Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a listed Mini Ratna Schedule A Company of the Government of India under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has released Notification No. CSL/P&A/APPE/SEL.DESIGNTD/DEGREE_DIPLOMA_2023_2024/2023/4 dated 12 August 2026 inviting online applications for 139 apprenticeship training seats under the Apprentices (Amendment) Act 1973 at its facility in Kochi, Kerala. The seats are split into 61 Graduate Apprentice seats (Category I) across 8 engineering disciplines and 78 Technician (Diploma) Apprentice seats (Category II) across 7 disciplines including Commercial Practice. Only Kerala domicile candidates who passed their qualifying degree or diploma in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible. Training duration is 1 year with a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 (Graduate) or Rs. 13,000 (Technician). Applications are submitted through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal at nats.education.gov.in from 12 August 2026 to 1 September 2026. There is no application fee. Completion of this apprenticeship does not entitle the apprentice to any claim of employment with CSL.
Important Note: Three things every applicant must verify before submitting. First, Kerala domicile is the single most important eligibility condition – this notification is restricted to candidates who are domicile of Kerala. No candidate from any other state is eligible regardless of qualification or passing year. If you are from Kerala but hold a qualification from a university or institution outside Kerala, you are still eligible provided your domicile certificate confirms Kerala domicile. Second, the passing year is restricted to 2022 to 2026 – candidates who passed their degree or diploma before 2022 (i.e., in 2021 or earlier) are not eligible even if they meet the domicile and qualification conditions. Additionally, candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices (Amendment) Act 1973 in any organisation are barred from applying. Third, the application is submitted through the NATS portal (nats.education.gov.in), not through the CSL website – if you have an old account on the earlier MHRD NATS portal (portal.mhrdnats.gov.in), you must activate it on the new portal using the Forgot Password option before you can apply. No call letters are sent by post; shortlisted candidates are informed only by email and through the CSL website. Use a valid, regularly checked email ID.
CSL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India |
| Classification | Mini Ratna Schedule A Company |
| Notification No. | CSL/P&A/APPE/SEL.DESIGNTD/DEGREE_DIPLOMA_2023_2024/2023/4 |
| Date of Notification | 12 August 2026 |
| Programme | Graduate and Technician (Diploma) Apprenticeship under the Apprentices (Amendment) Act 1973 |
| Categories | Category I – Graduate Apprentices (Engineering Degree holders); Category II – Technician Diploma Apprentices (Engineering and Commercial Practice Diploma holders) |
| Total Training Seats | 139 (61 Graduate + 78 Technician) |
| Domicile Requirement | Kerala domicile only |
| Eligible Passing Years | 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 |
| Minimum Age | Above 18 years as on 1 September 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online only through NATS portal – nats.education.gov.in |
| Application Fee | No fee |
| Monthly Stipend | Rs. 15,000 (Graduate Apprentice); Rs. 13,000 (Technician Diploma Apprentice) |
| Training Duration | 1 year |
| Training Location | Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi, Kerala |
| Post-Apprenticeship Employment | Not guaranteed. CSL has no obligation to offer employment after completion |
| Application Opens | 12 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 1 September 2026 |
| Official Website | cochinshipyard.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 12 August 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 12 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 1 September 2026 |
| Age Cut-off Date | 1 September 2026 |
| Certificate Verification | To be communicated by email and on cochinshipyard.in |
Training Seat Details
Category I – Graduate Apprentices (61 Seats)
| S. No. | Discipline | Training Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mechanical Engineering | 22 |
| 2 | Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 12 |
| 3 | Civil Engineering | 6 |
| 4 | Electronics and Communication Engineering | 5 |
| 5 | Computer Science or Information Technology | 4 |
| 6 | Fire and Safety Engineering | 4 |
| 7 | Marine Engineering | 4 |
| 8 | Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding | 4 |
| Total | 61 |
Category II – Technician (Diploma) Apprentices (78 Seats)
| S. No. | Discipline | Training Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mechanical Engineering | 23 |
| 2 | Electrical Engineering | 15 |
| 3 | Civil Engineering | 13 |
| 4 | Commercial Practice | 10 |
| 5 | Electronics Engineering | 8 |
| 6 | Computer Engineering | 5 |
| 7 | Instrumentation Technology | 4 |
| Total | 78 |
The number of training seats is based on current requirement and may vary. CSL reserves the right not to fill all notified seats.
