The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has officially released the AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification for the engagement of Graduate, Diploma, and ITI Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This recruitment drive offers an excellent opportunity for fresh graduates, diploma holders, and ITI candidates who are looking to begin their professional careers with one of India’s leading public sector enterprises.
AAI is a prestigious Government of India enterprise responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure across the country. Every year, the organization provides apprenticeship opportunities to young professionals, enabling them to gain practical industry experience while working in airports and regional headquarters.
For the apprenticeship year 2026–27, AAI Eastern Region has announced 140 apprenticeship vacancies for eligible candidates belonging to West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Selected candidates will undergo one year of apprenticeship training and receive a monthly stipend according to their qualification category.
This recruitment is especially beneficial for candidates who completed their Degree, Diploma, or ITI in 2024 or later, as only those candidates are eligible to apply under the current notification. Besides receiving hands-on technical training, apprentices will also gain valuable exposure to airport operations, engineering systems, maintenance activities, and administrative functions.
For fresh pass-outs aiming to strengthen their technical skills and improve their future employment prospects, the AAI Apprenticeship Program serves as an excellent stepping stone. Since Airports Authority of India is recognized as a Mini Ratna Public Sector Enterprise, completing an apprenticeship here adds significant value to a candidate’s resume.
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AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
| Region | Eastern Region |
| Advertisement Number | 01/2026/ER/APPRENTICE |
| Training Type | Apprenticeship |
| Total Vacancies | 140 |
| Graduate Apprentice | 35 |
| Diploma Apprentice | 35 |
| ITI Apprentice | 70 |
| Training Duration | One Year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Eligible Candidates | Indian Nationals belonging to Eastern Region States |
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About Airports Authority of India (AAI)
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is one of the country’s most important public sector organizations functioning under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It is responsible for developing, operating, maintaining, and modernizing airports throughout India while ensuring safe and efficient air traffic management.
AAI manages hundreds of airports and provides services related to air navigation, airport infrastructure, communication systems, aviation safety, passenger facilities, and technological development. Over the years, it has become one of India’s most respected government organizations due to its contribution to the growth of civil aviation.
Through apprenticeship programs, AAI helps young professionals bridge the gap between academic education and industrial practice. Candidates receive practical exposure by working alongside experienced engineers, technical experts, and airport management professionals.
AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Vacancy Details
The recruitment includes three categories of apprentices.
| Apprentice Category | Vacancies | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | 35 | ₹15,000 |
| Diploma Apprentice | 35 | ₹12,000 |
| ITI Apprentice | 70 | ₹9,600 (First Year) |
For certain ITI trades where previous institutional training is counted under apprenticeship rules, the stipend may increase to ₹10,560 during the second year, as applicable under the Apprentices Act.
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Who Can Apply?
According to the notification, only Indian Nationals belonging to the Eastern Region are eligible for this apprenticeship program.
Eligible candidates should belong to:
- West Bengal
- Odisha
- Bihar
- Jharkhand
- Chhattisgarh
- Sikkim
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Additionally, applicants must have completed their Degree, Diploma, or ITI in 2024 or later as specified in the notification.
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Stipend Details
AAI provides a fixed monthly stipend to selected apprentices throughout the training period.
Graduate Apprentices will receive ₹15,000 per month, making it one of the highest-paying apprenticeship programs among many public sector organizations.
Diploma Apprentices will receive ₹12,000 per month.
ITI Apprentices will receive ₹9,600 per month during the first year, with provisions for ₹10,560 per month during the second year in applicable cases as per apprenticeship rules.
Training Locations
Selected apprentices may be engaged at various Airports Authority of India establishments in the Eastern Region, including:
- Regional Headquarters, Kolkata
- Bagdogra Airport
- Patna Airport
- Gaya Airport
- Ranchi Airport
- Raipur Airport
- Bhubaneswar Airport
- Pakyong Airport
- Jharsuguda Airport
- VSI Airport, Sri Vijaya Puram
The exact location will depend on the establishment for which the candidate applies through the apprenticeship portal.
Eligibility Criteria for AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Before submitting the online application, candidates should carefully verify that they satisfy all the eligibility conditions prescribed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Only candidates meeting the required educational qualification, regional eligibility, and apprenticeship conditions will be considered for engagement. Since this is an apprenticeship program under the Apprentices Act, applicants must ensure that all information provided in the application form is accurate and supported by valid documents.
