The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially invited applications for the ISRO Apprentice Recruitment 2026, offering a significant career opportunity for graduates, diploma holders, and commerce students aspiring to gain practical experience in India’s premier space agency. The recruitment drive aims to fill 410 apprentice positions at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru, one of ISRO’s leading satellite design and development facilities.
Applications are being accepted through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal, and eligible candidates can submit their online applications until August 29, 2026. The apprenticeship programme is designed to provide hands-on technical and professional training under experienced scientists and engineers, enabling young professionals to develop industry-relevant skills while contributing to India’s rapidly growing space programme.
Unlike regular recruitment drives, the apprenticeship programme emphasizes learning and skill development through practical exposure rather than written examinations, making it an attractive opportunity for fresh graduates and diploma holders seeking experience in a world-class research organization.
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ISRO Announces Apprentice Recruitment 2026
With India’s space sector witnessing unprecedented growth through ambitious satellite launches, lunar exploration missions, deep-space research, and commercial space initiatives, ISRO continues to invest in developing the country’s future scientific and technical workforce.
The latest ISRO Apprentice Recruitment 2026 has been announced for the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru. The centre is one of the most important establishments under ISRO, responsible for designing, developing, integrating, and testing satellites used for communication, navigation, earth observation, meteorology, scientific exploration, and national security applications.
The apprenticeship programme offers selected candidates an opportunity to work in a highly advanced scientific environment while receiving structured practical training under experienced professionals.
Applications for the recruitment process are open online through the NATS portal, and candidates are advised to complete the registration process well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Total Vacancies
The recruitment drive includes a total of 410 apprentice vacancies, distributed across three different apprenticeship categories.
The available positions are:
Graduate Apprentice
- Total Vacancies: 220
- Monthly Stipend: Rs 12,300
Graduate Apprentice positions are open to candidates who have completed the prescribed engineering or degree qualifications from recognized institutions.
Technician Apprentice
- Total Vacancies: 120
- Monthly Allowance: Rs 10,900
Technician Apprentice positions are intended primarily for diploma holders in relevant technical disciplines.
Commercial Apprentice
- Total Vacancies: 70
- Monthly Allowance : Rs 10,900
Commercial Apprentice positions are available for eligible commerce graduates and candidates meeting the educational requirements specified by ISRO.
Together, these three categories account for 410 apprenticeship opportunities, making this one of ISRO’s major apprentice recruitment drives this year.
Important Dates
Candidates planning to apply should keep the following timeline in mind:
- Application Process Begins: Online applications are currently open.
- Last Date to Apply: August 29, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid website congestion or technical delays.
Who Can Apply?
ISRO has opened this apprenticeship programme to candidates from multiple educational backgrounds.
Eligible applicants include:
- Engineering graduates
- Degree holders
- Diploma holders
- Commerce graduates
Candidates should ensure that they satisfy all eligibility conditions prescribed in the official notification before applying.
Apart from educational qualifications, applicants should also meet any additional eligibility requirements regarding year of passing, recognized institutions, and apprenticeship rules as applicable under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme.
Attractive Monthly Financial Support
One of the major attractions of the apprenticeship programme is the monthly financial assistance provided during the training period.
Selected candidates will receive:
| Apprentice Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | Rs 12,300 |
| Technician Apprentice | Rs 10,900 |
| Commercial Apprentice | Rs 10,900 |
The stipend allows trainees to gain valuable industrial experience while receiving financial support throughout the apprenticeship tenure.
Although apprentices are not considered permanent employees, the experience gained during training significantly strengthens future employment prospects in both the public and private sectors.
Why the U R Rao Satellite Centre Matters
The apprenticeship positions are being offered at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), headquartered in Bengaluru.
URSC is regarded as one of ISRO’s most prestigious establishments.
The centre has played a crucial role in designing and developing numerous satellites used for:
- Communication
- Navigation
- Weather forecasting
- Earth observation
- Disaster management
- Scientific research
- Planetary exploration
Many of India’s landmark satellite missions have originated from this centre.
