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DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2027: Government of India, Ministry of Defence, Defence Research & Development Org (DRDO), RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad – 500 069, has released a notification for the engagement of ‘Apprentices for the Year 2027’.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced an apprenticeship opportunity for eligible Indian candidates at Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, a premier laboratory under the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex. The organisation has invited online applications for Graduate, Technician (Diploma) and ITI Trade Apprentices for a training period of one year.
According to the official advertisement, the recruitment is being conducted under the Apprentices Act, 1961, as amended from time to time. A total of 195 apprenticeship positions are listed across different engineering and ITI trades. advtRCI01102026
The opportunity is particularly relevant for recent engineering graduates, diploma holders and ITI pass-outs who want practical experience in a prestigious defence research organisation.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2027: Highlights
| Particular | Details |
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Laboratory | Research Centre Imarat (RCI) |
| Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Apprenticeship | Graduate, Technician and ITI Trade |
| Training Duration | 1 year |
| Total Vacancies | 195* |
| Eligibility | B.E./B.Tech, Diploma and ITI |
| Minimum Age | 18 years as on September 1, 2026 |
| Academic Requirement | 70% marks or 7.5 CGPA and above |
| Selection | Academic Merit / Interview, as required |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | DRDO |
*The advertisement states that the number of vacancies may vary. advtRCI01102026
DRDO RCI Apprentice Vacancy 2027
The vacancies are divided into three major categories.
- Graduate Apprentice
There are 50 vacancies listed for Graduate Apprentices.
Candidates should possess a B.E. or B.Tech degree in one of the following disciplines:
- Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE)
- Computer Science Engineering (CSE)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Safety Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Civil Engineering
The number of vacancies may be revised by the organisation. advtRCI01102026
- Technician Apprentice
The notification lists 30 vacancies for Diploma candidates.
Eligible diploma disciplines include:
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Safety Engineering advtRCI01102026
- ITI Trade Apprentice
The largest share of the recruitment is for ITI candidates, with 115 vacancies listed.
Eligible ITI trades are:
- Fitter
- Welder
- Turner
- Machinist
- Mechanic-Diesel
- Electronic Mechanic
- Electrician
- COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant)
- Draughtsman Engineering (Mechanical)
- Grinder
The ITI qualification must be from an NCVT/SCVT-affiliated institution. advtRCI01102026
Who Can Apply for DRDO RCI Apprenticeship?
The notification sets specific eligibility conditions that applicants must meet before submitting their applications.
Candidates applying for the Graduate, Diploma or ITI apprenticeship should have completed their qualifying examination in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026.
They must have secured either:
- At least 70% marks, or
- 7.5 CGPA or above
in the relevant qualifying examination.
In addition, the candidate must be at least 18 years old as on September 1, 2026. advtRCI01102026
The notification also states that all qualifications must be obtained from Indian institutions recognised by the appropriate statutory authority.
Important Restrictions on Eligibility
Candidates should carefully check the restrictions before applying.
According to the notification, candidates with a higher qualification than the qualification prescribed for the particular apprenticeship are not eligible.
Applicants who have already completed apprenticeship training, or who 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. advtRCI01102026
Therefore, candidates should not submit an application simply because they possess a relevant qualification. The complete eligibility conditions need to be checked against the particular apprenticeship category.
How to Apply for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2027?
The application process is different for engineering/diploma candidates and ITI candidates.
For B.E./B.Tech and Diploma Candidates
Graduate and Diploma candidates are required to register on the NATS 2.0 portal.
After registration, candidates can log in to the NATS portal and select Research Centre Imarat, DRDO.
The notification gives the NATS enrolment ID as:
STLRAC000010
Candidates should select the relevant apprenticeship opportunity and complete the application process through the portal. advtRCI01102026
For ITI Candidates
ITI candidates are required to register on the Apprenticeship India portal.
After logging in, candidates should go to Apprenticeship Opportunities and search by establishment name.
The establishment should be searched as:
RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT, DRDO
The establishment ID mentioned in the notification is:
E05203600040
After finding the establishment, candidates should select their respective ITI trade and apply for the apprenticeship opportunity. advtRCI01102026
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment: What is the Stipend?
The notification states that the stipend will be provided as per Government norms, referring to the Gazette dated September 3, 2025.
For Graduate and Technician Apprentices, the advertisement specifically notes that an Aadhaar-seeded bank account is mandatory for receiving 50% of the stipend from the Board of Apprenticeship and Training (BOAT) through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. advtRCI01102026
Candidates should therefore make sure that their bank account is properly linked with Aadhaar before joining.
Official Notification: Download
DRDO RCI Apprentice Selection Process
The selection will primarily be based on academic merit, with an interview where required. Selection will also remain subject to satisfactory verification of the candidates’ documents.
