Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO, Hyderabad has announced DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 for 195 tentative vacancies under the Apprentices Act. Posts are in three categories: Graduate Apprentice (B.E./B.Tech), Technician Apprentice (Diploma), and ITI Trade Apprentice. Minimum 70% marks required. Last date: approximately 1 November 2026 (confirm on official notification).
DRDO RCI Apprentice 2026 – Overview
| Organization | Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO |
| Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Advertisement No. | RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 |
| Total Vacancies | 195 (Tentative) |
| Minimum Marks | 70% or 7.5 CGPA |
| Application Fee | Nil |
| Last Date | ~1 November 2026 (verify on official notice) |
| Official Website | drdo.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
| Category | Posts | Qualification | Apply Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | 50 | B.E./B.Tech in relevant discipline | nats.education.gov.in |
| Technician Apprentice | 30 | Diploma in relevant discipline | nats.education.gov.in |
| ITI Trade Apprentice | 115 | ITI in relevant trade | apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
| Total | 195 | – | – |
Eligible Disciplines (Graduate Apprentice)
ECE, Instrumentation, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgical, Safety, Aeronautical, Aerospace, Civil Engineering. Diploma and ITI trades as per official notification.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Graduate: B.E./B.Tech in relevant engineering discipline
- Technician: Diploma in relevant engineering discipline
- ITI: ITI in relevant trade
- Minimum 70% marks or 7.5 CGPA
- Qualifying exam passed between 2022 and 2026
- Qualification from a recognised Indian institution
Not Eligible If:
- Holding a higher qualification than prescribed
- Having more than 1 year of work experience
- Previously completed or currently undergoing apprenticeship training
Age Limit
- Minimum: 18 years as on 1 September 2026
- No upper age limit specified (relaxation as per Govt rules)
How to Apply for DRDO RCI Apprentice 2026
For Graduate & Technician (Diploma) Apprentice:
- Register and complete your profile on nats.education.gov.in (NATS 2.0 Portal)
- Search for: Research Centre Imarat, DRDO | Enrolment ID: STLRAC000010
- Apply for the appropriate apprentice category
For ITI Trade Apprentice:
- Register on apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
- Search Establishment ID: E05203600040
- Apply for the relevant trade
⚠️ Important: Verify the exact last date on the official DRDO notification at drdo.gov.in before applying.
Selection Process
- Merit-based shortlisting based on qualifying exam marks
- Interview (where required)
- Document verification with original certificates
- No written exam
- Shortlisted candidates notified by email
Note: This is a 1-year apprenticeship training. There is no guarantee of employment after training.
About DRDO RCI
Research Centre Imarat (RCI) is a premier DRDO laboratory located in Hyderabad, Telangana. It specialises in the design and development of guided missile systems, avionics, and related technologies for Indian defence. RCI is home to key missile programmes including Astra, Akash, and Prahar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date for DRDO RCI Apprentice 2026?
The last date is approximately 1 November 2026. Please verify the exact date on the official notification at drdo.gov.in.
What is the minimum marks required for DRDO RCI Apprentice?
70% marks or 7.5 CGPA in the qualifying examination.
Where to apply for DRDO RCI Graduate Apprentice?
Graduate and Diploma Apprentices apply at nats.education.gov.in. ITI Trade Apprentices apply at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
Is there any application fee for DRDO RCI Apprentice?
No, there is no application fee.
What is the location of DRDO RCI Apprentice training?
Training is at Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, Telangana.