ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – 20 Posts, Rs.12,300 Stipend Apply Now

ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 has been officially released by the Director, ICAR – National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. A total of 20 apprentice posts — comprising 18 Graduate Apprentices and 2 Technician (Diploma) Apprentices — are available under the Apprentices (Amendment) Act, 1973. This guide is for B.Sc. graduates and Diploma holders in Life Sciences, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Computer Science who passed out between 2022 and 2026 and are looking for a paid government research internship. Here you will find complete details on vacancy, stipend, eligibility, how to apply via the NATS portal, and important dates.

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📋 Table of Contents

• What is ICAR NRCB?
• Who Should Apply for NRCB Apprentice 2026?
• Vacancy Details & Monthly Stipend
• Eligibility Criteria
• How to Apply Online via NATS Portal
• Selection Process
• ICAR NRCB Apprentice vs Other Government Apprenticeships
• Pros and Cons of ICAR NRCB Apprenticeship 2026
• Important Terms Related to ICAR Apprentice Recruitment
• Important Dates
• Important Links
• Conclusion
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is ICAR NRCB and Why This Recruitment Matters in 2026?

The ICAR – National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) is a premier government research institute established on 21 August 1993, located at Thogamalai Road, Thayanur Post, Tiruchirappalli – 620 102, Tamil Nadu. It functions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), which is the apex body for agricultural research in India under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture.

ICAR-NRCB focuses exclusively on mission-mode research for banana crop improvement, production technology, post-harvest management, and banana plantation sciences. Banana is one of India’s most commercially important fruits, and NRCB plays a central national role in developing high-yield, disease-resistant varieties and sustainable cultivation practices.

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The ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is notified under the Apprentices (Amendment) Act, 1973, which provides structured, paid, one-year on-the-job training for fresh graduates and diploma holders at recognised government research institutes. This is not a regular government job — but it provides invaluable hands-on research experience at a central government institution, which significantly boosts a candidate’s resume for future competitive examinations and research positions.

Who Should Apply for ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

• 🎓 B.Sc. Life Science / Botany graduates (2022–2026 pass-out) looking for a government-backed research training stipend
• 🌿 B.Sc. Agriculture / Horticulture graduates who want hands-on training at India’s national banana research centre
• 🧬 B.Sc. Biotechnology / Biochemistry graduates seeking structured lab training under ICAR scientists
• 💻 BCA / B.Sc. Computer Science graduates looking for a government data or IT support apprenticeship role
• 🧪 B.Sc. Chemistry graduates wanting to work in a central government research environment
• 📜 Diploma holders in Agriculture / Horticulture who want technician-level training with a Rs.10,900/month stipend
• 🏆 Fresh graduates preparing for ICAR competitive exams (ASRB NET, JRF) who want research exposure
• 📚 Candidates targeting government job applications where experience at a central research institute adds strong merit

ICAR NRCB Apprentice 2026 – Vacancy Details and Monthly Stipend

A total of 20 apprentice posts are available under Category I (Graduate Apprentices) and Category II (Technician/Diploma Apprentices). The monthly stipend is fixed as per government norms under the Apprentices Act. Here is the complete discipline-wise vacancy and stipend breakdown:

The highest number of vacancies is for B.Sc. Life Science (6 posts), followed by B.Sc. Agriculture/Horticulture (4 posts). All Graduate Apprentices receive a uniform stipend of Rs.12,300 per month, while Technician (Diploma) Apprentices receive Rs.10,900 per month — both paid under the provisions of the Apprentices (Amendment) Act, 1973.

ICAR NRCB Apprentice 2026 – Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026, candidates must verify that they meet all eligibility conditions as specified in the official notification dated 27 August 2026. The key eligibility criteria are:

Educational Qualification

• Category I – Graduate Apprentices: A regular, full-time Bachelor’s Degree (B.Sc./BCA) in Biotechnology, Botany, Life Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Biochemistry, Chemistry, BCA, or Computer Science from a UGC-approved statutory or deemed university
• Category II – Technician (Diploma) Apprentices: A regular, full-time 3-year Diploma in Agriculture or Horticulture from a UGC-approved statutory or deemed university

Passing Year Criteria

Candidates must have passed their qualifying degree or diploma in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 only. Candidates who passed before 2022 or who have already undergone/are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act are not eligible.

NATS Registration (Mandatory)

Registration on the MHRD NATS Portal (www.mhrdnats.gov.in or www.nats.education.gov.in) is compulsory for all applicants. Candidates who have not registered on the NATS portal cannot apply for this recruitment.

Age Limit

Age limit is as per Apprenticeship Rules notified by the Government of India. Age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates applies as per the Apprentices Act provisions.

Application Fee

There is no application fee for any category. This is a completely free application process through the NATS portal.

