IGCAR Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 has opened applications for 200 apprenticeship positions across 18 trades at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam. The online application window runs from 20/07/2026 to 19/08/2026. Eligible ITI pass certificate holders can apply for one trade of their choice, with monthly stipends ranging from ₹10,560 to ₹11,040 during the one-year training period.
IGCAR Recruitment 2026 | Apprentice Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Department of Atomic Energy |
| Advertisement No. | IGCAR/03/2026 |
| Post Name | Trade Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 |
| Total Vacancies | 200 |
| Mode of Application | Online only |
| Place of Training | IGCAR, Kalpakkam, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu – 603102 |
| Duration of Training | One year |
| Official Website | https://www.igcar.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Date of Online Application | 20/07/2026 |
| Last Date of Online Application | 19/08/2026 |
| Document Verification | To be notified |
| Selected List Publication | To be notified |
Eligibility Criteria
ITI pass certificate holders in the relevant trade are eligible to apply. As per the IGCAR/03/2026 notification, candidates must meet the age, qualification, and category requirements listed below.
Age Limit
| Category | Age Range |
|---|---|
| General | Minimum 18 years, Maximum 24 years (as on 19/08/2026) |
| SC/ST | 5 years relaxation in the upper age limit |
| OBC (NCL) | 3 years relaxation in the upper age limit |
| PwBD | 10 years of relaxation in the upper age limit |
SC/ST/OBC (NCL) candidates receive relaxation under the Central Government rules. Persons with Benchmark Disabilities must have 40% or more disability to qualify for reserved seats and age relaxation.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold an ITI pass certificate in the trade corresponding to their application. CGPA-graded candidates must submit a University/Institute certificate converting the CGPA to a percentage. Applicants who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961, anywhere are ineligible.
IGCAR Trade Apprentice Vacancy Breakdown
| Trade/Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Fitter | 46 |
| Electrician | 22 |
| PASAA (Programming and System Administration Assistant) | 19 |
| Instrument Mechanic | 18 |
| Welder (Gas & Electric) | 14 |
| Process Plant Operator | 12 |
| Draughtsman (Mechanical) | 12 |
| Electronic Mechanic | 15 |
| Machinist | 10 |
| Mechanic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning | 9 |
| Turner | 7 |
| Wood Work Technician/Carpenter | 4 |
| Mason/Civil Mistry | 4 |
| Horticulture Assistant | 3 |
| Plumber | 2 |
| Mechanical Machine Tool Maintenance | 1 |
| Book Binder | 1 |
| Photography | 1 |
| Total | 200 |
Of the 200 seats, 8 vacancies are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 2 in Fitter (Dwarfism/Acid Attack Victim/Leprosy Cured), 1 in Turner (Specific Learning Disability), 1 in Machinist (Low Vision), 1 in Electrician (Hard of Hearing), 1 in Instrument Mechanic (Specific Learning Disability), 1 in Plumber (Low Vision), and 1 in Welder (Hard of Hearing).
About the Trade Apprentice Role
Trade apprenticeships under IGCAR are one-year structured training programs that combine on-the-job learning with theoretical instruction in specialised technical fields. Apprentices gain hands-on experience in atomic research facilities, manufacturing, and maintenance operations at one of India’s premier nuclear research organisations. The role involves practical skill development under expert supervision, culminating in a Trade Test and National Apprenticeship Certificate. IGCAR apprenticeships are valued for exposure to cutting-edge nuclear and industrial technology, and participants benefit from mentorship within a Department of Atomic Energy institution.
IGCAR Apprentice Stipend 2026
| ITI Course Duration | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| 2-year ITI training course | ₹11,040 |
| 1-year ITI training course | ₹10,560 |
Stipend rates are prescribed under the Government of India’s Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025 (G.S.R. 610(E) dated 03-09-2025), issued by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Rates are subject to revision as per applicable government rules.
Selection Process
Candidates are shortlisted purely on ITI course merit. The shortlisting criteria are:
- An ITI pass certificate in the applied trade is mandatory.
- Candidates are ranked by the percentage of marks obtained in their ITI course.
