TNSTC Announces Recruitment for 1518 Apprentice Positions in 2026
The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) has officially unveiled a recruitment notification for 2026 aimed at filling 1,518 apprentice positions. Interested candidates can submit their online applications starting from July 28, 2026, until the deadline of August 28, 2026. Applications must be made through the official website, tnstc.in.
This recruitment drive for apprenticeship slots encompasses various TNSTC regions, including the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) Chennai and the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC). The available positions are open to candidates holding a B.E./B.Tech, Diploma, or general degrees in fields such as BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, BBM, and BCA, provided they meet the stipulated eligibility criteria. Selected candidates will undergo a one-year apprenticeship and will earn a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,300 for Graduate Apprentices and Rs. 10,900 for Technician (Diploma) Apprentices.
TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27 Notification Released
The TNSTC, MTC Chennai, and SETC have collaboratively issued a notification for the engagement of apprentices for the year 2026-27 as per the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Act of 1973. The announcement provides comprehensive details regarding the number of training slots available by region, eligibility requirements, stipend amounts, selection procedures, and important dates. Candidates can apply online via the NATS portal by the deadline of August 28, 2026. For an in-depth overview of the recruitment process, download the official notification PDF using the link provided below.
Download TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
Overview of TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
This apprenticeship recruitment is part of the initiative for the 2026-27 period, guided by the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Act, 1973. Only candidates who completed their qualifications between 2022 and May 2026 and are residents of Tamil Nadu are eligible, adhering to the additional eligibility conditions outlined in the notification.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizations | TNSTC Villupuram, TNSTC Kumbakonam, TNSTC Salem, TNSTC Madurai, TNSTC Tirunelveli, MTC Chennai, SETC Tamil Nadu Ltd |
| Post Name | Graduate Apprentice (Engineering), Technician (Diploma) Apprentice, Graduate Apprentice (Non-Engineering) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,518 |
| Mode of Application | Online (NATS Portal) |
| Application Start Date | 28.07.2026 |
| Application Last Date | 28.08.2026 |
| Stipend | Rs. 12,300/month (Graduate Apprentices), Rs. 10,900/month (Diploma/Technician Apprentices) |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting based on marks percentage + Verification of Certificates |
| Official Website | nats.education.gov.in |
Key Dates for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
Candidates are urged to complete their online applications by August 28, 2026. The list of shortlisted candidates will be declared in the second week of September 2026, followed by certificate verification scheduled for the fourth week of September 2026 at the TNSTC Trichy Region office.
| S. No. | Activity | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Online Application Start Date | 28.07.2026 |
| 2 | Last Date to Apply Online | 28.08.2026 |
| 3 | Declaration of Shortlisted List | Second week of September 2026 |
| 4 | Certificate Verification (Shortlisted Candidates) | Fourth week of September 2026 (Tentative), at TNSTC Trichy Region Office |
Details of TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Vacancies 2026-27
A total of 1,518 apprenticeship opportunities are categorized as follows: Graduate Engineering, Diploma Engineering, and Non-Engineering Graduate positions. Note that the participating corporations reserve the right to adjust the number of vacancies mentioned.
Category I: Graduate Apprentices (Engineering) - 457 Vacancies
This category is available for candidates who have a First Class Degree in Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech, Full-time, Regular).
| 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 |
Category II: Technician (Diploma) Apprentices - 438 Vacancies
This category is available for individuals with a Diploma in Engineering/Technology (Full-time, Regular).
| 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 |
Category III: Graduate Apprentices (Non-Engineering) - 623 Vacancies
This category is meant for candidates holding a Degree in Arts/Science/Commerce/Humanities (BA/BSc/BCom/BBA/BBM/BCA etc., Full-time, Regular, UGC approved).
| 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 |
Note: There are no vacancies listed for TNSTC Salem under the Graduate (Non-Engineering) category. The corporations reserve the right to modify the number of vacancies as needed.
Eligibility Criteria for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
| Category | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Category I - Graduate Apprentice (Engineering) | Engineering/Technology Degree (Regular Full-time) with First Class from an accredited University or institution. |
| Category II - Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | Engineering/Technology Diploma (Regular Full-time) from an accredited institution. |
| Category III - Graduate Apprentice (Non-Engineering) | Degree in Arts/Science/Commerce/Humanities (BA/BSc/BCom/BBA/BBM/BCA etc.), Regular Full-time from a UGC-recognized institution. |
Candidates must have completed their qualifying degree/diploma between 2022 and May 2026 and should be from Tamil Nadu. Note that those who have already completed or are currently undergoing apprenticeship under the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Act 1973, or possess one year or more of relevant experience, are not eligible to apply.
