Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam Apprentice Apply Online 2026

The Ministry of Defence (Navy) has released a new notification for the Enrollment of Designated Trade Apprentices for the 2026-27 batch at the Naval Dockyard Apprentices School (DAS), Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam. Applications are invited from Indian nationals with ITI qualifications for one-year apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act 1961. This training offers a valuable opportunity for ITI candidates to get hands-on experience in technical trades within the Naval Dockyard environment.

Vacancies & Trade-Wise Distribution

• Mechanic Diesel
• Machinist
• Electrician
• Pipe Fitter
• Foundryman
• Instrument Mechanic
• Electronics Mechanic
• Welder (Gas & Electric)
• Computer Operator & Programming Assistant, etc.

Age Limit for Apprentices

No Upper Age Limit for Apprentices: For this apprenticeship cycle, the Naval Dockyard follows the Ministry of Skill Development guidelines, which clearly state that there is no upper age limit for applicants seeking apprenticeship training. This open policy allows candidates of any age who meet educational and physical eligibility to apply without restrictions. The approach supports wider participation and enables skilled ITI candidates to upgrade technical abilities regardless of age. The notification confirms this relaxation based on the official MSDE memorandum issued on 20 December 2021, ensuring equal opportunities.

Minimum Age Criteria for All Trades: Although there is no upper limit, a minimum age condition applies for safety and training requirements. Candidates must be at least 14 years old to join apprenticeship programs under the Apprentices Act 1961. This minimum age ensures that a candidate has completed basic schooling and is mature enough to take technical instructions in workshop environments. The rule is legally defined and protects young applicants from work exposure that may involve machines, tools, or workshop safety disciplines. Applicants below the age threshold are not eligible to register for any trade.

Minimum Age for Hazardous Trades: Some designated trades involve hazardous work such as welding, electrical setups, heavy metal handling, or industrial machinery. For these categories, the minimum age requirement is 18 years. This condition is specifically linked with hazardous occupations, where handling tools requires strong physical coordination and safe decision-making skills. The rule aims to reduce risk in trades involving heat, electric current, pressure tools, and chemical exposure. The notification aligns this rule with the Apprentices Act, highlighting a clear age separation between general and hazardous trade admissions.

Date-Based Eligibility Rule: The Naval Dockyard notification mentions exact date cut-offs, which define eligibility. For non-hazardous trades, the applicant should be born on or before 02 May 2012, meaning they meet the minimum age requirement. For hazardous trades, the applicant must be born on or before 02 May 2008. These exact dates provide clarity during document verification and avoid ambiguity. The dates are calculated based on the training start period, ensuring that applicants meet minimum legal age on the commencement date. These cut-offs are essential during form scrutiny.

Importance of Date of Birth Verification: Candidates must verify that the date of birth in Aadhaar and SSC certificate is identical. Any mismatch may lead to application rejection, especially as age rules are strict for hazardous trades. The notification instructs applicants to correct Aadhaar details if differences exist. This indicates that the date of birth is a critical eligibility parameter, and the entire reservation, selection, and trade eligibility depend on it. Birth date verification avoids future disputes in exam stage or document verification stage. Maintaining accurate records helps smooth processing.

Legal Basis for Age Conditions: The age conditions are not random but implemented under The Apprentices Act 1961, which defines minimum age rules to safeguard young trainees. It also refers to Apprenticeship Rules 1992, including amendments applicable at present. The Ministry of Skill Development circulars allow employers to remove the upper age limit, encouraging more enrollment. The Naval Dockyard follows this framework, which ensures national-level uniformity for apprenticeship age norms. The rules are designed considering safety, training exposure, and equal learning opportunities.

No Age Relaxation Needed: Because the upper age limit does not exist, there is no need for separate age relaxations for categories such as SC, ST, OBC, PWD, or Armed Forces dependents. All candidates, irrespective of community or reservation category, can apply if they meet the minimum age rules. This makes the application process simple because only the lower age boundary matters. Even if a candidate has higher age, the application remains valid. Thus, the Naval Dockyard provides an inclusive path for applicants who missed opportunities earlier due to upper age limits.

Age and Trade Safety Requirements: The minimum age limit is linked with the nature of training and workshop setups. Heavy machines, pressure tools, electrical systems, and foundry operations require cognitive maturity, so such trades maintain the 18-year rule. Meanwhile, trades like painting, fitting, or computer assistance are categorized as non-hazardous, requiring only the 14-year minimum. The age structure protects apprentices and reduces workshop risks. Safety is prioritized over widening eligibility, especially in trades requiring deep technical caution. The notification defines age based on trade risk levels.

