Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram has invited applications for Apprentice Trainees for the training year 2026-27, offering 460 total positions - 273 Graduate Apprentice and 187 Technician Apprentice posts. There is no online application; eligible candidates must attend a walk-in selection drive on 25 July 2026 (Saturday) between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM at Karthika Thirunal Govt V&GHSS for Girls, Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, with original documents.
VSSC Apprentice PDF Download Link
Candidates who want to verify all details directly can download the official VSSC Apprentice Trainee Recruitment 2026-27 PDF notification, which carries reference number VSSC/R&R/9.2/WII-01/2026 dated 17 July 2026. The notification, along with the OBC-NCL and EWS certificate formats (Annexure 1 and Annexure 2), is displayed through the VSSC website, intranet Ashoka, and newspaper.
VSSC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27 Quick Overview
This section gives a fast overview of the VSSC Apprentice Trainee Recruitment 2026-27 for candidates who want the key facts at a glance. It covers the organization, total vacancies, selection drive date, and mode of selection in one place.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO, Department of Space |
| Post Name | Graduate Apprentice & Technician Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 460 (273 Graduate + 187 Technician) |
| Notification No. | VSSC/R&R/9.2/WII-01/2026 dated 17.07.2026 |
| Selection Drive Date | 25 July 2026 (Saturday), 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Venue | Karthika Thirunal Govt V&GHSS for Girls, Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Mode of Application | Walk-in / offline (no online application) |
| Training Duration | One year from date of joining |
VSSC Apprentice Important Dates 2026
Candidates searching for the VSSC Apprentice Trainee Recruitment 2026 important dates should note that this is a single-day walk-in drive rather than a multi-stage online process. The notification was issued on 17 July 2026, and the selection drive itself takes place just over a week later.
| 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 |
Also Read: RRB Technician CEN 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF Out - Apply Online for 6557 Posts
VSSC Apprentice Trainee Vacancy 2026: Post-Wise Breakdown
The VSSC Apprentice vacancy 2026 is split into two categories: Graduate Apprentice (273 posts) for degree holders and Technician Apprentice (187 posts) for diploma holders. Vacancies span engineering disciplines, hotel management, general stream graduates, and commercial practice diploma holders. Candidates should note that the number of positions may change as per the official notification.
Graduate Apprentice Vacancies (Stipend ₹12,300/month) - 273 Posts
| Discipline | No. of Positions |
|---|---|
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering | 15 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10 |
| Civil Engineering | 12 |
| Computer Science/Engineering | 20 |
| Electrical Engineering | 12 |
| Electronics Engineering | 43 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 45 |
| Metallurgy | 6 |
| Production Engineering | 4 |
| Fire & Safety Engineering | 2 |
| Hotel Management/Catering Technology | 4 |
| General Stream (Non-Engineering) Graduates | 100 |
| Total | 273 |
Technician Apprentice Vacancies (Stipend ₹10,900/month) - 187 Posts
| Discipline | No. of Positions |
|---|---|
| Automobile Engineering | 8 |
| Chemical Engineering | 25 |
| Civil Engineering | 8 |
| Computer Science/Engineering | 15 |
| Electrical Engineering | 10 |
| Electronics Engineering | 40 |
| Instrument Technology | 6 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 50 |
| Diploma in Commercial Practice | 25 |
| Total | 187 |
VSSC Apprentice Eligibility Criteria 2026
Eligibility for VSSC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 depends on which category a candidate applies under - Graduate Apprentice or Technician Apprentice - and each has its own minimum marks requirement. Candidates who completed their degree/diploma before April 2022, those awaiting final-year results, or those pursuing M.E/M.Tech are not eligible to apply.
Educational Qualification
- Engineering disciplines (Graduate Apprentice): Engineering degree (four-year, or three-year for lateral entry) from a recognized university with not less than 65% marks or 6.84 CGPA in the respective field.
- Hotel Management/Catering Technology: First Class degree in Hotel Management/Catering Technology from a recognized university with not less than 60% marks.
- General Stream (Non-Engineering) Graduates: Bachelor's degree (three-year duration) from a recognized university with not less than 60% marks or 6.32 CGPA. Training will be in administrative areas such as Administration, Finance & Accounts, and Purchase.
- Technician Apprentice (Engineering Diploma): First Class Diploma in Engineering (three-year duration) from a State Board of Technical Education.
- Diploma in Commercial Practice: Diploma in Commercial Practice (three-year duration) from a State Board of Technical Education with not less than 6.32 CGPA.
Candidates should also note: 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. 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.
Age Limit (as on 31 July 2026)
Age relaxation for VSSC Apprentice 2026 varies by category and reservation status, with additional relaxation for PWBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) candidates.
| Category | UR | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice (Engg & Non-Engg) | 28 | 31 | 33 | 33 |
| Graduate Apprentice - PWBD | 38 | 41 | 43 | 43 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma in Engg) | 30 | 33 | 35 | 35 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma Engg) - PWBD | 40 | 43 | 45 | 45 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma Commercial Practice) | 26 | 29 | 31 | 31 |
| Technician Apprentice (Commercial Practice) - PWBD | 36 | 39 | 41 | 41 |
Other Eligibility Conditions
- Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply.
- Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Amendment Act, 1973, or who have one year or more of experience at any institution, are not eligible. Combining apprenticeship across institutions is also not permitted.
- Candidates who have completed five years from the month and year of passing as specified in the Degree/Diploma certificate are not eligible for apprenticeship training. If a candidate crosses this five-year window while empanelled or waitlisted, they will not be considered for training.
Also Read: Indian Overseas Bank IOB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 750 Posts
Application Fee
The VSSC Apprentice Trainee Recruitment 2026-27 notification does not mention any application fee, as this is a walk-in selection drive rather than an online application process with fee payment.
VSSC Apprentice Selection Process 2026
The VSSC Apprentice selection process is based on a single walk-in interview/selection drive rather than a written examination. Candidates who clear document verification are ranked on merit for panel formation.
- Document Scrutiny: Candidates report to the selection drive venue with original certificates and self-attested copies; VSSC officials scrutinize documents against educational qualifications and other claims.
- Application Form Submission: Eligible candidates are handed an application form on the spot, to be filled and submitted along with certificate/testimonial copies at the time of the drive.
- Merit-Based Selection: Selection is based on the highest marks scored by candidates in the relevant qualifying examination, with due weightage to reservation categories.
- Panel Formation: Induction of apprentices for 2026-27 depends on the candidate's position in the merit panel, subject to availability of vacancies and validity of the panel.
- NATS 2.0 Registration: Selected candidates are registered under a contract on the NATS 2.0 portal immediately after induction, via www.nats.education.gov.in.
VSSC Apprentice Apply Online / How to Apply 2026
There is no VSSC Apprentice apply online facility for this recruitment - applications are accepted only through the in-person walk-in selection drive. Candidates hoping to search for a "VSSC Apprentice apply online 2026" link should instead prepare to attend in person on the notified date.
- Visit the VSSC pavilion on 25 July 2026 at Karthika Thirunal Govt V&GHSS for Girls, Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
- Carry original documents and self-attested copies of all required certificates listed below.
- Undergo document scrutiny by VSSC officials at the venue.
- Collect and fill the application form provided on the spot after scrutiny.
- Submit the duly filled form along with copies of certificates/testimonials to VSSC officials at the time of the selection drive.
Applications will not be accepted through any other means - postal, email, or online submissions are not permitted, and no interim correspondence or canvassing will be entertained.
Documents Required for VSSC Apprentice Selection Drive
Candidates attending the VSSC Apprentice walk-in interview must carry a specific set of original and self-attested documents, along with category-specific certificates where applicable.
- B.E/B.Tech/Bachelor in Hotel Management/Non-Engineering Graduation/Diploma Certificate (Provisional/Final)
- B.E/B.Tech/Bachelor in Hotel Management/Non-Engineering Graduation/Diploma Consolidated Mark list (Provisional/Final)
- SSLC/SSC/AISSE/ICSE certificate as proof of date of birth
- Experience certificate (if any) and one passport-size photograph
- SC/ST candidates: Copy of valid Community/Caste Certificate issued by Tahsildar (Taluk Office)
- OBC candidates: Copy of valid Non-Creamy Layer Certificate issued by Tahsildar in the prescribed Government of India format
- EWS candidates: Copy of valid Income & Asset Certificate issued by Tahsildar for financial year 2026-27
- PWBD candidates: Certificate of Disability issued by competent authority
VSSC Apprentice Stipend / Salary 2026
The VSSC Apprentice stipend differs by category, with Graduate Apprentices earning more per month than Technician Apprentices, in line with the Apprentices Act, 1961 and its amendments.
| Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | ₹12,300/- |
| Technician Apprentice | ₹10,900/- |
The duration of training is one year from the date of joining. Canteen and transport facilities are admissible during the training period, but candidates must arrange their own accommodation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for VSSC Apprentice 2026
Many candidates lose out on apprenticeship opportunities due to avoidable errors rather than lack of eligibility. Being aware of these common pitfalls can improve a candidate's chances at the selection drive.
- Carrying photocopies instead of originals: The notification clearly requires original documents plus self-attested copies - candidates who bring only photocopies risk rejection at the scrutiny stage.
- Applying with a CGPA-converted percentage: Since conversion of CGPA to percentage is not accepted for eligibility, candidates should check their actual certificate figures rather than calculating an equivalent percentage themselves.
- Ignoring the five-year passing window: Candidates close to or past five years since their qualification's passing month/year should double-check eligibility before traveling to the venue.
- Missing category certificates: OBC candidates in particular should ensure their Non-Creamy Layer certificate is current and in the prescribed Government of India format - an outdated or wrongly formatted certificate can lead to disqualification.
- Assuming an online application exists: Since this is a walk-in-only drive, candidates searching for an online portal may miss the actual selection date entirely.
VSSC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 - Important Links
| Notification | Click here |
| Official Website | Click here |
| Join Arattai Channel | Click Here |
| Sarkari Result | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Download Mobile App | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
