DRDO RCI Apprentice 2026: Apply Online for 195 Graduate, Diploma & ITI Posts

The Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a premier avionics and missile research laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has officially rolled out its recruitment notification for apprentice training across technical and engineering domains for 2026. The engagement drive offers candidates an opportunity to gain hands-on operational exposure within India’s cutting-edge defense establishment. Online applications have officially commenced across centralized national apprenticeship portals, offering a total of 195 designated positions distributed strategically among trade, diploma, and degree holders.

195 Vacancies Across Disciplines: Clear Division for Graduate, Technician, and Trade Streams

The recruitment drive categorizes available training slots into three specific educational tiers to accommodate diverse technical backgrounds:

• Graduate Apprenticeship (50 Posts): Open exclusively to candidates holding a recognized B.E. or B.Tech degree in relevant engineering disciplines.

• Technician Apprenticeship (30 Posts): Designed for candidates holding a formal state or central technical diploma.

• Trade Apprenticeship (115 Posts): Tailored for candidates possessing National Trade Certificates from recognized Industrial Training Institutes (ITI).

Strict Eligibility Criteria: Minimum 70% Cutoff and Baseline Age Standards

To ensure high technical merit during the screening phase, DRDO RCI has established a minimum academic threshold. Applicants must have secured at least 70 percent aggregate marks or a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 7.5 and above in their respective qualifying degree, diploma, or ITI examination. Candidate age profiles will be benchmarked as of September 1, 2026, mandating that applicants must not be below 18 years of age at the time of consideration, alongside standard statutory age relaxations applicable as per central government norms.

Selection Architecture: Merit Shortlisting, Technical Interview, and Strict Verification

The selection roadmap is structured across academic performance evaluation, personal interview, and physical document verification. Candidate applications will first be scrutinized based on qualifying examination scores, with shortlisted candidates receiving formal interview invitations directly via their registered email addresses. Finalized candidates will be required to present mandatory original credentials during in-person verification, including their Class 10th matriculation certificate for age proof, qualifying degree/diploma/ITI mark sheets, valid caste or category certificates (if claiming reservations), disability certificates (for PwD candidates), Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, statutory government identity proof (such as Voter ID or Passport), and verification documents.

Portal Registration Details: Where and How to Submit Online Applications

Eligible candidates must register through specific statutory apprenticeship portals depending on their educational tier:

• Engineering Degree & Diploma Holders: Graduate and Technician candidates must complete their online registration and profile enrollment through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal at nats.education.gov.in.

• ITI Trade Holders: Trade apprenticeship applicants must file their candidatures directly via the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) gateway at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.

Applicants are strongly advised to verify that all personal biodata, scanned mark sheets, and active email contacts match their official certificates before final form submission.