Eligibility Criteria
| Particulars | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian nationals only |
| Domicile | Kerala domicile – mandatory |
| Minimum Age | Above 18 years as on 1 September 2026 |
| Eligible Passing Years | 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 |
| Prior Apprenticeship | Candidates who have already completed or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices (Amendment) Act 1973 in any organisation are not eligible |
Category I – Graduate Apprentice Qualification
A Degree in Engineering or Technology in the relevant discipline from:
- A Statutory University; or
- An institution empowered by an Act of Parliament to grant such degrees; or
- A graduate examination of a professional body recognised by the State or Central Government as equivalent to the above.
Category II – Technician (Diploma) Apprentice Qualification
For disciplines 1 to 6 (Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, Instrumentation Technology, Civil and Computer Engineering): A Diploma in Engineering or Technology in the relevant discipline from a State Council or Board of Technical Education, a University, or an institution recognised by the State or Central Government as equivalent.
For discipline 7 (Commercial Practice): A Diploma in Commercial Practice from an institution recognised by the State or Central Government.
CGPA or grade-based results: If your marksheet shows a grade point instead of percentage, use the conversion formula prescribed by your University or Institute. Where no such formula exists, multiply the Aggregate Grade Point by 10 to arrive at the equivalent percentage.
Equivalent qualifications: Candidates holding a qualification claimed as equivalent to the prescribed one must submit an Equivalency Certificate from a competent authority. Without this, the candidature is not considered.
Stipend
| Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Category I – Graduate Apprentices | Rs. 15,000 per month |
| Category II – Technician (Diploma) Apprentices | Rs. 13,000 per month |
No travel expenses are admissible during the training period. CSL provides no boarding or lodging. Candidates must arrange their own accommodation in Kochi at their own cost.
Application Fee
No application fee is required for any category under this notification.
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Shortlisting | Based on the percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying degree or diploma |
| 2. Tie-breaking | If two candidates have the same percentage: the one who passed earlier (by year) is ranked higher. If the passing year is also the same: the older candidate (by date of birth) is ranked higher |
| 3. Certificate Verification | Shortlisted candidates are called to produce originals of age proof, qualification certificates, marksheets, caste or disability certificates where applicable, along with self-attested copies. Candidates unable to produce originals are rejected |
| 4. Provisional Selection | Candidates who clear certificate verification are provisionally selected in order of merit and reservation, subject to medical fitness as prescribed in Clause 4 of the Apprenticeship Rules 1992 |
There is no written test and no interview for this apprenticeship. Shortlisting and provisional selection are entirely on the basis of qualifying marks and reservation. Call letters for certificate verification are sent only by email and published on cochinshipyard.in. No call letters are sent by post.
How to Apply for CSL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Applications must be submitted online only through the official National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal.
If you already have an account on the old MHRD NATS portal (portal.mhrdnats.gov.in):
- Visit the NATS portal – Click Here
- Use the Forgot Password option on the Student Login page to activate your account on the new portal.
- Log in, search Cochin Shipyard Limited under “Apply against advertised vacancies” and click Apply. The status will show as “Applied.”
If you have no prior NATS registration:
- Visit the NATS portal – Click Here
- Click Student, then Student Register and complete the registration form. A unique Enrolment Number will be generated.
- Log in, search Cochin Shipyard Limited under “Apply against advertised vacancies” and click Apply. The status will show as “Applied.”
For any NATS portal-related issues, candidates may contact the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT), Southern Region, Chennai through the NATS portal helpdesk.
Submit the application before 1 September 2026. No offline or physical applications are accepted.
Important Instructions
- Kerala domicile is mandatory. Candidates from other states are not eligible.
- Passing year must be 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026. Earlier batches are not eligible.
- Candidates who have already done or are currently undergoing apprenticeship anywhere under the Apprentices Act are not eligible.
- No call letters by post. All communication is by email and on cochinshipyard.in. Keep the email ID used in NATS registration active and check it regularly.
- Marks must be entered correctly. Any mismatch between entered marks and the uploaded marksheet leads to summary rejection.
- No travel allowance, no boarding, no lodging is provided during the training period.
