TNSTC Announces 2026 Recruitment for 1,518 Apprentice Positions
The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) has officially released a notification for the recruitment of apprentices for 2026, offering a total of 1,518 posts. The application process will be open from July 28, 2026 to August 28, 2026, with eligible candidates invited to apply via the official website at tnstc.in.
This recruitment is aimed at filling apprenticeship training slots throughout various TNSTC regions, including the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) Chennai and the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) Tamil Nadu. Positions are available for candidates holding degrees in B.E./B.Tech, diplomas, and general degrees such as BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, BBM, and BCA, provided they meet the eligibility criteria specified in the notification. Those chosen will undergo a one-year apprenticeship, receiving a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,300 for Graduate Apprentices and Rs. 10,900 for Technician Apprentices.
Overview of TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
This recruitment process for the upcoming year is conducted under the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Act of 1973. Candidates who have completed the required qualifications in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or May 2026 and are residents of Tamil Nadu are encouraged to apply. More details regarding training slots, eligibility, stipend, and selection procedures are included in the official notification, which can be accessed through the links provided below.
Download the official TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF: Notification PDF
Apply Online: Apply Online
Important Dates for TNSTC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
All candidates are advised to complete their online application by August 28, 2026. The list of shortlisted candidates will be published in the second week of September 2026, and certificate verification is tentatively scheduled for the fourth week of September 2026 at the TNSTC Trichy Region office.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | July 28, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | August 28, 2026 |
| Declaration of Shortlisted List | Second week of September 2026 |
| Certificate Verification (Shortlisted Candidates) | Fourth week of September 2026 (Tentative) |
Details of TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Vacancies 2026-27
The 1,518 available apprenticeship slots are divided into three categories: Graduate Engineering, Diploma Engineering, and Non-Engineering Graduate. It's important to note that the TNSTC may modify the number of vacancies as needed.
Graduate Apprentices (Engineering) - 457 Vacancies
This category is open to candidates with a First Class Degree in Engineering or Technology (B.E./B.Tech, Regular Full-time).
| Corporation | Mechanical/Automobile | Civil | Electrical & Electronics | CSE/IT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TNSTC Villupuram | 40 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 100 |
| TNSTC Kumbakonam | 51 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 51 |
| TNSTC Salem | 45 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 48 |
| TNSTC Madurai | 18 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 20 |
| TNSTC Tirunelveli | 66 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 70 |
| MTC Chennai | 80 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 100 |
| SETC Tamil Nadu | 60 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 68 |
| Total | 360 | 26 | 41 | 30 | 457 |
Technician (Diploma) Apprentices - 438 Vacancies
Candidates must possess a Diploma in Engineering or Technology (Regular Full-time) to be eligible.
| Corporation | Mechanical/Automobile | Civil | Electrical & Electronics | CSE/IT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TNSTC Villupuram | 10 | 4 | 11 | 15 | 40 |
| TNSTC Kumbakonam | 123 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 123 |
| TNSTC Salem | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 |
| TNSTC Madurai | 48 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 51 |
| TNSTC Tirunelveli | 22 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 26 |
| MTC Chennai | 80 | 10 | 10 | 38 | 138 |
| SETC Tamil Nadu | 60 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 68 |
| Total | 338 | 20 | 30 | 53 | 438 |
Graduate Apprentices (Non-Engineering) - 623 Vacancies
Candidates must hold a Degree in Arts, Science, Commerce, or Humanities (BA, BSc, BCom, BBA, BBM, BCA, etc.) to qualify.
| S. No. | Corporation | No. of Slots |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TNSTC Villupuram | 100 |
| 2 | TNSTC Kumbakonam | 251 |
| 3 | TNSTC Madurai | 37 |
| 4 | TNSTC Tirunelveli | 93 |
| 5 | MTC Chennai | 62 |
| 6 | SETC Tamil Nadu | 80 |
| Total | 623 |
Eligibility Criteria for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
| Category | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Category I - Graduate Apprentice (Engineering) | B.E./B.Tech (Regular Full-time) with First Class from a recognized institution. |
| Category II - Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | Diploma in Engineering/Technology (Regular Full-time) from a recognized institution. |
| Category III - Graduate Apprentice (Non-Engineering) | Degree in Arts/Science/Commerce/Humanities (Regular Full-time) from a UGC-approved university. |
All candidates must have completed their qualifications in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or May 2026 and should be residents of Tamil Nadu.
