Table of ContentsClick to view all sections
- DRDO RCI Apprentice Online Form 2026: Overview
- Important Dates
- Vacancies and Qualification
- Age Limit and Relaxation
- Application Fee and Stipend
- Selection Process and Training Period
- How to Apply: Choose the Correct Portal
- Documents to Keep Ready
- Before You Submit: Checks That Can Prevent Application Errors
- What to Expect After Applying
- Final Takeaway
- Official Links
The DRDO RCI Apprentice Online Form 2026 relates to 195 apprenticeship training seats at Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad. The opportunity covers graduate, diploma and ITI apprentice categories. Graduate and diploma candidates are directed to apply through the NATS 2.0 portal, while ITI candidates should use the NAPS portal. The stated application period opens on 10 October 2026 and closes on 8 November 2026 at 23:59.
The advertisement number is RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027. It refers to apprentice engagement for the year 2027. When checking the official DRDO website, use the advertisement number to identify the notice and verify the current instructions. The DRDO RCI Apprentice Online Form is an application for a fixed training engagement; it does not promise permanent employment with DRDO.
This guide organises the available recruitment details by dates, seat category, qualification, age information, selection, documents and portal. Some particulars, including individual engineering branches, ITI trades, stipend and the specific upper-age limit, are not stated in the details available here. Where a point is not confirmed, check the official notification and the relevant portal listing rather than relying on an assumption.
DRDO RCI Apprentice Online Form 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Establishment | Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex |
| Advertisement number | RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2027 |
| Engagement year stated in advertisement | 2027 |
| Total training seats | 195 |
| Engagement period | 12 months |
| Application mode | Online through NATS 2.0 or NAPS, according to apprentice category |
| Application fee | No fee |
| Application deadline | 8 November 2026, up to 23:59 |
The application route depends on the qualification category. A degree holder applying for a graduate apprenticeship and a diploma holder applying for a technician apprenticeship should use NATS 2.0. An ITI-qualified candidate applying for a trade apprenticeship should use NAPS. Choosing the correct portal is an important first step because the two systems use different establishment IDs and candidate-profile requirements.
Important Dates
| Event | Date or status |
|---|---|
| Online application opens | 10 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 8 November 2026, up to 23:59 |
| Merit list or interview | To be notified later |
| Document verification | After the merit list |
The opening and closing dates are the dates shown in the recruitment details. The available information does not give a confirmed date for the merit list, any interview, or document verification. Candidates should therefore check the official RCI notification and monitor relevant portal updates rather than treating an unannounced date as final. If the authority publishes a correction or further schedule, follow the latest official communication.
The deadline includes a specific closing time: 23:59 on 8 November 2026. Avoid leaving registration, profile completion, or submission until the final minutes. If you have already applied, retain your application or profile status so that you can refer to it if required. Read the official RCI notification for updates and the full notice.
Vacancies and Qualification
| Apprentice category | Seats | Qualification and passing-year requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | 50 | B.E. or B.Tech in a relevant engineering branch from a recognised university or institute. Stated passing years: 2022 to 2026. Minimum: 70% aggregate marks or 7.5 CGPA. |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma) | 30 | Diploma in a relevant engineering branch from a recognised State Board of Technical Education. Stated passing years: 2022 to 2026. Minimum: 70% aggregate marks or 7.5 CGPA. |
| Trade Apprentice (ITI) | 115 | Class 10 pass plus an ITI certificate in a relevant trade from an NCVT- or SCVT-affiliated institute. Stated passing years: 2022 to 2026. Minimum: 70% aggregate marks or 7.5 CGPA. |
| Total | 195 | Confirm the relevant branch or trade and any category-wise instructions in the notification. |
The seat distribution is 50 graduate apprentices, 30 technician apprentices and 115 trade apprentices. These figures add up to 195 training seats. The available recruitment details do not name the individual engineering branches or ITI trades, so applicants should not assume that every specialisation is included. Check the official notice and the opportunity displayed on the correct apprenticeship portal to confirm that the exact branch or trade is listed.
For a graduate application, the stated qualification is a B.E. or B.Tech in a relevant engineering branch from a recognised university or institute. For the diploma category, the stated qualification is a diploma in a relevant engineering branch from a recognised State Board of Technical Education. For the ITI category, the stated combination is Class 10 pass and an ITI certificate in a relevant trade from an NCVT- or SCVT-affiliated institute. Each category also has the stated passing-year range of 2022 to 2026 and marks or CGPA threshold shown in the table.
Before applying, compare your qualification certificate with the category description rather than relying on a similar-sounding course name. Confirm the year in which you passed and check how the required aggregate marks or CGPA are to be assessed under the notice. If your branch, trade, institute status, passing year or result format is unclear, use the official notification or portal listing to resolve the question before submitting an application. The details provided here do not specify an alternative threshold or exception.
