If you’re looking to start a career in defence research, the DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025 at Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, is a great opportunity.
A total of 195 posts are available for Graduate, Technician, and Trade Apprentices, offering hands-on training in engineering and technical trades for one year under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
In this guide, you’ll get all key details for DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025, like vacancies, eligibility, age limit, application process, training duration, stipend, and official links.
Table of Contents
DRDO Apprentice Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO |
| Post Name | Graduate, Technician, and Trade Apprentices |
| Advertisement Number | ACEM/ HRD/ APPRENTICESHIP/ 2025-26 |
| Notification Date | 25 September 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 195 |
| Training Duration | 1 Year |
| Application Mode | Online via the NATS 2.0 portal & the Apprenticeship India portal |
| Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Date to Apply | 27 September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply & fee payment | 26 October 2025 |
Application Fee
- There is no application fee or registration charge for applying to the DRDO RCI Apprenticeship posts for the financial year 2025-26.
- Candidates can apply and register on the respective portals without any fee payment.
Age Limit (as on 01 September 2025)
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 25 years
- Age Relaxation as per the Government of India rules for reserved categories is applicable.
Vacancy Details
| Apprenticeship Category | Essential Qualification | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E./B.Tech in ECE, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering | 40 |
| Technician Apprentice | Diploma in ECE, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering | 20 |
| Trade Apprentice | ITI (NCVT/SCVT) in trades like Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Diesel Mechanic, Draughtsman Mechanical, Electrician, Library Assistant, COPA | 135 |
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Minimum 18 years as on 01 September 2025
- Educational Qualifications:
- Graduate Apprentices: B.E./B.Tech in relevant disciplines with a minimum of 70% marks
- Technician Apprentices: Diploma in relevant disciplines with a minimum of 70% marks
- Trade Apprentices: ITI pass out in notified trades.
Other Conditions:
- Candidates must not be currently undergoing or have completed apprenticeship training elsewhere.
- Candidates with more than one year of work experience are not eligible.
- An Aadhaar-seeded Bank Account is mandatory for stipend payment.
Application Process
- Graduate and Diploma candidates should register and apply via the NATS 2.0 portal with enrollment ID STLRAC000010 for the Research Centre Imarat.
- ITI candidates should apply via https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in under the establishment name Research Centre Imarat (ID E05203600040).
- Candidates must complete a 100% profile on the respective portal before applying.
Important Links
| Link Type | URL |
|---|---|
| NATS 2.0 Portal (for Graduate and Diploma candidates) | Click Here |
| Apprenticeship India (for ITI candidates) | Click Here |
| Official Notification | download PDF |
| Official Website | DRDO official |
Important Guidelines
- Candidates must carry original and self-attested copies of all required documents during document verification and joining.
- A medical fitness certificate from a Civil Assistant Surgeon is mandatory.
- A police verification certificate must also be submitted.
- The apprenticeship training is for one year only and does not guarantee a job afterwards.
- The administration can change or cancel the recruitment process if needed, following the rules.
Selection Process
- Selection is merit-based, according to academic performance (percentage of marks).
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification.
- Candidates must provide:
- Original certificates
- Aadhaar-linked bank account details
- Medical fitness certificate
- Police verification certificate
stipend (salary)
The monthly stipend for apprentices at Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO, Hyderabad is:
- Graduate Apprentice: ₹9,000
- Technician (Diploma) Apprentice: ₹8,000
- Trade (ITI) Apprentice: ₹7,000
Stipends are provided as per the Apprentices Act, 1961 and government norms. Payment is made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to an Aadhaar-seeded bank account, with 50% of the stipend directly credited.
FAQs: DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025-26
Who can apply for the RCI DRDO Apprenticeship 2025?
Only Indian nationals with the required educational qualifications—Graduate, Diploma, or ITI—can apply. Candidates should not have prior apprenticeship training or more than one year of work experience.
What is the training duration?
The apprenticeship training lasts for 1 year across all categories.
Is there any application fee?
No application fee is required to apply for any of the apprenticeships.
Conclusion
The RCI DRDO Apprenticeship 2025 provides a great opportunity for fresh engineering graduates, diploma holders, and ITI pass-outs to gain practical experience at a premier missile research lab. Eligible candidates should apply online early.
For those exploring similar opportunities, you can also check out the RRC ECR Patna Apprentice Recruitment 2025 to expand your apprenticeship options and kickstart your career in the railway sector.
