ISRO VSSC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27: 460 Vacancies, Walk-In Interview 25 July
Important Dates
Candidates planning to attend the VSSC Apprentice Trainee walk-in selection drive must be aware of the key dates. This recruitment follows a direct, single-day process, so missing the date means missing the opportunity.| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 17 July 2026 |
| Selection Drive / Walk-In Interview | 25 July 2026 (Saturday) |
| Reporting Time | 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Age Reckoning Date | 31 July 2026 |
Vacancy Details
The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has announced a total of 460 Apprentice Trainee positions for the 2026-27 training year. These vacancies are divided into two main categories: Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice, catering to candidates with different educational backgrounds. * Total Vacancies: 460 * Recruitment Type: Apprentice Trainees * Status: Active * Department: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) Here's a breakdown of the vacancies by post category:| Post Name | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | 273 |
| Technician Apprentice | 187 |
| Total | 460 |
Eligibility
Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first and most crucial step for any applicant. VSSC has specific requirements for both educational qualifications and other conditions. Ensure you meet all these points before attending the walk-in drive.| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification (Graduate Apprentice - Engineering) | Engineering degree (4-year, or 3-year for lateral entry) from a recognized university with not less than 65% marks or 6.84 CGPA. |
| Educational Qualification (Graduate Apprentice - Hotel Management) | First Class degree in Hotel Management/Catering Technology from a recognized university with not less than 60% marks. |
| Educational Qualification (Graduate Apprentice - General Stream) | Bachelor's degree (3-year duration) from a recognized university with not less than 60% marks or 6.32 CGPA. |
| Educational Qualification (Technician Apprentice - Engineering Diploma) | First Class Diploma in Engineering (3-year duration) from a State Board of Technical Education. |
| Educational Qualification (Technician Apprentice - Commercial Practice) | Diploma in Commercial Practice (3-year duration) from a State Board of Technical Education with not less than 6.32 CGPA. |
| Nationality | Indian nationals only. |
| Passing Year | Degree/Diploma must be completed in or after April 2022. Candidates who completed before April 2022 are not eligible. |
| Final Year Status | Candidates awaiting final-year results are not eligible. |
| Higher Qualification | Candidates pursuing M.E/M.Tech are not eligible. |
| Prior Apprenticeship/Experience | Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961/1973, or have one year or more of experience, are not eligible. Combining apprenticeships is also not permitted. |
| Degree/Diploma Age | Candidates who have completed five years from the month and year of passing as specified in their Degree/Diploma certificate are not eligible. |
| CGPA Conversion | Where a CGPA-to-percentage conversion formula exists, it is not permitted for eligibility purposes. At least one criterion (either CGPA or percentage as printed on the certificate) must independently meet the norm. |
| Regional Priority | Priority will be given to candidates from universities/State Boards of Technical Education under the Southern Region of BoAT (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry). Other candidates will be considered only if there is a shortage of applications in a discipline. |
Explanation of Eligibility Conditions:
- Educational Qualification: This is the core requirement. Ensure your degree or diploma is from a recognized institution and you meet the specified minimum percentage or CGPA. For example, if you are applying for a Graduate Apprentice (Engineering) post, you need an Engineering degree with at least 65% marks or 6.84 CGPA.
- Nationality: Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for these positions.
- Passing Year & Final Year Status: VSSC is looking for recent graduates. If you completed your degree/diploma before April 2022, you are not eligible. Similarly, if your final year results are still pending, you cannot apply.
- Higher Qualification: If you are currently pursuing a Master's degree (M.E/M.Tech), you are not eligible for these apprenticeship positions.
- Prior Apprenticeship/Experience: This is a crucial point. The apprenticeship program is for freshers or those without prior extensive experience. If you have already completed an apprenticeship or have one year or more of work experience, you are not eligible.
- Degree/Diploma Age: Your degree or diploma certificate should not be older than five years from the month and year of passing. This means if you passed your qualifying examination more than five years ago, you are not eligible.
- CGPA Conversion: Pay close attention to this. If your certificate shows both CGPA and percentage, and one meets the minimum while the other doesn't after conversion, the conversion is not accepted. You must meet the minimum requirement independently in either CGPA or percentage as stated on your official certificate.
- Regional Priority: While candidates from all over India can apply, VSSC gives preference to those who obtained their qualifications from institutions within the Southern Region of BoAT. This means if there are enough qualified candidates from the Southern Region, candidates from other regions might have fewer chances.
Age Limit
The age limit for the VSSC Apprentice Trainee recruitment is calculated as on 31 July 2026. While the official notification mentions age relaxation for various categories, specific minimum and maximum age limits are not explicitly stated in the provided document.| Category | Age Limit (as on 31 July 2026) |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | As per official notification |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | As per official notification (with relaxation) |
| SC (Scheduled Castes) | As per official notification (with relaxation) |
| ST (Scheduled Tribes) | As per official notification (with relaxation) |
| PWBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) | As per official notification (with additional relaxation) |
Understanding Age Calculation and Relaxation:
The age reckoning date, 31 July 2026, is the cutoff date for determining your age. This means your age will be calculated based on this specific date. For candidates belonging to reserved categories such as OBC, SC, ST, and PWBD, age relaxation will be applicable as per Government of India rules. This typically means an increase in the upper age limit for these categories. It is highly recommended that candidates refer to the complete official notification for precise details on the age limits for each category and the extent of age relaxation provided. Ensure you meet the age criteria after considering any applicable relaxations to avoid disqualification.Application Fee
A significant advantage for candidates applying for the VSSC Apprentice Trainee positions is that there is no application fee. This makes the opportunity accessible to a wider range of eligible individuals without any financial burden.| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | No Application Fee |
The official notification explicitly states that no application fee is required for this recruitment. This is because the selection process is a walk-in drive, which typically does not involve an online application portal requiring fee payment. Candidates can simply focus on preparing their documents and attending the selection drive.
