VSSC ISRO Apprentice Recruitment 2026: The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), one of the leading centres of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the Department of Space, Government of India, has announced a Selection Drive for Apprentice Trainees for the training year 2026–2027. The recruitment is being conducted under the Apprentices Act, 1961 and Apprentices (Amendment) Act, 1973, providing an excellent opportunity for fresh graduates and diploma holders to gain valuable industry experience at one of India’s premier space research institutions.
The selection drive covers Graduate Apprentices (Engineering, Hotel Management, and General Stream Non-Engineering) as well as Technician Apprentices (Diploma Holders) across multiple disciplines. Candidates selected for apprenticeship training will receive a monthly stipend while working alongside experienced scientists, engineers, and technical professionals at VSSC.
Unlike many recruitment drives, this selection process does not require candidates to submit an online application in advance. Eligible candidates need to attend the Selection Drive scheduled on 25 July 2026 at the designated venue in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, carrying all required original documents and self-attested copies for verification.
If you are looking for an opportunity to start your professional career with ISRO, this apprenticeship programme can provide valuable practical exposure and significantly strengthen your future career prospects.
VSSC ISRO Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) |
| Parent Organization | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) |
| Department | Department of Space, Government of India |
| Training Year | 2026–2027 |
| Recruitment Type | Apprentice Trainee Selection Drive |
| Apprentice Categories | Graduate Apprentice & Technician Apprentice |
| Application Mode | Walk-in Selection Drive |
| Selection Drive Date | 25 July 2026 |
| Training Duration | One Year |
| Job Location | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Official Organization | VSSC, ISRO |
VSSC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification
VSSC has invited eligible candidates to participate in the Apprentice Selection Drive for various engineering and non-engineering disciplines. The apprenticeship programme is designed to provide fresh graduates and diploma holders with practical industrial training in a highly professional research environment.
The training will be conducted for one year, during which apprentices will work under the guidance of experienced professionals. Although the apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment in ISRO, it offers valuable exposure to advanced technologies and professional work culture, making it an attractive opportunity for fresh candidates.
Important Dates
Candidates should remember the following important dates before participating in the selection drive.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 17 July 2026 |
| Selection Drive Date | 25 July 2026 |
| Reporting Time | 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Training Session | 2026–2027 |
Candidates are advised to reach the venue on time with all required documents to avoid any inconvenience.
Selection Drive Venue
The selection drive will be conducted at:
Karthika Thirunal Government V&HGSS for Girls, Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.
Only candidates who appear at the venue on the scheduled date with the required certificates will be considered for the apprenticeship selection process.
Training Duration
Selected candidates will undergo apprenticeship training for one year from the date of joining.
During this period, apprentices will receive practical training in their respective disciplines and gain hands-on experience in a real industrial and research environment. The apprenticeship programme aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional work by providing exposure to modern engineering practices and administrative systems.
Monthly Stipend
VSSC will provide a monthly stipend to selected apprentices during the training period.
| Apprentice Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | ₹12,300 |
| Technician Apprentice | ₹10,900 |
The stipend will be paid throughout the apprenticeship period as per the applicable rules.
Vacancy Details
VSSC has announced apprenticeship opportunities across a wide range of disciplines.
Graduate Apprentice
| Discipline | Training 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 |
Technician Apprentice (Diploma)
| Discipline | Training 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 |
The number of training positions may change depending on organizational requirements.
Educational Qualification
Candidates should possess the prescribed qualification in the relevant discipline.
Graduate Apprentice (Engineering)
Applicants should hold a BE/B.Tech Engineering Degree (including lateral entry candidates) in the relevant branch from a recognized university with at least 65% marks or 6.84 CGPA.
Hotel Management Graduate Apprentice
Candidates should possess a First Class Degree in Hotel Management or Catering Technology from a recognized university with not less than 60% marks.
General Stream (Non-Engineering)
Applicants should have a Bachelor’s Degree in the relevant stream with at least 60% marks or 6.32 CGPA.
Technician Apprentice
Candidates should possess a First Class Diploma in Engineering (three-year course) from a State Board of Technical Education in the relevant discipline.
For Diploma in Commercial Practice, applicants should hold a three-year Diploma in Commercial Practice with not less than 6.32 CGPA from a recognized State Board of Technical Education.
Who Can Apply?
