DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Apply Online Link: Here’s How To Apply

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, has announced 195 apprenticeship vacancies for eligible engineering graduates, diploma holders and ITI-qualified candidates. The recruitment offers an opportunity to gain practical training and technical experience at a leading defence research laboratory.

As per the recruitment details provided, the online application process began on 1 October 2026, and the last date to apply is 1 November 2026. Candidates must apply through the appropriate apprenticeship portal based on their educational qualifications. Graduate and diploma candidates are required to use the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 portal, while ITI candidates should apply through the Apprenticeship India portal.

The recruitment is being conducted under Advertisement No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 for a one-year training period. Candidates should check the official notification for the detailed eligibility criteria, discipline-wise vacancies, stipend and selection procedure before submitting their applications.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview

The recruitment drive covers three apprenticeship categories, allowing candidates with different technical qualifications to apply for suitable opportunities. Here are the key details of DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026.

Candidates interested in other apprenticeship opportunities can also explore DRDO SSPL Apprentice Recruitment 2026, which covers apprenticeship opportunities for eligible ITI, diploma and graduate candidates at another DRDO laboratory.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Important Dates

Candidates should keep track of the application schedule and complete the registration process before the deadline.

The application window is open as of 13 October 2026, based on the dates provided. Applicants should avoid waiting until the last day because registration or application-related issues may delay submission.

For the latest recruitment notices, candidates can also check the official DRDO vacancies page.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Vacancy 2026

Research Centre Imarat has announced 195 apprenticeship positions across Graduate, Technician and ITI Trade categories. Candidates should select the category that matches their educational qualifications and the disciplines or trades listed in the notification.

The total number of vacancies is 195. Candidates should refer to the official advertisement for the exact distribution of seats among engineering disciplines and ITI trades, as well as reservation-related provisions.

Those looking for additional opportunities at DRDO laboratories can read about DRDO DEAL Apprentice Recruitment 2026. The recruitment relates to a separate establishment, so candidates must check its eligibility conditions and application schedule independently.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Apply Online Link

Eligible candidates must apply through the designated apprenticeship portal according to their qualification. Registering on a portal alone may not complete the application process; candidates must also locate and apply for the relevant RCI opportunity.

The following identifiers have been provided for the application process and should be checked against the official notification before use:

• NATS Enrollment ID: STLRAC000010

• Establishment ID: E05203600040

Candidates should confirm the relevant establishment, trade and application instructions before submitting their details.

How to Apply for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

Candidates can follow the steps below to apply for the apprenticeship programme. The process differs slightly depending on whether the applicant holds an engineering degree, diploma or ITI qualification.

Steps to Apply Through NATS 2.0

1. Visit the official NATS 2.0 website.

2. Complete the registration process if you are a new user. Existing users can log in using their credentials.

3. Fill in the required personal, educational and contact information.

4. Search for Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO, under the available establishment or apprenticeship opportunities.

5. Locate the relevant graduate or diploma apprenticeship position.

6. Verify the discipline, eligibility requirements and establishment details.

7. Submit the application through the portal and complete any remaining steps specified in the notification.

8. Save the application confirmation and registration details for future reference.

Steps to Apply Through Apprenticeship India

1. Open the official Apprenticeship India portal.

2. Register as a candidate or log in to your existing account.

3. Complete your profile with the required personal and educational details.

4. Navigate to the apprenticeship opportunities section.

5. Search for Research Centre Imarat or the relevant DRDO establishment.

6. Select the ITI trade that matches your qualification.

7. Check the eligibility conditions and complete the application process.

8. Save the confirmation details for future reference.

Candidates should ensure that the information entered in the application matches their certificates. They should also regularly check their registered email addresses for shortlisting notices and further instructions.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, candidates should verify that they meet the educational, age-related and other conditions specified in the official notification. Eligibility requirements may vary according to the apprenticeship category.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must check whether their specific engineering branch, diploma discipline or ITI trade is included in the recruitment notification. A qualification in one discipline does not automatically make a candidate eligible for every available apprenticeship.

Applicants should also verify any conditions related to the year of passing, previous apprenticeship training or work experience, where applicable.

Candidates interested in other technical career opportunities can explore DRDO DEBEL Graduate Apprentice Recruitment 2026 for information about a separate apprenticeship opportunity. The eligibility conditions for that recruitment may differ from those for RCI.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Stipend 2026

Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend during the apprenticeship training period. The amount depends on the category of apprenticeship and the applicable stipend rules.

The indicative stipend figures provided for this recruitment are listed below.

Candidates should verify the exact stipend for their category against the official recruitment advertisement. The figures above should be treated as indicative until the applicable amounts are confirmed.

Apprenticeship programmes are designed to provide supervised practical training and workplace exposure. Completion of the programme should not be treated as a guarantee of permanent employment with DRDO.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Selection Process

The selection process is expected to focus primarily on academic merit and the candidate's eligibility for the relevant apprenticeship category. An interview may be conducted if required by Research Centre Imarat.

The selection stages described in the supplied recruitment details are as follows.

1. Application Screening

Applications may be checked to confirm that candidates have provided the required information and meet the eligibility criteria.

2. Merit-Based Shortlisting

Candidates may be shortlisted based on the marks obtained in their qualifying examinations, as prescribed in the notification.

3. Interview, If Required

RCI may conduct an interview as part of the selection process. Candidates should follow the instructions communicated by the recruiting laboratory.

4. Document Verification

Shortlisted candidates may be required to produce their original educational certificates and other supporting documents for verification.

Candidates interested in scientist-level roles should note that the selection process may differ from apprenticeship recruitment. The DRDO RAC Scientist Recruitment 2026 article provides further information about a separate recruitment route for scientific positions.

Documents Required for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Candidates should keep the following documents ready, subject to the requirements specified in the official notification.

• NATS 2.0 or Apprenticeship India registration details and profile summary, as applicable.

• Class 10 marksheet and passing certificate or other accepted age proof.

• Consolidated marksheets for the qualifying degree, diploma or ITI course.

• Degree, diploma or ITI certificate, as applicable.

• Valid police verification certificate, if required by the notification.

• Aadhaar-linked bank account details for stipend payments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

• Category certificate or other supporting documents, if applicable.

• Additional documents requested by RCI during selection or verification.

Applicants should ensure that all certificates contain consistent personal details. They should follow the official instructions regarding document format, original certificates and photocopies.

Important Instructions for DRDO RCI Apprentice Applicants

Candidates should keep the following points in mind before completing the application process.

• Submit the application before 1 November 2026.

• Use the appropriate apprenticeship portal according to your qualification.

• Check the relevant engineering discipline or ITI trade before applying.

• Verify the enrollment and establishment identifiers against the official advertisement.

• Enter accurate personal and educational details.

• Save the application confirmation and registration information.

• Monitor the registered email address for shortlisting and verification notices.

• Check the official notification for the final stipend, age conditions and document requirements.

Candidates preparing for other defence recruitment examinations can also explore PW Defence Exams for information about examinations such as NDA, CDS and AFCAT. These examinations follow different eligibility and selection procedures from DRDO apprenticeship recruitment.