DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Applications Open for 195 Graduate, Diploma and ITI Seats

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced an apprenticeship opportunity at its Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad for eligible graduate, diploma and ITI candidates. The recruitment drive offers training opportunities in technical and trade disciplines, allowing candidates to gain practical experience in a defence research environment.

The reported recruitment intake is 195 apprentice positions for the 2026 training cycle. Candidates interested in the opportunity should review the official notification carefully to confirm the discipline-wise vacancies, educational qualifications, age requirements, stipend, application procedure and closing date before submitting an application.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview

Who Can Apply for DRDO RCI Apprenticeships?

Eligibility depends on the apprenticeship category and the discipline advertised. Graduate applicants generally need a qualifying degree in the relevant engineering or academic discipline, while diploma applicants must hold the prescribed diploma qualification. ITI applicants must have completed the relevant trade from a recognised institution.

Candidates should check whether the notification specifies restrictions concerning the year of qualification, previous apprenticeship training, work experience or the date by which the required qualification must have been obtained. Meeting the basic educational requirement alone does not guarantee selection.

Categories of Apprenticeship Training

• Graduate apprentices: Intended for eligible candidates holding the relevant bachelor's degree, particularly in disciplines specified in the recruitment notice.
• Diploma apprentices: Intended for candidates who have completed a qualifying diploma in an advertised technical discipline.
• ITI apprentices: Intended for candidates with the required Industrial Training Institute qualification in a listed trade.

The exact discipline-wise distribution of the reported 195 positions should be taken from the official vacancy table. Applicants should not assume that every discipline or trade has vacancies under all three categories.

How to Apply for DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026

1. Visit the official DRDO website at drdo.gov.in.
2. Open the careers or apprenticeship recruitment section and locate the Research Centre Imarat notification.
3. Read the complete advertisement, including eligibility conditions, vacancy distribution and application deadlines.
4. Register on the apprenticeship portal specified in the notification, if required for the relevant category.
5. Complete the application using accurate personal, educational and contact details.
6. Upload the required certificates, photograph and other documents in the prescribed format.
7. Submit the application according to the notified procedure and retain the confirmation for reference.

Selection Process

Apprentice selection procedures may differ by category and recruitment notice. Depending on the official rules, shortlisting may consider academic marks, qualification-specific criteria, document verification or other prescribed assessments. Candidates should not assume that a written examination or interview is compulsory unless the notification explicitly states so.

Shortlisted applicants may be required to present original educational certificates, identity documents and other records. Any discrepancy between the application and supporting documents can affect eligibility or selection.

Stipend and Training Benefits

Apprenticeships provide structured workplace training rather than permanent employment. Selected candidates may receive a stipend in accordance with the applicable apprenticeship rules and the recruitment notification. The amount can vary by qualification category and programme, so applicants should confirm the applicable rate in the official advertisement.

Training at a defence research establishment may provide exposure to technical processes, workplace practices and professional discipline. However, completion of apprenticeship training should not be interpreted as a guarantee of regular employment with DRDO.

Important Instructions for Applicants

• Check the final application deadline before starting registration.
• Verify the required qualification and discipline against the official vacancy list.
• Confirm whether previous apprenticeship training affects eligibility.
• Use the application portal specified for the relevant apprentice category.
• Keep copies of the application, submitted documents and acknowledgement.
• Follow official communications for shortlisting, document verification and joining instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many vacancies are reported under DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

The recruitment drive has been reported to offer 195 apprenticeship positions across graduate, diploma and ITI categories. Candidates should verify the final category-wise distribution in the official notice.

Can ITI candidates apply?

Yes, eligible ITI candidates can apply for trades included in the recruitment notification, subject to the prescribed qualification and other conditions.

Where is the training conducted?

The recruitment is associated with Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Is DRDO apprenticeship a permanent government job?

No. Apprenticeship is a fixed training engagement and does not automatically lead to permanent employment.

Where can candidates find the official notification?

Candidates should visit drdo.gov.in and locate the relevant Research Centre Imarat apprenticeship advertisement. They should follow any linked apprenticeship portal instructions mentioned in the notice.

Conclusion

DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers a potential entry point for eligible graduates, diploma holders and ITI candidates seeking structured technical training. Before applying, candidates should confirm the official vacancy distribution, eligibility rules, stipend and application dates. Using the original notification as the final reference will help applicants avoid missed deadlines and eligibility-related errors.