DRDO RCI Hyderabad Apprentice 2027: Eligibility & Apply

The Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a leading laboratory of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, DRDO, is looking for bright Indian nationals to join its one-year Apprenticeship program for 2027. This is a great chance for fresh graduates and ITI pass-outs to get hands-on experience at a premier defense research organization.

RCI Hyderabad offers apprenticeships across Graduate, Diploma, and ITI Trade categories. If you completed your qualifying examination between 2022 and 2026 with good marks, you could be eligible for this opportunity. Read on to find out more about the roles, eligibility, and application process.

DRDO RCI Apprentice 2027 Eligibility

To apply for the DRDO RCI Apprentice program, you must meet specific academic and age criteria. Candidates need to be at least 18 years old as of September 1, 2026. Only regular candidates who scored 70% or CGPA 7.5 and above in their qualifying examinations (Graduate, Diploma, and ITI trade) are eligible. This applies to those who passed in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Graduate Apprentice Requirements

• Qualification: B.E. / B. Tech in ECE, Instrumentation Engg, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical Engg, Metallurgical Engg, Safety Engg, Aeronautical Engg, Aerospace Engg, and Civil Engg.
• Vacancies: 50 (may vary)

Technician Apprentice (Diploma) Requirements

• Qualification: Diploma in ECE, Instrumentation Engg, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical Engg, Metallurgical Engg, and Safety Engg.
• Vacancies: 30 (may vary)

Trade Apprentice (ITI) Requirements

• Qualification: ITI in Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Mechanic-Diesel, Electronic-Mechanic, Electrician, COPA (Computer Operator Programming Assistant), Draughtsman Engg (Mech), and Grinder. (NCVT / SCVT Affiliation)
• Vacancies: 115 (may vary)

Candidates with higher qualifications are not eligible. Also, if you have already completed or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training at another organization, or have more than one year of work experience, you cannot apply. For more defense sector opportunities, you can explore other government internships.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Stipend Details

The stipend for all apprentice categories (Graduate, Diploma, and ITI Trade) will be as per Government norms. The official notice refers to a Gazette dated September 3, 2025, for specific details. For Graduate and Technician Apprentices, it is mandatory to have an Aadhaar-seeded bank account. This is because 50% of the stipend comes from the Board of Apprenticeship and Training (BOAT) under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme.

How to Apply for DRDO RCI Hyderabad Apprentice 2027

The application process is online and requires registration on specific government portals depending on your qualification. The last date to apply is November 1, 2026. Make sure you complete all steps before the deadline.

1. Step 1: Check Eligibility - Before applying, make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria mentioned in the detailed advertisement.
2. Step 2: Register on Portal -
   
   • For B.E. / B.Tech / Diploma candidates, registration on the NATS 2.0 portal is mandatory.
   • For ITI Trade apprentices, registration on https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in is mandatory.
3. Step 3: Apply for RCI -
   
   • B.E. / B.Tech / Diploma candidates should log in to https://nats.education.gov.in and select 'Research Centre Imarat, DRDO' using Enrolment ID: STLRAC000010.
   • ITI Trade candidates should log in to https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in, click on 'Apprenticeship Opportunities', and search by 'Establishment Name' for 'RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT, DRDO' (Establishment ID: E05203600040). Then, choose your respective trade and apply.
4. Step 4: Prepare Documents - If shortlisted, you will need to bring original and self-attested copies of documents for verification. These include your application form, NATS/NAPS profile printout, 10th class mark sheet and certificate, consolidated/final mark sheet of qualifying exam, original/provisional certificate of qualifying exam, caste certificate (if applicable), PWD certificate (if applicable), valid EWS certificate (if applicable), any photo ID card issued by the Government of India, Aadhaar Card (mandatory), copy of Aadhaar seeded bank passbook/statement, and a medical fitness certificate.

You can find the advertisement and application form PDF at this link. For more DRDO opportunities, check out our DRDO internships guide.

Selection Process

Selection for the DRDO RCI Apprentice program will be based on academic merit or an interview, as needed. This is subject to satisfactory document verification. Shortlisted candidates will receive notifications via the email ID provided in their application. It is important to regularly check your email. No TA/DA will be paid for attending any stage of the selection process.

Important Points to Note

• Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/PWD/EWS categories applies as per the Apprentices Act.
• Candidates selected for training must execute a contract of apprenticeship on the respective portals.
• A valid Police Verification Certificate is required at the time of joining.
• The establishment will not provide hostel accommodation, quarters, or transport during the apprenticeship period.
• The engagement and training are strictly under the Apprenticeship Act 1961, and there is no obligation for employment after training completion.

This is a valuable opportunity to gain experience with a premier defense organization. Make sure to apply before the deadline on November 1, 2026.