DRDO RCI Apprentice Online Form 2026

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, invites applications for 195 Apprentice positions under the Apprentices Act 1961. RCI is a premier DRDO laboratory focused on missile systems and aerospace technologies. This apprenticeship program offers one year of practical training in various trades including Engineering (Graduate/Diploma) and non-Engineering (ITI) disciplines. Successful apprentices gain valuable hands-on experience in defence research and development, with monthly stipend as per Government norms. After completion, apprentices receive a certificate from the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) and may be eligible for regular DRDO recruitment through future selection processes.

Important Dates

Vacancy Breakdown (Typical / Indicative)

Note: Actual category-wise distribution will be as per Government reservation policy. Vacancies are spread across Graduate Apprentices, Technician Apprentices (Diploma), and Trade Apprentices (ITI).

Educational Qualification

For Graduate Apprentices:

• B.E./B.Tech in relevant Engineering disciplines (Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, Electrical, etc.)
• Degree must be from AICTE approved institution
• Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST candidates)

For Technician Apprentices:

• Diploma in Engineering (3 years) in relevant branches
• From recognized State Board of Technical Education
• Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST candidates)

For Trade Apprentices:

• ITI Certificate in relevant trades (Electrician, Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Electronics Mechanic, etc.)
• Must have completed National Trade Certificate under NCVT/SCVT

Age Limit

Age Requirements as on closing date of application:

Age Relaxation:

Nationality

Applicants must be:

• Citizens of India, OR
• Subject of Nepal, OR
• Subject of Bhutan, OR
• Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with intention of permanently settling, OR
• Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries with intention to permanently settle in India

How to Apply Online

1. Visit the official DRDO RCI website (www.rcilab.in) or DRDO main portal
2. Navigate to the 'Careers' or 'Recruitment' section and locate the Apprentice notification
3. Read the detailed advertisement carefully and check eligibility criteria
4. Click on 'Apply Online' link which redirects to the online application portal
5. Register as a new user by providing basic details (Name, Email ID, Mobile Number)
6. Verify your email and mobile through OTP received
7. Login using credentials and fill the online application form with personal, educational, and other required details
8. Upload scanned documents: Recent photograph (50 KB), Signature (20 KB), Educational certificates, Caste certificate if applicable, ID proof (all in JPG/PDF format)
9. Review all entered information carefully before submission
10. Pay the application fee (if applicable) through online mode - Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI
11. Submit the application form and note down the Registration Number/Application ID
12. Download and print the completed application form for future reference
13. No need to send hard copy unless specifically mentioned in the notification

Application Fee

Note: DRDO Apprentice recruitments typically do not charge any application fee. However, verify from the official notification.

Selection Process

1. Merit-Based Selection: Candidates are shortlisted purely on the basis of academic merit (percentage of marks) in the qualifying examination - B.E./B.Tech for Graduate Apprentices, Diploma for Technician Apprentices, and ITI for Trade Apprentices. No written examination is conducted.

1. Preparation of Merit List: A combined merit list is prepared category-wise based on percentage of marks obtained in the final year/aggregate of the qualifying degree/diploma/ITI. Tie-breaking is done based on date of birth (older candidate preferred).

1. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates (typically 2-3 times the number of vacancies) are called for document verification at RCI Hyderabad. Candidates must bring all original documents along with self-attested photocopies for verification.

1. Medical Examination: Selected candidates undergo a basic medical fitness examination to ensure they are physically fit for training activities. This is generally a formality unless specific health issues are identified.

1. Final Selection and Engagement: After successful document verification and medical clearance, candidates receive engagement letters specifying the joining date, stipend details, and training duration. Training commences as per the scheduled batch intake.

Selection Pattern

No Written Examination Conducted

This is a merit-based apprenticeship recruitment. Selection is based entirely on academic performance in the qualifying examination.

Merit Calculation for Graduate Apprentices

Merit Calculation for Technician Apprentices

Merit Calculation for Trade Apprentices

Note: There is no negative marking as no written test is conducted. Selection is purely merit-based on educational qualifications.

Training Syllabus

The apprenticeship training syllabus is designed as per the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) guidelines and DRDO's specific requirements.