Age Limit and Relaxation
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Age reckoning date | 1 September 2026 |
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| Maximum age | As prescribed under the Apprenticeship Rules or DRDO norms; no specific upper-age figure is stated in the recruitment details. |
| Relaxation | Upper-age relaxation is stated for SC, ST, OBC and PwD candidates under applicable Government of India apprenticeship guidelines. |
The minimum age is 18 years when reckoned on 1 September 2026. The available details do not provide a numerical maximum age. They state that the maximum is governed by the Apprenticeship Rules or DRDO norms and that upper-age relaxation applies to SC, ST, OBC and PwD candidates under applicable Government of India apprenticeship guidelines.
Because the exact upper-age limit, category conditions and relaxation particulars are not fully specified here, candidates should consult the official notification for the rule that applies to them. Do not use a maximum age or relaxation figure copied from a different recruitment as a substitute for the conditions in this notice.
Application Fee and Stipend
Application fee: No application fee is required from candidates on either the NATS or NAPS portal, according to the available recruitment details. Use the official application route and be cautious about requests for payment that do not appear in the notice or portal instructions.
Stipend: The available recruitment details do not state a stipend amount. No amount should be assumed from this guide. Check the official notification or the relevant portal listing for the applicable apprenticeship terms before applying.
Selection Process and Training Period
Selection is based on academic merit in the essential qualification and may also include a personal interview, as decided by the screening committee. The available details do not confirm that every candidate will be interviewed or provide a written-examination schedule. Follow the official notice and later communications for the confirmed process, shortlist and dates.
- Academic merit: Marks in the essential qualification form the stated basis for selection.
- Possible interview: A personal interview may be conducted at the discretion of the screening committee.
- Credential verification: Shortlisted applicants are called to verify original credentials and supporting documents.
- Medical fitness: A pre-engagement medical fitness certificate from an authorised medical officer is required.
- Training duration: The apprenticeship is for 12 months under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
- No promise of a permanent job: Apprentice engagement does not create a right to regular absorption or permanent employment in DRDO.
Being eligible to apply does not by itself mean a candidate will be selected. The stated selection basis is academic merit, with an interview possible if the screening committee decides to include one. Candidates who are shortlisted should be ready to produce original credentials for verification and meet the medical fitness requirement before engagement. The exact sequence and schedule should be taken from official communications.
The 12-month period is training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. It should be understood as a defined apprenticeship engagement, not as a regular DRDO appointment. Completing the training does not confer a claim to permanent employment or regular absorption in DRDO.
How to Apply: Choose the Correct Portal
To complete the DRDO RCI Apprentice Online Form, apply online through the apprenticeship portal that corresponds to your category. Graduate and diploma applicants should use NATS 2.0; ITI applicants should use NAPS. The establishment IDs in the recruitment details can help candidates locate the RCI opportunity. Check both the establishment name and the category shown before proceeding.
| Step | Graduate and diploma applicants (NATS) | ITI applicants (NAPS) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open the NATS 2.0 portal and register or sign in. | Open the NAPS portal and register or sign in. |
| 2 | Complete the student profile and obtain your Enrollment ID. | Complete the candidate profile and e-KYC. |
| 3 | Open Apprenticeship Opportunities and search for “Research Centre Imarat, DRDO” using establishment enrollment ID STLRAC000010. | Open Apprenticeship Opportunities and search for “RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT” using establishment ID E05203600040. |
| 4 | Choose the matching engineering branch and submit the application. | Find the matching ITI trade and submit the application. |
| 5 | Submit by 8 November 2026 at 23:59. Save or print your submitted application or profile status for reference. | |
For NATS, finish the student profile and obtain the Enrollment ID before searching for the RCI opportunity. Use establishment enrollment ID STLRAC000010 to find the “Research Centre Imarat, DRDO” listing, then select the matching engineering branch. This route applies to graduate and diploma applicants, not ITI trade applicants.
For NAPS, complete the candidate profile and e-KYC before looking for the opportunity. Search for “RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT” using establishment ID E05203600040, and choose the matching ITI trade. This route applies to candidates for the trade apprentice category. If a listing or category does not match your qualification, pause and confirm the instructions rather than submitting under an unrelated option.
In either portal, review the information entered before submitting. Check that your personal details, qualification, passing year and selected category are consistent with your supporting documents and the eligibility conditions. Submit by the stated deadline and save or print the application or profile status. The application details supplied here do not identify additional required fields beyond the stated portal steps, so follow the live portal instructions where they ask for information.
Documents to Keep Ready
Shortlisted candidates should be prepared to produce the original credentials requested for verification. The recruitment details specifically refer to the following documents and records:
- Educational records: Marksheets and certificates for the essential qualification, such as degree, diploma or ITI documents.
- Category certificate: Caste certificate, where applicable.
- Photo identification: A valid photo ID.
- Medical fitness certification: A certificate from an authorised medical officer is required before engagement.
- Application record: Keep your submitted application or profile status for your own reference.
This list reflects the documents named in the available details; it may not be the complete list required at every stage. Use the official notice to confirm the full document list, certificate conditions and any required format. Keep the details in your application consistent with the certificates you may be asked to produce. Original credentials are relevant to the verification stage for shortlisted applicants.
Before You Submit: Checks That Can Prevent Application Errors
- Use the correct portal: NATS 2.0 is for graduate and diploma categories. NAPS is for ITI trade applicants.
