Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, has released DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification for 195 Graduate, Technician (Diploma) and Trade Apprentice posts.
The apprenticeship is for a one-year training period at RCI, Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad. The official DRDO vacancy page lists Advertisement No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027, published on 01 October 2026, with the application closing on 01 November 2026.
EXPERIENCE IMPORTANT: Candidates with more than one year of work experience are not eligible. Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training are also not eligible.
Overview Table
| Details | Information |
| Organisation | Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO |
| Post Names | Graduate Apprentice, Technician Apprentice, Trade Apprentice |
| Total Posts | 195 |
| Age Limit | Minimum 18 Years |
| Qualification | B.E./B.Tech, Diploma or ITI |
| Application Fee | No fee mentioned |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Stipend | As per Government Apprenticeship Rules |
| Experience | More than 1 year work experience – Not Eligible |
| Eligibility | Indian Nationals meeting prescribed qualification and apprenticeship conditions |
| Training Duration | One Year |
| Job/Training Location | RCI, Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad, Telangana |
Vacancy Details
| Category | Vacancies |
| Graduate Apprentice | 50 |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | 30 |
| Trade Apprentice (ITI) | 115 |
| Total | 195 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Advertisement / Application Starts | 01 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 01 November 2026 |
The official DRDO vacancy listing confirms the current RCI apprentice advertisement and the 01 November 2026 closing date.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Graduate Apprentice: B.E./B.Tech in relevant disciplines such as ECE, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgical, Civil, Aerospace and other prescribed branches.
Technician Apprentice: Diploma in relevant engineering/technical disciplines.
Trade Apprentice: ITI/NCVT/SCVT qualification in prescribed trades including Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Electrician, Electronic Mechanic, COPA, Draughtsman and others.
Age Limit
- Minimum age: 18 years as on 01 September 2026
- No specific upper age limit is mentioned in the provided notification details.
Experience
EXPERIENCE IMPORTANT: Candidates having more than one year of work experience are not eligible. Candidates who have already completed or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under any organisation are also not eligible.
Candidates with qualifications higher than the qualification prescribed for the particular apprenticeship category are also not eligible.
Selection Process
Selection will be based on academic merit and/or interview, as applicable, followed by document verification.
There is no written examination mentioned for this apprenticeship engagement.
Selected candidates must complete the required apprenticeship contract through the respective NATS/NAPS portal before starting training.
How to Apply for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Candidates must register on the appropriate apprenticeship portal before applying.
Graduate / Diploma Candidates
B.E./B.Tech and Diploma candidates should register on the NATS 2.0 portal and apply for Research Centre Imarat, DRDO.
Apply for Graduate & Diploma Apprentices – NATS 2.0
ITI Candidates
ITI candidates should register on Apprenticeship India and search for RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT using the prescribed establishment details.
Apply for ITI Trade Apprentices – Apprenticeship India
Candidates should complete the online application within the prescribed deadline and keep their registered email and mobile number active for recruitment communication.
Official Notification PDF
Candidates should read the official notification carefully before applying. The advertisement contains the trade-wise qualifications, vacancies, eligibility conditions, apprenticeship rules, selection procedure, document requirements and application instructions.
Download Official DRDO RCI Apprentice Notification PDF
Important Links
| Link | Details |
| Graduate/Diploma Apply | NATS 2.0 – Apply Online |
| ITI Trade Apply | Apprenticeship India – Apply Online |
| Details PDF | Download Official RCI Apprentice Notification |
| Official Website | Visit DRDO Official Website |
FAQs – DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Q1. How many apprentice posts are available?
There are 195 tentative apprentice vacancies: 50 Graduate, 30 Diploma and 115 ITI Trade Apprentices.
Q2. What is the training duration?
The apprenticeship training period is one year.
Q3. What qualifications are required?
Candidates can apply with the prescribed B.E./B.Tech, Diploma or ITI qualification, depending on the apprenticeship category.
Q4. Is work experience required?
No. However, candidates with more than one year of work experience are not eligible.
Q5. Can candidates who have already completed an apprenticeship apply?
No. Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training are not eligible.
Q6. What is the age limit?
The minimum age is 18 years as on 01 September 2026.
Q7. What is the last date to apply?
The last date is 01 November 2026.
Q8. Where is the apprenticeship training conducted?
Training will be conducted at Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad, Telangana.
Q9. Is there a written examination?
No written examination is mentioned; selection is based on academic merit/interview, as applicable.