How to Apply for ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 — Step-by-Step Process

Applications for ICAR NRCB Apprentice 2026 are accepted only online through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Register on NATS Portal: Visit nats.education.gov.in. If you are a first-time user (Category C), click “Student” → “Student Register” and complete your profile. A unique 12-digit Enrolment Number (ATN) will be generated.
2. Existing NATS Users (Category A & B): If already enrolled on the old portal (mhrdnats.gov.in) or the new portal (nats.education.gov.in), log in with your registered email and password. Reset your password if needed using “Forgot Password.”
3. Apply Against Vacancy: After logging in, go to “Apply against advertised vacancies” and search for “ICAR – NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR BANANA” (Establishment ID: STNTCC089613).
4. Select Your Discipline: Choose the vacancy matching your degree or diploma discipline from the list.
5. Fill Application Details: Enter your aggregate percentage (mandatory), personal details, and educational information. Candidates must compulsorily enter the percentage of marks in the column “% of marks / CGPA x 10” — if not furnished, candidature will not be considered.
6. Upload Documents: Upload your B.Sc. / BCA / Diploma Provisional Certificate or Consolidated Mark Sheet as required.
7. Submit Application: Click “Apply” and confirm. Your application status will appear as “applied” on the portal.
8. Save Confirmation: Download and print the application confirmation page for future reference during certificate verification.

Selection Process for ICAR NRCB Apprentice 2026

The selection process for ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is purely merit-based — there is no written examination or interview in the traditional sense. Here is how selection works:

• Merit List: Engagement of Graduate and Technician Apprentices will be made on the basis of aggregate marks obtained in the qualifying Graduate or Diploma examination respectively
• Category-wise Ranking: The final rank list is prepared category-wise (General / SC / ST / OBC) after certificate verification
• VPA Employee Children Preference: Preference will be given to children of VPA (host establishment) employees — specifically, children of deceased employees, medically invalidated and superannuated employees, and currently serving employees, in that order
• Certificate Verification: Shortlisted candidates must produce original certificates at ICAR-NRCB, Tiruchirappalli. The verification schedule will be communicated via registered mobile number and email only. No TA/DA is payable for attending verification
• Reservation: SC/ST/OBC/PWD reservation applies as per the Apprentices Act. Candidates claiming OBC category must furnish the OBC certificate in Government-prescribed format from a competent authority

ICAR NRCB Apprentice 2026 vs Other Government Apprenticeships

How does the ICAR NRCB Apprenticeship compare with other central government apprenticeship schemes? Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you decide:

Pros and Cons of ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026

✅ Advantages

• Competitive Stipend: Rs.12,300/month for graduates — one of the highest stipends in central government apprenticeships for fresh BSc graduates
• Zero Application Fee: No fee for any category — General, OBC, SC, ST, or PWD
• Merit-Based Selection: No written examination; shortlisting is purely on aggregate marks obtained in qualifying degree
• Central Government Research Exposure: One year of structured training at ICAR — India’s premier agricultural research body — adds significant value to any future application
• NATS Certificate: Upon completion, candidates receive an apprenticeship completion certificate from BOAT (Board of Apprenticeship Training), which is recognized by government recruiters

❌ Disadvantages

• No Employment Guarantee: Completing the apprenticeship does not confer any right to a regular government job at ICAR-NRCB
• No TA/DA: No travel or boarding expenses are paid for certificate verification or training
• Limited Vacancies: Only 20 posts across all disciplines — competition is intense for popular disciplines like Life Science (6 posts) and Agriculture (4 posts)

Important Terms Related to ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment

Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the application process and evaluation criteria for ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026:

• ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research): The apex autonomous body under the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, responsible for coordinating and promoting agricultural research, education, and extension in India. ICAR oversees 100+ research institutes including NRCB.
• NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme): A government portal managed by BOAT (Board of Apprenticeship Training) that facilitates online registration, application, and management of apprenticeship training across India. URL: nats.education.gov.in
• Apprentices (Amendment) Act, 1973: The central legislation that governs apprenticeship training in India, defining the obligations of employers and apprentices, and fixing stipend norms for different qualification levels.
• BOAT (Board of Apprenticeship Training): A Government of India body under the Ministry of Education that administers apprenticeship training. The Southern Region (BOAT-SR) board has jurisdiction over Tamil Nadu where ICAR-NRCB is located.
• Graduate Apprentice: A candidate with a B.Sc./BCA degree trained under the Apprentices Act. They are paid a stipend of Rs.12,300/month as per 2026 government norms.
• Technician (Diploma) Apprentice: A candidate with a 3-year Diploma who undergoes technician-level training. Stipend fixed at Rs.10,900/month under Apprentices Act norms.
• VPA (Vocational Partner Agency): The host organization (ICAR-NRCB in this case) where the apprentice undergoes training. The VPA has no obligation to provide regular employment after training completion.
• NRCB Establishment ID (STNTCC089613): The unique identifier of ICAR-NRCB on the NATS portal. Candidates must search using this exact ID to find and apply for the advertised vacancies.
• UGC-Approved University: A university recognized by the University Grants Commission of India. Degrees/diplomas from non-UGC approved institutions are not acceptable for this recruitment.
• Aggregate Percentage: The total percentage of marks obtained in the entire qualifying examination (B.Sc./Diploma), used as the sole basis for merit ranking in ICAR NRCB Apprentice 2026 selection.

