For thousands of young Indians who grew up watching rockets rise from Sriharikota, this is the kind of opening that does not come around every year. The Indian Space Research Organisation has opened applications for 400 apprentice posts at its Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, and the window is short. The notification came out on 6 November 2026, and candidates have until 26 November to get their applications in.
What makes this drive stand out is its range. There are seats for engineering graduates, science and commerce graduates, diploma holders, ITI trade certificate holders and vocational course students. In other words, whether you finished a B.Tech last year or an ITI course in fitting, there is likely a category with your name on it. The training lasts 12 months, and selected apprentices will be paid a monthly stipend of Rs 9,600 to Rs 12,300 depending on their category.
400 posts across six categories
The 400 vacancies are spread across six apprenticeship categories. Trade apprentices get the biggest share, with 180 seats, followed by non-engineering graduates and diploma holders in commercial and computer practice, with 60 seats each. Engineering graduates have 50 seats, technician apprentices have 35, and vocational apprentices have 15.
- Trade Apprentice: 180 posts, including fitter (75), electronic mechanic (30) and electrician (25)
- Non-Engineering Graduate Apprentice: 60 posts across science, commerce and arts
- Diploma (DCCP) Apprentice: 60 posts in commercial and computer practice
- Engineering Graduate Apprentice: 50 posts, including mechanical, electronics, electrical, computer science, civil and chemical
- Technician Apprentice (Diploma): 35 posts across engineering diploma disciplines
- Vocational Apprentice: 15 posts, including multipurpose health worker and medical lab technician
The apprenticeship will run under the Apprentices Act, 1961, and the training will take place at SDSC SHAR in Sriharikota, the spaceport from which most of India’s rockets lift off. That is the real draw here. Few apprenticeships in the country put a trainee this close to live launch operations.
Who can apply
The eligibility rules are strict on marks and timing, so read them before you start filling the form. Engineering graduates, non-engineering graduates and technician apprentices need a first class qualification, which means at least 60 percent marks or a 6.32 CGPA. They must also have passed their qualifying degree or diploma in 2022 or later. Candidates who are still pursuing higher studies cannot apply, and neither can those who have already completed an apprenticeship or hold sandwich course certificates.
Trade apprentices need an SSLC or SSC pass along with an ITI or NTC certificate in the relevant trade from NCVT. Vocational apprentices need a two-year vocational course certificate recognised by AICTE. One point worth noting is that the notification does not fix a separate minimum or maximum age limit, so candidates should follow the rules given on the registration portals.
Stipend and selection
The monthly stipend is Rs 12,300 for engineering and non-engineering graduate apprentices, Rs 10,900 for technician apprentices, and Rs 9,600 for trade and vocational apprentices. The stipend for the diploma (DCCP) category is not separately listed in the notification’s stipend table, so candidates in that category should confirm the amount with SDSC SHAR before applying. Queries can be sent to apprenticeship@shar.gov.in.
There is no written examination and no interview in this recruitment. Selection will be based on academic merit, followed by document verification. That makes the application itself the deciding step, so certificates, mark sheets and registration details need to be accurate and complete.
How to apply before 26 November
Applications are online only, and the process has two parts. First, register on the relevant national apprenticeship portal, NATS for graduates and diploma holders or the apprenticeship portal for ITI and vocational candidates, and get your enrolment or registration number. Then complete the SDSC SHAR application on the UMANG portal by searching for SDSC SHAR Apprenticeship.
Keep your Aadhaar linked to your bank account for direct benefit transfer, and keep scanned copies of your certificates, mark sheets, photograph and signature ready. Documents uploaded on UMANG must be in JPG, JPEG or PNG format, and educational documents must not exceed 1 MB each. Applications submitted through any other mode will not be accepted.
One thing candidates should be clear about: this is a 12-month apprenticeship, not a regular job. The notification states that selected apprentices will have no claim to any temporary or permanent employment at SDSC SHAR or any other ISRO unit after the training ends. The value here is the training and the experience, and for many young engineers and technicians, a year at Sriharikota is worth a great deal on its own.
With the deadline set for 26 November 2026, candidates have just under three weeks from the notification date. Those who are eligible should register on the apprenticeship portal first, since that step takes time, and then finish the UMANG application well before the last date to avoid the usual last-day rush.
FAQs
How many apprentice posts has ISRO announced for 2026?
ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR has announced 400 apprentice posts across six categories, including engineering graduates, non-engineering graduates, technicians, DCCP, trade and vocational apprentices.
What is the last date to apply for the ISRO Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 26 November 2026. Applications opened on 6 November 2026.
What is the stipend for ISRO apprentices?
The monthly stipend ranges from Rs 9,600 to Rs 12,300, depending on the category. Graduate apprentices get Rs 12,300, technician apprentices Rs 10,900, and trade and vocational apprentices Rs 9,600.
Is there a written exam for ISRO apprentice selection?
No. Selection is based on academic merit followed by document verification. There is no separate written examination or interview mentioned in the notification.
Where do I apply for the ISRO Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Register first on the NATS or apprenticeship portal as applicable, then submit the SDSC SHAR application on the UMANG portal. The official website for details is shar.gov.in.
For the latest updates on this recruitment, candidates should keep checking the official SDSC SHAR website and the UMANG portal, since any change in dates or instructions will be published there first.
