Candidates wondering whether they qualify for this apprenticeship can note that eligibility depends on the specific trade applied for, with separate qualification standards for Technician and Graduate apprentices. Both categories also share common conditions on passing year, prior apprenticeship history, and job experience that apply across all 27 posts. Educational Qualification by Trade Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering, Computer Engineering: A three-year full-time Diploma in the relevant engineering discipline from a State Council/Board of Technical Education or recognized University/Institution. HR Management, Office Administration, Finance & Accounts, Stores & Purchase: Bachelor's degree in any discipline (B.A/B.B.A/B.Com/B.Sc or equivalent). R&D in Oceanography: Bachelor's degree in any science discipline such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Environment Science, Marine Science, Geology, Computer Science, or IT. Library Sciences: Bachelor's Degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent from a UGC-recognized university. Dispensary/Nursing: B.Sc. in Nursing or equivalent. Guest House & Canteen Management: Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management or equivalent. Desktop Publishing: Bachelor's degree in Visual Arts, Photography, Videography, Visual Communication, or equivalent. Other Eligibility Conditions Beyond the academic qualification, CSIR-NIO has set additional conditions that apply uniformly to all applicants regardless of trade. Candidates who do not meet these conditions will not be considered, even if their educational qualification matches the post. Only candidates who passed their qualifying exam in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 are eligible. Candidates must have registered on the Apprenticeship Portal (NATS) and fulfilled the eligibility criteria to appear for the walk-in interview. Candidates should not have undergone or be currently undergoing apprenticeship training in CSIR or elsewhere. Candidates should not have one year or more of job experience in any role. Sandwich diplomas, private diplomas, and part-time/distance/short-term/certificate courses are not acceptable. Age Limit Candidates asking about the age criteria for this apprenticeship can note that the limit differs for Technician and Graduate apprentices, calculated as on the date of interview. Technician/Diploma apprentices must be between 18 and 24 years, while Graduate/Degree apprentices must be between 21 and 26 years, both as on 6 July 2026. Category Age Relaxation SC/ST 5 years OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) 3 years PwBD (General) 10 years PwBD (SC/ST) 15 years PwBD (OBC-NCL) 13 years Ex-Servicemen As per extant Government of India rules Age relaxation is applicable only on production of a relevant certificate in the prescribed Government of India format, signed by the competent authority.

Candidates curious about how CSIR-NIO will select apprentices can note that the primary mode is a direct walk-in interview, with a written test only triggered under specific conditions. Document verification happens at the interview itself, and selection is provisional until certificates are fully verified. Step 1 - Document Verification: Original and self-attested documents are checked at the walk-in interview venue. Step 2 - Interview: Eligible candidates are interviewed by the Selection Committee starting at 10:15 AM. Conditional Written Test: If the number of candidates is higher than what can be reasonably interviewed, the Selection Committee may conduct a written examination and shortlist candidates for personal interview in proportion to available vacancies. Final Selection: Engagement is provisional and subject to subsequent verification of certificates and testimonials; false or suppressed information at any stage can lead to cancellation or termination even after engagement.