ICAR-NRCB Graduate Apprentice Recruitment 2026 — 16 Vacancies

About This Job

ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu has released a notification for 16 Graduate Apprentice posts. If you hold a B.Sc. degree in Biotechnology, Botany, or Life Sciences, this is your chance to get one year of hands-on training at a premier ICAR research centre. The monthly stipend is Rs. 9,000. You can apply online through the NATS portal before 15 April 2026.

ICAR-NRCB Graduate Apprentice Recruitment 2026 — 16 Posts

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research - National Research Centre for Banana (ICAR-NRCB) is a leading research institute focused on banana and plantain research. Established in 1993 at Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, it works on crop improvement, crop production, post-harvest management, and crop protection. Under the Apprentices (Amendment) Act, 1973, ICAR-NRCB is now offering 16 one-year Graduate Apprenticeship positions to fresh B.Sc. graduates.

Vacancy Breakdown

• B.Sc. (Biotechnology) — 3 posts
• B.Sc. (Botany) — 3 posts
• B.Sc. (Life Science — Biotechnology / Botany / Microbiology / Bioinformatics) — 10 posts

Total: 16 Graduate Apprentice posts

Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD categories will be followed as per the Apprentices Act guidelines.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: B.Sc. degree in Biotechnology, Botany, or Life Science (Biotechnology / Botany / Microbiology / Bioinformatics)
• Mode of study: Regular (full-time) from a statutory University / Deemed University — UGC approved
• Year of passing: You must have passed your degree in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026
• NATS registration: You must be registered on the MHRD NATS Portal (www.mhrdnats.gov.in or www.nats.education.gov.in)
• Not eligible: Candidates who have already completed or are currently doing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act 1973, or those with one year or more experience

Age Limit

• Age limit will be followed as per Apprenticeship Rules
• Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates as per government rules

Stipend

• Monthly stipend: Rs. 9,000/- per month
• Training duration: One year
• Note: No TA/DA will be paid for certificate verification. No boarding or lodging expenses are covered

Application Fee

• No application fee — Registration on the NATS portal is free

Selection Process

1. Merit List: Selection will be purely on merit, based on the aggregate marks you scored in your Bachelor's degree
2. Certificate Verification: Shortlisted candidates will need to attend certificate verification at ICAR-NRCB, Thogamalai Road, Thayanur Post, Tiruchirappalli — 620 102, Tamil Nadu

The final rank list will be prepared category-wise (General / SC / ST / OBC). Preference will be given to children of VPA employees (deceased / medically invalidated / superannuated / serving employees).

No written exam is required — selection is purely merit-based.

How to Apply

1. Visit the NATS portal at https://nats.education.gov.in
2. If you are a new user, click "Student Register" and complete the registration process. You will get a unique 12-digit Enrolment Number (ATN number)
3. If you are already registered, log in with your email ID and password
4. Go to "Apply against advertised vacancies"
5. Search for "ICAR NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR BANANA"
6. Click Apply — your status will show as "applied"
7. Upload required documents: B.Sc. degree certificate or provisional certificate, consolidated mark sheet with percentage of marks
8. Enter your percentage of marks or "CGPA x 10" in the marks column on the NATS portal

Important: If you do not provide your percentage of marks, your application will not be considered. Applications received after the due date will be rejected.

Important Dates

• Notification date: 30 March 2026
• Online application start date: 30 March 2026
• Last date to apply online: 15 April 2026
• Certificate verification date: To be announced

• Assist senior scientists in ongoing banana and plantain research projects at ICAR-NRCB
• Handle laboratory tasks related to biotechnology, botany, microbiology, or bioinformatics as assigned
• Prepare samples, maintain lab records, and follow standard research protocols
• Work on crop improvement, crop production, post-harvest management, or crop protection activities
• Manage tissue culture, DNA extraction, and molecular biology experiments under supervision
• Monitor field trials and collect data from banana cultivation plots
• Follow all safety guidelines and maintain cleanliness in laboratory and field areas
• Prepare periodic reports on training activities and research progress