AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 140 Posts, Apply Online

AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview & Key Opportunities

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has officially released the notification for the Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27 under Advertisement No. 01/2026/ER/APPRENTICE. This recruitment drive aims to fill 140 vacancies for Graduate, Diploma, and ITI Apprentice positions across various airports and establishments in the Eastern Region of India. The announcement, made on 28th July 2026, opens a significant gateway for aspiring candidates from West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to gain valuable hands-on training and experience in the aviation sector.

This apprenticeship program is designed to provide practical exposure to the operational and technical aspects of airport management, air traffic services, and engineering. Selected candidates will undergo a one-year training period under the guidance of experienced professionals, receiving a competitive stipend as per their educational qualifications. The recruitment process is entirely online, with applications being accepted through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal for Graduate and Diploma candidates, and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal for ITI candidates.

For candidates who have completed their degree, diploma, or ITI certification in or after 2024, this is an exceptional opportunity to kickstart their career with one of India's premier public sector undertakings. The Airports Authority of India is renowned for its robust training infrastructure and career growth prospects, making this apprenticeship a highly sought-after position. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026, including vacancy details, eligibility criteria, stipend structure, application process, and important instructions to ensure a smooth and successful application.

AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification Highlights

The AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification brings several key highlights that every prospective candidate should be aware of. Here is a comprehensive summary of the essential features:

• Notification Date: The official notification was released on 28th July 2026.
• Advertisement Number: 01/2026/ER/APPRENTICE
• Total Vacancies: 140 posts, distributed across Graduate, Diploma, and ITI categories.
• Apprenticeship Duration: One year of intensive on-the-job training.
• Application Mode: Online only, through NATS and NAPS portals.
• Eligibility Window: Candidates must have passed their qualifying examination in or after 2024, as assessed on 30/06/2026.
• Domicile Requirement: Applicants must be domiciled in one of the Eastern Region states: West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, or Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Stipend: Graduate apprentices will receive ₹15,000 per month, Diploma apprentices ₹12,000 per month, and ITI apprentices ₹9,600 per month (1st year) and ₹10,560 per month (2nd year).
• Application Dates: The start and last dates for online applications are yet ; candidates are advised to regularly check the NATS/NAPS portals.

These highlights underscore the structured and transparent nature of the recruitment process, ensuring that only eligible and deserving candidates are selected for this prestigious apprenticeship program.

About The Airports Authority of India & AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure in the country. With a network of over 100 airports, AAI plays a pivotal role in the nation's aviation sector, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable air travel. The Eastern Region of AAI, headquartered in Kolkata, oversees the operations and development of airports in West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

AAI is known for its commitment to excellence and innovation, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth. The apprenticeship program is a testament to AAI's dedication to nurturing young talent and building a skilled workforce for the future. Apprentices at AAI get the unique opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals, gaining insights into airport operations, engineering, and management. This experience not only enhances their technical skills but also prepares them for lucrative careers in the aviation industry. For the AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026, the organization seeks motivated individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to the nation's aviation growth story.

AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details & Post Breakdown

The AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers a total of 140 vacancies, divided into three main categories based on the educational qualification of the candidates. Each category has a specific number of seats and a corresponding stipend structure. Below is a detailed breakdown of the vacancies:

It is important to note that the number of vacancies is subject to change. AAI reserves the right to increase or decrease the seats or cancel the engagement process entirely without prior notice. Candidates are advised to keep an eye on the official notification for any updates regarding the vacancy distribution.

Category-Wise Vacancy Reservation for AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The official notification for AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 does not explicitly provide a category-wise reservation breakdown for UR, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, or PwD candidates. However, as a government organization, AAI follows the standard reservation policies mandated by the Government of India. Candidates belonging to reserved categories are advised to refer to the official notification and the NATS/NAPS portals for any specific reservation details or relaxations that may apply. It is essential for applicants to have their caste certificates ready and to indicate their category correctly during the application process to avail of any applicable benefits.