Fresh graduates and diploma holders meeting the educational qualification and eligibility conditions can participate in the selection drive. However, candidates who have already completed apprenticeship training, are currently undergoing apprenticeship, possess one year or more of work experience as an apprentice, are pursuing ME/MTech, are awaiting final-year results, or obtained their qualification before April 2022 are not eligible to apply.
Age Limit
Candidates applying for the VSSC ISRO Apprentice Recruitment 2026 must satisfy the prescribed age criteria as on 31 July 2026. The upper age limit varies depending on the category of apprenticeship and reservation category.
Graduate Apprentice (Engineering & Non-Engineering)
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| UR | 28 Years |
| OBC | 31 Years |
| SC | 33 Years |
| ST | 33 Years |
| PwBD (UR) | 38 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 41 Years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 43 Years |
Technician Apprentice (Diploma in Engineering)
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| UR | 30 Years |
| OBC | 33 Years |
| SC | 35 Years |
| ST | 35 Years |
| PwBD (UR) | 40 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 43 Years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 45 Years |
Technician Apprentice (Diploma in Commercial Practice)
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| UR | 26 Years |
| OBC | 29 Years |
| SC | 31 Years |
| ST | 31 Years |
| PwBD (UR) | 36 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 39 Years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 41 Years |
Candidates belonging to reserved categories must produce valid supporting certificates during document verification.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all eligibility conditions mentioned in the notification before participating in the selection drive.
The important eligibility conditions include:
- Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply.
- Candidates should possess the prescribed educational qualification in the relevant discipline.
- Candidates who obtained their Degree or Diploma before April 2022 are not eligible.
- Final-year students and candidates awaiting results cannot apply.
- Candidates pursuing ME/M.Tech are not eligible.
- Candidates who have already completed apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act are not eligible.
- Candidates currently undergoing apprenticeship training are also not eligible.
- Candidates having one year or more apprenticeship experience are not eligible.
- Candidates who complete five years from the month and year of passing their qualifying examination before engagement will not be considered.
Reservation Policy
Reservation benefits will be provided according to Government of India norms.
Candidates belonging to the following categories can claim reservation by producing valid certificates:
- Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL)
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
Candidates should ensure that all certificates are issued in the prescribed Government of India format.
Training Conditions
Selected candidates will undergo apprenticeship training for one year at VSSC.
Some important training conditions include:
- Apprenticeship training will be governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961.
- Selected candidates must register themselves on the NATS 2.0 Portal after joining.
- Completion of apprenticeship training does not guarantee permanent employment in VSSC, ISRO, or any Department of Space unit.
- Apprentices must arrange their own accommodation.
- Canteen and transport facilities may be available during the training period as per applicable rules.
- Canvassing in any form will lead to disqualification.
- No interim correspondence regarding selection will be entertained.
Selection Process
Unlike many recruitment drives, VSSC has adopted a simple merit-based selection procedure.
The selection process consists of the following stages:
Document Verification
Candidates attending the selection drive must first undergo verification of their original certificates and self-attested photocopies.
Only candidates satisfying all eligibility conditions will be considered further.
Merit-Based Shortlisting
The selection will be based primarily on the highest marks obtained in the qualifying examination.
Reservation norms will be applied while preparing the merit list.
Final Panel
A panel of selected candidates will be prepared based on merit.
Apprentices will be inducted strictly according to:
- Merit ranking
- Availability of training positions
- Validity of the selection panel
The decision of VSSC regarding selection will be final.
Why Choose an Apprenticeship at VSSC?
VSSC is one of India’s most prestigious space research centres and offers a unique learning environment for fresh graduates and diploma holders.
Some major advantages include:
- Training under ISRO scientists and engineers
- Exposure to advanced space technology
- Hands-on industrial experience
- Government-recognized apprenticeship certificate
- Monthly stipend throughout the training
- Opportunity to strengthen technical and professional skills
- Improved career prospects in both government and private sectors
- Experience in one of India’s leading scientific organizations
Although the apprenticeship does not assure permanent employment, the experience gained at VSSC significantly enhances a candidate’s resume and future job opportunities.
Important Points to Remember
Before attending the selection drive, candidates should keep the following points in mind:
- Reach the venue well before the reporting time.
- Carry all original educational certificates.
- Bring self-attested photocopies of all required documents.
- Carry a recent passport-size photograph.
- Bring valid category certificates, if applicable.
- Ensure that all eligibility conditions are fulfilled before participating.
- Keep checking the official VSSC website for any updates regarding the selection drive.
