DRDO RCI Apprenticeship 2027: 195 Vacancies, Eligibility, Stipend, Last Date & How to Apply
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced an apprenticeship opportunity at Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, for the year 2027. The programme is being offered under the Apprentices Act and is open to eligible Indian nationals from Graduate, Diploma and ITI backgrounds.
According to the official DRDO notification, RCI has listed 195 apprenticeship vacancies across Graduate Apprentice, Technician Apprentice and ITI Trade Apprentice categories. The apprenticeship training will be for one year. (DRDO)
The official advertisement is numbered RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 and was published on 1 October 2026. The DRDO vacancy page lists 1 November 2026 as the closing date. (DRDO)
Important: This is an apprenticeship training opportunity at DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat. It should not be confused with a permanent DRDO government job. The official notification clearly states that there is no obligation for employment after completion of apprenticeship training. (DRDO)
DRDO RCI Apprenticeship 2027 – Overview
| Oranization | Defence Research & Development Organnisation(DRDO) |
| Establishment | Research Centre Imarat (RCI) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Advertisement No. | RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 |
| Training Duration | 1 Year |
| Total Listed Vacancies | 195* |
| Application Start | 1 October 2026 |
| Categories | Graduate, Technician & ITI Trade Apprentice |
| Official Website | DRDO |
*The notification states that vacancies may vary. (DRDO)
What Is Research Centre Imarat (RCI)?
Research Centre Imarat is a DRDO laboratory associated with the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad.
For this apprenticeship programme, RCI is inviting applications from young and meritorious Indian nationals for one-year apprenticeship training in Graduate, Diploma and ITI categories. (DRDO)
For candidates beginning their engineering or technical careers, an apprenticeship at a major defence research establishment can provide exposure to a professional technical environment. However, candidates should understand that the notification is specifically for apprenticeship training, not direct permanent employment.
DRDO RCI Apprenticeship 2027 Vacancy Details
The official notification lists three major categories.
1. Graduate Apprentice – 50 Vacancies
Candidates with B.E./B.Tech qualifications in the following disciplines can apply:
- Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE)
- Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Safety Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Civil Engineering
There are 50 listed Graduate Apprentice vacancies. (DRDO)
2. Technician Apprentice – 30 Vacancies
Candidates with a Diploma in the relevant engineering disciplines can apply.
Eligible disciplines include:
- ECE
- Instrumentation Engineering
- EEE
- CSE
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Safety Engineering
The notification lists 30 Technician Apprentice vacancies. (DRDO)
3. ITI Trade Apprentice – 115 Vacancies
The ITI category has the largest number of listed opportunities, with 115 vacancies.
Eligible trades include:
- Fitter
- Welder
- Turner
- Machinist
- Mechanic-Diesel
- Electronic Mechanic
- Electrician
- COPA
- Draughtsman Engineering (Mechanical)
- Grinder
Candidates must have an ITI qualification with NCVT/SCVT affiliation, as specified in the notification. (DRDO)
DRDO RCI Apprenticeship 2027 Stipend
The notification states that the stipend will be provided as per Government norms, referring to the Gazette dated 3 September 2025 for the Graduate Apprentice category. (DRDO)
The notification also contains an important payment-related condition for Graduate and Technician Apprentices.
Candidates must have an Aadhaar-seeded bank account to receive the applicable 50% portion of the stipend from the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). (DRDO)
Because the notification does not state a single fixed monthly stipend figure in the vacancy table, candidates should not rely on unofficial posts claiming a specific stipend amount. Always check the official notification and applicable government stipend norms.
DRDO RCI Apprenticeship 2027 Eligibility
- Educational Qualification: –The qualification depends on the apprenticeship category:
- Graduate Apprentice:- B.E./B.Tech in the disciplines listed in the official notification.
- Technician Apprentice:- Diploma in the specified engineering disciplines.
- ITI Trade Apprentice:- ITI pass in the relevant trade with NCVT/SCVT affiliation. (DRDO)
- Minimum Marks- Candidates must have secured:
- 70% marks OR 7.5 CGPA or above:- in the relevant qualifying examination. (DRDO)
- Passing Year:- The notification specifies qualifying examinations completed in:
- 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026. (DRDO)
- Age Limit :-The candidate must be at least 18 years old as on 1 September 2026. (DRDO)
Who Is Not Eligible for DRDO RCI Apprenticeship?
The notification contains several important restrictions.
Candidates are not eligible if:
- They have a higher qualification than the qualification required for the apprenticeship.
- They have already undergone apprenticeship training.
- They are currently undergoing apprenticeship training with any organization.
- They have more than one year of work experience.
- Their qualification is not from an institution recognized by the appropriate statutory authority.
- They provide incorrect or suppressed information.
These conditions are important because satisfying the educational qualification alone does not guarantee eligibility. (DRDO)
How to Apply for DRDO RCI Apprenticeship 2027 ?
The application process depends on the candidate’s qualification.
For B.E./B.Tech/Diploma Candidates
Graduate and Diploma candidates must register on the NATS 2.0 portal.