Educational Qualification & Eligibility Criteria for AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The educational qualifications for the AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 are strictly defined, and candidates must ensure they meet the criteria before applying. The qualifications are assessed as of 30th June 2026, and candidates must have passed their qualifying examination in or after 2024. Below are the post-specific qualification requirements:

Graduate Apprentice

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Technology (B.E./B.Tech) from a recognized university or institution. The degree should be in a relevant discipline such as Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science, or Information Technology, depending on the specific requirements of the apprenticeship position.

Diploma Apprentice

Applicants must possess a Diploma in Engineering or Technology from a recognized institution. The diploma should be in a relevant field like Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, or any other discipline as specified in the official notification.

ITI Apprentice

Candidates must have completed an ITI (Industrial Training Institute) certificate course in a relevant trade from a recognized institution. The trade should be aligned with the apprenticeship positions available, such as Electrician, Fitter, Welder, Machinist, or similar.

In addition to the educational qualifications, candidates must be Indian Nationals and must belong to one of the Eastern Region states: West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, or Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This domicile requirement is crucial, and candidates must provide proof of residency during the application process.

Age Limit & Category Relaxations

The official notification for AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 does not specify a particular age limit for the apprenticeship positions. Typically, for apprenticeship programs under the Apprentices Act, the minimum age is 14 years, but for professional apprenticeships, it is usually 18 years. Since the notification does not mention an age limit, candidates are advised to refer to the NATS/NAPS portals or contact the AAI Eastern Region office for clarification. However, standard government norms often provide age relaxations for reserved categories, such as OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), and PwD (10 years), which may be applicable if an age limit is defined. Candidates are encouraged to check the official notification and the portals for any age-related updates.

Salary Details, Pay Scale & Perks

Selected apprentices under the AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 will receive a monthly stipend as per their category. The stipend is designed to provide financial support during the training period and is as follows:

In addition to the stipend, apprentices may be entitled to other benefits as per the rules of the Apprentices Act, 1961, and AAI policies. However, it is important to note that apprentices are not regular employees of AAI and do not receive the full pay scale, allowances, or job security benefits that permanent staff enjoy. The apprenticeship is primarily a training program, and the stipend is meant to cover basic expenses during the training period.

AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Selection Process & Examination Phases

The selection process for AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is based on the merit of the candidates as per their qualifying examination marks. There is no written examination or interview for the apprenticeship positions. The selection will be done based on the following steps:

1. Application Submission: Candidates must apply online through the NATS (for Graduate/Diploma) or NAPS (for ITI) portals, providing accurate personal, educational, and domicile details.
2. Merit List Preparation: A merit list will be prepared based on the percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying examination (Degree, Diploma, or ITI). Candidates with higher marks will be ranked higher.
3. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification to confirm their eligibility, including educational certificates, domicile proof, and category certificates (if applicable).
4. Final Selection: After successful document verification, the final list of selected candidates will be published on the official AAI website and the NATS/NAPS portals.

It is essential for candidates to ensure that all information provided in the application is accurate and verifiable, as any discrepancy may lead to disqualification.

Application Fee Details

The official notification for AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 does not mention any application fee for the apprenticeship positions. Typically, apprenticeship applications through NATS and NAPS portals are free of cost. However, candidates are advised to check the respective portals for any fee-related updates. If a fee is applicable, it will be specified on the portal, and candidates can pay it online through net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI. Since no fee is mentioned, candidates are not required to pay anything at the time of application.

Important Dates & Schedule

The key dates for the AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 are crucial for candidates to track. While the notification has been released, the application window is yet . Here is the schedule based on the available information:

Candidates are strongly advised to regularly visit the official AAI website and the NATS/NAPS portals for updates on the application schedule. Missing the application window could result in losing this opportunity.