Note: Candidates who have previously completed or are currently undergoing an apprenticeship as per the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Act, 1973, or possess one year or more relevant experience are ineligible.
Age Limit and Stipend Structure
The age limit will comply with Apprenticeship Rules, although specific age limits are not outlined in the notification.
The stipend structure for apprentices is outlined as follows:
- Graduate Apprentices (Engineering and Non-Engineering): Rs. 12,300 per month
- Diploma (Technician) Apprentices: Rs. 10,900 per month
Selection Process for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
The selection of candidates will be managed by the Board of Apprenticeship Training (Southern Region) based on the marks obtained in the relevant qualification. Notifications regarding shortlisted candidates will be sent to their registered email addresses.
Shortlisted candidates are required to attend Certificate Verification at the TNSTC Trichy Region office, tentatively scheduled for the fourth week of September 2026. A list of shortlisted candidates will also be available on the NATS portal.
Documents Required for Application
- Provisional Certificate or Consolidated Mark Sheet for B.E./B.Tech/Diploma/BA/BSc/BCom/BBA/BCA or equivalent.
- Percentage of marks or CGPA x 10 (this information must be included on the NATS portal).
- Category certificate (if applicable for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD).
How to Apply for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
Applications should be made online through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal at nats.education.gov.in. The application process varies depending on whether the candidate has an existing account on the portal.
For Existing Users (Old or New NATS Portal)
- Visit nats.education.gov.in and select Student, then Student Login.
- Click on Forgotten Password to reset your password using your registered email ID.
- Log in and fill out the application form.
- Under "Apply against advertised vacancies," search for the pertinent organization names (e.g. TNSTC Villupuram, TNSTC Kumbakonam).
- Click Apply, and check that your application status indicates "Applied."
For First-Time Users (Category C)
- Go to nats.education.gov.in, click on Student, then Student Register.
- Fill out the application form to receive a unique 12-digit Enrolment Number.
- Log in and locate the advertised vacancies as mentioned above.
- Click Apply and upload your Provisional Certificate/Consolidated Mark Sheet along with the percentage of marks or CGPA x 10.
- Ensure that your application status shows "Applied."
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Travel expenses for attending certificate verification will not be reimbursed.
- No accommodations will be provided.
- Upon completing the apprenticeship, there is no obligation for corporations to offer employment.
- Applications that are incomplete or submitted after the deadline will be rejected.
- The Board of Apprenticeship Training has not authorized any third parties for assistance.
- Unethical practices or pressure will lead to disqualification.
- For inquiries or verification, contact: [email protected].
Candidates with degrees or diplomas in engineering should also consider exploring additional engineering job opportunities within the government sector. Graduates in Arts, Science, or Commerce can find more government job openings in Tamil Nadu and other relevant sectors.
FAQs about TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
What is the total number of vacancies for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27?
There are 1,518 positions available: 457 for Graduate Engineering Apprentices, 438 for Diploma (Technician) Apprentices, and 623 for Graduate Non-Engineering Apprentices.
What is the deadline for applications for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27?
The deadline for online applications is August 28, 2026.
What is the stipend amount for TNSTC apprentices?
Graduate Apprentices receive Rs. 12,300 per month, whereas Diploma (Technician) Apprentices earn Rs. 10,900 monthly.
Who qualifies to apply for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27?
Eligible candidates include both engineering graduates and diploma holders, as well as graduates in Arts/Science/Commerce/Humanities who completed their qualifications in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or May 2026 and are residents of Tamil Nadu.
What is the application process for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27?
Applications must be submitted online through the NATS portal at nats.education.gov.in.
What is the duration of the TNSTC apprenticeship training?
The apprenticeship training lasts for one year, adhering to the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Act of 1973.
Are there any age restrictions for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27?
The age limit will comply with the Apprenticeship Rules; specific age limits are not provided in the notification.
Where will certificate verification be conducted for shortlisted TNSTC apprentice candidates?
Certificate verification will take place at the TNSTC Trichy Region office, tentatively scheduled for the fourth week of September 2026.