Shortlisted candidates will be informed through the email address provided in their application. DRDO RCI has advised candidates to regularly check their email and keep the registered email address active throughout the selection process. advtRCI01102026
Candidates should therefore provide a valid email address and regularly check their inbox and spam folder after applying.
Documents Required at the Time of Verification
Shortlisted candidates will have to produce original documents along with self-attested copies during document verification or joining.
The notification lists the following documents:
- Duly filled application form
- NATS/NAPS profile printout
- Class 10 marksheet and certificate
- Final/consolidated marksheet of the qualifying examination
- Original or provisional qualifying certificate
- Caste certificate, where applicable
- PwD certificate, where applicable
- Valid EWS certificate, where applicable
- Government-issued photo ID
- Aadhaar Card
- Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook or statement
- Medical fitness certificate issued by a Government Civil Assistant Surgeon
- Two recent passport-size photographs
The notification specifically states that an Aadhaar-linked bank account is mandatory. advtRCI01102026
Application Last Date
The advertisement does not specify a fixed calendar date in the notification. Instead, it states that the last date for receipt of the online application is 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in the newspaper. advtRCI01102026
Candidates should therefore avoid waiting until the final day and should check the official DRDO website and the relevant apprenticeship portal for the active application window.
Important Rules for Selected Candidates
Candidates selected for apprenticeship training will have to execute an apprenticeship contract through the respective portal before the training begins.
The notification also states that selected candidates will need to submit a valid Police Verification Certificate at the time of joining. The certificate can be obtained from the candidate’s last place of residence, where applicable, or permanent address according to the conditions specified in the advertisement. advtRCI01102026
The apprenticeship is for training purposes and does not guarantee a permanent job with DRDO after completion of the training. The official notification clearly says there is no obligation to provide employment after the apprenticeship period. advtRCI01102026
No Hostel or Transport Facility
Applicants should also consider the practical arrangements before applying.
According to the notification, the establishment will not provide hostel accommodation, quarters or transport during the interview process or apprenticeship period. Candidates selected for training will therefore have to make their own arrangements for accommodation and transportation. advtRCI01102026
Why This DRDO Apprenticeship Opportunity Matters
An apprenticeship at Research Centre Imarat can provide eligible candidates with an opportunity to gain professional exposure in a major DRDO laboratory.
For engineering and ITI candidates who are at the beginning of their careers, a one-year apprenticeship can be useful for developing practical workplace experience and understanding how a large government research and defence organisation operates.
However, applicants should remember that this is an apprenticeship training opportunity, not a permanent DRDO recruitment. The official notification makes this distinction clear. advtRCI01102026
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2027: Key Points at a Glance
- Total listed vacancies: 195
- Graduate Apprentice: 50
- Technician Apprentice: 30
- ITI Trade Apprentice: 115
- Training duration: One year
- Minimum age: 18 years as on September 1, 2026
- Minimum academic performance: 70% or 7.5 CGPA
- Qualifying years: 2022 to 2026
- Graduate/Diploma registration: NATS 2.0
- ITI registration: Apprenticeship India
- Graduate/Diploma Enrolment ID: STLRAC000010
- ITI Establishment ID: E05203600040
- Selection: Academic merit/interview as required
- Stipend: As per Government norms
- Application deadline: 30 days from newspaper publication
- Training: One year
- Permanent job guarantee: No
These details are based on the official RCI/DRDO apprenticeship advertisement provided in the notification. advtRCI01102026
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many apprentices will DRDO RCI recruit in 2027?
The notification lists 195 vacancies, including 50 Graduate Apprentice, 30 Technician Apprentice and 115 ITI Trade Apprentice positions. The number of vacancies may vary. advtRCI01102026
- Can ITI pass-outs apply?
Yes. ITI candidates can apply for the listed trades, including Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Electrician, Electronic Mechanic, COPA, and others, provided they meet all eligibility conditions. advtRCI01102026
- What is the minimum percentage required?
Candidates need 70% marks or a CGPA of 7.5 or above in the qualifying examination. advtRCI01102026
- What is the age limit?
Candidates must not be below 18 years of age as on September 1, 2026. advtRCI01102026
- Where should B.Tech and Diploma candidates apply?
They must register on the NATS 2.0 portal and apply for Research Centre Imarat, DRDO using the enrolment ID mentioned in the notification. advtRCI01102026
- Where should ITI candidates apply?
ITI candidates have to use the Apprenticeship India portal, search for RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT, DRDO and apply for their respective trade. advtRCI01102026
- Is there a permanent job after the apprenticeship?
No. The notification explicitly states that completion of apprenticeship does not create an obligation for employment with the organisation. advtRCI01102026
- Is hostel accommodation available?
No. The notification states that hostel accommodation, quarters and transport will not be provided by the establishment.
