IGCAR Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 200 Trade Apprentice Posts

Important Dates

Keep track of these crucial dates to ensure you don't miss any deadlines for the IGCAR Apprentice Recruitment 2026:

Vacancy Details

The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) is offering a total of 200 apprentice seats across 18 different trades. This is a significant number, providing a good opportunity for many ITI pass-outs. While the official notification specifies the total number of vacancies, it does not provide a detailed trade-wise breakup for all 200 posts. However, it does highlight specific reservations for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

Here's a summary of the vacancies:

• Total Vacancies: 200
• Recruitment Type: ITI Trade Apprenticeship
• Department: Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Department of Atomic Energy
• Place of Training: IGCAR, Kalpakkam, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu

The 18 trades for which apprentices are being recruited include:

Out of the 200 total seats, 8 vacancies are specifically identified for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as per Government of India orders. These are distributed as follows:

• Fitter: 2 vacancies (for Dwarfism/Acid Attack Victim/Leprosy Cured)
• Turner: 1 vacancy (for Specific Learning Disability)
• Machinist: 1 vacancy (for Low Vision)
• Electrician: 1 vacancy (for Hard of Hearing)
• Instrument Mechanic: 1 vacancy (for Specific Learning Disability)
• Plumber: 1 vacancy (for Low Vision)
• Welder: 1 vacancy (for Hard of Hearing)

For PwBD candidates, it is important to note that the disability must be 40% or more to be eligible for these reserved seats.

Eligibility

Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first and most critical step before applying. Ensure you meet all conditions to avoid disqualification later. Here are the key requirements:

• Educational Qualification: You must have successfully completed your Industrial Training Institute (ITI) course. Crucially, your ITI certificate must be in the specific trade you are applying for. For example, if you apply for a Fitter apprentice position, you must have an ITI certificate in Fitter trade. This ensures you have the foundational skills for the apprenticeship.

• Previous Apprenticeship: This is a very important point. If you have already completed an apprenticeship, or are currently undergoing one, under the Apprentices Act, 1961, in any government, PSU, or private industrial organization (whether partially or fully), you are not eligible to apply for this IGCAR apprenticeship. This rule is in place to provide opportunities to fresh ITI pass-outs who haven't had such training yet.

• CGPA Conversion: If your ITI marks or academic scores are given in a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) system instead of percentages, you must obtain an official certificate from your University or Institute. This certificate should clearly state the equivalent percentage of your CGPA. This is necessary for IGCAR to accurately assess your academic performance, especially since shortlisting is based on ITI marks.

Always double-check these points against your own qualifications and history before proceeding with the application.

Age Limit

Age is a crucial factor in government recruitments. Make sure you fall within the specified age bracket as on the cutoff date. Here are the age limits for the IGCAR Apprentice Recruitment 2026:

The government provides age relaxation for candidates belonging to certain categories. If you fall into one of these categories, you can avail the relaxation as per Central Government rules:

Your age will be calculated based on the cutoff date, which is 19 August 2026. This means you must be at least 18 years old and not more than 24 years old on this specific date if you belong to the General category. For reserved categories, the respective age relaxation will be applied to the upper age limit. For example, an SC/ST candidate would have an upper age limit of 24 + 5 = 29 years as on 19/08/2026.

It is essential to verify your exact age against this cutoff date and then apply the relevant relaxation if you belong to SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), or PwBD categories. Ensure you have valid certificates to claim age relaxation during document verification.

Application Fee

For the IGCAR Apprentice Recruitment 2026, candidates will be relieved to know that the official notification does not specify any application fee. This means you likely do not need to pay any charges to submit your online application.

Since no application fee is mentioned, candidates can proceed with their application without worrying about payment. However, always keep an eye on the official website for any updates or clarifications, though it is rare for a fee to be introduced if not mentioned initially.

Selection Process

The selection process for the IGCAR Trade Apprentice posts is straightforward and primarily focuses on your academic performance in ITI. Here’s a breakdown of the stages:

• Shortlisting on ITI Marks: The initial step involves shortlisting candidates based on their performance in the ITI course. This means that candidates with higher marks in their relevant ITI trade certificate will have a better chance of being called for the next stage. It emphasizes the importance of your academic record in your trade.

• Document Verification (DV): If you are shortlisted, you will be called for Document Verification. This is a critical stage where you must present all your original documents (educational certificates, caste certificates, identity proofs, etc.) along with one set of self-attested photocopies. The authorities will cross-verify the information provided in your online application with your original documents. Any discrepancy can lead to disqualification, so ensure all details are accurate and documents are ready.

• Medical Examination: After successful document verification, candidates will undergo a medical examination. This is a standard procedure to ensure that you are medically fit to undertake the apprenticeship training. The examination will assess your general health and physical capabilities relevant to the demands of the trade. Fitness standards will be as per government norms for apprentices.

Candidates should prepare all necessary documents well in advance for the Document Verification stage. There is no mention of a written examination or interview in the selection process, making your ITI marks and document accuracy paramount.

Salary

As an apprentice, you will receive a monthly stipend, which is a financial allowance provided during your training period. This is not a regular salary but a support to cover your living expenses while you gain practical skills. The stipend rates for IGCAR Trade Apprentices are determined by the duration of your ITI course, as per the latest government notifications.