Selection Process
The selection process for the VSSC Apprentice Trainee recruitment is straightforward and involves a direct walk-in selection drive. This means candidates will be assessed on the spot, primarily through document verification and potentially an interview.| Stage | Process |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Walk-in Interview / Document Verification |
| Stage 2 | Merit List Preparation & Final Selection |
Explanation of the Selection Stages:
- Walk-in Interview / Document Verification: This is the primary and most crucial stage. On 25 July 2026, candidates must report to the specified venue with all their original documents and photocopies. During this stage, officials will verify your educational qualifications, age, nationality, and category certificates (if applicable) against the eligibility criteria. It is highly probable that a direct interview will also be conducted to assess your suitability for the apprenticeship. The quality of your documents and your performance in the interview will be key.
- Merit List Preparation & Final Selection: Based on the document verification and the performance in the walk-in interview, a merit list will be prepared. Candidates will be selected based on their eligibility, qualifications, and performance, adhering to reservation policies. The final selection will be made from this merit list, and selected candidates will be offered the apprenticeship training.
Since this is a walk-in process, being well-prepared with all necessary documents and ready to present yourself confidently is essential. There is no written exam mentioned, making the interview and document verification the sole basis for selection.
Salary
The VSSC Apprentice Trainee positions offer a monthly stipend, which is a fixed payment provided during the training period. This is not a regular salary but a financial support to help apprentices during their one-year training.| Post Name | Stipend (per month) |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | ₹12,300 |
| Technician Apprentice | ₹10,900 |
Practical Explanation of Stipend:
The stipend amounts of ₹12,300 for Graduate Apprentices and ₹10,900 for Technician Apprentices are competitive for apprenticeship programs in India. This amount is intended to cover basic living expenses during the one-year training period. It's important to understand that as an apprentice, you are primarily undergoing training and gaining practical experience, which is invaluable for your future career. While allowances typically associated with regular government jobs are not applicable to apprenticeships, this stipend provides a good foundation for young professionals starting their journey in the space sector. This financial support allows you to focus on learning and developing skills without significant financial strain.Documents Required
Attending a walk-in selection drive means you must have all your documents in order. Failing to produce any required original document or its copy can lead to immediate disqualification. Prepare these documents carefully before heading to the venue.- Original Educational Certificates: This includes your Degree/Diploma certificates and all mark sheets (from 10th standard onwards, up to your qualifying degree/diploma). Ensure you have the originals for verification.
- Photocopies of Educational Certificates: Carry multiple sets of self-attested photocopies of all your educational certificates.
- Proof of Date of Birth: Usually, your 10th class (Matriculation) certificate serves as valid proof.
- Identity Proof: A valid government-issued photo identity card such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable): If you are applying under OBC-NCL, SC, ST, or EWS categories, you must bring your original caste/category certificate issued by the competent authority. For OBC-NCL and EWS, ensure it is in the prescribed format (Annexure 1 and Annexure 2 mentioned in the notification) and is recent.
- Disability Certificate (PwBD) (if applicable): If you are a Person with Benchmark Disability, carry your original disability certificate.
- Passport-size Photographs: Carry at least 4-6 recent passport-size photographs.
- Any Other Relevant Documents: While not explicitly detailed in the provided PDF, it's always wise to carry any other documents that might support your application, such as experience certificates (if applicable and not disqualifying), or proof of residence if regional priority is a factor.
Always carry both original documents for verification and self-attested photocopies for submission. Organize them neatly in a file to ensure a smooth verification process.
How to Apply
The application process for the VSSC Apprentice Trainee recruitment is a direct walk-in selection drive. There is no online application form to fill or submit beforehand. Candidates must physically attend the venue on the specified date and time.- Read the Official Notification Thoroughly: Before anything else, download and read the complete official notification PDF. Understand all eligibility criteria, important dates, required documents, and instructions.
- Check Your Eligibility: Carefully verify that you meet all the educational qualifications, age criteria, and other conditions (like passing year, no prior apprenticeship, etc.) as specified in the notification.
- Gather All Required Documents: Collect all original documents mentioned in the "Documents Required" section above. Make sure to also prepare multiple sets of self-attested photocopies of each document. Do not forget recent passport-size photographs.
- Locate the Venue: Note down the exact address of the walk-in selection drive: Karthika Thirunal Govt V&GHSS for Girls, Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Plan your travel to reach the venue well in advance.
- Attend the Walk-in Selection Drive: On 25 July 2026 (Saturday), report to the venue between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Arrive early to allow for registration and any unforeseen delays.
- Registration and Document Verification: Upon arrival, you will likely need to register your name. Subsequently, your original documents will be verified against the eligibility criteria.
- Participate in the Interview: Be prepared to attend an interview as part of the selection process. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for the apprenticeship.
Remember, the entire process happens on a single day at the venue. Being organized and punctual is key to a successful application.
Job Summary
| Board | Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO, Department of Space |
| State | All India |
| Qualification | Any Bachelors Degree, B.Tech/B.E, Diploma |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 25 Jul 2026 |
Related Sections
Note: While every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, candidates are strongly advised to verify all details, including eligibility criteria, important dates, application procedures, and official notifications, from the respective official government websites before applying.