ERTL (East) Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Graduate Apprentice & Diploma Apprentice Eligibility, Stipend and NATS Process
Electronics Regional Test Laboratory (East), Kolkata has invited applications for 10 apprentice seats for the training year 2026-2027. The posts are Graduate Apprentice (Engineering/Technology), Graduate Apprentice (General Stream) and Diploma Apprentice. ERTL (East) works under the STQC Directorate of MeitY, so this is a chance to train inside a central government testing laboratory. Fresh and recent pass-outs of graduate and diploma courses should read this.
The last date to apply is 15 November 2026, and you must be registered on the NATS portal before you apply. Do not delay the registration, because the application will not go through without it. This guide covers vacancies, qualification, stipend, selection and the exact steps, so read it fully before you start. GovtJobsAlert.in will keep you updated on more other government jobs as well.
ERTL (East) Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Key Highlights
The laboratory provides testing, calibration and quality assurance services for electrical, electronic and information technology products. Selected apprentices get hands-on practice in product testing, calibration and quality assurance work, through structured on-the-job training.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Electronics Regional Test Laboratory (East), Kolkata (STQC Directorate, MeitY) |
| Advertisement No. | Apprentice/2026/01 |
| Scheme | National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) |
| Total Vacancies | 10 |
| Training Period | 12 months from the date of the Contract of Apprenticeship |
| Training Location | DN-63, Sector V, Salt Lake City, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700091 |
| Application Mode | Online through the NATS portal |
| Last Date | 15 November 2026 |
How Many Vacancies Are There in ERTL (East) Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
| Post | Vacancies | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice – Engineering/Technology | 7 | Rs 12,300 |
| Graduate Apprentice – General Stream | 1 | Rs 12,300 |
| Diploma Apprentice | 2 | Rs 10,900 |
| Total | 10 | – |
Notice that the seats are small. Only 7 seats are for engineering graduates, 1 for the General Stream and 2 for diploma holders. With a shortlist of up to five candidates per vacancy, every percentage point in your qualifying examination counts. Pick the post that matches your own degree, and do not apply to a stream you have not studied.
The notification does not give a category-wise split of these seats. It says reservation applies as per the Apprentices Act, 1961, the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 and Government of India instructions.
Who Is Eligible for ERTL (East) Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Educational Qualification
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice – Engineering/Technology | B.E./B.Tech. or equivalent in Computer Science / Information Technology / Electrical Engineering / Electronics & Communication Engineering / Mechanical Engineering, after a 4-year full-time course from a University/Institution recognised by AICTE/UGC or the appropriate statutory authority |
| Graduate Apprentice – General Stream | B.Sc., B.Com. or B.A. from a recognised University/Institution |
| Diploma Apprentice | 3-year full-time Diploma in Engineering/Technology in Computer Science / Information Technology / Electrical Engineering / Electronics and Communication Engineering / Mechanical Engineering, from a State Board of Technical Education/University/Institution recognised by AICTE or the appropriate statutory authority |
Other Conditions
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Year of passing | Qualifying examination passed in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 |
| Minimum marks | At least 60% marks in the qualifying examination |
| Earlier apprenticeship | You should not have undergone apprenticeship training earlier or be pursuing it now under the Apprentices Act, 1961 |
| NATS registration | You must register on the NATS portal before applying |
If you passed in 2021 or earlier, or scored below 60%, you are not eligible.
The engineering degree must come from a 4-year full-time course and the diploma from a 3-year full-time course; the notification sets no course-length condition for the General Stream degree. Check your own certificate before you spend time on the form. Also check the conditions on the NATS portal, because the notification asks you to meet those too. The notification prints no age limit, so there is no age table or age relaxation here.
What Is the Stipend for ERTL (East) Apprentice 2026?
| Post | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | Rs 12,300 |
| Diploma Apprentice | Rs 10,900 |
The stipend is paid at rates under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and the prevailing Government/BoPT guidelines. BoPT will pay 50% of the stipend through Direct Benefit Transfer, subject to the applicable BoPT provisions. Apprentices are also entitled to the holidays observed by ERTL (East) and other leave as applicable under BoPT guidelines.
This stipend is not a salary. It is a training allowance for one year, and the Contract of Apprenticeship ends automatically when the year is over. Treat the seat as practical experience in electrical and electronic product testing, calibration and quality assurance work, which can help your later job search in testing and allied technical fields, as the notification itself says.
What Is the Selection Process for ERTL (East) Apprentice 2026?
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shortlisting | Eligible candidates shortlisted in the ratio of up to 1:5 against vacancies, based on percentage of marks in the qualifying examination, subject to reservation norms |
| Personal Interview (PI) | Shortlisted candidates are called for the interview |
Your marks in the qualifying examination decide whether you reach the interview, so the percentage you enter on the form matters.
Candidates are shortlisted against each vacancy separately and subject to reservation norms, so a General Stream applicant competes for one seat while engineering applicants compete for seven. The notification does not give the interview date, marks or syllabus. It also says that no TA/DA will be given for the interview. The notification does not describe any other stage. ERTL (East) can withdraw or cancel the advertisement or the selection process, in whole or in part, without giving any reason.
How to Apply for ERTL (East) Apprentice 2026 Online on NATS?
This is a two-step process. You register on the NATS portal first, and then you apply through the application link of the same portal.
- First register yourself on the NATS portal (link in Essential Links below) and complete your enrolment.
- Keep your registration details safe, because the application needs your NATS registration.
- Open the NATS application page given in Essential Links.
- Fill in your details carefully, as screening is based only on what you furnish.
- Submit on or before 15 November 2026.
The notification does not mention any application fee, and it does not list the documents to upload, so follow what the NATS portal asks.
SC, ST and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates must produce valid certificates in the prescribed format, wherever applicable.
What Are the Important Dates for ERTL (East) Apprentice 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification signed | 14 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply online | 15 November 2026 |
The notification gives no start date for applications.
What Conditions Can Cost You the ERTL (East) Apprentice Seat?
| Condition | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| False information | Candidature is liable to be rejected at any stage, even after the Contract of Apprenticeship is executed, if information is false, incorrect or not as per eligibility. Furnishing false, incorrect or incomplete information leads to disqualification, and ERTL (East) is not responsible for any consequences arising from it |
| Canvassing | Any canvassing or personal follow-up to influence selection leads to cancellation of candidature |
| No job guarantee | After one year the contract ceases automatically, and ERTL (East) has no obligation to offer employment |
| Travel and stay | No TA/DA or other expenses for the interview or any stage, and no accommodation/hostel is provided |
| Attendance | Apprentices must follow the prescribed attendance, working hours, discipline and safety rules |
ERTL (East) Apprentice Essential Links
- Download ERTL (East) Apprentice Detailed Advertisement PDF (Notification No. Apprentice/2026/01)
- Apply Online for ERTL (East) Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – 10 Posts: Graduate Apprentice (Engineering & General) & Diploma Apprentice, Apply Online by 15 November (NATS registration, then apply)
- Visit NATS Portal Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
If you hold a degree or diploma in one of the listed branches with 60% marks, this is a good way to get real laboratory experience in Kolkata. Register on NATS today and apply by 15 November 2026. For more openings, see Engineering Govt Jobs on GovtJobsAlert.in.