DRDO RCI Hyderabad Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 195 Graduate, Diploma and ITI Seats

Vacancies: 195 (may vary) · Posts: 3 designations · Type: Apprenticeship Training · Mode: Online · Fee: Not printed · Apply: 01 October 2026; PDF close rule is 30 days from newspaper (portal end 01 November 2026) · Stipend: Gazette minimum (03 Sep 2025) · Selection: Academic merit / interview · Location: Hyderabad

A higher qualification is a bar, not a bonus. Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a premier laboratory of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, has invited online applications for 195 one-year apprentice seats at Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad – 500 069.

Advertisement Notification No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 covers Graduate Apprentice (50), Technician Apprentice (Diploma) (30) and Trade Apprentice (ITI) (115). Only regular candidates with 70% or a CGPA of 7.5 or above in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 can apply. Training is under the Apprentices Act 1961, as amended in 1961, 1973, 1992, 2019 and 2025.

The advertisement does not create a claim to a DRDO job after training. Graduate and Diploma candidates apply on NATS 2.0 with Enrolment ID STLRAC000010. ITI candidates apply on Apprenticeship India with Establishment ID E05203600040.

⚠️ Application Alerts

• The PDF does not print a calendar closing date. It says the last date is 30 days after the advertisement is published in a newspaper. The DRDO vacancies page lists an end date of 01 November 2026. Confirm that date on the portal before you pay or submit, and file 2–3 days early.
• Graduate and Diploma seats are applied for only on NATS 2.0 (Enrolment ID STLRAC000010). ITI seats are applied for only on Apprenticeship India (Establishment ID E05203600040). A registration on the wrong portal is not an application.
• A degree or diploma higher than the category you pick makes you ineligible for that category. A completed or ongoing apprenticeship anywhere, or more than one year of work experience, is also a bar.
• Graduate and Technician apprentices must have an Aadhaar-seeded bank account. The notice says 50% of their stipend comes from the Board of Apprenticeship and Training (BOAT) under Direct Benefit Transfer.

📋 Official Source Chain

• Official notice: Advertisement No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027, published on the DRDO vacancies page on 01 October 2026 — Download the RCI Hyderabad apprentice advertisement PDF
• Official application route: Graduate and Diploma on NATS 2.0 (https://nats.education.gov.in, Enrolment ID STLRAC000010); ITI on Apprenticeship India (https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in, Establishment ID E05203600040)
• Official updates page: DRDO vacancies page
• Last checked: 05 October 2026, 08:55 AM IST

Also Read: DRDO PXE Chandipur Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Apply Offline for 50 Graduate & Technician Seats

Who Should Apply?

• B.E./B.Tech in ECE, Instrumentation Engineering, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Safety Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Civil Engineering, with 70% or CGPA 7.5 and above in 2022–2026 → Graduate Apprentice – 50 seats
• Diploma in ECE, Instrumentation Engineering, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering or Safety Engineering, with 70% or CGPA 7.5 and above in 2022–2026 → Technician Apprentice (Diploma) – 30 seats
• ITI (NCVT/SCVT) in Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Mechanic-Diesel, Electronic-Mechanic, Electrician, COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant), Draughtsman Engineering (Mechanical) or Grinder, with 70% or CGPA 7.5 and above in 2022–2026 → Trade Apprentice – 115 seats

Indian nationals only. Age must not be less than 18 years as on 01 September 2026. Every qualification must be from an Indian institution recognised by the appropriate statutory authority.

Because the notice names specific branches and trades, a candidate with an adjacent branch should get written confirmation from RCI rather than assume equivalence.

Who cannot apply

• Anyone with a qualification higher than the one prescribed for that category.
• Anyone who has already undergone apprenticeship training, or is undergoing it now, under any organisation.
• Anyone with more than one year of work experience.
• Anyone below 18 years as on 01 September 2026, or whose qualifying result is outside 2022–2026, or below 70% or CGPA 7.5.

Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS applies as per the Apprentices Act, 1961, the Apprentice Rules, 1992 and the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2019 and 2025. No category-wise reservation breakup is printed in the advertisement.

Important Dates

The newspaper issue date is not printed in the PDF. Treat the portal end date as the working date only after you confirm it on the DRDO vacancies page. Submit 2–3 days early.

