ICAR-NRCB Graduate Apprentice Recruitment 2026

About This Job

ICAR-NRCB has released notification for 16 Graduate Apprentice posts at its Tiruchirappalli centre in Tamil Nadu. Candidates who have completed B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Botany, Life Science, Microbiology, or Bioinformatics can apply online through the NATS portal. Last date to apply is 15 April 2026. Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 9,000.

ICAR-NRCB Graduate Apprentice Recruitment 2026 - 16 Posts

Indian Council of Agricultural Research - National Research Centre for Banana (ICAR-NRCB), located in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, has invited online applications for engaging 16 Graduate Apprentices under the Apprentices (Amendment) Act, 1973. This is a great opportunity for fresh B.Sc. graduates in life sciences to gain one year of hands-on research training at India's only dedicated banana research centre. If you passed your B.Sc. between 2022 and 2026, you should definitely consider applying.

Vacancy Breakdown by Discipline

• B.Sc. Life Science / Biotechnology / Botany / Microbiology / Bioinformatics: 10 posts
• B.Sc. Biotechnology: 3 posts
• B.Sc. Botany: 3 posts

Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD will be provided as per Government guidelines.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need a B.Sc. degree in Biotechnology, Botany, Life Science, Microbiology, or Bioinformatics from a UGC-approved statutory or deemed university (Regular, Full-time mode only).
• Year of Passing: You must have passed your B.Sc. in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 only.
• NATS Registration: You must be registered on the MHRD NATS Portal (www.mhrdnats.gov.in) before applying.
• Experience: Candidates who have already completed or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Act, or who have one year or more experience, are not eligible.

Age Limit

• Age limit will be followed as per Apprenticeship Act rules.
• Age Relaxation: SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates will get relaxation as per Government of India norms.

Stipend

• Selected Graduate Apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 9,000 per month.
• The apprenticeship training period is one year.
• Note: No boarding or lodging expenses are provided. No TA/DA for certificate verification.

Application Fee

• No application fee is mentioned in the notification.
• You only need to register on the NATS portal and apply against the advertised vacancy.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

There is no written examination for this recruitment. Selection will be done in 2 stages:

1. Merit List: A merit list will be prepared based on aggregate marks you scored in your B.Sc. degree. Higher marks mean a higher rank.
2. Certificate Verification: Shortlisted candidates will be called for certificate verification at ICAR-NRCB, Thogamalai Road, Thayanur Post, Tiruchirappalli - 620 102, Tamil Nadu. The verification will include checking your ADT BoAT (SR) and other original documents.

Preference will be given to children of VPA Employees (children of deceased/medically invalidated/superannuated/serving employees).

How to Apply

The entire application process is online through the NATS portal. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the NATS portal at nats.education.gov.in (or www.mhrdnats.gov.in for old portal users).
2. If you are a new user, click Student Register and complete your enrolment. You will get a 12-digit ATN (Apprenticeship Training Number).
3. Log in with your email and password.
4. Under "Apply against advertised vacancies", search for "ICAR - NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR BANANA".
5. Click Apply and complete the application form.
6. Upload your B.Sc. / B.C.A. / B.A. provisional certificate or consolidated mark sheet. Enter your percentage of marks (or CGPA x 10).
7. Submit your application. You can see the status as "applied" after submission.

Important: If you do not provide percentage of marks in the NATS portal, your application will not be considered.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 30 March 2026
• Online Application Start: 30 March 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 15 April 2026
• Certificate Verification: To be announced

• Assist scientists in ongoing banana research projects and field experiments
• Prepare samples and conduct laboratory tests under supervision
• Maintain records of experiments, observations, and research data
• Handle plant tissue culture and molecular biology techniques as assigned
• Work in the field gene bank and germplasm collection areas
• Follow safety protocols and maintain cleanliness in the laboratory
• Prepare reports and presentations on research findings when required