IGCAR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 200 ITI Trade Vacancies Announced

200 vacancies are now open under the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) Trade Apprentice recruitment 2026. IGCAR, a premier research and development centre under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, has invited online applications for engagement of ITI Trade Apprentices at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. This recruitment offers 200 seats across 18 trades including Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Machinist, Electronic Mechanic, and more. Selected candidates receive a monthly stipend of ₹11,040 for 2-year ITI qualification holders and ₹10,560 for 1-year ITI qualification holders. The apprenticeship duration is one year under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Candidates aged 18–24 years as on 19 August 2026 with ITI certification in the relevant trade are eligible. Online registration opens 20 July 2026 and closes 19 August 2026. This is a Central Government training opportunity with free hostel accommodation (chargeable basis) at IGCAR, Kalpakkam.

Based on official notification by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research. Verified: July 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check for IGCAR Apprentice 2026

Expert Note: Candidates must first register on the National Apprenticeship Portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) and complete Aadhaar e-KYC verification. Applications without the unique registration number (starting with ‘A’) will NOT be accepted. Prior apprenticeship experience is a strict disqualification – even partial training.

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Important Dates – IGCAR Apprentice Recruitment 2026

IGCAR Apprentice 2026 Vacancy Breakdown by Trade

Trade analysis: Fitter has the maximum vacancies (46 – 23% of total), followed by Electrician (22), PASAA (19), and Instrument Mechanic (18). These are the core trades with highest demand. Welder (14), Draughtsman Mechanical (12), and Process Plant Operator (12) also have significant openings. Book Binder, Photography, and Mechanical Machine Tool Maintenance have only 1 vacancy each – making them extremely competitive.

Category analysis: UR candidates have 86 seats (43%), OBC has 54 (27%), SC has 38 (19%), EWS has 20 (10%), and ST has only 2 (1%). The ST reservation is very low – only 2 seats across all trades. OBC and UR candidates have the maximum opportunities. 8 vacancies are identified for PwBD candidates with specific benchmark disabilities including SLD (Specific Learning Disability), LV (Low Vision), HH (Hard of Hearing), Dw (Dwarfism), AAV (Acid Attack Victims), and LC (Leprosy Cured). PwBD candidates require 40% or more disability.

Expected competition analysis: With 200 total vacancies and approximately 1–2 lakh expected applicants (based on previous DAE apprentice recruitments), the selection ratio stands at roughly 1 in 500–1,000 candidates. Fitter and Electrician trades typically see the highest application volumes – competition ratio estimated at 1 in 1,200+. Turner and Plumber with only 2–7 vacancies face extreme competition (estimated 1 in 2,000+). Candidates with higher ITI percentage (90%+) have better chances as selection is purely merit-based without any written test.

IGCAR Apprentice 2026: Stipend Amount & Benefits

Stipend breakdown: The stipend amounts are fixed as per the Gazette Notification No. G.S.R. 610 (E) dated 03-09-2025 on Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025 issued by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Candidates who have completed 2-year ITI training receive ₹11,040 per month, while 1-year ITI qualification holders receive ₹10,560 per month. The stipend is paid monthly during the one-year apprenticeship period. The total annual stipend ranges from ₹1,26,720 to ₹1,32,480 depending on ITI duration.

Benefits beyond stipend: Selected candidates receive Hostel Accommodation on chargeable basis (subject to availability). Medical examination is provided as per IGCAR standards. Upon successful completion of training and passing the Trade Test, apprentices are awarded the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by the Controller of Examination (DGT) through the Apprenticeship Portal – a valuable certification for future employment. The training is at India’s premier nuclear research centre, providing exposure to world-class facilities.

IGCAR Apprentice 2026 Application Fee

Registration on the National Apprenticeship Portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) is mandatory and free of cost. Candidates should complete their Aadhaar e-KYC verification on the portal before applying to IGCAR. No payment is required for the IGCAR application process as per the notification.

