TNSTC Apprenticeship 2026: 1,518 Vacancies for Graduate & Diploma Apprentices
Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), along with Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) Chennai and State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) Tamil Nadu, has released the official notification for TNSTC apprenticeship 2026 offering 1,518 apprenticeship training slots for the year 2026-27. The recruitment is conducted under the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Act, 1973, and applications are accepted online through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal.
Short Information
The TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27 invites applications from eligible candidates for three categories: Graduate Apprentice (Engineering), Technician (Diploma) Apprentice, and Graduate Apprentice (Non-Engineering). A total of 1,518 vacancies are distributed across seven corporations in Tamil Nadu. Online applications opened on 28 July 2026 and close on 28 August 2026. Selected candidates will undergo one-year apprenticeship training with a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,300 for Graduate Apprentices and Rs. 10,900 for Technician (Diploma) Apprentices.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 28.07.2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 28.08.2026 |
| Declaration of Shortlisted List | Second week of September 2026 |
| Certificate Verification (Shortlisted Candidates) | Fourth week of September 2026 (Tentative), at TNSTC Trichy Region Office |
Application / Registration Fee
No Application Fee is required for this apprenticeship recruitment. Candidates can apply online free of cost through the NATS portal.
Eligibility Criteria & Vacancy / Seat Details
The recruitment offers 1,518 apprenticeship slots across three main categories. The participating corporations reserve the right to increase or decrease vacancies. Candidates must have passed their qualifying examination during 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or May 2026 and must be domiciled in Tamil Nadu. Candidates who have already completed or are undergoing apprenticeship under the Apprenticeship Act, or possess one year or more of relevant experience, are not eligible.
Category-wise Vacancy Summary
| Category | Post Name | Total Vacancies | Educational Qualification | Stipend (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category I | Graduate Apprentice (Engineering) | 457 | B.E./B.Tech (First Class, Regular Full-time) | Rs. 12,300 |
| Category II | Technician (Diploma) Apprentice | 438 | Diploma in Engineering/Technology (Regular Full-time) | Rs. 10,900 |
| Category III | Graduate Apprentice (Non-Engineering) | 623 | BA/B.Sc/B.Com/BBA/BBM/BCA (Regular Full-time, UGC approved) | Rs. 12,300 |
Detailed Discipline-wise Breakup for Graduate Apprentices (Engineering) – 457 Vacancies
| 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 |
Detailed Discipline-wise Breakup for Technician (Diploma) Apprentices – 438 Vacancies
| 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 |
Corporation-wise Vacancies for Graduate Apprentices (Non-Engineering) – 623 Vacancies
| 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: TNSTC Salem has no vacancies listed under the Graduate (Non-Engineering) category.
Age Limit
The age limit will be followed as per the Apprenticeship Rules. Specific minimum and maximum age figures are not mentioned in the notification.
Selection / Admission / Evaluation Process
The selection process for TNSTC apprenticeship 2026 comprises two stages:
- Shortlisting based on Marks Percentage: The Board of Apprenticeship Training (Southern Region) will shortlist candidates based on the percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying degree/diploma relevant to each discipline. The percentage or CGPA × 10 must be mandatorily entered on the NATS portal; failure to furnish this will lead to rejection of candidature.
- Certificate Verification: Shortlisted candidates will be notified via their registered email ID and must appear for certificate verification at the TNSTC Trichy Region office (tentatively scheduled for the fourth week of September 2026). The shortlisted list will be published on the NATS portal under Home page → Regional Events → BOAT Southern Region → Apprenticeship News.
No written examination or interview is conducted. Final engagement is subject to successful document verification.
How to Apply / Register / Check Status
Applications must be submitted online through the NATS portal. The process differs for candidates already enrolled and first-time registrants.
For Candidates Already Enrolled on NATS Portal (Old or New)
- Visit the NATS portal and click Student, then Student Login.
- Click Forgot Password, enter your registered email ID to receive an activation link, and reset your password.
- Log in with your registered email ID and new password, and complete the application form.
- Under "Apply against advertised vacancies," search for the relevant organization name (e.g., "TAMILNADU STATE TRANSPORT CORPORATION VILLUPURAM LTD", "TNSTC KUMBAKONAM", "TNSTC SALEM SALEM REGION", "TAMILNADU STATE TRANSPORT CORPORATION MADURAI LTD MADURAI REGION", "TAMIL NADU STATE TRANSPORT CORPORATION LTD TIRUNELVELI REGION", "METROPOLITAN TRANSPORT CORPORATION CHENNAI LTD", or "STATE EXPRESS TRANSPORT CORPORATION TN LTD").
- Click Apply. The application status will show as "Applied."
For First-Time Enrollment (Category C)
- Visit the NATS portal, click Student, then Student Register.
- Complete the registration form to generate a unique 12-digit Enrolment Number (ATN...).
- Log in with your registered email ID and password.
- Under "Apply against advertised vacancies," search for the relevant organization name as listed above.
- Click Apply, and upload the required Provisional Certificate/Consolidated Mark Sheet along with the percentage of marks or CGPA × 10.
- Confirm the application status shows as "Applied."
Required Documents Checklist
- B.E./B.Tech/Diploma/BA/BSc/BCom/BBA/BCA (or equivalent) Provisional Certificate or Consolidated Mark Sheet
- Percentage of marks or CGPA × 10 (mandatory entry on NATS portal)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD), if claiming reservation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many vacancies are available in TNSTC apprenticeship 2026?
A total of 1,518 vacancies are available: 457 for Graduate Engineering Apprentices, 438 for Diploma (Technician) Apprentices, and 623 for Graduate Non-Engineering Apprentices.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for TNSTC apprenticeship 2026?
The last date to apply online is 28 August 2026.
Q3. What is the monthly stipend for TNSTC apprentices?
Graduate Apprentices (Engineering and Non-Engineering) receive Rs. 12,300 per month, while Diploma (Technician) Apprentices receive Rs. 10,900 per month.
Q4. Who is eligible to apply for TNSTC MTC SETC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27?
Graduates and Diploma holders in Engineering, and Graduates in Arts/Science/Commerce/Humanities, who passed in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or May 2026 and hail from Tamil Nadu, are eligible. Candidates with prior apprenticeship completion or one year or more of relevant experience are not eligible.
Q5. Where will certificate verification for shortlisted candidates take place?
Certificate verification will be held at the TNSTC Trichy Region office, tentatively in the fourth week of September 2026.
Important Links
| Link Name | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification / Advertisement | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |