Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) - RCI
Quick Summary
DRDO Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad has invited online applications from eligible candidates for 195 Graduate, Diploma, and ITI Apprentice vacancies for the year 2026. Apply before Nov 1, 2026.
Job Location
Hyderabad, Telangana
Salary / Pay Scale
₹8,000 - 9,000/- (Stipend per month)
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Full Information
About DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a premier laboratory of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) located in Hyderabad, has issued an official notification inviting online applications from eligible Indian nationals for the engagement of Apprentices. This recruitment drive aims to fill 195 vacancies for the year 2026 under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The available positions span across Graduate (B.E/B.Tech), Technician (Diploma), and Trade (ITI) apprentice categories. This is a brilliant opportunity for fresh graduates, diploma holders, and ITI passed candidates who are eager to kickstart their careers by working in one of India's most advanced defence research environments.
Undergoing apprenticeship training at DRDO gives candidates unparalleled exposure to cutting-edge technology, sophisticated lab environments, and real-world defence project ecosystems. It is important to note that this engagement is purely for apprenticeship training for a period of one year, and it does not guarantee any permanent employment in DRDO after the completion of the training period.
Key Highlights of the Recruitment
- Total Vacancies: 195 Posts.
- Post Name: Graduate, Technician (Diploma), and Trade (ITI) Apprentice.
- Location: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO, Hyderabad.
- Eligibility: B.E/B.Tech, Diploma in Engineering, or ITI in relevant trades.
- Application Deadline: 01 November 2026.
Vacancy & Stipend Breakdown
The vacancies are divided across three main categories based on the educational qualification of the applicant. Each category offers a consolidated monthly stipend as mandated by the Apprenticeship Rules:
| Apprentice Category | Educational Qualification | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E / B.Tech in relevant Engineering disciplines. | ₹9,000/- per month |
| Technician (Diploma) | Diploma in Engineering in relevant trades. | ₹8,000/- per month |
| Trade Apprentice | ITI Pass in relevant trades (NCVT/SCVT affiliated). | As per Govt Norms |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must ensure they fulfill the specific eligibility conditions before applying:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed their respective degree, diploma, or ITI from recognized universities or boards. Only candidates who have completed their qualifying examinations in the regular mode are eligible.
- Year of Passing: Usually, candidates who have passed their qualifying exam in the last 3 years (e.g., 2024, 2025, 2026) are eligible. Those who passed earlier are not eligible.
- Age Limit: The minimum age is 18 years. There is no specified maximum age in general apprenticeship rules, but standard government age relaxations apply for reserved categories.
- Prior Experience: Candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training elsewhere or possess more than one year of job experience are strictly NOT eligible.
Selection Process
The selection of apprentices for the DRDO RCI program will be conducted through a transparent and merit-based process:
- Merit Listing: Selection will be primarily based on the academic merit (percentage of marks) obtained by the candidates in their qualifying degree, diploma, or ITI examinations.
- Written Test / Interview: Depending on the volume of applications received, DRDO RCI reserves the right to conduct a short written test or personal interview for final shortlisting.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must present their original educational certificates, category certificates, and police verification reports.
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must be physically and medically fit as per the standards laid down by the organization.
How to Apply Online
The application process is entirely online. Follow these detailed steps to submit your application correctly:
- Step 1: Registration on NATS/NAPS Portal: Graduate and Diploma candidates must first register on the NATS portal (nats.education.gov.in). ITI candidates must register on the NAPS portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in).
- Step 2: Visit the official DRDO RAC website or the RCI specific portal as mentioned in the official advertisement.
- Step 3: Click on the link for 'RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026' and start a new application.
- Step 4: Enter your NATS/NAPS registration number and fill in all the required academic, personal, and communication details.
- Step 5: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and educational mark sheets.
- Step 6: There is no application fee for this recruitment. Verify your details and submit the application form.
- Step 7: Print the final submitted application form for your future reference and document verification stage.
Eligibility Criteria
Selection Process
Age Limit (Calculated as on Notification)
| Post Name | Total Posts | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | TBD | B.E/B.Tech in relevant Engineering fields |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | TBD | Diploma in Engineering |
| Trade (ITI) Apprentice | TBD | ITI in relevant trades |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the stipend for DRDO RCI Graduate Apprentice?
Ans: Graduate apprentices receive a monthly stipend of ₹9,000.
Q: Is there any application fee for DRDO Apprentice?
Ans: No, there is no application fee for any category of candidates.
Q: Do I need NATS registration?
Ans: Yes, B.Tech and Diploma candidates must register on the NATS portal before applying.
How to Fill Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) - RCI Online Form 2026
- Candidate can apply between the specified dates in the notification.
- Candidate Read the Notification Before Apply the Recruitment Application Form in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) - RCI.
- Kindly Check and Collect the All Document - Eligibility, ID Proof, Address Details, Basic Details.
- Kindly Ready Scan Document Related to Recruitment Form - Photo, Sign, ID Proof, Etc.
- Before Submit the Application Form Must Check the Preview and All Column Carefully.
- Take A Print Out of Final Submitted Form.