Quick Overview – DRDO RCI Apprentice 2026

• Organisation: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, DRDO
• Sector: Defence research (missile-complex laboratory)
• Notification Number: RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027
• Post Names: Graduate Apprentice, Technician Apprentice (Diploma), Trade Apprentice (ITI)
• Total Seats: 195 (may vary)
• Training Duration: One year
• Qualification: B.E./B.Tech, Diploma or ITI in the named branches/trades; 70% or CGPA 7.5 and above; pass year 2022–2026
• Age: Not less than 18 years as on 01 September 2026; no numeric upper age printed
• Stipend: As per Govt norms; Gazette dated 03 September 2025
• Fee: Not printed in the advertisement
• Selection: Academic merit/interview as required, then document verification
• Job Location: Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad – 500 069, Telangana
• Official Website: DRDO vacancies page
• Apply Online: Apply for RCI Graduate or Diploma apprentice seats on NATS 2.0 (Enrolment ID STLRAC000010); Apply for RCI ITI trade apprentice seats on Apprenticeship India (Establishment ID E05203600040)
• Notification PDF: Download RCI Hyderabad Apprentice Advertisement 2027 PDF
• Last Date: 30 days from newspaper publication; DRDO vacancies page lists 01 November 2026

What Posts Are Available? – DRDO RCI Vacancy & Eligibility 2026

ITI trade seats are the bulk of this drive: 115 of 195. Graduate seats are 50. Diploma seats are 30. The advertisement says vacancies may vary. No UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwD roster is printed.

Graduate and Diploma seats

ITI trade seats

*Vacancies may vary. Marks rule for every row: 70% or CGPA 7.5 and above in a regular qualifying exam of 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026. Use our CGPA to Percentage Calculator only as a check. This calculator provides an indicative estimate. Use the conversion method specified in the notification. The official formula prevails.

If your work history is close to one year, use our Experience Calculator before you apply. More than one year of work experience is a bar.

What Is the Age Limit?

The advertisement prints only a floor: the candidate should not be less than 18 years of age as of 01 September 2026. No numeric upper age is printed, and no category-wise relaxation years are printed. There is no numeric upper-age boundary in this notice to illustrate with eligible and ineligible examples.

Use our Age Eligibility Calculator to check the 18-year floor against 01 September 2026.

What Is the Stipend? – DRDO RCI Apprentice 2026

The advertisement does not print a rupee stipend. It says “As per Govt norms” and refers to the Gazette dated 03 September 2025.

That citation matches Gazette Notification G.S.R. 610(E) dated 03 September 2025, published on 11 September 2025. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship office memorandum dated 15 September 2025 sets these prescribed minima from that publication date:

These are prescribed minimums from the gazette the notice cites, not figures printed by RCI. The engagement letter controls the amount actually paid. This is a one-year engagement, so the first-year rate is the relevant row. Stipend is payable subject to attendance, applicable rules and successful continuation of training.

For Graduate and Technician apprentices, an Aadhaar-seeded bank account is mandatory because 50% of the stipend is paid by BOAT under DBT. The advertisement does not mention the 50% split for ITI trade seats.

What Is the Application Fee?

The advertisement does not mention an application fee. It also does not say that a fee is waived. Do not pay any person who asks for a fee to “process” this application.

How to Apply?

Registration on the correct portal is mandatory before you can apply to RCI.

1. Read the eligibility conditions in the RCI apprentice advertisement PDF on drdo.gov.in.
2. B.E./B.Tech and Diploma candidates: register on NATS 2.0, then apply against Enrolment ID STLRAC000010. Do not use the ITI portal for these seats.
3. ITI candidates: register on Apprenticeship India, open Apprenticeship Opportunities, search RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT, and apply against Establishment ID E05203600040. Do not use NATS for these seats.
4. Keep the email and mobile number in the profile active. Shortlisting mail goes only to that email. RCI will not be responsible if a changed number or email blocks the mail.
5. Submit within the newspaper-linked window. The DRDO vacancies page lists 01 November 2026 as the end date.

