INMAS Apprentice Recruitment 2026: A Complete Guide to 31 Vacancies

The Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi, a premier laboratory under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), has officially released the notification for INMAS Apprentice Recruitment 2026. This is a golden opportunity for candidates who have recently completed their Diploma, ITI, or Graduation (B.Sc., B.Pharma, B.L.I.Sc.) and are looking for a prestigious one-year training stint in a government research establishment. The total number of vacancies announced for the financial year 2026-27 is 31 posts.

What makes this apprenticeship highly sought-after is the monthly stipend ranging from ₹9,600 to ₹12,300, combined with the brand value of DRDO on your resume. While this training does not guarantee a permanent job, it provides unparalleled exposure to nuclear medicine, allied sciences, and administrative operations in a defense setup. However, the eligibility conditions are very specific. As per the notification released in March 2026, only candidates who passed their qualifying examination in 2022 or later (fresh pass-outs) are eligible. Additionally, those with any post-graduation degree or one year of job experience are strictly not allowed. This article breaks down every clause, from the NATS portal registration to the merit-based selection, helping you avoid common rejection pitfalls.

Recruitment Overview at a Glance

INMAS is a unique DRDO lab specializing in the medical application of nuclear radiation, radiodiagnosis, and therapy. Being selected here means you will work alongside scientists and medical professionals. For candidates from medical lab technology, library science, or office management backgrounds, this is a rare chance to gain hands-on experience in a central government institution. The competition is expected to be high, especially for B.Sc. (21 vacancies) and Diploma in Medical Lab Technology (3 vacancies), but the strict eligibility filters out many applicants.

Important Dates for INMAS Apprentice 2026

Application Fee: No Cost to Apply

One of the biggest advantages of this recruitment is that there is no application fee for any category. Unlike many sarkari exams that charge ₹500-1000, INMAS has kept the process free to encourage applications from all eligible fresh candidates. This is in line with the Apprentices Act, 1961, which aims to promote skill development without financial barriers.

Age Limit & Relaxation Rules

The official PDF does not specify a minimum or maximum age limit in numbers. However, by the very definition of “fresh pass-out candidates who have passed in 2022 or later,” the implied age range is roughly 18 to 26 years. Standard Government of India apprenticeship rules apply. Candidates must be at least 14 years old (for non-hazardous trades) and typically below 35 for general category in most apprenticeship rules, but since no specific age is mentioned, the eligibility is determined solely by educational qualification year.

Example calculation: A candidate who passed their Diploma in June 2024 is likely 20-22 years old and is perfectly eligible. Since the notification does not fix an upper age limit, the primary disqualifier remains the year of passing (must be 2022 or later).

Eligibility Criteria: Educational & Other Conditions

The most critical part of this notification is the “fresh pass-out” and “regular candidate” clauses. Distance learning or correspondence degrees are not accepted. Furthermore, candidates who have already completed one year of job experience or training after obtaining their essential qualification are disqualified. This is to ensure the apprenticeship benefits truly fresh graduates.

Vacancy Details: Post-Wise Breakdown

The total of 31 vacancies is distributed across technical, paramedical, and administrative streams. The largest share is for B.Sc. graduates (21 posts), indicating a strong demand for life sciences and basic sciences candidates. For ITI holders, four trades are open with 1 seat each. Category-wise reservation will be applied as per the Apprentices Act, 1961. SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/EWS/PwD candidates must produce valid certificates in the prescribed format from a competent authority.

Expert insight: The competition for the single ITI seats will be fierce, especially for Electrical and Electronics. Conversely, B.Sc. applicants have a better chance due to 21 seats. Candidates from Medical Lab Technology (DMLT) diploma also have a good shot with 3 dedicated seats. Historically, INMAS gives preference to candidates whose academic projects or internships align with hospital or laboratory settings.

Selection Process: 100% Merit-Based

There will be no written exam or interview for this apprenticeship. The selection is purely based on the marks or percentage obtained in the essential qualification. A committee constituted by the Director, INMAS, will shortlist candidates based on merit. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed via email or registered contact.

Step 1: Merit List Preparation

The board will sort applications by the percentage of marks in the qualifying degree/diploma/ITI. In case of a tie, the candidate with an older passing year or higher relevant subject marks may be preferred. Practical tip: Ensure your NATS profile has the correct aggregate percentage calculated as per your university’s norms.

