CSIR Structural Engineering Research Centre Chennai – Walk-in Interview for ITI & Diploma Apprentices 2026
CSIR–Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC), Chennai – one of India’s premier national laboratories under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – has invited applications from young, talented candidates for engagement as ITI Trade Apprentices and Diploma Technician Apprentices. As per Notification No. SE-1/2026 dated 08 May 2026, a total of 29 vacancies are to be filled through a single-day walk-in interview on 20 May 2026 at the SERC campus, CSIR Road, Taramani, Chennai – 600 113. This is a paid 1-year apprenticeship and a great launchpad into the CSIR-CSR research ecosystem and other Tamil Nadu government jobs.
The engagement is purely as an apprentice under the Apprentices Act, 1961. CSIR-SERC will pay a fixed monthly stipend (₹10,500 for ITI Trade, ₹12,000 for Diploma Technician). Hostel accommodation is also available at a nominal twin-sharing fee of ₹50 per day per candidate. If you have an ITI certificate or a Diploma in the listed engineering branches, you must register on the national apprenticeship portal first and then walk in with all originals on 20 May 2026. Read this full guide on GovtJobsAlert.in before you head to Chennai.
Key Highlights — CSIR SERC Apprentice 2026
CSIR-SERC, Chennai is one of the world’s leading research institutes in Structural Engineering. The apprenticeship engages selected candidates in real-time R&D, testing, and engineering support work for 12 months under expert scientists.
- Recruiting Body: CSIR – Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC), Chennai
- Post Names: Trade (ITI) Apprentice / Technician (Diploma) Apprentice
- Total Vacancies: 29 (16 Trade ITI + 13 Diploma Technician)
- Monthly Stipend: ₹10,500 (ITI) / ₹12,000 (Diploma)
- Training Period: 1 Year
- Job Location: SERC Campus, Taramani, Chennai – 600 113
- Walk-in Date: 20 May 2026 (Reporting 09:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
- Notification No.: SE-1/2026
Vacancy Breakdown — CSIR SERC Apprentice 2026
CSIR-SERC has split the 29 seats across two streams – ITI Trade and Diploma Technician. The trade-wise distribution is given below.
| Apprenticeship | Trade / Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| ITI Trade | Electrician | 02 |
| ITI Trade | Electronics Mechanic | 01 |
| ITI Trade | Mechanic R&AC | 02 |
| ITI Trade | Draughtsman (Civil) | 02 |
| ITI Trade | Wireman | 02 |
| ITI Trade | Plumber | 02 |
| ITI Trade | PASAA / COPA | 02 |
| ITI Trade | Welder (Gas & Electric) | 01 |
| ITI Trade | Mason | 02 |
| Diploma | Mechanical Engineering | 04 |
| Diploma | Electrical & Electronics Engg. | 03 |
| Diploma | Electronics & Comm. Engg. | 01 |
| Diploma | Computer Engineering | 01 |
| Diploma | Civil Engineering | 04 |
Total Vacancies: 29 (Trade 16 + Technician 13)
Eligibility Criteria — CSIR SERC Apprentice 2026
Educational Qualification
- Trade (ITI) Apprentice: Candidates must have an ITI certificate of NCVT pattern in the respective designated trade, registered with the Regional Directorate of Apprenticeship Training (RDAT), Chennai. Browse more ITI government jobs on GovtJobsAlert.in.
- Technician (Diploma) Apprentice: Full-time Diploma in Engineering / Technology (3-year) in the relevant discipline granted by a State Board / University / recognised Institution. Check the latest diploma government jobs for similar openings.
- Sandwich diplomas, private diplomas, part-time / distance / short-term / certificate courses are NOT acceptable.
- Diploma Technician candidates must have passed in 2022 / 2023 / 2024 / 2025 only.
- Candidates should not have already undergone or be presently undergoing apprenticeship training, nor have one year or more of experience in any job.
Age Limit
- ITI Apprentices: Minimum 14 years as on the date of interview.
- Diploma / Technician Apprentices: Minimum 18 years and Maximum 24 years as on the date of interview.