The NATS or NAPS registration number is not RCI’s application number. Both the portal profile and the apply click against the establishment ID are required. Completing portal registration without applying to Research Centre Imarat means the application is incomplete.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying on NATS for an ITI trade, or on Apprenticeship India for a B.E./B.Tech or Diploma seat.
• Filing with an M.E./M.Tech, a second diploma, or any qualification higher than the category. The notice says such candidates are not eligible.
• Hiding a previous apprenticeship or work of more than one year. Suppression of facts is a disqualification at any stage, including during training.
• Canvassing or personal follow-up. The notice says this leads to immediate cancellation of candidature.
• Ignoring the joining papers: police verification, medical fitness from a Government Civil Assistant Surgeon, and an Aadhaar-seeded bank account are required later, not optional extras.

డీఆర్డీఓ ఆర్‌సీఐ హైదరాబాద్ అప్రెంటిస్ భర్తీ 2026 – 195 సీట్లకు ఆన్‌లైన్ దరఖాస్తు

రిసెర్చ్ సెంటర్ ఇమారత్ (ఆర్‌సీఐ), డాక్టర్ ఏపీజే అబ్దుల్ కలామ్ మిసైల్ కాంప్లెక్స్, డీఆర్డీఓ, హైదరాబాద్‌లో 2027 సంవత్సరపు అప్రెంటిస్ శిక్షణకు ఆన్‌లైన్ దరఖాస్తులు కోరింది. మొత్తం 195 శిక్షణ సీట్లు. గ్రాడ్యుయేట్ 50, డిప్లొమా 30, ఐటీఐ 115. విజ్ఞాన కాంచా, హైదరాబాద్ – 500 069. శిక్షణ ఒక సంవత్సరం. శిక్షణ ముగిసిన తర్వాత ఉద్యోగం ఇస్తామని ఈ విజ్ఞప్తిలో లేదు.

ఎవరు దరఖాస్తు చేయవచ్చు?

గ్రాడ్యుయేట్ సీట్లకు పేర్కొన్న బ్రాంచీలలో బీ.ఈ./బీ.టెక్ కావాలి. డిప్లొమా సీట్లకు అదే బ్రాంచీలలో డిప్లొమా. ఐటీఐ సీట్లకు ఫిట్టర్, వెల్డర్, టర్నర్, మెషినిస్ట్, మెకానిక్-డీజిల్, ఎలక్ట్రానిక్-మెకానిక్, ఎలక్ట్రీషియన్, సీఓపీఏ, డ్రాఫ్ట్స్‌మన్ (మెకానికల్) లేదా గ్రైండర్. 2022 నుంచి 2026 వరకు రెగ్యులర్ పరీక్షలో 70 శాతం లేదా సీజీపీఏ 7.5 మరియు అంతకంటే ఎక్కువ ఉండాలి. 01 సెప్టెంబర్ 2026 నాటికి 18 ఏళ్లు నిండి ఉండాలి. ఎక్కువ అర్హత, పాత అప్రెంటిస్ శిక్షణ, లేదా ఒక సంవత్సరం కంటే ఎక్కువ ఉద్యోగ అనుభవం ఉంటే అర్హత ఉండదు.

స్టైపెండ్ మరియు ఎంపిక ఏమిటి?

విజ్ఞప్తిలో రూపాయి మొత్తం లేదు. 03 సెప్టెంబర్ 2025 గెజిట్ ప్రకారం ప్రభుత్వ నిబంధనలు. ఎంపిక అకడమిక్ మెరిట్ లేదా అవసరమైతే ఇంటర్వ్యూ, తర్వాత పత్రాల పరిశీలన. లిఖిత పరీక్ష గురించి ఈ విజ్ఞప్తిలో లేదు. గ్రాడ్యుయేట్ మరియు డిప్లొమా అభ్యర్థులకు ఆధార్‌తో అనుసంధానమైన బ్యాంక్ ఖాతా తప్పనిసరి. వారి స్టైపెండ్‌లో 50 శాతం బీఓఏటీ డీబీటీ ద్వారా వస్తుంది.

దరఖాస్తు ఎలా చేయాలి?

