Engagement of Apprentices for the FY 2024-25 at DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI)

Research Centre Imarat (RCI), part of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced an exciting opportunity for aspiring apprentices under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961. For the fiscal year 2024-25, RCI is inviting applications from meritorious Indian nationals across various disciplines for a one-year apprenticeship program.

This post will guide you through all the essential details about this apprenticeship, the application process, eligibility criteria, stipend, selection procedure, and much more.

What is the Apprenticeship Act 1961?

The Apprenticeship Act, 1961, as amended in subsequent years (1973, 1992, and 2019), is aimed at regulating the training of apprentices in trade and industry. The program promotes skill development and provides young professionals with practical experience in their respective fields.

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Overview of the RCI Apprenticeship Program 2024-25

RCI, Hyderabad, a premier DRDO laboratory, is offering apprenticeship opportunities to graduate, diploma, and ITI candidates. The one-year training program is designed to equip candidates with hands-on experience in technical and engineering fields, paving the way for future employment prospects.

Recent Job Opportunities

Important Information

Category	Qualification Required	Number of Vacancies	Stipend
Graduate Apprentice	B.E/B.Tech in ECE, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical	40	As per Govt norms
Technician Apprentice (Diploma)	Diploma in ECE, EEE, CSE, Mechanical, Chemical	40	As per Govt norms
Trade Apprentice	ITI in Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Electronics, Electrician, etc.	120	As per Govt norms

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Eligibility Criteria

To ensure only qualified candidates apply, here are the key eligibility conditions you must meet:

Age Limit

• Candidates must be at least 18 years old as of August 1, 2024.

Educational Qualifications

• Graduate Apprentices: B.E/B.Tech graduates in Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE), Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE), Computer Science Engineering (CSE), Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
• Technician Apprentices: Diploma holders in the same engineering branches.
• Trade Apprentices: ITI pass-outs in trades like Fitter, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Diesel Mechanic, Electronics Mechanic, Electrician, and COPA.

Year of Graduation

• Only candidates who have completed their qualification in 2022, 2023, or 2024, with a minimum of 60% marks, are eligible to apply.

Additional Requirements

• An Aadhaar-seeded bank account is mandatory for stipend disbursement under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme.
• Registration on respective portals (NATS for graduates/diploma holders and Apprenticeship India for ITI candidates) is compulsory.

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How to Apply for the RCI Apprenticeship 2024-25

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Registration on Portals:
   • Graduate and Diploma Candidates: Visit the NATS 2.0 portal and register by selecting RCI’s Enrollment ID: STLRAC000010.
   • ITI Candidates: Visit the Apprenticeship India portal, search for RCI using Establishment ID: E05203600040, and apply for your respective trade.
2. Online Application Submission:
   • After successful registration, log in to the respective portal and submit your application by choosing the relevant apprenticeship training program.
3. Application Deadline:
   • The last date for submitting online applications is 21 days from the publication of the advertisement in the newspaper. Late applications will not be considered.

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Selection Process

RCI follows a transparent and merit-based selection process. Here’s what you need to know:

Selection Criteria

• Candidates will be shortlisted based on academic merit. Interviews may be conducted for some positions if required.
• Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/PWD categories is applicable as per the Apprentices Act 1961 and Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules 2019.

Document Verification

Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email and will need to produce the following documents during verification:

• Application form printout
• Academic certificates (10th, ITI, Diploma, Degree, etc.)
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Aadhaar-seeded bank passbook
• Photo ID (PAN Card, Voter ID, etc.)
• Medical fitness certificate
• Two passport-size photos

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Terms and Conditions of the Apprenticeship

Before you apply, it’s important to note the terms that govern this apprenticeship:

Important Points

1. No Hostel Accommodation: Candidates must arrange their own accommodation and transportation during the training.
2. No Obligation for Employment: Completing the apprenticeship does not guarantee a job at RCI.
3. Withdrawal Not Permitted: Once selected, candidates cannot withdraw from the training except under extenuating circumstances.
4. Contract Agreement: A formal apprenticeship contract will be signed via the respective portals before the training commences.
5. Police Verification: A police verification certificate from your current or permanent residence is mandatory at the time of joining.

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FAQs

1. What is the last date to apply for the RCI apprenticeship?

The last date is 21 days from the date the advertisement was published in the newspaper. Make sure to apply early to avoid last-minute issues.

2. Are candidates with higher qualifications eligible to apply?

No, candidates with higher qualifications are not eligible for this apprenticeship.

3. Is there any provision for stipend during the training?

Yes, apprentices will receive a stipend as per government norms.

4. Can I apply if I have more than one year of work experience?

No, candidates with more than one year of work experience are not eligible for this apprenticeship program.

5. What happens if I provide incorrect or false information in my application?

Suppression of facts or providing false information at any stage will lead to immediate disqualification.

6. Will I receive any communication if I’m not selected?

No, only shortlisted candidates will receive email communication. If you are not selected, no correspondence will be entertained.

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Conclusion

The apprenticeship at RCI provides a remarkable opportunity for recent graduates and ITI pass-outs to gain valuable industry experience in cutting-edge missile technology and defense research. Make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria and apply within the stipulated time frame.

For more details and to apply, visit the official DRDO website.

Click here to view the official Advt.