Candidates looking for an apprenticeship opportunity with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have a new recruitment drive to consider. Research Centre Imarat (RCI), operating under DRDO, has invited applications for Graduate Apprentice, Technician Apprentice and Trade Apprentice positions.

According to the recruitment details, the drive aims to fill a total of 195 apprenticeship positions across the three categories.

Eligible engineering graduates, diploma holders and ITI-qualified candidates can register through the relevant apprenticeship portals according to their qualifications. Candidates interested in applying should carefully review the detailed eligibility requirements and official notification before completing their registration.

DRDO RCI Apprentice Vacancy 2026: Post-Wise Details

The 195 apprenticeship positions have been distributed across three categories.

There are 50 vacancies for Graduate Apprentices, while 30 positions are available for Technician Apprentices. The largest share is for Trade Apprentices, with 115 vacancies mentioned under this category.

Since educational requirements vary according to the apprenticeship category, candidates should apply only for positions for which they meet the prescribed qualification.

Who Can Apply for DRDO RCI Apprenticeship?

The required educational qualification depends on the type of apprenticeship.

For Graduate Apprentice positions, candidates are required to hold a B.E. or B.Tech degree in the relevant discipline from a recognized institution.

Candidates applying for Technician Apprentice positions need an appropriate diploma in the relevant field or discipline.

For Trade Apprentice vacancies, applicants must have passed ITI in the relevant trade from a recognized institution.

The recruitment information also states that candidates should have secured at least 70% marks or 7.5 CGPA in the relevant B.E./B.Tech, diploma or ITI qualification, as applicable.

Applicants should verify the exact discipline-wise qualification and percentage requirements from the official recruitment notice before applying.

Minimum Age Requirement

According to the recruitment details, candidates should be at least 18 years old as of September 1, 2026.

Applicants should carefully verify the complete age criteria in the official notification, including any category-specific provisions or other conditions that may apply.

Meeting the minimum age requirement alone does not automatically make a candidate eligible. Educational qualifications and other conditions prescribed for the selected apprenticeship category must also be satisfied.

How Will Candidates Be Selected?

The selection process is expected to consider candidates' academic performance along with subsequent stages of the recruitment process.

According to the provided information, selection may involve marks obtained in the qualifying examination, an interview and document verification.

Candidates who are shortlisted for the interview are expected to receive information through their registered email address.

Applicants should therefore provide an active and accurate email address during registration and regularly check their inbox for recruitment-related communication.

Candidates should rely on the official notification for the final selection methodology, as the exact shortlisting procedure and other conditions are determined by the recruiting authority.

Documents Candidates Should Keep Ready

Candidates participating in the recruitment process should keep their educational and identity documents ready for verification.

Documents mentioned in the recruitment details include the Class 10 marksheet and certificate, along with the marksheets and passing certificates for the qualification relevant to the apprenticeship position.

Applicants belonging to categories requiring supporting documentation should also keep their valid caste certificate or disability certificate, where applicable.

Identity documents such as Aadhaar and PAN may also be required during the application or verification process.

Candidates should ensure that the information entered in their application matches their official documents. Differences in the candidate's name, date of birth, educational details or other information could create difficulties during verification.

Where Can Graduate and Diploma Candidates Apply?

Graduate and diploma candidates seeking Graduate or Technician Apprenticeships need to use the appropriate apprenticeship registration system.

According to the recruitment information, eligible graduate and diploma candidates can register through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal.

Applicants should complete the necessary registration and follow the instructions provided for applying to the relevant RCI apprenticeship opportunity.

Before final submission, candidates should carefully check whether all mandatory information and documents have been provided.

Where Should ITI Candidates Register?

Candidates applying for Trade Apprentice positions through their ITI qualification should use the designated apprenticeship portal applicable to their category.

According to the details provided, ITI candidates can register through the Apprenticeship India/NAPS portal.

Candidates should ensure that their profile is complete and that the qualification and trade details entered during registration are accurate.

Check the Official Notification Before Submitting Your Application

The DRDO RCI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers 195 apprenticeship opportunities for candidates with different technical qualifications, but applicants should avoid relying solely on short recruitment summaries.

Before applying, candidates should verify the discipline-wise vacancies, educational qualifications, age requirements, minimum marks, apprenticeship duration, stipend, selection procedure, registration instructions and important dates from the official notification and relevant government apprenticeship portals.

Candidates should also remember that an apprenticeship is primarily a structured training opportunity and should not automatically be treated as a guarantee of permanent employment.

Those who meet the eligibility requirements should complete their registration within the prescribed application period and regularly monitor their registered email and official recruitment channels for further updates about shortlisting, interviews and document verification.