The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through its Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, has released the official notification RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2025-26 for the engagement of apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 (as amended in 1961, 1973, 1992 & 2019). This apprenticeship program is designed to provide young and meritorious Indian nationals with an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on practical training in advanced defence research and technology.
RCI, which is part of the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, is one of the premier DRDO laboratories and plays a crucial role in the development of missile systems and allied technologies. Selected candidates will undergo one year of apprenticeship training at RCI in various disciplines, depending on their qualification level (Graduate, Diploma, or ITI).
Overview of DRDO RCI Apprenticeship Recruitment 2025-26
- Recruiting Body: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
- Training Duration: One Year
- Training Type: Graduate, Diploma, and ITI Apprenticeship
- Job Location: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, Telangana
- Mode of Application: Online
- Last Date to Apply: 30 days from the date of advertisement in newspaper
Important Dates
- Starting Date for Apply Online: 27-09-2025
- Last Date for Apply Online: 28-10-2025
Apprenticeship Vacancy Details
The recruitment is being conducted for three categories of apprenticeships: Graduate Apprentices, Diploma Apprentices, and ITI Trade Apprentices. The distribution of vacancies is as follows:
| Category | Essential Qualification | No. of Vacancies | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E/B.Tech in ECE, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical | 40 | As per Govt. norms (Gazette Notification dated 25/Sep/2019) |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | Diploma in ECE, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical | 20 | As per Govt. norms |
| Trade Apprentice | ITI Pass (NCVT/SCVT Affiliation) – Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Mechanic-Diesel, Draughtsman (Mechanical), Electronic Mechanic, Electronics, Electrician, Library Assistant, COPA | 135 | As per Govt. norms |
Total Vacancies: 195
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure that they fulfill the eligibility criteria as prescribed in the notification.
1. Educational Qualification
- Graduate Apprentice: B.E/B.Tech degree in Electronics & Communication (ECE), Electrical & Electronics (EEE), Computer Science (CSE), Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering.
- Technician Apprentice: Diploma in Electronics & Communication (ECE), Electrical & Electronics (EEE), Computer Science (CSE), Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering.
- Trade Apprentice: ITI Pass in relevant trades such as Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Mechanic-Diesel, Draughtsman (Mechanical), Electronic Mechanic, Electrician, COPA, etc.
Important Notes:
- Candidates who have completed their qualifying examinations between 2021 and 2025 with 70% marks or more are eligible to apply.
- Candidates with higher qualifications than those prescribed are not eligible.
- Those who have already undergone apprenticeship training or are currently undergoing apprenticeship in any organisation are not eligible.
- Candidates with more than one year of work experience are not eligible.
2. Age Limit
- Candidates must be at least 18 years old as of 01st September 2025.
- Maximum age limit will be as per government apprenticeship rules.
3. Other Requirements
- Candidates must possess an Aadhaar-seeded bank account, since stipend will be disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) by the Board of Apprenticeship and Training (BOAT).
- Candidates must be Indian nationals and pass document verification before final selection.
Stipend (Salary) Details
The stipend will be paid as per the Apprentices Act 1961 and Government norms. While the exact amount may vary, generally:
- Graduate Apprentices: ₹9,000 – ₹12,000 per month
- Diploma Apprentices: ₹8,000 – ₹10,000 per month
- Trade Apprentices (ITI): ₹7,000 – ₹9,000 per month
The stipend is only for the duration of the training and does not imply employment with DRDO after completion of apprenticeship.
Selection Process
The selection will be carried out in the following manner:
- Shortlisting: Based on academic merit (marks obtained in the qualifying examination).
- Interview (if required): Shortlisted candidates may be called for interviews.
- Document Verification: Candidates must present original and self-attested copies of required documents.
- Final Selection: A merit list will be prepared after successful verification of documents.
- Contract of Apprenticeship: Selected candidates will be required to sign a contract through NATS/NAPS portal before commencement of training.
Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email. Applicants must ensure that their email ID remains active throughout the selection process.
Documents Required
At the time of document verification/joining, candidates must produce the following:
- Signed printout of the application form
- NATS (for Graduate/Diploma) or NAPS (for ITI) profile printout
- 10th mark sheet and certificate
- Final mark sheet / provisional certificate of B.E/B.Tech/Diploma/ITI
- Degree/Diploma/ITI certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- PWD certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar card (mandatory)
- PAN card / Voter ID / Driving License (any valid govt. photo ID)
- Aadhaar-linked bank account passbook/statement
- Medical fitness certificate issued by a Civil Assistant Surgeon
- Police verification certificate (mandatory at the time of joining)
- Two recent passport-size photographs
Application Process
Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the respective apprenticeship portals:
For Graduate & Diploma Apprentices:
- Register at NATS 2.0 portal.
- Search for Research Centre Imarat.
- Apply for the relevant apprenticeship program
For ITI Trade Apprentices:
- Register at NAPS portal.
- Search under Apprenticeship Opportunities → Establishment Name: RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT (ID: E05203600040)
- Select your trade and click Apply
Applications submitted directly to RCI/DRDO without applying through NATS/NAPS will not be accepted.
Key Instructions for Candidates
- All qualifications should be obtained from recognized Indian institutions
- Suppression of facts or submission of false information will lead to disqualification
- Apprenticeship training is only for skill development and does not guarantee permanent employment in DRDO
- Apprentices will not be provided with hostel, transport, or quarters during training
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending selection stages
- Candidates who withdraw after selection will face disciplinary action
- DRDO/RCI reserves the right to cancel or amend the recruitment process at any stage without prior notice
- In case of disputes, the legal jurisdiction will lie with the Hon’ble High Court of Hyderabad, Telangana
Why Apply for RCI DRDO Apprenticeship?
The DRDO RCI Apprenticeship offers young graduates, diploma holders, and ITI pass-outs an excellent opportunity to:
- Gain practical experience in one of India’s most prestigious defence R&D organisations
- Work on advanced projects related to missiles, defence electronics, and cutting-edge technology
- Enhance employability through hands-on training and mentorship by experts
- Earn a monthly stipend while building real-world technical skills