Proof Required During Verification: At the document verification stage, candidates must produce original SSC certificate, where the birth date is officially recognized. No other informal document will be accepted for age consideration. The Aadhaar card must also match the SSC record. During training admission, the medical examination confirms physical maturity aligned with age eligibility. Candidates failing to prove age authenticity will be removed even after clearing the exam. Thus, age proof plays a prominent role in multiple stages of the selection process.

Age Rules and Training Schedule: The age eligibility dates are structured around the training start date, which is planned from 02 May 2026. The calculation ensures that candidates are at least 14 or 18 years old when training begins. This approach prevents underage entry during live workshop sessions. The timeline also synchronizes with exam dates, medical checks, and reporting requirements. Even if a candidate turns eligible shortly after the cut-off, they cannot be accepted. The firm date ensures standardized enrollment and avoids mid-cycle eligibility confusion.

Educational Qualification Section

Required Academic Qualification: To apply for the Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam apprenticeship batch, candidates must hold the basic academic qualification of SSC/Matric/Standard X, completed from a recognized board. The notification specifies that the minimum required aggregate score in SSC is 50%, calculated based on total marks. This ensures every apprentice has core academic knowledge in key subjects like mathematics and science, which are essential for industrial training and technical learning. No equivalent qualification is accepted.

Mandatory ITI Certification: Along with SSC, a candidate must also possess a certified ITI qualification under NCVT or SCVT schemes. The minimum required score in ITI trade is 65% aggregate, which applies uniformly across categories. The ITI trade must match the trade chosen for apprenticeship. Having an ITI certificate shows that the candidate has completed structured technical training and is prepared for hands-on work. ITI education forms the foundation for learning advanced industrial techniques at the Dockyard.

ITI Trade Relevance: The notification clearly states that only specific ITI trades are eligible for each apprenticeship trade offered. For example, trades like Marine Engine Fitter are mapped to Mechanic Diesel; Refrigeration trades map to Central AC Plant Mechanic; and Carpenter maps to Shipwright Wood. The apprenticeship selection will consider the candidate only if the ITI trade aligns with the designated Naval Dockyard trade. Applying with unrelated trades will lead to rejection during document screening.

Scorecard Requirement: The Naval Dockyard emphasizes that both SSC and ITI certificates must show marks or grades, because percentages are calculated for merit ranking. If a candidate submits a certificate without marks, grade points, or percentage documentation, the application will not be accepted. The eligibility depends on clear score records from both examinations. This rule ensures transparency during the shortlisting stage, where academic evaluation is given a 70:30 ratio weightage between SSC and ITI marks respectively.

NCVT and SCVT Recognition: The eligibility criteria accept ITI certificates under NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) or SCVT (State Council for Vocational Training) recognized institutions only. Private, unrecognized, or short-term training certificates do not qualify. NCVT/SCVT institutions follow standardized industrial curriculum and controlled workshops, ensuring that candidates entering the apprenticeship are trained in core trade skills. These approvals confirm that trainees have met national skill standards required for defense-level training.

No Acceptance Without Documents: Candidates must present proper academic proof during the document verification stage, including original SSC marksheet and original ITI marksheets. Without valid documentation, the selection panel will reject the application even if a candidate is shortlisted. The notification also instructs candidates to upload supporting documents while completing the profile on the Apprenticeship Portal. This dual verification process ensures that only genuine profiles are considered for final merit and enrollment.

Single Qualification for the Trade: The Naval Dockyard rules specify that only one ITI qualification shall be considered for a particular trade. If a candidate possesses multiple ITI certificates in different trades, the relevant trade matching the apprenticeship will be counted. The candidate cannot seek multiple trade options using different ITI qualifications. This keeps the application system clean and avoids confusion during seat allocation. Applicants must carefully select the trade that matches their strongest ITI certification.

Previous Apprenticeship Restriction: Candidates who have already completed apprenticeship training in the same trade, under any organization, are not eligible to apply again. This rule prevents duplication of government-funded training and ensures fresh candidates get opportunities. It applies under the Apprentices Act 1961, which highlights that repetition in the same trade does not improve industry diversity. Therefore, only first-time apprentices in a particular trade will be considered for the Naval Dockyard 2026-27 batch.