ICAR NRCB Apprentice 2026 — Important Dates

Important Links – ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Conclusion – ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for B.Sc. graduates and diploma holders in Life Sciences, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Computer Science to gain one year of funded, structured research training at India’s national banana research centre. With a stipend of Rs.12,300/month, zero application fee, and a purely merit-based selection process, this recruitment stands out among government apprenticeships available in 2026.

If you are a 2022–2026 pass-out with NATS registration, apply immediately on the NATS portal before the last date of 17 September 2026. Bookmark this page — we update it as soon as official dates for certificate verification are announced. For the official notification PDF, visit our Agrijob Telegram channel.

Frequently Asked Questions About ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026

What is the last date to apply for ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

The last date to submit online applications for ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is 17 September 2026. Applications are accepted only through the NATS portal (nats.education.gov.in). No offline applications or applications received after the due date will be entertained.

How many vacancies are available in ICAR NRCB Apprentice 2026?

A total of 20 vacancies are available: 18 Graduate Apprentice posts and 2 Technician (Diploma) Apprentice posts across disciplines including Life Science, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Botany, Chemistry, Biochemistry, BCA/Computer Science, and Diploma in Agriculture/Horticulture.

What is the monthly stipend for ICAR NRCB Apprentice 2026?

Graduate Apprentices (B.Sc. holders) receive a monthly stipend of Rs.12,300/-, while Technician (Diploma) Apprentices receive Rs.10,900/- per month. The stipend is fixed under the Apprentices (Amendment) Act, 1973 and cannot be negotiated.

Is NATS registration mandatory for ICAR NRCB Apprentice 2026?

Yes, NATS registration is mandatory for all applicants. Candidates must be enrolled on either the old portal (mhrdnats.gov.in) or the new portal (nats.education.gov.in) and must have a valid 12-digit Enrolment Number before applying. First-time users can register directly at nats.education.gov.in under “Student Register.”

What qualifications are accepted for ICAR NRCB Graduate Apprentice 2026?

For Graduate Apprentice posts, a regular full-time B.Sc. degree in Biotechnology, Botany, Life Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Biochemistry, Chemistry, BCA, or Computer Science from a UGC-approved statutory or deemed university is required. For Technician Apprentice posts, a regular 3-year Diploma in Agriculture or Horticulture is required.

Is there a written exam for ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

No, there is no written examination for ICAR NRCB Apprentice 2026. Selection is done purely on the merit basis of aggregate marks obtained in the qualifying Graduate or Diploma examination. A certificate verification round follows for shortlisted candidates at ICAR-NRCB, Tiruchirappalli.

Will I get a government job after completing ICAR NRCB Apprenticeship?

Completing the ICAR NRCB Apprenticeship does not guarantee a regular government job. As per the official notification, ICAR-NRCB has no obligation to offer employment, nor can an apprentice claim employment rights on completion of training. However, the apprenticeship certificate from BOAT (SR) is a strong credential for future ICAR, ASRB, and other government recruitment examinations.

What is the Establishment ID of ICAR-NRCB on NATS portal?

The NATS Establishment ID of ICAR – National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirappalli is STNTCC089613. Candidates must search for this exact Establishment ID on the NATS portal under “Apply against advertised vacancies” to find the ICAR NRCB Apprentice 2026 vacancy.

What documents are required to apply for ICAR NRCB Apprentice 2026?

Candidates need to upload their B.Sc. / BCA / Diploma Provisional Certificate or Consolidated Mark Sheet on the NATS portal. The aggregate percentage of marks is mandatory — if not furnished, the candidature will not be considered. Original certificates must be produced at ICAR-NRCB during certificate verification as communicated by the institute.

Is there an application fee for ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

There is no application fee for ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026. The application process is completely free for all categories including General, OBC, SC, ST, and PWD candidates.

Last Updated: September 2026 | This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest information on ICAR NRCB Apprentice Recruitment 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All recruitment details are sourced from the official ICAR-NRCB notification dated 27.08.2026. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official NRCB website at nrcb.icar.gov.in and the NATS portal at nats.education.gov.in. Agrijob.in is not responsible for any discrepancy in data after publication.

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