ICAR – National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), Tiruchirappalli has released a notification for the engagement of 20 Graduate and Technician (Diploma) Apprentices under the Apprentices (Amendment) Act, 1973. Eligible candidates who passed their B.Sc./BCA/Diploma during 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 can apply through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal. The apprenticeship training will be for one year.
ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview
- Organization: ICAR – National Research Centre for Banana
- Post: Graduate & Technician (Diploma) Apprentice
- Total Vacancies: 20
- Training Duration: 1 Year
- Application Mode: Online
- Application Portal: NATS
- Job/Training Location: Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
- Selection: Merit-based
Also Read: IIT Tirupati Non-Teaching Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 13 Group A, B & C Posts
Important Dates
| Online Application Starts | August 27, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | September 17, 2026 |
ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Vacancy Details
| Category | Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | B.Sc. Biotechnology | 2 |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.Sc. Botany | 2 |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.Sc. Life Science | 6 |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.Sc. Agriculture/Horticulture | 4 |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.Sc. Biochemistry | 1 |
| Graduate Apprentice | B.Sc. Chemistry | 1 |
| Graduate Apprentice | BCA/B.Sc. Computer Science | 2 |
| Technician Apprentice | Diploma in Agriculture/Horticulture | 2 |
| Total | 20 |
ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Educational Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentices | Degree in Biotechnology, Botany, Life Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Biochemistry, Chemistry, BCA or Computer Science, as applicable, obtained through regular full-time study from a recognized institution/university | As per Apprenticeship Rules |
| Technician Apprentices | Diploma in Agriculture/Horticulture through regular full-time study from a recognized institution/university | As per Apprenticeship Rules |
Candidates must have passed the required B.Sc./BCA/Diploma qualification in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 and must have registered on the NATS portal. Registration on the portal is mandatory.
ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Stipend Details
| Apprentice Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | ₹12,300 |
| Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | ₹10,900 |
ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Selection Basis | Merit |
| Merit Criteria | Aggregate marks obtained in the relevant Graduate/Diploma qualification |
| Preference | Children of VPA employees, including children of deceased, medically invalidated, superannuated and serving employees |
| Final Selection | Category-wise merit list followed by certificate verification |
Selection of Graduate and Technician Apprentices will be made purely on the basis of aggregate marks obtained in the respective Graduate and Diploma examinations. Preference will be given to eligible children of VPA employees. The final rank list will be prepared category-wise after certificate verification by the concerned authorities.
Documents Required for ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- B.Sc./BCA/Diploma certificate or provisional certificate
- Consolidated mark sheet or marks certificate
- NATS registration details
- Category certificate, if applicable
- Other documents required for certificate verification
- Percentage/CGPA details of the qualifying examination
Candidates must upload their B.Sc./BCA/B.A./Diploma provisional certificate or consolidated mark sheet. The percentage of marks or CGPA in the Graduate/Diploma examination must be entered correctly in the NATS portal; otherwise, the candidature will not be considered.
How to Apply for ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Visit the NATS Portal.
- Candidates who are already registered should log in using their registered email ID and password.
- First-time candidates must complete their registration on the NATS portal and obtain their enrolment number.
- Search for “ICAR – NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR BANANA” under the option for applying against advertised vacancies.
- Select the relevant apprenticeship vacancy.
- Click Apply and complete the application process.
- Check that the application status shows “Applied.”
- Upload the required qualification certificate/mark sheet and enter the percentage or CGPA correctly.
- Submit the application before September 17, 2026.
Candidates who are already enrolled in the old National Web Portal may need to migrate to the new portal before applying.
Important Points
- The apprenticeship training period is one year.
- Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices (Amendment) Act, 1973 are not eligible.
- Candidates having one year or more of previous experience are also not eligible.
- Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates will be followed according to the applicable Apprentices Act/rules.
- Candidates claiming OBC reservation must provide the prescribed OBC certificate; otherwise, they will be considered under the General category.
- Minimum physical standards will be as prescribed under the Apprenticeship Rules.
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending certificate verification.
- No boarding or lodging expenses will be provided.
- Completion of apprenticeship does not guarantee regular employment at ICAR-NRCB.
- Incomplete or erroneous applications received after the closing date will be rejected.
- Candidates should not approach agents or touts for the apprenticeship.
- The interview schedule for shortlisted candidates will be communicated through their registered mobile number and email.
- The certificate verification venue is ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana, Thogamalai Road, Thayanur Post, Tiruchirappalli – 620102, Tamil Nadu.
Important links
| ICAR NRCB Official Website | Check here |
| ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment Notice PDF | Check here |
FAQs on ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026
What is the total number of vacancies?
A total of 20 Apprentice vacancies are available, including 18 Graduate Apprentice and 2 Technician Apprentice positions.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the online application is September 17, 2026.
What is the stipend for Graduate Apprentices?
Graduate Apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of ₹12,300.
What is the stipend for Technician Apprentices?
Technician Apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of ₹10,900 per month.
What is the age limit?
The notification states that the age limit will be applicable as per the Apprenticeship Rules.
