The DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025 presents a fantastic opportunity for young Indian nationals to join the prestigious Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) via its Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad. Under the Apprentices Act 1961 (as amended), the drive invites applications for Graduate, Diploma and ITI-Trade apprentices for a one-year training period. This recruitment drive is structured to harness the energy, aptitude and talent of fresh graduates, diploma holders and ITI‐certified candidates, enabling them to gain hands-on experience at one of India’s leading defence research institutions. Using the term DRDO Apprentice Recruitment frequently, this blog will walk you through the key details, eligibility, process and FAQs so you can apply with confidence.
Table of Contents
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization | Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Department | Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad |
| Post Name | Graduate, Technician (Diploma), and ITI Trade Apprentices |
| Total Vacancies | 195 |
| Training Duration | 1 Year |
| Notification No. | RCI/HRD/Apprenticeship/Advt/2025-26 |
| Official Website | www.drdo.gov.in |
DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025 Important Dates
| Notification Publication Date | 25 September 2025 |
| Starting Date to Apply | 27 September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 26 October 2025 |
DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025 Application Fees
| Gen / OBC / EWS | Rs 0 /- |
| SC / ST / Other | Rs 0 /- |
DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025 Vacancies & Qualification
| Graduate Apprentice | 40 | B.E. / B.Tech in ECE, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | 20 | Diploma in ECE, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical |
| ITI Trade Apprentice | 135 | ITI in Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Mechanic-Diesel, Draughtsman (Mechanical), Electronic Mechanic, Electrician, COPA, Library Assistant |
DRDO Apprentice 2025 Age Limit
Age Limit: As per Apprentice Rules.
The crucial date for calculation of age is 01 September 2025.
DRDO Apprentice 2025 Selection Process
The selection for the DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025 will involve the following stages:
Shortlisting based on eligibility and/or merit.
Documents Verification.
Medical Test.
How to Apply for DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025
Graduate & Diploma candidates must register at the NATS portal: The Enrolment ID for RCI: STLRAC000010.
ITI Trade candidates must register at the Apprenticeship India portal: Establishment Name: Research Centre Imarat; Establishment ID: E05203600040.
After registration, eligible candidates apply online for the relevant trade category.
Make sure you meet all eligibility criteria (qualification, age, etc.) and upload relevant documents as per instructions.
Submit the application before the last date to ensure your candidacy for the DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025.
DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025 Important Links
| DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025 Notification | Notification |
| NATS Portal (Graduate/Diploma) | Apply Online |
| Apprenticeship India Portal (ITI) | Apply Online |
| DRDO Official Website | DRDO |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on DRDO Apprentice Recruitment 2025
The total number of vacancies announced for the DRDO Apprentice 2025 is 195, which includes Graduate, Technician (Diploma) and ITI Trade apprentices.
For the DRDO Apprentice 2025: 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 in specified trades like Fitter, Welder, Electrician, etc.
The application for DRDO Apprentice 2025 starts from 27 September 2025 and the last date to apply is 26 October 2025 as per the published schedule
No, there is no application fee for any category — Gen/OBC/EWS and SC/ST/Other all have a fee of Rs 0/- for the DRDO Apprentice 2025.
The age limit is as per the Apprentices Rules and the crucial date for age calculation is 01 September 2025. Applicants need to check the official notification for upper age limit or relaxations.
The selection process includes shortlisting of candidates based on eligibility/merit, then document verification, and finally a medical fitness test for the DRDO Apprentice 2025.
The distribution for DRDO Apprentice 2025 is: Graduate Apprentice – 40 posts; Technician (Diploma) Apprentice – 20 posts; ITI Trade Apprentice – 135 posts.
For DRDO Apprentice 2025, Graduate and Diploma candidates apply via the NATS portal (nats.education.gov.in) using enrolment ID STLRAC000010 for RCI. ITI Trade candidates apply via Apprenticeship India portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) with Establishment ID E05203600040 for Research Centre Imarat.
The training duration under the DRDO Apprentice 2025 is one year (12 months) as per the Apprentices Act.
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) is India’s premier defence research agency, working on advanced technologies, missile systems, aerospace, electronics, etc. If selected under the DRDO Apprentice 2025 as an apprentice at RCI Hyderabad, you will get hands-on exposure to real defence research labs, mentoring from experienced scientists/engineers, gain valuable technical/trade training, sharpen your skills and build your career foundation in a high-technology environment.