The official notification specifies:
NATS 2.0: nats.education.gov.in
Candidates should select:
Research Centre Imarat, DRDO
with the enrolment ID:
STLRAC000010. (DRDO)
For ITI Candidates
ITI candidates must register through the Apprenticeship India portal.
The notification instructs candidates to search for:
RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT, DRDO
Establishment ID:
E05203600040
Candidates then need to select the appropriate trade and apply. (DRDO)
DRDO RCI Apprenticeship 2027 Last Date
Application Start Date: 1 October 2026
Last Date: 1 November 2026
The official notification states that the last date is 30 days from the publication of the advertisement in the newspaper. (DRDO)
Candidates should avoid waiting until the final day because registration on NATS or Apprenticeship India may itself require time.
DRDO RCI Apprenticeship Selection Process
According to the official notification, selection will be based on:
Academic Merit / Interview as required
and will be subject to satisfactory document verification. (DRDO)
Shortlisted candidates will be informed through the email address provided in their application.
Therefore, candidates should:
- Enter a valid email address.
- Check their inbox regularly.
- Check the spam/junk folder.
- Keep their registered contact details active.
- Keep original documents ready for verification.
Documents Required
Shortlisted candidates are required to carry original and self-attested copies of the documents mentioned in the notification.
Important documents include:
- Filled application form
- NATS/NAPS profile printout
- Class 10 marksheet and certificate
- Final/consolidated qualifying examination marksheet
- Original/provisional qualifying certificate
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- PwD certificate, if applicable
- Valid EWS certificate, if applicable
- Government-issued photo ID
- Aadhaar Card
- Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook/statement
- Medical fitness certificate issued by a Government Civil Assistant Surgeon
- Two recent passport-size photographs (DRDO)
Candidates should prepare these documents in advance instead of waiting for the shortlist announcement.
Important Conditions Candidates Should Know :- There are several conditions that applicants should read carefully before applying.
No Permanent Job Guarantee
Completing the apprenticeship does not create an obligation for DRDO/RCI to offer employment.
The official notification clearly states that there is no obligation for employment after completion of training. (DRDO)
No Hostel or Transport
RCI will not provide:
- Hostel accommodation
- Quarter
- Transport
during the apprenticeship period. (DRDO)
Therefore, candidates from outside Hyderabad should consider accommodation and local travel arrangements before accepting the opportunity.
No TA/DA
The notification states that TA/DA will not be paid to applicants called for any stage of the selection process. (DRDO)
Police Verification
Selected candidates must provide a valid Police Verification Certificate at the time of joining.
The certificate can be from the candidate’s last residence, where they have lived for at least one year, or from their permanent address. (DRDO)
Why This DRDO Apprenticeship Can Be Useful for Freshers
For engineering, diploma and ITI candidates who are beginning their careers, apprenticeship training can be a useful way to gain structured workplace exposure.
The RCI opportunity is particularly relevant to candidates from technical disciplines because the listed qualifications cover areas such as:
- Electronics
- Electrical
- Instrumentation
- Mechanical
- Computer Science
- Aerospace
- Aeronautical
- Civil
- Metallurgy
- Chemical
- Safety
However, candidates should evaluate the opportunity based on their career goals, location requirements and eligibility rather than assuming that apprenticeship automatically leads to a permanent DRDO position.
Expert Tip: Check Your Eligibility Before Applying
- 1. Qualification: Does your exact degree, diploma or ITI trade match the notification?
- 2. Passing Year: Did you complete the qualifying examination during the specified 2022–2026 period?
- 3. Marks: Do you have at least 70% marks or 7.5 CGPA?
- 4. Previous Apprenticeship: Have you already completed or are you currently undergoing apprenticeship training?
- 5. Work Experience: Do you have more than one year of work experience?
- If any condition does not match, read the complete official notification before proceeding.
DRDO RCI Apprenticeship 2027 – Important Dates
| Notification Published | 1 October 2026 |
| Application Begins | 1 October 2026 |
| Last Date | 1 November 2026 |
| Training Duration | 1 Year |
The DRDO website currently lists the application window as 1 October 2026 to 1 November 2026. (DRDO)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DRDO RCI Apprenticeship 2027 a government job?
No. It is an apprenticeship training opportunity under DRDO/Ministry of Defence, not a permanent government job. The notification specifically states that there is no obligation for employment after completion of training. (DRDO)
How many vacancies are available?
The notification lists 195 vacancies: 50 Graduate, 30 Technician and 115 ITI Trade Apprentice positions. It also states that vacancies may vary. (DRDO)
What is the duration of the apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship training duration is one year. (DRDO)
What is the minimum percentage required?
Candidates need 70% marks or 7.5 CGPA and above in the qualifying examination. (DRDO)
Can candidates with more than one year of experience apply?
No. The notification states that candidates with more than one year of work experience are not eligible. (DRDO)
Can someone who has already completed an apprenticeship apply?
No. Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under any organization are not eligible. (DRDO)
Where is the apprenticeship located?
The apprenticeship is at Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad, Telangana. (DRDO)
Is accommodation provided?
No. The notification states that hostel accommodation, quarters and transport will not be provided. (DRDO)
