An opportunity is available for engineering and technical candidates to get hands-on experience at one of India's top defense research organizations. The Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, has released DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 for the apprenticeship training program 2027.
The recruitment is for 195 tentative apprentice posts for guests who are Diploma/DIT holders or Graduation holders. The training will be carried out for a year under the Apprentices Act 1961. This recruitment may be appealing for candidates looking to gain some hands-on experience in their field of study.
Applications are presently open on the recognized sites for apprenticeships based on the candidate's skill level. Candidates who want to apply should know about the available categories along with their eligibility criteria and application procedure.
RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Notification Details
Research Centre Imarat is a DRDO laboratory based in Hyderabad. The organization has issued an advertisement, No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 to accept applications for apprenticeship training for the year 2027.
These openings can be broken down into three main categories: Graduate Apprentice, Technician Apprentice, and Trade Apprentice. This enables the candidates who have a B.E./B. Tech. Based on educational background, they may consider the program based on a tech degree or engineering diploma, or ITI qualification.
| Recruitment Feature | Details |
| Recruiting Laboratory | Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO |
| Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Apprenticeship Year | 2027 |
| Vacancies | 195 |
| Training Duration | One Year |
| Application Method | Online |
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Advertisement | RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 |
Applications have begun from 1st October 2026 with the notification published on the same date.
How Are the 195 DRDO RCI Apprentice Posts Distributed?
Vacancies are distributed across the three streams of apprenticeships. Opportunities are also available for ITI candidates and graduate/diploma candidates.
| Apprentice Stream | Qualification | Vacancies |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E./B.Tech | 50 |
| Technician Apprentice | Diploma | 30 |
| Trade Apprentice | ITI | 115 |
| Total | — | 195 |
Which Engineering Branches Can Apply?
Candidates in several technical fields have opportunities to apply for the Graduate Apprentice program. The mentioned areas are Electronics and Communication Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Safety Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering and Aerospace and Civil Engineering.
Technician Apprentices require a diploma in the engineering discipline of interest and ITI candidates need to have the prescribed diploma qualification for the trade of interest.
The key piece of information for candidates is that a qualification in engineering does not automatically qualify them. The qualification should match the discipline or trade that the apprenticeship is based upon.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Age Requirement
Age is a prerequisite of at least 18 years, and it shall be as of 1 September 2026. No upper age limit is given in the information provided about recruitment into the apprenticeship engagement.
Restrictions on past training and employment should also be kept in mind. The recruitment conditions stipulate that those who have already finished their apprenticeship training, are in an apprenticeship training program in another organisation or have more than one year of work experience are ineligible.
Likewise, candidates who have a qualification higher than the qualification listed for the specific apprenticeship are not eligible, based on the information given.
What Is the DRDO RCI Apprentice Application Process?
One of the important things about this recruitment is the fact that candidates do not use the same portal for every category.
All candidates must access the NATS 2.0 portal—the Tech / Diploma candidates. Once registered, the candidates can search for Research Centre Imarat (DRDO) Apprenticeship opportunities.
The candidates of ITI must apply from the Apprenticeship India site. Once the candidate logs in and registers, he/she can search for Research Centre Imarat and choose the appropriate trade opportunity.
The aspirant must check that all the details of his/her profile, qualification details, and other information provided is correct prior to submission of the application.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment: Selection Method
There is no need for candidates to prepare for a traditional recruitment exam for this apprenticeship. As per the notification, selection is to be done based on academic merit and/or interview (as may be required).
This can be done in two steps: marks in the qualifying examinations may be used to shortlist candidates. In the event of an interview, shortlisted candidates will be notified by the contact information mentioned at the time of registration.
If candidates make it to the next round in the selection process, they will be asked to bring their original certificates and other necessary documents for verification. Candidates will then finish the paperwork and the contract of apprenticeship and will commence training.
Training Period and Career Perspective
The apprenticeship is to be a 12-month program. Such training for eligible candidates can offer experience in a professional research and development environment and give hands-on practice in the area of the technical qualification.
Candidates should have an understanding of the opportunity, however. Apprenticeship training is not the same as hiring, and the recruitment information given clearly states that taking part in apprenticeship training is no guarantee of a job.
Candidates should then view the programme as a training and professional development opportunity.
FAQ
- What is the number of vacancies in DRDO RCI Apprenticeship program?
The Research Centre Imarat has revealed 195 tentative job vacancies for which it has invited applications, comprising of 50 Graduate Apprentice, 30 Technician Apprentice and 115 Trade Apprentice posts.
- Which portal should B.E./B.Tech candidates use to apply?
B.E./B.All Tech candidates must apply via the NATS 2.0 website and choose the appropriate apprenticeship opportunity from Research Centre Imarat.
- Does completing the RCI apprenticeship guarantee a permanent DRDO job?
No. The apprenticeship is a one-year training program, and it is made clear in the recruitment information that successful completion of training does not necessarily mean that someone will have a job at the end.
