The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), through its esteemed Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad, has announced the DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025. This recruitment drive offers a golden opportunity for young and talented Indian nationals to join one of India’s premier defence and missile research institutes as Graduate Apprentices, Technician (Diploma) Apprentices, and ITI Trade Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. With a total of 195 vacancies, this is a chance to gain hands-on experience in a prestigious organization while receiving a stipend as per government norms.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover all the essential details about the DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025, including eligibility criteria, vacancy details, stipend, selection process, application procedure, important dates, and official links. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, diploma holder, or ITI trade certificate holder, read on to learn how to apply and seize this opportunity! 🚀
DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad |
| Notification No. | RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2025-26 |
| Post Name | Graduate Apprentice, Technician (Diploma) Apprentice, ITI Trade Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 195 Posts |
| Training Duration | 1 Year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 27 September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 26 October 2025 |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
Vacancy Details for DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025
The recruitment drive offers 195 apprentice positions across three categories. Below is the breakdown of vacancies based on qualification:
| Category | Qualification | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E/B.Tech in ECE, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical | 40 |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | Diploma in ECE, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical | 20 |
| ITI Trade Apprentice | ITI in Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Mechanic Diesel, Draughtsman (Mech.), Electronic Mechanic, Electrician, COPA, Library Assistant | 135 |
| Total | 195 |
Eligibility Criteria for DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025
To apply for the DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Nationality
- Must be an Indian citizen.
Age Limit (as on 01 September 2025)
- Minimum Age: 18 years.
- Maximum Age: As per the Apprenticeship Rules and Government of India guidelines. Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) as per norms.
Educational Qualification
- Graduate Apprentice:
- B.E/B.Tech in relevant disciplines such as Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE), Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE), Computer Science Engineering (CSE), Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
- Technician (Diploma) Apprentice:
- Diploma in relevant fields such as ECE, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering.
- ITI Trade Apprentice:
- ITI certificate (NCVT/SCVT) in trades like Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Mechanic Diesel, Draughtsman (Mechanical), Electronic Mechanic, Electrician, Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA), or Library Assistant.
Passing Year Requirement
- Candidates must have completed their qualifying degree/diploma/ITI in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025.
- Minimum 70% marks are required in the qualifying examination.
Additional Notes
- Candidates with higher qualifications (e.g., M.Tech for Graduate Apprentice or Degree for Diploma Apprentice) are not eligible.
- Applicants with more than one year of work experience or those who have already completed apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act are not eligible.
Educational Qualification Summary
| Category | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E/B.Tech in ECE, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | Diploma in ECE, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical |
| ITI Trade Apprentice | ITI (NCVT/SCVT) in Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Mechanic Diesel, Draughtsman (Mech.), Electronic Mechanic, Electrician, COPA, Library Assistant |
Stipend / Salary
- The stipend for selected apprentices will be provided as per the Government norms under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
- Stipend amounts vary based on the category (Graduate, Diploma, or ITI).
- Candidates must have an Aadhaar-seeded bank account for stipend disbursement through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Selection Process for DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025
The selection process is straightforward and merit-based. It includes the following steps:
- Shortlisting Based on Academic Merit:
- Candidates will be shortlisted based on their marks in the qualifying examination (B.E/B.Tech, Diploma, or ITI).
- A minimum of 70% marks is required for consideration.
- Interview / Document Verification (if required):
- Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview or document verification to confirm eligibility.
- Medical Fitness Test:
- Candidates must pass a medical fitness test to be eligible for the apprenticeship.
- Selected candidates will be informed via email about their selection and further instructions.
How to Apply for DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025
Follow these steps to apply for the DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025:
For Graduate and Diploma Apprentices
- Register on the NATS Portal:
- Visit the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) Portal (Click Here).
- Register using the Enrolment ID: STLRAC000010.
- Complete the profile with accurate details.
- Apply for DRDO RCI:
- Search for Research Centre Imarat (RCI) on the NATS portal.
- Select the relevant apprentice category (Graduate or Diploma).
- Fill out the application form and upload required documents.
For ITI Trade Apprentices
- Register on the Apprenticeship India Portal:
- Visit the Apprenticeship India Portal (Click Here).
- Register and create a profile.
- Apply for DRDO RCI:
- Search for Establishment Name: Research Centre Imarat.
- Use Establishment ID: E05203600040.
- Select the relevant ITI trade and complete the application.
- Upload Documents:
- Upload scanned copies of the following documents:
- 10th Certificate (for age proof).
- Degree/Diploma/ITI Certificate.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Caste Certificate (if applicable).
- Bank Passbook (Aadhaar-seeded account for stipend).
- Upload scanned copies of the following documents:
- Submit Application:
- Review the application and submit it before the deadline.
Application Deadline
- Last Date to Apply: 26 October 2025.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 25 September 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 27 September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 26 October 2025 |
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| DRDO Apprentice Notification PDF | Download Here |
| NATS Portal (Graduate/Diploma Apply) | Click Here |
| Apprenticeship India Portal (ITI Apply) | Click Here |
| DRDO Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
Key Takeaways
- DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025 offers 195 vacancies for Graduate, Diploma, and ITI Trade Apprentices.
- The recruitment is conducted by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
- Applications must be submitted online via the NATS Portal (for Graduate/Diploma) or Apprenticeship India Portal (for ITI).
- Selection is based on academic merit and may include document verification or interviews.
- The last date to apply is 26 October 2025.
- This is a 1-year training program with a stipend as per government norms.
Why Join DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025?
The DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025 is a fantastic opportunity for young professionals to gain practical experience in cutting-edge defence and missile technology at one of India’s top research organizations. Working at RCI, Hyderabad, offers exposure to advanced projects, mentorship from industry experts, and a chance to contribute to India’s defence capabilities. Whether you’re a B.E/B.Tech graduate, a diploma holder, or an ITI trade certificate holder, this apprenticeship can be a stepping stone to a rewarding career.