IGCAR Apprentice 2026 Age Limit & Relaxation

Age calculation example: The crucial date for age determination is the closing date of online application – 19 August 2026. A General category candidate born on 20 August 2002 will be 23 years 11 months as on 19 August 2026 (eligible). OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation – maximum 27 years. SC/ST candidates get 5 years – maximum 29 years. PwBD candidates get 10 years additional relaxation (up to 39 years depending on category).

Age proof: Candidates must submit their 10th standard or SSC certificate as valid age proof. No other document will be accepted for date of birth verification.

IGCAR Apprentice 2026 Educational Qualification Details

Key eligibility points:

• ITI certificate must be from NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) or SCVT (State Council for Vocational Training).
• Candidates must have completed all semesters and possess consolidated marksheet and trade certificate.
• CGPA conversion certificate from the institute is required if grades are awarded instead of percentage.
• Candidates who have already completed Apprenticeship Training (partial or full) under Apprentices Act 1961 are NOT eligible.
• Currently undergoing apprenticeship training is a strict disqualification.

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IGCAR Apprentice 2026 Selection Procedure

Step 1: Online Registration

Candidates must first register on the National Apprenticeship Portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) and complete Aadhaar e-KYC verification. Without the unique registration number (format: AXXXXXXXXXX), the IGCAR application will be rejected.

Step 2: Application Submission

Submit the online application on IGCAR website (www.igcar.gov.in) under “Opportunities -> Recruitment” tab from 20 July to 19 August 2026. Upload all required documents in PDF format. Incomplete applications or missing documents will be rejected.

Step 3: Merit List Preparation

Candidates are shortlisted based on the percentage of marks obtained in their ITI course. The merit list is prepared trade-wise, category-wise. Higher ITI percentage gives better ranking.

Tie-breaking rules:

• First tie-breaker: Higher percentage in 10th standard (or 8th standard for Welder, Carpenter, Mason, Plumber trades).
• Second tie-breaker: Candidate born earlier (older candidate) is given preference.

Step 4: Document Verification

Shortlisted candidates must appear for document verification at IGCAR, Kalpakkam. Original documents and self-attested photocopies are required. No TA/DA will be paid for attending document verification.

Step 5: Medical Examination

Candidates must pass the standard medical examination prescribed by the Competent Authority. Medical fitness is mandatory for engagement.

IGCAR Apprentice 2026: Important Rules

Hostel accommodation: Selected candidates will be provided with Hostel Accommodation on chargeable basis subject to availability. This is not guaranteed and costs will be deducted from stipend.

How to Apply for IGCAR Apprentice 2026

Follow these exact steps to apply online for IGCAR Trade Apprentice recruitment:

1. Register on National Apprenticeship Portal: Go to https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and create an account. Complete Aadhaar e-KYC verification. Note your unique registration number (starts with ‘A’).
2. Visit IGCAR website: Go to www.igcar.gov.in and navigate to “Opportunities -> Recruitment” tab.
3. Find the notification: Click on “Advertisement No. IGCAR/03/2026 – Trade Apprentice Recruitment”.
4. Read instructions carefully: Read the detailed advertisement and all instructions before filling the application.
5. Fill the online application form: Enter personal details, trade applied for, and apprenticeship portal registration number. Ensure all details match your certificates exactly.
6. Upload required documents in PDF format: Upload category certificate (if applicable), 8th/10th marksheet, ITI trade certificate (NCVT/SCVT), semester-wise marksheets, consolidated marksheet as a single PDF file.
7. Submit the application: Review all details carefully. No changes will be allowed after final submission. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
8. Download confirmation: Download and print the IGCAR application confirmation. Keep it for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions – IGCAR Apprentice Recruitment 2026

What is the monthly stipend for IGCAR Apprentice 2026?

₹11,040 per month for candidates with 2-year ITI qualification and ₹10,560 per month for 1-year ITI qualification holders. The stipend is as per Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025 issued by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Total annual stipend ranges from ₹1,26,720 to ₹1,32,480. Tip: The stipend is fixed – no additional allowances are provided.

