IGCAR Kalpakkam Trade Apprentice 2026: Eligibility, Stipend & Full Guide
Great news for ITI pass students! The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam — a premier centre under the Department of Atomic Energy — has released its Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification. A total of 200 apprentice seats are open across 18 trades like Fitter, Electrician, Welder and COPA. This is one of the best ITI government jobs available right now. If you have finished your ITI and want hands-on training at one of India’s top atomic research centres, this is a wonderful chance. Selected apprentices earn a monthly stipend of up to ₹11,040.
The online application window is open from 20 July 2026 to 19 August 2026, so you have enough time to apply carefully. This opening is best for young ITI holders aged 18 to 24 years who want to build real skills. In this article, we explain everything in simple words — the trade-wise vacancy list, eligibility, stipend, selection process, important dates and a step-by-step apply guide. Please read the full article so you don’t miss any detail. Keep GovtJobsAlert.in bookmarked, as we bring you the latest government job updates first.
Key Highlights of IGCAR Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) is a leading nuclear research institute located at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Through this notification (Advt. No. IGCAR/03/2026), IGCAR will engage trade apprentices for one year of training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Here are the most important details at a glance:
- Post Name: Trade Apprentice (18 trades)
- Total Vacancies: 200 seats
- Monthly Stipend: ₹10,560 – ₹11,040 (based on ITI course duration)
- Job Location: Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
- Application Start Date: 20 July 2026
- Application Last Date: 19 August 2026
How Many Vacancies in IGCAR Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026? (Trade-Wise)
IGCAR has released 200 apprentice seats across 18 trades. Check the table below to find the number of seats in your trade. Remember, you can apply for only one trade.
| Trade | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Fitter | 46 |
| Electrician | 22 |
| PASAA (COPA) | 19 |
| Instrument Mechanic | 18 |
| Electronic Mechanic | 15 |
| Welder (Gas & Electric) | 14 |
| Draughtsman (Mechanical) | 12 |
| Process Plant Operator | 12 |
| Machinist | 10 |
| Mechanic Refrigeration & AC | 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 |
The seats are further divided among categories as per government rules. Here is the category-wise reservation:
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 86 |
| OBC (NCL) | 54 |
| SC | 38 |
| EWS | 20 |
| ST | 2 |
A total of 8 seats are reserved horizontally for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) having 40% or more disability, spread within the above trades.
What is the Eligibility for IGCAR Trade Apprentice 2026?
Before you apply, please check the eligibility carefully so that your application is not rejected. The rules are simple and made for ITI students.
Educational Qualification
- You must have passed the ITI (NCVT/SCVT) trade certificate in the same trade you are applying for.
- For most trades, you must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) before your ITI.
- For the trades of Welder, Carpenter/Wood Work Technician, Mason and Plumber, passing Class 8 before ITI is acceptable.
- Candidates who have already done (or are currently doing) apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act are not eligible.
If you are a fresh ITI pass-out, you are a perfect fit. You can also explore more 10th pass government jobs on our website.
Age Limit
Your age is counted as on 19 August 2026 (the last date of application). The minimum age is 18 years and the maximum age is 24 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as shown below.
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | +5 years |
| OBC (NCL) | +3 years |
| PwBD | +10 years |
🎂 Not sure if you meet the age criteria? Use our free Age Calculator for Government Exams to find your exact age on the cut-off date and instantly check your eligibility — including SC / ST / OBC / PwBD age relaxation. →
What is the Salary and Stipend for IGCAR Trade Apprentice 2026?
During the one-year apprenticeship, you will receive a fixed monthly stipend. The exact amount depends on the duration of your ITI course, as per the latest Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025.
- ₹11,040 per month — for apprentices who completed a 2-year ITI course
- ₹10,560 per month — for apprentices who completed a 1-year ITI course
Your approximate in-hand stipend will be ₹10,560 to ₹11,040 per month, paid directly into your bank account during the training period.
Please remember that this is an apprenticeship engagement, not a permanent job. It gives you valuable training and a National Apprenticeship Certificate, but IGCAR does not promise permanent employment after the training. Hostel accommodation may be provided on a chargeable basis, subject to availability.
What is the Selection Process for IGCAR Trade Apprentice 2026?
There is no written exam and no interview for this recruitment — which is great news! Selection is purely merit-based, so your ITI marks matter the most. Here is how candidates are shortlisted:
- Shortlisting is done on the basis of the percentage of marks in your ITI course.
- If two candidates have the same ITI marks, the one with higher Class 10 (or Class 8) marks is preferred.
- If there is still a tie, the older candidate (born earlier) gets preference.
- Shortlisted candidates are called for Document Verification, which is compulsory.
- Selected candidates must also pass a standard medical examination.
Because everything depends on merit, keep your ITI and school mark sheets ready and neat. You can visit our preparation strategy page for tips on organising your documents.
How to Apply Online for IGCAR Trade Apprentice 2026?
The application process is fully online and has two simple parts — first, registration on the national apprenticeship portal, and then the IGCAR application. Keep your documents ready before you begin.
- First, register yourself on the National Apprenticeship portal (link in Essential Links below) and get your unique Registration Number.
- Complete the mandatory Aadhaar e-KYC verification using the same email ID and mobile number.
- Next, open the IGCAR application portal (link in Essential Links below).
- Fill the online application form with your personal, ITI and category details.
- Upload the required documents — Class 8/10 mark sheet, ITI trade certificate with mark sheets, and category certificate (if any) — as a single PDF.
- Apply for only one trade and submit the form before the last date.
- Take a printout of the final submitted form for your records.
Remember, no corrections are allowed after final submission, so please fill in every detail carefully.
What are the Important Dates for IGCAR Trade Apprentice 2026?
Note down these dates so you do not miss the deadline. The application window stays open for one full month.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Number | IGCAR/03/2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20 July 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 19 August 2026 |
| Age Reckoning Date | 19 August 2026 |
What is the Application Fee for IGCAR Trade Apprentice 2026?
Here is the best part — there is no application fee for this recruitment. Trade apprentice engagements under the Apprentices Act do not charge any fee, so candidates of every category can apply completely free of cost.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | No Fee (Nil) |
You only need to focus on your documents — there is nothing to pay during the application.
Essential Links — IGCAR Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for IGCAR Trade Apprentice 2026
- Register on National Apprenticeship Portal
- Visit IGCAR Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
If you have your ITI certificate and meet the age limit, do not let this chance slip away. Apply before 19 August 2026 and take a strong step towards a skilled career at a top research centre. Prepare your documents today and apply early to avoid the last-minute rush. For more ITI and trade jobs and other latest notifications, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in — your trusted partner in your government job journey.