Engineering, Diploma, and ITI candidates who are looking to undertake apprenticeship training with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) can find this a good opportunity with the DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026. Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, announced 195 apprentice posts for training in 2027.
Graduate Apprentice, Technician Apprentice, and ITI Trade Apprentice
recruitment is complete. The training for the apprenticeship will be carried out for a period of 1 year as per the Apprentices Act, 1961. Only those who are eligible to apply can register through the respective portal for apprenticeship after reading the conditions, marks, age etc.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026: At a Glance
The RCI apprenticeship notification, issued under Advertisement No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027, offers opportunities at various levels of qualification. The notification was printed on 1st October 2026, and the application process has been open since the same date.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Vacancy 2026
There are a total of 195 tentative vacancies with three categories of apprenticeship. The distribution makes the recruitment relevant to engineering students, diploma, and ITI background students.
Eligible candidates can get jobs in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Instrumentation, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgical, Safety, Aeronautical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering in the field of Engineering.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates are required to meet the requirements of their apprenticeship category. The required qualification is based on Graduate, Technician or Trade Apprentice.
Educational Qualification
- Applicants are required to have a B.E./B.A tech degree in the field of engineering.
- Technician Apprentices: Candidates should have a Diploma in the relevant engineering discipline.
- Trade Apprentices: Candidate must have ITI qualification in prescribed trade.
The qualification must be gained from an institution recognised by the relevant statutory body.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Age Limit 2026
The age of the applicant as on 1 September 2026 should not be less than 18 years. An upper age limit for an engagement of the apprenticeship is not indicated in the information provided on recruitment.
Applicants are also advised to thoroughly check the conditions of the notification regarding the training and work experience of previous apprenticeship. Based on the recruitment details provided, candidates who have finished their Apprenticeship training or are in Apprenticeship training or have more than one year of work experience are not eligible.
Important Dates for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment
The notification was issued on 1 October, 2026 and the application process began from the same date. The last date is mentioned as 30 days from the date of advertisement in the newspaper. So, candidates are advised to look at the appropriate deadline before applying.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Apply Online 2026
Depending on the qualification of the candidate, the route taken for the application will vary.
B.E./B.Tech/ Diploma candidates must use the NATS 2.0 application portal. Candidates are required to register on the portal and log in after giving all the prescribed enrolment information, and use the portal to search for Research Centre – Imarat, DRDO and then select the relevant apprenticeship opportunity.
It is the responsibility of ITI candidates to use the Apprenticeship India portal. Candidates should register and log in, and then go to Research Centre Imarat, choose their relevant trade and fill in the application.
Candidates are advised to make sure that the details are correct in their Apprenticeship profile before they submit the application.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Selection Process 2026
Selection will be based on academic achievement and/or interview as appropriate. There is no written exam information available in the available recruitment information.
In the initial stages, candidates may be shortlisted based on their marks obtained in the qualifying examination. Where required, an interview may subsequently be conducted. Those candidates who have made the cut will be required to bring their originals for verification and fill out the joining paper work and apprenticeship contract.
The selected candidates will subsequently complete the specified apprenticeship training at RCI, Hyderabad.
Important Conditions Candidates Should Know
Aspirants should keep in mind the following conditions before applying for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026. The apprenticeship is designed as training and will not ensure a job after completion.
Those who have a qualification above the level of the qualification specified in the apprenticeship will not be accepted. Also, candidates who have already finished their Apprenticeship training or are undergoing training in another organisation cannot apply.
Candidates should also make sure that their exams are within the time frame as mentioned in the conditions of recruitment and they get the required marks to be eligible for the post.
FAQs
- How many vacancies are available in DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
DRDO RCI has invited 195 tentative Apprentice posts which include 50 Graduate Apprentice, 30 Technician Apprentice and 115 ITI Trade Apprentice posts.
- What is the minimum age for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A minimum age of 18 years on 1st September 2026 is required. The notification provided doesn’t mention any age limit.
- Is there Written Test in DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
In the given recruitment details, it is not mentioned that there will be a written examination. Selection is made based on academic merit and/or interview (if required), document verification and formalities.