- Completion of apprenticeship does not entitle the apprentice to any claim of employment with CSL.
- Submission of the application is considered unconditional acceptance of all terms and conditions.
- Any legal proceedings arising from this notification can be instituted only at courts or tribunals at Ernakulam, which has sole and exclusive jurisdiction.
- Any amendment or modification is published only on cochinshipyard.in.
- Canvassing in any form leads to disqualification.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (NATS Portal) | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| CSL Official Website | Click Here |
| NATS Portal (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme) | Click Here |
CSL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
Q1. What is CSL Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
✅ It is Notification No. CSL/P&A/APPE/SEL.DESIGNTD/DEGREE_DIPLOMA_2023_2024/2023/4 dated 12 August 2026 issued by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a Mini Ratna Schedule A Government of India company, for 139 apprenticeship training seats under the Apprentices (Amendment) Act 1973 at Kochi, Kerala – 61 Graduate Apprentice and 78 Technician (Diploma) Apprentice seats across engineering and commercial practice disciplines.
Q2. Is Kerala domicile mandatory?
✅ Yes, absolutely. This notification is restricted to Kerala domicile candidates only. No candidate from any other state is eligible regardless of qualification, marks or passing year.
Q3. What are the eligible passing years?
✅ Candidates who passed their qualifying degree or diploma in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 are eligible. Candidates who passed in 2021 or earlier are not eligible.
Q4. What is the last date to apply and is there an application fee?
✅ 1 September 2026, through the NATS portal at nats.education.gov.in. There is no application fee for any category.
Q5. How do I apply – through CSL’s website or elsewhere?
✅ Applications are submitted only through the NATS portal at nats.education.gov.in, not through the CSL website. If you have an old account on portal.mhrdnats.gov.in, activate it on the new portal using the Forgot Password option and then apply. If you have no prior registration, register fresh on nats.education.gov.in.
Q6. What is the stipend and will CSL provide accommodation?
✅ Monthly stipend is Rs. 15,000 for Graduate Apprentices and Rs. 13,000 for Technician (Diploma) Apprentices. CSL provides no boarding, no lodging and no travel allowance during the training period. Candidates must arrange their own accommodation in Kochi.
Q7. How is selection done? Is there a written test?
✅ No written test, no interview. Selection is entirely on the basis of percentage of marks in the qualifying degree or diploma. Tie-breaking uses the year of passing (earlier passes ranked higher), then date of birth (older candidate ranked higher). Shortlisted candidates are called for certificate verification, after which provisional selection is made subject to medical fitness.
Q8. Will I get a job at CSL after the apprenticeship?
✅ No. CSL has explicitly stated that completion of apprenticeship training does not entitle the apprentice to any claim of employment with CSL. Apprenticeship is a training engagement under the Apprentices Act, not a recruitment to a regular post.
Q9. What documents must I carry for certificate verification?
✅ Originals of age proof, degree or diploma marksheets and certificates, caste certificate (SC, ST, OBC) or disability certificate where applicable, Kerala domicile certificate, along with self-attested copies of each. Candidates unable to produce originals are rejected at this stage.
Q10. Who can I contact for NATS portal issues?
✅ For any issues related to the NATS portal, candidates may contact the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT), Southern Region, Chennai through the helpdesk available on the NATS portal at nats.education.gov.in. CSL does not handle NATS portal-related queries.
Disclaimer
The information above relates to Notification No. CSL/P&A/APPE/SEL.DESIGNTD/DEGREE_DIPLOMA_2023_2024/2023/4 dated 12 August 2026 issued by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a Mini Ratna Schedule A Company of the Government of India under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, for 139 apprenticeship training seats under the Apprentices (Amendment) Act 1973 at Kochi, Kerala. This engagement is restricted to Kerala domicile candidates who passed their qualifying degree or diploma in 2022 to 2026. Completion of apprenticeship training does not entitle the apprentice to any claim of employment with CSL. The number of training seats may vary and CSL reserves the right not to fill all notified seats. The official notification PDF on cochinshipyard.in is the sole authoritative source. Any amendments will be published only on cochinshipyard.in. All disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of courts and tribunals at Ernakulam. All links above lead only to the official Cochin Shipyard Limited website and the official Government of India NATS portal.