Candidates must be Indian Nationals belonging to the Eastern Region, which includes the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, and the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Applications from candidates outside these regions are not covered under this notification.
Another important eligibility requirement is that applicants should have passed their Degree, Diploma, or ITI examination in 2024 or later as specified in the notification. Candidates who completed their qualification before 2024 are not eligible under this apprenticeship advertisement.
Application Process
AAI has made the application process completely online. Candidates are required to register themselves on the appropriate apprenticeship portal based on their qualification.
Graduate and Diploma candidates must register through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal.
ITI candidates must register through the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal.
After registration, candidates should search for the respective AAI Eastern Region establishment using the enrolment ID provided in the notification and submit their application online. Applications sent through email, post, or any other offline mode will not be accepted.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
Applying for the AAI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a simple process if candidates follow the official instructions carefully.
Step 1: Register on the appropriate apprenticeship portal (NATS for Graduate/Diploma or NAPS for ITI).
Step 2: Complete your profile with educational qualifications and personal details.
Step 3: Search for the concerned AAI Eastern Region establishment using the enrolment ID mentioned in the notification.
Step 4: Apply online for the apprenticeship position.
Step 5: Verify all information before submitting the application.
Candidates should ensure that all educational details and personal information entered during registration are correct, as incorrect information may lead to rejection during verification.
Selection Process
The notification mainly focuses on inviting applications for apprenticeship engagement and specifies that the selected candidates will undergo apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961 (as amended). The detailed notification does not mention a written examination or interview process. Candidates should regularly check the respective apprenticeship portals for further updates regarding selection and engagement.
Duration of Apprenticeship
Selected candidates will undergo one year of apprenticeship training at the allotted AAI establishment.
During the apprenticeship period, candidates will receive practical exposure to airport operations, engineering activities, maintenance systems, safety procedures, administration, and other technical functions depending on their qualification and assigned department.
The apprenticeship is intended to provide real industrial experience and improve the employability of fresh graduates, diploma holders, and ITI candidates.
Benefits of Joining AAI as an Apprentice
The AAI Apprenticeship Program offers several advantages for fresh candidates.
One of the biggest benefits is the opportunity to gain practical work experience in one of India’s premier public sector organizations. Practical exposure in airport infrastructure and aviation-related operations significantly enhances technical knowledge and professional confidence.
The monthly stipend provides financial support during the training period, while the industrial experience improves future career prospects in both government and private sectors.
Candidates also learn workplace discipline, communication skills, safety standards, documentation practices, and teamwork while working alongside experienced professionals.
Although apprenticeship training does not guarantee permanent employment, experience gained at AAI is highly valuable and strengthens a candidate’s resume for future recruitment opportunities.
Important Instructions
Applicants should remember a few important points before applying:
- Applications must be submitted only through the prescribed apprenticeship portals.
- Candidates should apply only after completing registration on NATS or NAPS.
- Only eligible candidates from the specified Eastern Region states and Union Territory should apply.
- AAI reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of apprenticeship seats or cancel the engagement process without assigning any reason.
- During the apprenticeship period, candidates will be governed by the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961 and the applicable organizational policies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies have been announced?
AAI Eastern Region has announced 140 Apprentice vacancies.
2. How many Graduate Apprentice vacancies are available?
A total of 35 Graduate Apprentice posts are available.
3. How many Diploma Apprentice vacancies are available?
There are 35 Diploma Apprentice vacancies.
4. How many ITI Apprentice vacancies are available?
AAI has announced 70 ITI Apprentice vacancies.
5. What is the monthly stipend for Graduate Apprentices?
Graduate Apprentices will receive $15,000 per month.
6. What is the stipend for Diploma Apprentices?
Diploma Apprentices will receive $12,000 per month.
7. Who can apply for this apprenticeship?
Indian Nationals belonging to West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands who passed Degree, Diploma, or ITI in 2024 or later can apply.
8. How can candidates apply?
Candidates must register on the NATS or NAPS portal, search for the respective AAI establishment, and submit the online application.
9. What is the duration of apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship training period is one year.
10. Is this a permanent job?
No. This notification is for engagement as Graduate, Diploma, and ITI Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961.