Age Limit for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
The age criteria will adhere to the Apprenticeship Rules as specified in the notification, although detailed minimum and maximum age limits are not provided.
Stipend for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentices
Graduate Apprentices (both Engineering and Non-Engineering) will earn a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,300. Those in the Technician (Diploma) Apprenticeship will receive Rs. 10,900 per month.
Selection Process for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
The Board of Apprenticeship Training (Southern Region) will conduct the shortlisting based on the percentage of marks obtained in the relevant qualifying qualification. Candidates will be informed about their selection status through their registered email IDs.
Shortlisted candidates are expected to present themselves for certificate verification at the TNSTC Trichy Region office, tentatively set for the fourth week of September 2026. The list of shortlisted candidates will also be published on the NATS portal.
Documents Required for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Provisional Certificate or Consolidated Mark Sheet of B.E./B.Tech/Diploma/BA/BSc/BCom/BBA/BCA (or equivalent).
- Percentage of marks or CGPA multiplied by 10 (this is mandatory on the NATS portal).
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD), if applicable.
How to Apply for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
Applications should be submitted online via the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal at nats.education.gov.in. The application process differs based on whether candidates are already enrolled on the portal.
For Candidates Already Enrolled (Old or New NATS Portal)
- Visit nats.education.gov.in and select 'Student', then click on 'Student Login'.
- Click on 'Forgot Password' and enter your registered email ID to receive a reset link.
- Log in using your registered email ID and new password, then complete the application form.
- Under 'Apply against advertised vacancies', search for the relevant organization names.
- Click 'Apply'. The application status will change to 'Applied'.
For First-Time Enrollment (Category C)
- Go to nats.education.gov.in, click 'Student', then select 'Student Register'.
- Fill out the application form to generate a unique 12-digit Enrolment Number.
- Log in with your registered email ID and password.
- Under 'Apply against advertised vacancies', search for relevant organization names.
- Click 'Apply' and upload the required Provisional Certificate/Consolidated Mark Sheet along with the percentage of marks or CGPA x 10.
- Ensure that your application status shows as 'Applied'.
Important Instructions for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27
- No TA/DA will be compensated for attending the certificate verification process.
- Candidates will not receive any funding for boarding or lodging.
- Upon completing the apprenticeship, there is no obligation for the corporations to offer employment, nor can the apprentice claim any right to employment.
- Applications that are incomplete or submitted after the deadline will be rejected without further communication.
- BOAT (Southern Region) has not authorized any third party to manage its processes; candidates should be cautious of fraud.
- Any form of canvassing or undue pressure will result in disqualification and removal from official records.
- For inquiries, please contact [email protected].
Candidates with backgrounds in engineering can explore various engineering government job openings, while graduates in arts, science, or commerce should check for Tamil Nadu government jobs and graduate apprentice opportunities. Additionally, candidates interested in public sector apprenticeships can find relevant listings in the PSU Apprentice Recruitment for 2026.
TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27 - FAQs
How many vacancies are there in TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27?
There are a total of 1,518 vacancies: 457 for Graduate Engineering Apprentices, 438 for Diploma (Technician) Apprentices, and 623 for Graduate Non-Engineering Apprentices.
What is the last date to apply for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27?
The final date for online applications is August 28, 2026.
What is the monthly stipend for TNSTC apprentices?
Graduate Apprentices receive Rs. 12,300 per month, while Diploma (Technician) Apprentices earn Rs. 10,900 per month.
Who is eligible to apply for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27?
Eligibility is open to graduates and diploma holders in engineering, as well as graduates in arts, science, commerce, and humanities who completed their degrees in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or May 2026, provided they are from Tamil Nadu.
How can I apply for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27?
Application submissions should be made 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, in accordance with the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Act 1973.
Is there an age limit for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27?
The age limit will follow the Apprenticeship Rules; the notification does not specify minimum or maximum age figures.
Where will certificate verification for shortlisted TNSTC apprentice candidates take place?
Certificate verification will take place at the TNSTC Trichy Region office, tentatively planned for the fourth week of September 2026.