The stipend you receive will depend on whether your ITI course was for one year or two years. If you completed a 2-year ITI course, you will receive ₹11,040/- per month. If your ITI course was for one year, your monthly stipend will be ₹10,560/-. These rates are in line with the Gazette Notification (G.S.R. 610(E)) on the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025, issued by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and are subject to applicable rules from time to time.

This stipend is designed to help you manage your daily expenses during your one-year training period at IGCAR, Kalpakkam. While it's not a full-fledged salary, it provides financial support as you acquire valuable hands-on experience and skills in a prestigious government research environment, which can be a significant boost for your future career prospects.

Documents Required

Preparing your documents in advance is crucial for a smooth application and verification process. You will need both original documents and self-attested photocopies for the Document Verification stage. Here’s a list of documents you should keep ready:

• Signed printout of the online application form: Ensure a recent passport-size photograph is pasted on it.
• Police Verification Certificate: Obtain this from your local police station at your place of residence.
• Date of Birth Certificate/SSC certificate: For proof of age.
• 8th/10th standard mark sheets: These are required, specifically those obtained prior to your ITI course.
• ITI trade certificates (NCVT/SCVT): Include year-wise mark sheets and a consolidated mark sheet.
• Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL): If applicable, in the prescribed format and valid as on the specified date.
• Valid Income and Assets Certificate: For EWS category candidates, valid as on the specified date.
• Disability Certificate: For PwBD candidates (above 40% disability), if applicable.
• Savings Bank Account number and passbook: For stipend disbursement.
• Aadhaar Card: Your unique identification document.
• PAN Card: For tax-related purposes.
• Confirmation copy of Apprentice Registration: Proof of your registration through the apprenticeshipindia.gov.in portal.
• CGPA-to-percentage conversion certificate: If your academic grades are in CGPA, this certificate from your University/Institute is mandatory.

Always ensure that all details on your documents match the information provided in your online application. Any discrepancies can lead to issues during verification.

How to Apply

Applying for the IGCAR Trade Apprentice posts is an online process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is submitted correctly:

1. Register on the Apprenticeship Portal: First and foremost, you must register yourself on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal. Visit the official website Click Here and complete your candidate registration. This is a mandatory step for all apprenticeship applications under the Apprentices Act, 1961.

2. Obtain Registration Number: After successful registration on the apprenticeship portal, you will receive a unique registration number. Keep this number safe as it will be required during your application to IGCAR.

3. Search for IGCAR Apprenticeships: Once registered, log in to the apprenticeshipindia.gov.in portal and search for apprenticeship opportunities offered by "Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)". You can use keywords like "IGCAR" or "Kalpakkam" to find the relevant advertisement.

4. Fill the Application Form: Carefully read the specific IGCAR advertisement on the portal. Click on the "Apply" or "Enroll" button for the desired trade. Fill in all the required personal, educational, and contact details accurately in the online application form.

5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of all necessary documents as specified in the notification. This typically includes your photograph, signature, ITI certificates, mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), and other proofs. Ensure that the documents are clear, legible, and meet the specified file size and format requirements.

6. Review and Verify: Before final submission, thoroughly review all the information you have entered. Check for any spelling errors, incorrect dates, or mismatched details. Ensure that your uploaded documents are correct and clearly visible.

7. Submit the Application: Once you are confident that all details are accurate, submit your online application. You will usually receive a confirmation message or email upon successful submission.

8. Print Confirmation: It is highly recommended to take a printout of your submitted application form for your records. This printout, with a pasted photograph, will also be required during the Document Verification stage.

Remember, the last date for online application is 19 August 2026. Do not wait until the last moment to apply to avoid any technical glitches.

Important Instructions

To ensure a smooth application process and avoid common pitfalls, keep the following important instructions in mind:

• Read the Official Notification: Always read the complete official notification PDF thoroughly before starting your application. It contains all the detailed rules and guidelines.
• Verify Eligibility: Double-check all eligibility criteria, including educational qualification, age limit, and previous apprenticeship status, before applying. Do not apply if you do not meet all conditions.
• Register on Apprenticeship Portal: Mandatory registration on Click Here is the first step. Ensure you have your registration number before applying to IGCAR.
• Accurate Information: Fill in all details in the online application form accurately. Any false or incorrect information can lead to disqualification.
• Upload Correct Documents: Ensure you upload clear and correct scanned copies of all required documents. Mismatched or unclear documents can cause issues during verification.
• Meet the Deadline: Submit your application well before the last date, 19 August 2026, to avoid last-minute technical problems or server overload.
• Save Application Copy: Always take a printout of your submitted online application form and keep it safe. This printout, with a recent photograph, is essential for document verification.
• Keep Documents Ready: Prepare all original documents along with one set of self-attested photocopies for the Document Verification stage.
• No TA/DA for DV/Medical: Please note that no Travel Allowance (TA) or Dearness Allowance (DA) will be paid for attending the document verification or medical examination. Plan your travel accordingly.
• Contract of Apprenticeship: Before the commencement of training, selected candidates must execute a Contract of Apprenticeship.
• Stay Updated: Regularly check the official IGCAR website and the apprenticeship portal for any updates, announcements, or changes regarding the recruitment process.