- In case of a tie in ITI marks percentage, the candidate with the higher percentage in 10th standard marks (8th standard for Welder, Carpenter/Wood Work Technician, Mason/Civil Mistry, and Plumber) is placed higher.
- If marks in the 10th/8th standard are also equal, the older candidate (earlier date of birth) is given preference.
- Selected candidates must appear for Document Verification on the notified date and venue; absence results in cancellation of candidature.
- All shortlisted candidates must qualify for a standard medical examination prescribed by the Competent Authority.
- Before training commences, a Contract of Apprenticeship must be executed.
- On completion of the one-year training, all apprentices must pass the Trade Test to receive a National Apprenticeship Certificate issued via the Apprenticeship portal.
Documents Required for Document Verification
Bring the following documents (originals plus one set of self-attested photocopies) on the date notified for document verification:
- Signed printout of the online application form with a recent passport-size photograph
- Police Verification Certificate from the local police station at your place of residence
- Date of Birth Certificate or SSC certificate
- 8th/10th standard mark sheets (from before ITI course)
- ITI trade certificates (NCVT/SCVT) with year-wise and consolidated mark sheets
- Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL) in prescribed format, valid as on 19/08/2026, if applicable
- Valid Income and Assets Certificate as on 19/08/2026, for the EWS category
- Disability Certificate for PwBD (40% or above), if applicable
- Savings Bank Account number and passbook copy
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Confirmation copy of Apprentice Registration from the apprenticeshipindia.gov.in portal
- CGPA-to-percentage conversion certificate from University/Institute, if applicable
No TA/DA (travel or daily allowance) is paid for document verification or medical examination attendance.
How to Apply for IGCAR Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Register on the Apprenticeship India portal at https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in to enrol as an Apprentice and obtain a unique registration number (format: AXXXXXXXXXX). Applications without this registration number will not be accepted.
- Complete mandatory Aadhaar e-KYC verification on the apprenticeshipindia.gov.in portal using the same email ID and mobile number you will provide in the IGCAR application form.
- Prepare all required documents in scanned PDF format before starting the online form: caste/disability/EWS certificate, 8th or 10th class mark sheet as applicable, ITI trade certificate (NCVT/SCVT), semester-wise mark sheets, and consolidated mark sheet (scan all documents into a single PDF file).
- Log in to the IGCAR recruitment portal at https://www.igcar.gov.in under the “Opportunities → Recruitment” tab.
- Fill the online application form with the registered email ID, mobile number, and unique apprenticeship registration number obtained in Step 1.
- Upload the required PDF documents and select one trade only – you cannot apply for multiple trades in a single cycle.
- Review all details carefully before final submission. No corrections or changes are permitted after submission under any circumstances.
- Submit the application before 19/08/2026. Selected candidates will be offered hostel accommodation on a chargeable basis, subject to availability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying
- Failing to first register and complete e-KYC on the apprenticeshipindia.gov.in portal – IGCAR will reject any application submitted without the unique apprentice registration number.
- Using a different email ID or mobile number in the IGCAR form from the one registered on the apprenticeshipindia.gov.in portal – this mismatch can cause document verification failure.
- If uploading mark sheets or certificates in formats other than PDF, or uploading multiple separate files instead of combining documents into a single PDF, the system may reject improperly formatted submissions.
- Applying for multiple trades in one recruitment cycle – candidates must choose one trade only; multiple applications risk cancellation.
- Submitting the application in the final hours before the 19/08/2026 deadline – portal traffic surges near the deadline, leading to server timeouts and session losses.
- Providing false information in the application or during document verification – IGCAR will disqualify or terminate candidature at any stage without notice if declarations are found untrue.
Important Instructions for All Applicants
- Only one trade application per candidate is allowed in this recruitment cycle.
- Applicants with prior or ongoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961, at any government, PSU, or private organisation are ineligible.
- Email ID and mobile number registered during e-KYC must remain active throughout the selection process; no changes are permitted once registered.
- IGCAR reserves the right to cancel or alter the number of seats in any trade or the entire engagement process, without assigning any reason.
- Selected candidates must submit a Police Verification Certificate at the document verification time.
- Disrespectful, aggressive, dishonest, or evasive behaviour by any apprentice can result in termination of the apprenticeship.