Step 2: Document Verification & Medical Fitness

Shortlisted candidates must present original certificates (mark sheets, caste certificates, etc.) and a Medical Fitness Certificate from a gazetted officer or government doctor at the time of joining.

Step 3: Contract Execution

Selected apprentices will sign a contract for one year under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This is mandatory. Failure to join on time leads to cancellation.

Exam Syllabus & Pattern

Salary & Stipend: In-Hand Calculation

The stipend is fixed as per the Apprenticeship Rules. Graduate apprentices (B.Sc., B.Pharma, B.L.I.Sc.) will receive ₹12,300 per month. Diploma and ITI apprentices will receive ₹9,600 per month. This is the gross stipend. No deductions like NPS or income tax are applicable on stipends under the Apprentices Act, so the in-hand amount equals the figure mentioned. However, no HRA, DA, or TA is provided. Accommodation and transport are not provided.

How to Apply Online for INMAS Apprentice 2026 – Step by Step

The entire application process is through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal. Without NATS registration and verification, your application will be rejected. Follow these steps carefully:

Important Instructions for Candidates

Expert Tips to Crack INMAS Apprentice Selection 2026

1. Validate Your NATS Profile Thoroughly

Many candidates make mistakes in entering their aggregate percentage. Use the exact formula used by your university. If your university gives CGPA, convert it correctly to percentage. An incorrect percentage can lower your merit rank or lead to rejection.

2. Apply on Day 1 of the Window (1st April)

Early application allows you time to rectify any NATS verification issues. The verification process can take 48-72 hours. If you apply on 29th April and verification fails, you will miss the deadline.

3. Highlight Relevant Subjects in Your Resume

Although the selection is merit-based, the board manually reviews applications. In your NATS profile’s “Additional Information” section, mention key laboratory skills, software proficiency (for COPA/ITI), or library management tools (for B.L.I.Sc.).

4. Prepare a Single PDF of All Documents

Keep all certificates (10th, 12th, degree mark sheets, caste/PwD certificates) scanned and combined into one PDF. This speeds up the verification if you are shortlisted.

5. Understand the “No Prior Experience” Rule

If you have done an internship or on-the-job training that was part of your curriculum, it does not count as “job experience”. However, if you worked as a contract employee for 1+ year after graduation, you are disqualified. Do not hide this fact; it will be caught during verification.

6. Follow Up on Official Channels Only

Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email. Check your inbox (and spam folder) daily after 15th May 2026. For genuine queries, use hrd.inmas@gov.in, but avoid sending multiple follow-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in INMAS Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

A total of 31 vacancies have been announced across Graduate, Diploma, and ITI categories.

Q2. Can a candidate who passed B.Sc. in 2021 apply?

No. Only candidates who passed their qualifying examination in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible. 2021 pass-outs are not eligible.

Q3. Is there any application fee for SC/ST candidates?

There is no application fee for any category. The application is completely free.

Q4. What is the last date to apply for INMAS Apprentice 2026?

The last date to submit the online application is 30th April 2026.

Q5. Will there be a written exam for selection?

No. The selection is strictly based on the percentage/marks obtained in the essential qualification (merit basis).

Q6. What is the monthly stipend for a Graduate Apprentice at INMAS?

Graduate Apprentices (B.Sc., B.Pharma, B.L.I.Sc.) will receive ₹12,300 per month.

Q7. Is there any negative marking in the selection process?

Since there is no exam, the question of negative marking does not arise. Selection is merit-based on academic marks.

Q8. Can final year students who will pass in 2026 apply?

Yes, candidates who are passing out in 2026 are eligible, provided they have their final mark sheet at the time of document verification.

Q9. What documents are needed for the application?

You need your NATS enrollment number, scanned photo & signature, mark sheets of all semesters/years, and category certificates (if applicable).

Q10. Is there age relaxation for OBC candidates?

Yes, as per Apprenticeship Rules, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates get 3 years relaxation, and SC/ST get 5 years.

Q11. Where can I check the merit list or selection result?

The shortlisted candidates will be informed directly via email. No separate result website is mentioned. Check your registered email regularly.

Q12. Will INMAS provide accommodation during training?

No. The official notification clearly states that no accommodation or transport will be provided by the establishment.