- Check the establishment ID: Use STLRAC000010 for the stated NATS search and E05203600040 for the stated NAPS search. Confirm the displayed establishment name as well.
- Match your qualification: Apply only to a category and opportunity that match your degree, diploma or ITI qualification.
- Confirm the branch or trade: The individual branches and trades are not listed in the details here. Verify your exact specialisation in the notice and portal listing.
- Check passing year and result: The stated range is 2022–2026, with at least 70% aggregate marks or 7.5 CGPA. Confirm the requirement for your category in the official notice.
- Complete the portal profile: NATS applicants need a completed student profile and Enrollment ID; NAPS applicants need a completed candidate profile and e-KYC.
- Review age rules: The minimum age is 18 as on 1 September 2026, while the specific upper-age figure is not provided in the available details.
- Check supporting records: Keep educational certificates, marksheets, valid photo ID and any applicable caste certificate ready for verification.
- Submit before the closing time: The stated deadline is 8 November 2026 at 23:59. Allow time to complete the portal steps.
- Save proof of submission: Keep a copy or record of your submitted application or profile status.
- Rely on official updates: Confirm dates, category instructions and any subsequent changes through the notification and relevant portal.
These checks are useful because the process involves separate portals and separate establishment IDs. A candidate can avoid a preventable mismatch by identifying their category first, then following the corresponding portal route. The portal listing should also match the branch or trade for which the candidate holds the stated qualification. If the available information does not answer a question—for example, the exact upper-age limit or the applicable stipend—verify it in the official notice or portal rather than filling the gap with an assumption.
What to Expect After Applying
The available information says that a merit list or interview schedule will be notified later. It also states that document verification follows the merit list. Since no date is provided for these stages, candidates should check the official RCI notification and subsequent communications for announcements. Do not treat an estimated schedule from an unofficial source as confirmed.
If shortlisted, be ready to present original educational credentials and the supporting documents requested by the establishment. The recruitment details also require a pre-engagement medical fitness certificate from an authorised medical officer. The full instructions on when and how to provide documents should be confirmed from the official communication for the relevant stage.
The apprenticeship lasts 12 months under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The engagement is for training and does not guarantee regular absorption or permanent employment in DRDO. Candidates should consider this condition when deciding whether the opportunity meets their plans.
Final Takeaway
The DRDO RCI Apprentice Online Form 2026 covers 195 one-year training seats: 50 Graduate Apprentice, 30 Technician Apprentice (Diploma) and 115 Trade Apprentice (ITI). The stated application dates are 10 October to 8 November 2026, with the closing time set at 23:59 on the final day. Graduate and diploma applicants should use NATS 2.0, while ITI applicants should use NAPS.
Before applying, confirm your qualification, passing year, marks or CGPA, relevant branch or trade and applicable age conditions in the official notice. Use the correct establishment ID and save your submission record. The advertised engagement is apprenticeship training, not a promise of a permanent DRDO job. The DRDO RCI Apprentice Online Form details and any subsequent changes should be checked against the official notification and portal listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many seats are available in the DRDO RCI apprentice recruitment?
There are 195 seats in total: 50 Graduate Apprentice, 30 Technician Apprentice (Diploma) and 115 Trade Apprentice (ITI).
What is the last date to apply?
The stated deadline is 8 November 2026, up to 23:59. Submit through the correct portal before the closing time.
Which portal should I use to apply?
Graduate and diploma applicants should use NATS 2.0. Applicants for the ITI Trade Apprentice category should use NAPS.
What establishment IDs are given for the listings?
Use STLRAC000010 on NATS to search for the Research Centre Imarat, DRDO listing for graduate and diploma applicants. Use E05203600040 on NAPS to search for the RESEARCH CENTRE IMARAT listing for ITI applicants.
Is there an application fee?
No. The available recruitment details state that no application fee is payable on NATS or NAPS.
What passing years and marks are specified?
The stated passing-year range is 2022 to 2026, with at least 70% aggregate marks or 7.5 CGPA. Check the official notice for the precise condition that applies to your category.
What is the age limit?
The minimum age is 18 years as on 1 September 2026. A specific upper-age figure is not stated in the available details; the maximum age is governed by the Apprenticeship Rules or DRDO norms. Check the official notification for applicable limits and relaxation.
How will candidates be selected?
Selection is based on academic merit in the essential qualification and may include a personal interview at the screening committee’s discretion. Shortlisted candidates must complete document verification and the medical fitness requirement.
Is a written examination confirmed?
The available recruitment details do not specify a written examination. Follow the official notice and later communications for the confirmed selection process.
What is the apprenticeship duration?
The stated training period is 12 months under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
Does the apprenticeship guarantee a DRDO job?
No. The engagement does not create a right to regular absorption or permanent employment in DRDO.
Is the stipend amount available?
The recruitment details available here do not state a stipend amount. Check the official notification or relevant portal listing for applicable terms.
Official Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official RCI recruitment notification | Open notification PDF |
| NATS 2.0 portal | Open NATS 2.0 |
| NAPS portal | Open Apprenticeship India |
| DRDO official website | Visit DRDO |
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