RCI DRDO Apprentice Engagement 2027: A Gateway to Defence Research
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence, has released an official notification for the RCI Apprentice Engagement 2027. This significant recruitment drive aims to fill 195 Apprentice posts across Graduate, Technician (Diploma), and Trade (ITI) categories at its Research Centre Imarat (RCI) facility in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
This apprenticeship offers a valuable opportunity for aspiring engineers and ITI pass-outs to gain practical experience in a premier defence research environment. Candidates looking for central government job opportunities within the scientific domain, similar to the DRDO DIHAR Junior Research Fellow and Research Associate Walk-in Interview 2026 recruitment details, should consider this engagement.
Vacancy Details: 195 Apprentice Posts Across Multiple Disciplines
RCI DRDO is inviting applications for a total of 195 Apprentice vacancies. This engagement is categorized into three distinct streams, catering to diverse educational backgrounds. The breakdown of posts is as follows:
Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualification and Age Limit
Candidates must meet specific educational and age criteria to be considered for these apprenticeship positions. A strong academic record is crucial, as selection is primarily merit-based.
Educational Qualifications:
- Graduate Apprentice: Applicants must hold a B.E./B.Tech degree in the specified engineering branches: Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), Computer Science Engineering (CSE), Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Safety Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Civil Engineering.
- Technician (Diploma) Apprentice: Candidates should possess a Diploma in the relevant engineering disciplines: ECE, Instrumentation Engineering, EEE, CSE, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or Safety Engineering.
- Trade Apprentice (ITI): ITI pass-outs in trades such as Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Mechanic-Diesel, Electronic-Mechanic, Electrician, COPA, Draughtsman (Mechanical), or Grinder are eligible.
Important Note: Only regular candidates who passed their qualifying examination between 2022 and 2026 are eligible. A minimum of 70% marks or CGPA 7.5 and above in the qualifying examination is mandatory. Candidates with higher qualifications, prior or current apprenticeship training, or more than one year of work experience are strictly not eligible for this engagement.
Age Limit:
The age limit will be applied as per existing recruitment norms, with the minimum age reckoning date set as 01 September 2026. Age relaxation benefits will be applicable for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) as per the Apprentices Act, 1961, Apprentice Rules, 1992, and Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2019 & 2025.
Stipend and Apprenticeship Duration
Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend in accordance with Government norms and the Gazette Notification dated 03 September 2025. While the exact monthly amount is not specified in the official notice, it will be competitive as per prevailing government guidelines for apprentices.
The engagement for all apprentice categories will be for a fixed duration of 1 Year, offering valuable hands-on experience and a strong foundation for future careers in defence and related industries.
Application Fee: No Fee for All Categories
Candidates will be relieved to know that there is no application fee required for the RCI Apprentice Engagement 2027. This applies to all categories, including General, OBC, EWS, SC, and ST candidates, making it accessible for all eligible applicants.
Selection Process: Merit-Based with No Written Test
The selection process for the RCI DRDO Apprentice positions is designed to identify deserving candidates based on their academic performance and suitability for the apprenticeship. There will be no written examination.
The selection will primarily be based on academic merit of the qualifying examination and/or an interview. This will be followed by a crucial document verification stage. The detailed stages are:
- Stage 1: Evaluation of Academic Merit / Interview
- Stage 2: Document Verification
- Stage 3: Execution of Apprenticeship Contract on the respective NATS/NAPS Portal
Important Dates to Remember
Candidates should mark these key dates to ensure timely application submission for the RCI Apprentice Engagement 2027:
- Application Start Date: 01 November 2026
- Application Last Date: 01 December 2026 (within 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in the newspaper).
It is highly recommended to apply well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
How to Apply Online for RCI DRDO Apprentice 2027
The application process for this apprenticeship is entirely online and differs slightly based on the category (Graduate/Diploma vs. ITI). Follow these steps carefully:
- Step 1: Begin by thoroughly reading the official DRDO notification PDF to understand all eligibility criteria and instructions. The official notification can be accessed via the Official Notification PDF link.
- Step 2 (For Graduate/Diploma Apprentices): Candidates must first register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS 2.0) portal at nats.education.gov.in. Ensure your profile is complete and updated.
- Step 3 (For Graduate/Diploma Apprentices): After registration, log in to the NATS 2.0 portal. Search for "Research Centre Imarat, DRDO" and apply using the Enrolment ID STLRAC000010.
- Step 4 (For Trade (ITI) Apprentices): ITI candidates must register on the Apprenticeship India portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in. Once registered, apply for the establishment using Establishment ID E05203600040.
- Step 5: Complete the online application on the respective portal within 30 days from the newspaper advertisement publication date. Remember to take a printout of your submitted application for future reference and document verification.
Essential Documents Checklist for Verification
Candidates shortlisted for document verification must present the following original documents along with self-attested photocopies:
- Duly filled application form (if applicable).
- NATS/NAPS profile printout (mandatory for respective categories).
- 10th class mark sheet and certificate.
- Consolidated/final mark sheet of the qualifying examination (B.E./B.Tech, Diploma, or ITI).
- Original/provisional certificate of the qualifying examination.
- Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC), if applicable.
- PwD certificate, if applicable.
- Valid EWS certificate, if applicable.
- Any photo ID issued by Government of India (PAN Card / Voter ID / Driving Licence).
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory).
- Copy of Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook/statement.
- Medical fitness certificate issued by a Government Civil Assistant Surgeon.
- Two latest passport-size photographs.
Candidate Advisory and Important Precautions
Applicants are strongly advised to take note of the following critical instructions to ensure a smooth application process:
- Ensure all educational qualifications are obtained from Indian institutions recognized by the appropriate statutory authority.
- Do NOT apply if you have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training elsewhere, or if you possess more than 1 year of work experience.
- Maintain an active registered e-mail ID throughout the entire recruitment process, as all communications will be sent exclusively to this address.
- RCI DRDO will not provide any TA/DA, hostel, quarters, or transport facilities to candidates.
- Any attempt at canvassing or personal follow-up will result in the immediate cancellation of candidature.
- Selected candidates are required to execute the apprenticeship contract through the NATS/NAPS portal before the commencement of training.
This apprenticeship is a golden chance for fresh graduates and ITI holders to kickstart their careers with a prestigious defence organization. Ensure all guidelines are meticulously followed to secure your application.
