TNSTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 — 1518 Vacancies

Tamil Nadu's transport corporations — TNSTC, MTC Chennai, and SETC Tamil Nadu — are together hiring 1,518 Apprentices across engineering and non-engineering disciplines. If you have a degree, diploma, or graduate qualification in the relevant field, you can apply online through the NATS portal. The last date to apply is 28 August 2026. Graduate Apprentices get a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,300, and the apprenticeship lasts for one year.

Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) Apprentice Recruitment 2026 - 1518 Posts

Seven state transport undertakings — TNSTC Villupuram, TNSTC Kumbakonam, TNSTC Salem, TNSTC Madurai, TNSTC Tirunelveli, MTC Chennai, and SETC Tamil Nadu — have jointly notified 1,518 apprentice training slots under the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Act 1973, through the Board of Apprenticeship Training, Southern Region. There is no written exam — candidates are shortlisted purely on the percentage of marks scored in their qualifying degree or diploma. This is a great entry point for engineering graduates, diploma holders, and general graduates who want hands-on training experience with a government transport corporation.

This is one of the largest apprenticeship drives announced by Tamil Nadu's transport sector this year, spanning mechanical, civil, electrical, and computer science/IT streams alongside general commerce and arts graduates. Because apprenticeship is governed by the Apprentices Act rather than regular recruitment rules, there is no age bar, no application fee, and no written test — your academic percentage does the talking. If you have just finished your degree or diploma and want practical, on-the-job exposure with a state government transport undertaking, this is a low-barrier way to get your foot in the door.

Vacancy Breakdown by Category

Slots are spread across all 7 transport corporations — TNSTC Villupuram, Kumbakonam, Salem, Madurai, and Tirunelveli, plus MTC Chennai and SETC Tamil Nadu — covering streams such as Mechanical/Automobile Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, and Computer Science/IT. Corporations can increase or decrease the number of vacancies as per their requirement, so the final intake may vary slightly from the numbers above.

Who Can Apply?

Category I — Graduate Apprentice (Engineering):

• Qualification: A regular full-time Degree in Engineering or Technology with First Class from a Statutory University, or an equivalent professional body qualification recognized by the State/Central Government.

Category II — Technician (Diploma) Apprentice:

• Qualification: A regular full-time Diploma in Engineering or Technology from a State Council/Board of Technical Education or University in the relevant discipline.

Category III — Graduate Apprentice (Non-Engineering):

• Qualification: A regular full-time Degree in Arts/Science/Commerce/Humanities (BA/B.Sc./B.Com./BBA/BBM/BCA etc.) from a UGC-approved Statutory or Deemed University.

Note: Candidates who have already completed an apprenticeship, are currently undergoing one, or have 1 or more years of work experience are NOT eligible to apply. You must also enter your percentage of marks / CGPA on the NATS portal — applications without this detail will not be considered.

Age Limit

• Age limit for all three apprentice categories will be followed as per the Apprenticeship Rules — no separate upper age limit is specified in this notification.
• Reservation: SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/PwD candidates get reservation benefits as guided under the Apprentices Act, provided they submit the required certificate in the government-prescribed format.

Salary

• Graduate Apprentices (both Engineering and Non-Engineering) get a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,300.
• Technician (Diploma) Apprentices are paid a stipend as prescribed under the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Act 1973.
• No TA/DA is paid for attending certificate verification, and no boarding or lodging expenses are provided — plan your travel to the TNSTC Trichy Region office accordingly.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection for these apprentice positions does not involve a written exam:

1. Shortlisting: The Board of Apprenticeship Training (Southern Region) prepares a shortlist based on the percentage of marks you scored in your basic qualifying degree/diploma.
2. Intimation: Shortlisted candidates are informed through their registered email ID.
3. Certificate Verification: You must appear for certificate verification at the TNSTC Trichy Region Office — carry your original certificates and mark sheets.

Since this is a merit-based, marks-driven shortlist rather than a competitive exam, keeping your percentage/CGPA entry accurate on the NATS portal is the single most important step in your application.

How to Apply

1. Go to the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme portal at nats.education.gov.in.
2. If you have never enrolled before, click "Student" then "Student Register" and complete the application form to get a unique 12-digit Enrollment Number.
3. If you already have an old or new NATS login, sign in with your registered email ID and password (use "Forgot Password" if needed).
4. Under "Apply against advertised vacancies", search for your preferred transport corporation — TNSTC Villupuram, Kumbakonam, Salem, Madurai, or Tirunelveli, MTC Chennai, or SETC Tamil Nadu.
5. Upload your provisional certificate or consolidated mark sheet, and enter your percentage of marks / CGPA x 10 — this is mandatory, or your candidature will not be considered.
6. Click "Apply" — you can check your application status afterward on the portal.

Important Dates

• Application Start Date: 28 July 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 28 August 2026

• Attend on-the-job training sessions assigned by your mentor or supervisor
• Learn technical or administrative skills relevant to your engineering/non-engineering discipline
• Complete assigned practical tasks and assignments under supervision
• Maintain training records, attendance, and progress reports
• Follow workplace safety guidelines and corporation rules
• Assist departmental staff with day-to-day operational work during training
• Appear for periodic assessments and certificate verification as required