Age Relaxation: SC/ST candidates – 5 years; OBC (NCL) – 3 years; PwD – 10 years (15 years for SC/ST PwD, 13 years for OBC-NCL PwD), only for the posts reserved for them.
What is the Salary for CSIR SERC Apprentice 2026?
The stipend is fixed under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and is paid monthly:
- ITI Trade Apprentice – ₹10,500 per month
- Diploma Technician Apprentice – ₹12,000 per month
In-hand Stipend: ₹10,500 – ₹12,000 per month + free CSIR-SERC training certificate at completion.
Hostel accommodation at the Training & Development Complex (TDC) of CSIR-SERC is available on twin-sharing basis at a nominal fee of ₹50 per day per candidate. Successful apprentices will be awarded the National Apprenticeship Certificate by NCVT/BOAT. Note that CSIR-SERC has no obligation to offer regular employment post-apprenticeship, but the experience and certificate are highly valuable for future government and private sector job applications.
What is the Selection Process for CSIR SERC Apprentice 2026?
Selection is purely on the basis of a single-day walk-in interview on 20 May 2026.
- Portal Registration – Register at apprenticeshipindia.org (ITI) or nats.education.gov.in (Diploma) before the walk-in date.
- Walk-in Reporting – Reach CSIR-SERC, Taramani between 09:00 AM and 11:30 AM. No entry after 11:30 AM.
- Document Verification – Original certificates, mark sheets, ID, photograph, caste certificate (if applicable) will be checked.
- Personal Interview – Conducted by the SERC Selection Committee. If the number of candidates is large, shortlisting may be done based on percentage and proportionate to vacancies.
- Provisional Engagement – Engagement is subject to medical fitness and verification of all documents.
If you want to brush up on basic concepts before the interview, check the exam syllabus and preparation tips section on GovtJobsAlert.in.
How to Apply Online for CSIR SERC Apprentice 2026?
- Visit apprenticeshipindia.org for ITI candidates or nats.education.gov.in for Diploma candidates.
- Click on Candidate Registration and complete your profile with personal, education and trade details.
- Watch the demo registration videos before starting, and make sure your name matches exactly across Aadhaar, PAN, SSLC and ITI/Diploma certificates.
- After portal registration, search for “CSIR SERC” as the establishment and click Apply.
- Download the duly filled application form from the CSIR-SERC website and bring the printed copy along with you.
- Attend the walk-in interview on 20 May 2026 with all originals and self-attested photocopies.
Documents to bring (original + one self-attested copy):
- Educational certificates and mark sheets (SSLC, HSC, ITI / Diploma)
- Date of Birth proof
- Original Aadhaar Card (mandatory) + PAN Card / Voter ID
- Two passport size photographs
- Caste / Community certificate – SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) / EWS, as applicable
- National Apprenticeship Portal enrolment number
- Filled application form (available on serc.res.in)
Important Dates — CSIR SERC Apprentice 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 08 May 2026 |
| Portal Registration | To be completed before 20 May 2026 |
| Walk-in Interview Date | 20 May 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Reporting Time | 09:00 AM – 11:30 AM |
| Interview Venue | CSIR-SERC, Taramani, Chennai – 600 113 |
Application Fees — CSIR SERC Apprentice 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwBD/Female) | NIL |
There is no application fee for CSIR-SERC apprenticeship. Candidates only need to register on the national apprenticeship portal, which is also free. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the walk-in interview.
Essential Links — CSIR SERC Apprentice 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online – ITI Trade Apprentices (apprenticeshipindia.org)
- Apply Online – Technician Diploma Apprentices (nats.education.gov.in)
- Visit CSIR-SERC Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
CSIR-SERC Apprentice 2026 is a rare chance to train at one of India’s top structural engineering research labs – with a real stipend, hostel accommodation and a nationally recognised certificate. Keep your originals ready, register on the portal in advance, and don’t miss the 20 May reporting window. Visit GovtJobsAlert.in regularly for more other government job updates and apprentice notifications across India.