బీ.ఈ./బీ.టెక్ మరియు డిప్లొమా అభ్యర్థులు nats.education.gov.in లో నమోదు చేసి, ఎన్‌రోల్‌మెంట్ ఐడీ STLRAC000010 తో దరఖాస్తు చేయాలి. ఐటీఐ అభ్యర్థులు apprenticeshipindia.gov.in లో RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT, ఎస్టాబ్లిష్‌మెంట్ ఐడీ E05203600040 తో దరఖాస్తు చేయాలి. పీడీఎఫ్‌లో చివరి తేదీ వార్తాపత్రిక ప్రచురణ నుంచి 30 రోజులు. డీఆర్డీఓ పేజీలో ముగింపు తేదీ 01 నవంబర్ 2026. వివరాలు drdo.gov.in లో ఉన్నాయి. ఈమెయిల్: hrd.apply@gov.in.

How Are Candidates Selected?

RCI selects apprentices on academic merit, or by interview as required, subject to satisfactory document verification. No written test is mentioned in this advertisement. No interview stage is guaranteed for every seat. The notice says an interview is used “as required”.

1. Shortlisting is on academic merit, and an interview only if RCI requires it for that seat.
2. Email to the address given in the application. Keep that inbox active.
3. Document verification before the apprenticeship contract is created. A mismatch with the required qualification leads to rejection.
4. Contract of apprenticeship on the same portal (NATS or NAPS) before training starts.
5. Police verification certificate at joining, from the place of last residence for at least the past one year, or from the permanent address.

Shortlisted candidates must bring originals and self-attested copies. No TA/DA is paid for any stage. No correspondence will be entertained from candidates who are not selected. RCI may amend, refix, cancel or suspend the process without assigning a reason.

The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst’s Take

This is a one-year training engagement at a DRDO missile-complex laboratory in Hyderabad, not a scientist or technical-officer recruitment. The gate that actually filters candidates is printed in the advertisement: 70% or CGPA 7.5, pass year only in 2022–2026, and a hard bar on higher qualifications, earlier apprenticeships and work beyond one year. Other DRDO laboratories also issue apprentice notices on the same vacancies page. Compare only the establishment ID, branch list and closing rule on each PDF. Do not assume another lab’s stipend or process matches this one.

Best fit: a 2022–2026 B.E./B.Tech, Diploma or ITI passer in a named branch or trade who wants one year inside a missile-complex lab and can live in Hyderabad without hostel support.

Also Read: BHEL Hyderabad Hindi Translator Recruitment 2026 – 1 Post at Corporate R&D

Skip this if you need a DRDO appointment at the end of the year, you already hold a higher qualification, you have finished an apprenticeship, or you have more than one year of work behind you. The advertisement states each of those limits.

Practical tip: on NATS, search Enrolment ID STLRAC000010. On Apprenticeship India, search Establishment ID E05203600040 and the establishment name RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT. A name-only search returns other establishments.

What Documents Are Required?

Carry these if you are shortlisted, at document verification or joining:

• Duly filled application form
• NATS or NAPS profile printout
• 10th class mark sheet and certificate
• Consolidated or final mark sheet of the qualifying exam
• Original or provisional certificate of the qualifying exam
• Caste certificate, if applicable
• PwD certificate, if applicable
• Valid EWS certificate, if applicable
• Photo identity card issued by the Government of India (PAN, Voter ID or Driving Licence)
• Aadhaar card (mandatory)
• Copy of an Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook or statement
• Medical fitness certificate issued by a Government Civil Assistant Surgeon
• Two latest passport-size photographs
• Police verification certificate at joining

Document alert: the police verification must cover the place of last residence for at least the past one year, or the permanent address. A certificate from a short-stay address may not match the notice.

Service Conditions

Training is for one year under the Apprentices Act 1961. Before it starts, the selected candidate must execute a contract of apprenticeship on NATS or NAPS. Withdrawal is not allowed except for reasons beyond the candidate’s control.

The notice says there is no obligation to employ apprentices after training. RCI may terminate the apprenticeship if circumstances warrant, without assigning a reason. No hostel, quarter or transport is provided at the interview or during the apprenticeship. Legal disputes fall under the High Court at Hyderabad, Telangana. Selected candidates must follow rules framed by the administration.

What Happens After Selection?

1. Shortlisted candidates get an email at the address used in the application.
2. Document verification is held before the contract is created. A qualification mismatch ends the candidature.
3. The candidate executes the apprenticeship contract on NATS or NAPS before training starts.
4. At joining, a valid police verification certificate and the medical fitness certificate must be produced.
5. Training runs for one year at RCI, Hyderabad. The advertisement does not promise absorption, hostel, quarters or transport. Stipend follows the gazette route cited above, subject to attendance and continuation of training.

