ISRO VSSC Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 460 Vacancies

Understanding the VSSC Apprentice Selection Process

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27 is a highly sought-after opportunity for engineering graduates, diploma holders, and general stream graduates. Since there is no written examination or formal technical interview, the selection relies entirely on academic merit and meticulous document verification. To secure a spot among the 460 vacancies, candidates must understand the nuances of the walk-in drive and prepare their documentation flawlessly. The competition is intense, as ISRO centers are highly prestigious, and completing an apprenticeship here adds immense value to a candidate’s professional resume.

Key Eligibility and Document Preparation Tips

The primary filter in this recruitment is the document scrutiny phase. Hundreds of candidates are disqualified every year due to minor errors in their certificates or mismatching details. Here is how you can prepare:

• Verify the Passing Window: Ensure that you completed your degree or diploma within the last five years (specifically, April 2022 or later). Candidates who graduated before this period are strictly ineligible.
• CGPA vs. Percentage: VSSC does not allow manual conversion of CGPA to percentage to meet the eligibility criteria. Your certificate must independently show either a CGPA or a percentage that meets the minimum requirement (e.g., 65% or 6.84 CGPA for engineering graduates).
• Keep Category Certificates Ready: If you are claiming reservation benefits, your certificates must be in the prescribed Central Government format. OBC candidates must possess a valid Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate, and EWS candidates must have an Income & Asset Certificate valid for the financial year 2026-27. State-level formats may not be accepted.
• Organize Your Portfolio: Arrange your documents in a systematic order: Date of Birth proof (SSLC/SSC), Consolidated Marksheets, Provisional/Degree Certificate, Caste/Category Certificate, and a passport-size photograph. Keep at least two sets of self-attested photocopies.

NATS 2.0 Portal Registration Guide

Registering on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS 2.0) portal is a mandatory step for all selected apprentices. It is highly recommended to complete your registration on the portal before attending the walk-in drive to ensure a smooth onboarding process.

• Go to the official NATS 2.0 portal at www.nats.education.gov.in.
• Click on the student registration link and fill in your basic details, academic qualifications, and upload your scanned documents (degree/diploma certificate, photo, and signature).
• Once registered, note down your unique NATS Enrollment ID. Having this ID ready during the walk-in drive demonstrates preparedness and speeds up your contract generation upon selection.

Walk-In Drive Day Strategy

Since the selection drive is a single-day event on July 25, 2026, at Thiruvananthapuram, expect a large crowd. Proper planning will help you navigate the day without stress:

• Arrive Early: The reporting window is from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Arriving early (by 8:30 AM) gives you a head start in the queue, ensuring your documents are verified in the initial batches.
• Double-Check Stationery: Carry your own pens, glue, stapler, and writing pad. Do not rely on others at the venue, as this can cause unnecessary delays.
• Dress Professionally: Although it is a walk-in document submission drive, dressing in formal attire leaves a positive, professional impression on the verifying officers.
• Plan Your Travel: The venue is Karthika Thirunal Govt V&GHSS for Girls, Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram. If you are traveling from outside Kerala, book your transport and accommodation well in advance. Priority is given to candidates from the Southern Region of BoAT, so ensure your regional credentials are clear.

Post-Selection and Training Expectations

Once selected, candidates will undergo a rigorous one-year training program. This training is designed to expose apprentices to real-world space technology projects, administrative workflows, or state-of-the-art engineering laboratories depending on their discipline. While the apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment at ISRO, the experience, skills, and network built during this year are invaluable for securing high-paying roles in the aerospace, defense, and core engineering sectors globally.