Selection Drive Details
The VSSC Apprentice Selection Drive 2026 will be conducted as a walk-in recruitment process. Unlike regular recruitment drives, candidates are not required to submit an online application before attending the selection. Eligible candidates must report to the designated venue on the scheduled date with all original documents and self-attested photocopies for verification.
Selection Drive Schedule
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Selection Drive Date | 25 July 2026 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Reporting Time | 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Venue | Karthika Thirunal Government V&HGSS for Girls, Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
Candidates should arrive well before the reporting time to complete the document verification process smoothly.
Documents Required
Candidates attending the selection drive must carry both the original documents and self-attested photocopies of the following certificates:
- BE/B.Tech/Degree/Diploma Certificate (Provisional or Final)
- Consolidated Mark Sheet
- SSLC/Class 10 Certificate (Date of Birth Proof)
- Experience Certificate (if applicable)
- One recent passport-size photograph
Candidates belonging to reserved categories should also carry:
- SC/ST Caste Certificate
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Certificate
- EWS Income & Asset Certificate
- PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
Failure to produce the required documents may result in rejection of candidature.
How to Apply
The application process for this apprenticeship is different from regular online recruitment.
Candidates can follow these steps:
- Read the official notification carefully.
- Check whether you satisfy all eligibility conditions.
- Arrange all original certificates and self-attested photocopies.
- Carry a recent passport-size photograph.
- Visit the selection venue on 25 July 2026 during the reporting time.
- Complete document verification.
- Obtain the apprenticeship application form from VSSC officials at the venue.
- Fill in the application form carefully.
- Submit the completed form along with supporting documents to the VSSC officials during the selection drive.
Applications submitted through post, email, or any online mode will not be accepted.
Important Instructions
Candidates should carefully follow all instructions mentioned in the notification.
Some important points include:
- Only Indian citizens are eligible.
- Candidates must satisfy the prescribed educational qualification.
- The number of apprenticeship positions may change depending on organizational requirements.
- Selection will be purely merit-based.
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending the selection drive.
- Canvassing in any form will lead to disqualification.
- No interim correspondence regarding selection will be entertained.
- Selected candidates must register on the NATS 2.0 Portal after joining.
- Completion of apprenticeship training does not guarantee permanent employment in ISRO or VSSC.
- Accommodation has to be arranged by the candidates themselves during the training period.
Why You Should Join VSSC ISRO
An apprenticeship at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre provides an excellent platform for fresh graduates and diploma holders to begin their careers in one of India’s most respected scientific organizations.
Some key benefits include:
- Opportunity to work under ISRO scientists and engineers.
- Practical exposure to advanced space and engineering technologies.
- Government-recognized apprenticeship certificate.
- Monthly stipend throughout the training period.
- Strong technical and professional skill development.
- Valuable industry experience that enhances employability.
- Excellent addition to your resume for future government and private sector jobs.
Although the apprenticeship does not provide direct permanent employment, the knowledge, practical exposure, and professional experience gained during the one-year training can significantly improve future career prospects.
Conclusion
The VSSC ISRO Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for engineering graduates, diploma holders, hotel management graduates, and non-engineering graduates to gain practical experience at one of India’s premier space research organizations. With one year of structured apprenticeship training, a monthly stipend of up to ₹12,300, and training under experienced professionals, this programme offers immense value for fresh candidates looking to build a successful career.
Interested candidates should ensure they meet all eligibility conditions, arrange the required documents, and participate in the Selection Drive on 25 July 2026 at the designated venue in Thiruvananthapuram. Timely reporting and proper documentation will help candidates complete the selection process without any difficulty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which organization has released the VSSC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification?
Answer: The notification has been released by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO.
Q2. What is the mode of application?
Answer: There is no online application. Eligible candidates must attend the walk-in selection drive.
Q3. When will the selection drive be conducted?
Answer: The selection drive is scheduled for 25 July 2026.
Q4. What is the duration of apprenticeship training?
Answer: The training duration is one year.
Q5. What is the monthly stipend?
Answer: Graduate Apprentices will receive ₹12,300 per month, while Technician Apprentices will receive ₹10,900 per month.
Q6. Is there any guarantee of permanent employment after completing the apprenticeship?
Answer: No. Completion of apprenticeship training does not guarantee permanent employment in VSSC, ISRO, or any other Department of Space unit.
Q7. How will candidates be selected?
Answer: Selection will be based on marks obtained in the qualifying examination, followed by document verification and preparation of a merit panel according to reservation rules.