DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2025–26: Apply Online for Graduate, Diploma & ITI Apprenticeship

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Research Centre Imarat (RCI)—a key laboratory of the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad—has announced an official notification for the engagement of apprentices for the financial year 2025–26. This recruitment drive is an excellent opportunity for engineering graduates, diploma holders, and ITI candidates to gain hands-on experience in a premier defense research establishment.

Overview of DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2025

• Organization: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)

• Centre: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad

• Notification No.: RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2025-26

• Training Duration: 1 Year

• Mode of Application: Online

• Last Date to Apply: 30 days from the publication date of the advertisement in the newspaper

• Official Website: https://drdo.gov.in

Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria

• Age Limit: Minimum 18 years as on 1st September 2025.

• Educational Qualification:

  • Candidates must have completed B.E./B.Tech, Diploma, or ITI in the respective disciplines.

  • Only those who completed their qualifications in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025 are eligible.

  • Minimum 70% marks are required.

• Other Conditions:

  • Candidates with higher qualifications or more than one year of work experience are not eligible.

  • Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training elsewhere cannot apply.

Application Procedure

1. Graduate and Diploma Candidates:

   • Register on the NATS 2.0 Portal at https://nats.education.gov.in.

   • Apply under Research Centre Imarat (Enrolment ID: STLRAC000010).

2. ITI Trade Apprentices:

   • Register on the NAPS Portal at https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.

   • Search for RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT (Establishment ID: E05203600040) under ‘Apprenticeship Opportunities’ and apply for the respective trade.

3. Candidates must ensure they possess an Aadhaar-seeded bank account, as 50% of the stipend will be credited through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme.

4. Applications must be submitted within 30 days from the advertisement publication date.

Selection Process

• The selection will be based on academic merit and/or interview.

• Shortlisted candidates will be notified via their registered email ID.

• Final selection will require document verification and a valid police verification certificate.

Documents Required During Verification:

• Application printout

• NATS/NAPS profile

• 10th marksheet and certificate

• Qualifying degree/diploma/ITI certificates

• Caste/PWD certificate (if applicable)

• Aadhaar card and Aadhaar-seeded bank account details

• Medical fitness certificate

• Two passport-size photographs

Important Instructions

• All qualifications must be from recognized Indian institutions.

• No TA/DA will be provided during the selection process or apprenticeship.

• Apprenticeship does not guarantee employment at DRDO after completion.

• No hostel or transport facilities will be provided.

• Suppression of facts or canvassing may lead to disqualification.

• In case of disputes, the legal jurisdiction will be Hyderabad High Court.

Contact Details

Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex
Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad – 500069
Email: hrd.apply@gov.in
Phone: 040-24305112
Website: https://drdo.gov.in

• Official Notification: Click Here

Conclusion

The DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2025–26 is a prestigious opportunity for young Indian nationals to work under one of the nation’s top defense research institutions. This one-year apprenticeship program provides valuable exposure, skill enhancement, and practical training that can significantly boost your career in engineering and technology.