For Graduate Apprentices (Engineering)

Electronics & Communication Engineering:

• Digital electronics and microprocessor systems
• Communication systems and signal processing
• RF and microwave engineering applications
• Control systems and instrumentation
• Embedded systems and VLSI design
• Radar and telemetry systems
• Practical training on defence electronics equipment

Mechanical Engineering:

• Manufacturing processes and machining operations
• CAD/CAM and design software applications
• Material science and metallurgy
• Thermal engineering and fluid mechanics
• Metrology and quality control
• Aerospace structures and systems
• Hands-on training on precision manufacturing equipment

Computer Science/IT:

• Programming languages (C, C++, Java, Python)
• Database management systems and SQL
• Software engineering and testing methodologies
• Network administration and cybersecurity
• Web technologies and application development
• Data structures and algorithms implementation
• Real-time operating systems for defence applications

For Technician Apprentices (Diploma)

Practical Training Components:

• Workshop practice and equipment handling
• Technical drawing and AutoCAD
• Testing and troubleshooting techniques
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Quality assurance procedures
• Safety protocols in defence laboratories
• Documentation and report writing

For Trade Apprentices (ITI)

Electrician Trade:

• Electrical wiring and installations
• Motor rewinding and maintenance
• Panel board assembly and testing
• PLC basics and industrial automation
• Electrical safety and earthing systems

Fitter Trade:

• Fitting operations and hand tools
• Precision measurement instruments
• Assembly and dismantling of mechanical systems
• Maintenance of machinery and equipment

Electronics Mechanic:

• Electronic circuit assembly and testing
• PCB fabrication and soldering techniques
• Troubleshooting of electronic equipment
• Measurement and calibration procedures

Other Trades:

• Trade-specific practical skills as per NCVT syllabus
• On-the-job training under experienced supervisors
• Soft skills and workplace communication

Apprenticeship Stipend Details (Typical / Indicative)

Additional Information:

• Stipend is paid monthly as per the Apprentices Act 1961 and Ministry of Skill Development guidelines
• No DA, HRA, or other allowances are provided during apprenticeship period
• Apprentices are not entitled to leave encashment or gratuity
• ESI medical benefits may be provided as per rules
• After successful completion, apprentices receive NATS certificate recognized nationwide
• No guarantee of regular employment post-apprenticeship, but preference may be given in future DRDO recruitments
• Working hours are typically 8 hours per day, 6 days a week as per establishment norms

Upon successful completion of the one-year apprenticeship training, candidates receive a National Apprenticeship Certificate that is recognized across India and enhances employability in both government and private sectors. While there is no automatic absorption into DRDO, former apprentices often receive preference in regular DRDO recruitment drives for Scientist, Technical Assistant, and other positions. Many apprentices leverage this experience to secure positions in defence PSUs like HAL, BEL, BDL, or pursue higher studies with practical research exposure.

No admit card is required for DRDO RCI Apprentice recruitment as there is no written examination. Shortlisted candidates based on merit will receive call letters via email and SMS for document verification rounds. Candidates should regularly check their registered email ID and mobile number for communication from DRDO RCI. The document verification call letter will contain reporting date, time, venue, and list of original documents to be brought.

The merit list of selected candidates is published on the official DRDO RCI website (www.rcilab.in) typically within 30-45 days of the application deadline. Results are displayed category-wise showing registration numbers, names, and merit positions of successful candidates. Selected candidates are intimated through email and SMS to their registered contact details. The wait-listed candidates may also be indicated for future engagement in case of any vacancies arising due to non-joining of selected candidates.

Typical cutoff percentages for DRDO RCI Apprentice selection are: General category candidates require around 65-75% marks in qualifying examination, OBC candidates around 60-70%, and SC/ST candidates around 55-65%. However, actual cutoffs vary depending on the number of applications, vacancy distribution, and overall merit pool for that particular recruitment cycle. Graduate Apprentice positions generally have higher cutoffs compared to Technician and Trade Apprentice categories due to larger applicant numbers.

Document Verification Centres

Document verification is conducted exclusively at:

Primary Centre:

• Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Vignyanakancha PO, Hyderabad - 500069, Telangana

Note: All shortlisted candidates must report to RCI Hyderabad for document verification. No other examination or verification centres are available. Candidates should make necessary travel arrangements. Local candidates from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states form the majority of applicants, though applications are accepted from across India.