Digital Validation Through Portal: Educational details are validated through the Apprenticeship India online portal, which requires candidates to upload SSC and ITI details and verify Aadhaar. The platform auto-generates the candidate profile, which must match the physical documents sent to the Dockyard. Entering incorrect marks or entering incomplete information may lead to rejection. The portal-based documentation helps the recruitment panel access clean digital data and reduces errors. The online process also enables fair, transparent merit evaluation. Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam

Importance of Educational Scores: Educational marks have a direct impact on shortlisting for the written exam, where 70% weight is given to SSC marks and 30% to ITI marks. This structure rewards consistent academic performance and encourages strong technical scores. Even though the final selection is based on a written test, academic background remains crucial for getting a hall ticket. Therefore, candidates must ensure their qualifications are accurate, relevant, and meet minimum score requirements, increasing their chance to enter the defense technical training system. Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam

Application Fee section

No Application Fee Required: The Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam notification clearly states that applicants are not required to pay any application fee for submitting their apprenticeship application. The entire application and selection process, including registration on the Apprenticeship Portal, document submission, and hall ticket issue, is free of cost. This ensures equal participation for candidates from all economic backgrounds, especially those applying from rural regions with limited financial resources.

Zero Charges at Any Stage: Unlike many competitive exams where candidates must pay examination fees, the Naval Dockyard apprenticeship selection does not charge money at any stage. There are no fees for online registration, offline submission, written exam appearance, or medical examination. The notification advises applicants not to make any payment to individuals or intermediaries. Any demand for money is illegal and not authorized by the Apprentices School. The process is fully government-supported under the Apprentices Act. Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam

Protection Against Fraud: The administration has strictly warned candidates to avoid agents or middlemen claiming to secure seats in exchange for money. The notification highlights that no money is required to be paid to anyone, and candidates should not fall prey to fraud. It encourages reporting such incidents directly through the official Naval Dockyard email provided in the notice. This protects applicants from financial exploitation and maintains transparency in recruitment. Anonymous complaints are not accepted, but confidentiality is guaranteed. Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam

Self-Paid Envelope Requirement: Although there is no fee, the candidate must send a self-addressed envelope affixed with ₹55/- postal stamps. This envelope is used for sending the hall ticket through Speed Post. This is not an application fee but simply a postal requirement ensuring candidates receive their hall ticket safely and directly at their address. This small postal charge is borne by the applicant, as hall tickets are not issued online. The envelope must be enclosed with the application package. Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam

Purpose of No-Fee Policy: The no-fee structure reflects the government’s intention to encourage technical skill development among youth without financial barriers. The Naval Dockyard operates under the Ministry of Defence, and the training is aligned with national skill development programs. Removing fee requirements helps more ITI students participate in defense-sector training. It supports the goal of expanding trained technicians for naval operations and industrial applications across the country. Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam

Equality for All Categories: Since there is no application fee, the question of fee relaxation for reserved categories like SC, ST, OBC, PWD, or Ex-Servicemen does not arise. All candidates receive the same zero-fee benefit. This uniform approach ensures full transparency, with no confusion around fee payment rules. Many students avoid applying for government training due to fees, but the Naval Dockyard system removes this barrier entirely. It promotes equal access regardless of socio-economic status.

Written Exam Without Charges: The written examination, which serves as the primary filter for merit-based selection, is also conducted without any examination fee. The notification confirms that shortlisted candidates will be issued hall tickets based on SSC and ITI merit and can appear for the test without paying. This helps support deserving young technicians who may otherwise hesitate due to exam charges. The only cost a candidate might incur is travel, as lodging and travel are not provided. Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam

No Hidden or Indirect Fees: The organization clarifies that no hidden fees or service payments exist in any portion of the process. The training institute has discouraged any financial dealings, whether for document verification, admission confirmation, or merit list placement. The rules also warn that canvassing and bribery will lead to disqualification. With this approach, Naval Dockyard ensures a clean and corruption-free selection environment, focused only on merit and eligibility criteria. Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam

Costs Outside the Selection: While no fee is charged by the institute, candidates must manage their own expenses during the selection process, such as travel, food, and stay during exams or medical tests. The notification specifically mentions that the government will not provide boarding or lodging, nor reimburse travel costs. This makes it important for candidates from distant regions to plan travel budgets. Once selected, limited hostel facilities may be available for non-local male apprentices.

Reporting Suspected Fee Requests: The Naval Dockyard provides an official email channel for reporting any illegal fee requests by unauthorized individuals. Complaints can be sent to the Officer-in-Charge with valid proof. This builds trust and protects the credibility of the recruitment process. It also empowers candidates to act against fraudulent activities. The administration assures complete confidentiality for the complainant. This feature demonstrates that the zero-fee policy is not only official but also closely monitored for compliance.

Important Dates for Naval Dockyard