Working at URSC provides apprentices with direct exposure to advanced satellite technologies, systems engineering, testing facilities, and project management practices that are rarely available elsewhere.
How to Apply for ISRO Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Candidates must submit their applications online through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal.
The application process involves the following steps:
Step 1
Visit the official NATS portal.
Step 2
Complete the registration process if you are a new user.
Step 3
Log in using your registered credentials.
Step 4
Search for “URSC ISRO” under the available apprenticeship opportunities.
Step 5
Select the appropriate apprentice category based on your qualification.
Step 6
Fill in all required personal, educational, and contact details carefully.
Step 7
Upload all necessary supporting documents in the prescribed format.
Step 8
Review the application thoroughly before final submission.
Step 9
Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates are advised to keep copies of all submitted documents until the recruitment process is completed.
Selection Process
The selection process for the ISRO Apprentice Recruitment 2026 has been designed to be simple and merit-based.
Unlike many government recruitments, there is no written examination.
Academic Merit
Initially, ISRO will prepare a shortlist of candidates based on marks obtained in their qualifying degree or diploma examinations.
Higher academic performance will improve the chances of selection.
Document Verification
Candidates shortlisted through the merit list will be invited for document verification.
Applicants must produce original educational certificates and other required documents during verification.
ISRO has clarified that no Travelling Allowance (TA) or Dearness Allowance (DA) will be provided to candidates attending the verification process.
Final Merit List
After successful document verification, the final selection list will be prepared based on academic merit and verification of eligibility.
Selected candidates will receive further instructions regarding joining formalities and commencement of apprenticeship training.
Benefits of Joining ISRO as an Apprentice
The apprenticeship programme offers several advantages beyond the monthly stipend.
Selected candidates receive:
- Hands-on industrial training
- Exposure to India’s space technology ecosystem
- Experience working alongside scientists and engineers
- Practical understanding of advanced engineering systems
- Enhanced employability in aerospace and technology sectors
- Opportunity to build professional networks
- Valuable experience for future government and private sector careers
For many young professionals, an apprenticeship at ISRO serves as a stepping stone toward long-term careers in research, engineering, manufacturing, defence, electronics, and information technology.
ISRO’s Role in India’s Growing Space Sector
ISRO has emerged as one of the world’s most respected space agencies due to its cost-effective mission execution and technological excellence.
Over the decades, the organization has successfully delivered several landmark achievements, including:
- Chandrayaan lunar missions
- Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)
- Navigation satellite systems
- Earth observation satellite programmes
- Communication satellite launches
- PSLV and GSLV launch vehicle missions
- Human spaceflight preparations under the Gaganyaan programme
As India’s space economy continues expanding with increased private sector participation and international collaborations, demand for skilled engineers and technical professionals is expected to rise substantially.
Apprenticeship programmes like this help prepare the next generation of professionals capable of supporting India’s ambitious space objectives.
Important Tips Before Applying
Candidates should remember a few important points before submitting their applications:
- Register early on the NATS portal.
- Verify eligibility before applying.
- Keep educational certificates ready.
- Ensure uploaded documents meet prescribed specifications.
- Carefully review every detail before final submission.
- Download and preserve the application confirmation page.
- Regularly monitor official notifications regarding shortlisting and document verification.
Submitting accurate information is essential, as discrepancies may result in cancellation of candidature during verification.
A Valuable Career Opportunity
The ISRO Apprentice Recruitment 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for graduates, diploma holders, and commerce students seeking meaningful industry exposure at one of India’s most prestigious scientific institutions. With 410 apprenticeship vacancies available at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, the programme offers practical training, financial support through monthly stipends, and invaluable experience in the country’s thriving space sector.
As the selection process is based purely on academic merit followed by document verification, candidates with strong educational records have a significant opportunity to secure a place in the programme without facing a competitive written examination.
Interested applicants should complete their online registration through the NATS portal before the August 29, 2026 deadline, ensuring that all required documents are uploaded correctly. With India’s space programme entering a new era of innovation and expansion, this apprenticeship could serve as an important foundation for a successful career in science, engineering, technology, or research.