Contact & Helpline

The advertisement prints this correspondence email and address. It does not print a recruitment phone number.

• Email: hrd.apply@gov.in
• Address: Research Centre Imarat, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, DRDO, Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad – 500 069
• Updates: DRDO vacancies page

⚠️ Contact details sourced from the official notification. Verify before contacting. NEVER pay any money over the phone or to any person claiming to offer job assistance. Report fraud to cybercrime.gov.in.

Important Links

FAQs – DRDO RCI Apprentice 2026

What is the last date to apply for DRDO RCI apprentice seats?

30 days from the newspaper publication of this advertisement. The PDF does not print a calendar date. The DRDO vacancies page lists 01 November 2026 as the end date. Confirm that date on the portal, and submit 2–3 days early. No extension is printed in the advertisement.

What is the age limit for DRDO RCI apprentice recruitment?

Not less than 18 years as on 01 September 2026. The advertisement does not print an upper age, and it does not print extra years for SC, ST, OBC or PwD. Use the printed floor only.

Is there an exam for this recruitment, or is it interview-based?

No written test is mentioned. Selection is based on academic merit, or an interview as required, then document verification. An interview is not promised for every seat. Shortlisted candidates are told by email.

What is the stipend for DRDO RCI apprentice seats?

Not printed in rupees in the advertisement. It points to the Gazette dated 03 September 2025. Prescribed minimums in the related 15 September 2025 MSDE memorandum are ₹12,300 (graduate), ₹10,900 (diploma) and ₹9,600 (national or state certificate) per month. The engagement letter controls the amount paid. Graduate and Technician apprentices need an Aadhaar-seeded account for the 50% BOAT share.

Can final-year students apply for DRDO RCI apprentice seats?

The notice does not discuss final-year students by name. It allows only regular candidates who have already secured 70% or CGPA 7.5 in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026. A candidate still awaiting that result should not assume eligibility.

Is DRDO RCI apprenticeship a permanent government job?

No. This is apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961, not an employment relationship. The advertisement says there is no obligation to employ apprentices after training.

Can candidates from other states apply for DRDO RCI recruitment?

Yes. The advertisement invites Indian nationals. It does not mention a Telangana domicile condition. Training is at Hyderabad, and no hostel is provided.

Where will I be posted if I get selected?

At Research Centre Imarat, Vignyana Kancha, Hyderabad – 500 069. The advertisement does not offer a choice of location, and it does not provide hostel, quarters or transport.

What should I know before applying?

The honest downside is printed in the instructions. Training does not create a job claim. No hostel, quarters, or transport is provided. RCI may terminate the apprenticeship without assigning a reason. A higher qualification, a past apprenticeship, or more than one year of work experience blocks the application.

Which portal should ITI and engineering candidates use?

Graduate and Diploma candidates use NATS 2.0 only, Enrolment ID STLRAC000010. ITI candidates use Apprenticeship India only, Establishment ID E05203600040. Registering on the wrong portal does not count as an application to RCI.

Pre-Apprenticeship Checklist – Before You Apply

Use this checklist before you apply:

• You meet the eligibility criteria (named branch or trade, 70% or CGPA 7.5, pass year 2022–2026, not below 18 as on 01 September 2026).
• You understand this is a one-year apprenticeship training engagement under the Apprentices Act, 1961, and there is no automatic permanent claim after completion.
• You are ready for hands-on training in the branch or trade you select at RCI, Hyderabad.
• You understand the stipend is “as per Govt norms” under the Gazette dated 03 September 2025, not a figure printed by RCI, and that attendance affects payment.
• You are prepared to maintain attendance and discipline as per the Apprentices Act, 1961 and rules framed by the RCI administration.

📄 Primary source: RCI official advertisement PDF, Advertisement No. RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027, published on the DRDO vacancies page on 01 October 2026. The recruitment facts above are drawn from that notification. The stipend minima are from the Gazette dated 03 September 2025, as cited in the notice, via the MSDE office memorandum dated 15 September 2025, and are labelled as prescribed minima, not as RCI-printed pay. Practical tips are labelled separately.