Required Documents Application

While filling out the online application for AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026, candidates must have the following documents ready for upload and verification:

• Scanned copy of passport-sized photograph (in JPG/JPEG format, size between 20-50 KB)
• Scanned copy of signature (in JPG/JPEG format, size between 10-20 KB)
• Educational certificates and mark sheets (Degree, Diploma, or ITI)
• Proof of date of birth (Birth certificate, SSLC/10th mark sheet, or Passport)
• Domicile certificate or proof of residency in one of the Eastern Region states
• Caste certificate (if applicable, for reserved categories)
• Disability certificate (if applicable, for PwD candidates)
• Valid email ID and mobile number for registration and communication

It is essential to keep all documents scanned and ready before starting the application process to avoid any last-minute hassle.

How to Apply Online

Applying for the AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail. Follow these step-by-step instructions to submit your application successfully:

1. Visit the Official Portal: For Graduate and Diploma candidates, go to the NATS portal at nats.education.gov.in. For ITI candidates, go to the NAPS portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
2. Register/Login: If you are a new user, register on the portal using your email ID and mobile number. Existing users can log in directly.
3. Search for AAI Establishment: Use the search function to find the AAI Eastern Region establishment by its Enrolment ID. Refer to the table below for the Enrolment IDs corresponding to your preferred location.
4. Fill the Application Form: Enter all required details, including personal information, educational qualifications, and domicile details. Ensure that the information matches your documents exactly.
5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents in the specified format and size.
6. Submit the Application: Review all the details carefully before submitting the application. Once submitted, take a printout of the application form for future reference.

Applications submitted through any mode other than the official NATS/NAPS portals will not be accepted. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the correct process.

Important Instructions & Guidelines Applicants

To ensure a smooth application process and avoid any disqualification, candidates must adhere to the following important instructions:

• All applications must be submitted online through the designated NATS/NAPS portals. No offline applications will be entertained.
• Candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and domicile requirements, before applying.
• The photograph and signature must be in the specified format and size. Inappropriate or unclear images may lead to rejection.
• Provide accurate and truthful information. Any false or misleading information will result in cancellation of the application.
• Keep a copy of the submitted application form and the payment receipt (if any) for future reference.
• Regularly check the official AAI website and the NATS/NAPS portals for updates on the application schedule and selection process.
• AAI reserves the right to increase, decrease, or cancel the number of vacancies or the entire recruitment process without any prior notice.

Job Location & Posting Details

The apprenticeship positions under AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 are located at various airports and establishments across the Eastern Region. The primary locations include:

• RHQ ER, Kolkata (West Bengal)
• VSI Airport, Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
• Bagdogra Airport (West Bengal)
• Gaya Airport (Bihar)
• Patna Airport (Bihar)
• Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi (Jharkhand)
• Raipur Airport (Chhattisgarh)
• Bhubaneswar Airport (Odisha)
• Pakyong Airport (Sikkim)
• Jharsuguda Airport (Odisha)

Candidates can choose their preferred location during the application process by selecting the corresponding Enrolment ID. The posting will be at the selected location for the duration of the apprenticeship.

Final Summary & Advice for Candidates

The AAI Eastern Region Apprentice Recruitment 2026 presents a golden opportunity for eligible candidates to gain practical experience in the aviation sector. With 140 vacancies across Graduate, Diploma, and ITI categories, this program offers a stepping stone to a promising career. Candidates are advised to start preparing their documents and keep a close watch on the official NATS/NAPS portals for the application window. Since the selection is merit-based, focus on your academic performance and ensure that your application is error-free. Take advantage of this chance to work with one of India's most prestigious organizations and build a solid foundation for your professional journey. Good luck!

Senior Government Jobs Editor ✓

Career Content Specialist, SEO Strategist, and Fact-Checking Writer for Sarkari Job Finders

This article has been manually researched, cross-referenced with the official notification, and structured to provide verified, candidate-centric information.

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