What is the last date to apply for IGCAR Apprentice 2026?

The online application closes on 19 August 2026. The window is open from 20 July to 19 August 2026. Tip: Complete your application at least 5-7 days before the deadline as Apprenticeship Portal e-KYC verification may take time.

What are the total vacancies for IGCAR Apprentice 2026?

200 vacancies across 18 trades. Fitter has maximum (46), followed by Electrician (22), PASAA (19), and Instrument Mechanic (18). SC: 38, ST: 2, OBC: 54, EWS: 20, UR: 86 seats. Tip: ST candidates have only 2 seats – extremely competitive for ST category.

What is the minimum educational qualification for IGCAR Apprentice?

ITI certification in the relevant trade from NCVT or SCVT. The ITI course can be 1-year or 2-year duration depending on the trade. 8th or 10th pass is required as basic qualification before ITI. Tip: Ensure your ITI trade exactly matches the notification – no equivalent trades accepted.

What is the age limit for IGCAR Apprentice 2026?

18-24 years as on 19 August 2026 for General/EWS. OBC gets 3 years relaxation (max 27), SC/ST get 5 years (max 29), PwBD get 10 years additional (max 34-39 depending on category). Tip: Age proof must be 10th/SSC certificate – no other documents accepted.

What is the selection process for IGCAR Apprentice 2026?

Merit-based selection on ITI marks. No written test or interview. Shortlisting is purely on percentage of marks in ITI course. Tie-breaking: higher 10th/8th marks, then older candidate preferred. Document verification and medical examination follow the merit list. Tip: Higher ITI percentage (90%+) gives better selection chances.

Can final year ITI students apply for IGCAR Apprentice?

No. Candidates must have completed ITI course and possess the final trade certificate on or before the last date of application (19 August 2026). Final year students awaiting results are NOT eligible. Tip: Only candidates with ITI certificate in hand can apply.

What documents are required for IGCAR Apprentice application?

Essential documents: Apprenticeship Portal registration number, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, 10th certificate, ITI certificate, all semester marksheets, consolidated marksheet, category certificate (if applicable), Police Verification Certificate (at document verification). All documents in PDF format. Tip: Upload all semester marksheets as a SINGLE PDF – incomplete uploads cause rejection.

Is there any application fee for IGCAR Apprentice 2026?

No application fee is mentioned in the notification. Registration on the National Apprenticeship Portal is free. IGCAR does not charge any fee for the apprentice application process. Tip: Beware of any third parties asking for payment – the process is completely free.

Can I apply for multiple trades in IGCAR Apprentice 2026?

No. Candidates can apply for ONLY ONE trade based on their ITI qualification. Applying for multiple trades will result in rejection of all applications. Tip: Choose the trade where you have the highest marks and best qualification match.

Will I get a job after completing IGCAR Apprenticeship?

No. There is NO provision for employment or absorption into IGCAR after completion of apprenticeship. The training is strictly under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Candidates cannot claim any right to permanent employment. Tip: The National Apprenticeship Certificate is valuable for future job applications but does not guarantee IGCAR employment.

Is hostel accommodation provided for IGCAR Apprentices?

Selected candidates will be provided with Hostel Accommodation on chargeable basis subject to availability. This is not guaranteed and costs will be deducted from the stipend. Tip: If hostel is not available, candidates must arrange their own accommodation near Kalpakkam.

What is the training duration for IGCAR Apprentice?

The training duration is ONE YEAR for all trades. After completion, apprentices must undergo a Trade Test to determine proficiency. Only on passing the trade test, the National Apprenticeship Certificate is awarded. Tip: The trade test is mandatory – failing means no certificate.

Can candidates with prior apprenticeship experience apply?

No. Candidates who have already undergone (or are currently undergoing) Apprenticeship Training under Apprentices Act 1961 in any Government/PSU/Private organization (partially or fully) are NOT eligible. Tip: Even partial apprenticeship training earlier is a strict disqualification.