- No employment is guaranteed after completion of apprenticeship training; candidates cannot claim permanent employment on this basis.
- IGCAR is governed by the Atomic Energy Act of 1962. Apprentices are subject to IGCAR’s rules and the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, regarding conduct and discipline.
- All correspondence relating to the recruitment is published only on the IGCAR website – no individual letters or communications will be sent.
- In case of any dispute, IGCAR’s decision is final and binding.
What Happens After You Apply
- Application submission closes on 19/08/2026.
- Merit list preparation: IGCAR shortlists candidates based on ITI course marks, 10th/8th standard marks, and date of birth as tiebreakers.
- Selected list publication: Trade-wise selected lists will be published on the IGCAR website (date to be notified).
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must report with original documents at the notified venue and date. Absent candidates are automatically disqualified.
- Medical Examination: All candidates who clear document verification must pass a standard medical examination conducted by the Competent Authority.
- Apprenticeship Contract Execution: Before training begins, selected candidates must sign a formal Contract of Apprenticeship.
- Training Commencement: One-year apprenticeship training begins as per IGCAR’s schedule at Kalpakkam.
- Trade Test and Certification: On completion of training, all apprentices take the Trade Test. Only those who pass receive the National Apprenticeship Certificate issued via the Apprenticeship portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is IGCAR Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026, and who can apply?
Ans. IGCAR Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an apprenticeship program offering 200 one-year positions across 18 technical trades at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research in Tamil Nadu. Candidates with an ITI pass certificate in the applied trade, aged 18-24 years (with age relaxation for reserved categories), can apply online between 20/07/2026 and 19/08/2026.
Q2. Is prior apprenticeship experience required or an obstacle?
Ans. No, prior experience is not required. However, candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961 at any government, PSU, or private organization are ineligible. If you have completed one apprenticeship, you cannot apply for another.
Q3. Can I apply for more than one trade in a single recruitment?
Ans. No. You must select and apply for one trade only. Submitting multiple applications for different trades will result in cancellation of all applications without refund.
Q4. What happens if my ITI marks are the same as another candidate’s?
Ans. In case of a tie in ITI marks percentage, the candidate with the higher percentage in 10th standard marks is ranked higher (8th standard for certain trades like Welder and Mason). If 10th/8th standard marks are also equal, the older candidate (earlier date of birth) gets preference in the merit list.
Q5. What is the monthly stipend during the one-year apprenticeship?
Ans. Monthly stipend depends on your ITI course duration: ₹11,040 for 2-year ITI courses and ₹10,560 for 1-year ITI courses. Stipends are prescribed under the Government of India’s Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025, and are subject to revision as per applicable government rules.
Q6. Will I get a job at IGCAR after completing the apprenticeship?
Ans. No. IGCAR explicitly states that there is no provision for employment after completion of the apprenticeship training. Apprentices cannot claim permanent or contractual employment on the basis of completing this training. The apprenticeship is a skill-development program only.
Q7. What documents do I need to bring for document verification?
Ans. You must bring originals and one set of self-attested photocopies of: signed application printout with photograph, police verification certificate, date of birth/SSC certificate, 8th/10th mark sheets, ITI certificates with all mark sheets, caste/disability/EWS certificates (if applicable), savings bank passbook, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, and apprenticeship registration confirmation from apprenticeshipindia.gov.in. No TA/DA is paid for this stage.
Q8. Are there any disabilities that qualify for reserved seats?
Ans. Yes. 8 seats out of 200 are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) with 40% or more disability: 2 in Fitter, 1 each in Turner, Machinist, Electrician, Instrument Mechanic, Plumber, and Welder. PwBD candidates also receive 10 years’ age relaxation and are exempt from some physical standards if certified by the medical examiner.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| IGCAR Apprentice Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Apprenticeship India Portal Registration | Register Here |
| IGCAR Official Website | Visit Website |
How to Proceed
Eligible ITI pass certificate holders must register on the Apprenticeship India portal before applying to IGCAR and complete e-KYC verification. Submit your online application via the IGCAR portal before 19/08/2026 with one trade selection only; remember that no changes are allowed after submission. Stay informed by checking the IGCAR website regularly for the release of selected lists and document verification schedules.
