRCI01102026
ITI Trade Apprentice – 115 Vacancies
The largest number of vacancies is available for ITI candidates, with 115 Trade Apprentice posts.
The trades listed in the notification are:
- Fitter
- Welder
- Turner
- Machinist
- Mechanic Diesel
- Electronic Mechanic
- Electrician
- COPA – Computer Operator and Programming Assistant
- Draughtsman Engineering (Mechanical)
- Grinder
Candidates should have passed ITI in the relevant trade with NCVT/SCVT affiliation as specified in the notification. advtRCI01102026
DRDO RCI Apprentice Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy the eligibility requirements mentioned in the notification before applying.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the relevant B.E./B.Tech, Diploma or ITI qualification corresponding to the apprenticeship category for which they are applying.
The notification also specifies that the qualifying examinations for Graduate, Diploma and ITI candidates should be from the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026.
Candidates must have secured at least 70% marks or a CGPA of 7.5 and above in their qualifying examination. advtRCI01102026
Age Limit
The candidate should be at least 18 years old as on September 1, 2026. The notification specifies that candidates below 18 years of age as on this date are not eligible. advtRCI01102026
The notification does not provide a separate upper-age limit in the eligibility section reproduced in the advertisement.
Apprenticeship Registration
One important point in this recruitment is that candidates from different educational categories have to use different apprenticeship portals.
For B.E./B.Tech and Diploma Candidates
Graduate and Diploma candidates must register on the NATS 2.0 portal.
While applying, candidates should select Research Centre Imarat, DRDO. The enrolment ID given in the notification is STLRAC000010. advtRCI01102026
For ITI Candidates
ITI Trade Apprentice candidates have to register through the Apprenticeship India portal.
Candidates should go to the Apprenticeship Opportunities section and search for:
RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT, DRDO
The establishment ID mentioned in the notification is E05203600040. Candidates then need to select their relevant trade and apply. advtRCI01102026
DRDO RCI Apprentice Stipend
The notification does not mention a fixed rupee amount for the stipend. Instead, it states that the stipend will be provided as per Government norms, with reference to the Gazette dated September 3, 2025. advtRCI01102026
For Graduate and Technician Apprentices, candidates should also have an Aadhaar-seeded bank account to receive the applicable portion of the stipend through the Board of Apprenticeship and Training (BOAT) under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. advtRCI01102026
Therefore, candidates should make sure their Aadhaar is properly linked with their bank account before proceeding with the apprenticeship process.
Selection Process
Selection will be based on academic merit and interview, wherever required, subject to satisfactory verification of the candidate’s documents.
Candidates who are shortlisted will be informed through the email address provided in their application. RCI has advised candidates to regularly check their email and keep the registered email address active until completion of the selection process. advtRCI01102026
Reservation for SC, ST, OBC, PwD and EWS categories will be applicable according to the relevant provisions of the Apprentices Act and applicable Apprenticeship Rules. advtRCI01102026
Documents Required
Shortlisted candidates will have to produce original documents along with self-attested copies during document verification or joining.
The notification lists the following documents:
- Filled application form
- NATS/NAPS profile printout
- 10th class marksheet and certificate
- Final/consolidated marksheet of qualifying examination
- Original or provisional qualifying certificate
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- PwD certificate, if applicable
- Valid EWS certificate, if applicable
- Government-issued photo ID
- Aadhaar Card
- Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook/statement
- Medical fitness certificate issued by a Government Civil Assistant Surgeon
- Two recent passport-size photographs
The Aadhaar-linked bank account is specifically mentioned as mandatory for the apprenticeship process. advtRCI01102026
Important Conditions for Candidates
There are a few conditions that candidates should not overlook before applying.
Candidates with a higher qualification than the required qualification are not eligible. Those who have already completed apprenticeship training or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training in any organisation are also not eligible.
Candidates having more than one year of work experience are not eligible to apply. The notification also states that all qualifications should be obtained from Indian institutions recognised by the appropriate statutory authority. advtRCI01102026
Selected candidates will have to execute an apprenticeship contract through the respective portal before starting their training. They will also be required to produce a valid Police Verification Certificate at the time of joining. advtRCI01102026
Another point worth remembering is that RCI will not provide hostel accommodation, quarters or transport to apprentices during the training period. Also, completing the apprenticeship does not guarantee regular employment with RCI or DRDO. advtRCI01102026
How to Apply for DRDO RCI Hyderabad Apprentice Recruitment 2027
Eligible candidates can apply online through the appropriate apprenticeship portal.
For B.E./B.Tech/Diploma candidates:
- Visit the NATS 2.0 apprenticeship portal.
- Complete the required registration/enrolment process.
- Log in to the portal.
- Search for Research Centre Imarat, DRDO.
- Select Enrolment ID STLRAC000010.
- Choose the relevant apprenticeship category.
- Submit the application after checking all details.
For ITI candidates:
- Visit the Apprenticeship India portal.
- Complete the required registration.
- Open Apprenticeship Opportunities.
- Search by establishment name.
- Enter RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT, DRDO.
- Verify Establishment ID E05203600040.
- Select the relevant ITI trade.
- Submit the application.
The notification makes registration on the respective apprenticeship portals mandatory for the corresponding categories. advtRCI01102026
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2027 – Important Date
The notification does not specify a fixed calendar date for the closing of applications. Instead, it states that the last date for receipt of online applications is 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in the newspaper. advtRCI01102026
Therefore, candidates should not wait until the final day. It is better to complete the registration and application process as early as possible after checking the official advertisement.
Important Links
| Particular | Link |
|---|---|
| Official DRDO Website | drdo.gov.in |
| NATS 2.0 Portal | nats.education.gov.in |
| Apprenticeship India Portal | apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
The notification directs applicants to the DRDO website for the detailed advertisement and eligibility information. advtRCI01102026
