Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), a 50:50 joint venture of the Government of India and the Government of Kerala, has invited applications for a one-year apprenticeship training programme under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The recruitment notification, dated 15 October 2026, covers Trade Apprentice (ITI), Diploma Technician, Graduate Technical and Graduate Non-Technical categories.
According to the notification, the total number of indicative vacancies is 70. Eligible candidates must have completed the relevant full-time qualification and meet the conditions specified in the notification. The application period is from 15 October 2026 to 10 November 2026.
Important: Candidates must first register on the appropriate apprenticeship portal and then submit the prescribed application form with the required documents by post. The notification states that no other mode of application will be accepted.
KMRL Apprenticeship Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Recruitment Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) |
| Notification Number | KMRL/Apprenticeship/2026-27/HR-Admin/01 |
| Notification Date | 15 October 2026 |
| Recruitment Name | KMRL Apprenticeship Recruitment 2026–27 |
| Training Duration | One year |
| Job Location | Kochi, Kerala; the specific training department or posting is determined by KMRL |
| Employment Type | Apprenticeship training |
| Application Mode | Registration on NAPS/NATS, followed by submission of the prescribed application form by post |
| Total Indicative Vacancies | 70 |
| Application Starting Date | 15 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 November 2026 |
| Application Fee | No application fee |
| Written Examination / Interview | Not required, as stated in the notification |
| Official Website | Centre for Management Development, Kerala |
| Recruitment Notification and Form PDF | Open the KMRL PDF |
KMRL Vacancy Details 2026
The notification lists 70 indicative apprenticeship vacancies across four categories. The number of posts may vary depending on the company’s requirements and statutory compliance.
| Sl. No. | Apprenticeship Category | Eligible Qualification / Disciplines | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Graduate – Technical | B.Tech / B.E. in Civil, EEE / Electrical, ECE / Electronics and Instrumentation, Mechanical, IT / Computer Science | 16 |
| 2 | Graduate – Non-Technical | BBA, B.Com, BCA | 6 |
| 3 | Diploma – Technician | Diploma in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science | 28 |
| 4 | Trade Apprentice – ITI | ITI trades: Electrician, Electronics, Welder, Fitter, Plumber | 20 |
| Total | 70 | ||
Vacancy-count note: The notification’s category-wise reservation table lists 6 UR, 2 SC, 1 ST, 4 OBC (NCL) and 2 EWS vacancies for Graduate Technical apprentices, which add up to 15, while the stated total for that category is 16. The overall category totals and the four category totals add up to 70. Applicants should refer to the official notification for clarification of this discrepancy.
Educational Qualifications and Eligibility
1. Graduate Technical Apprentices
- Qualification: B.Tech / B.E. in the relevant discipline.
- Disciplines listed: Civil, EEE / Electrical, ECE / Electronics and Instrumentation, Mechanical, IT / Computer Science.
- Course requirement: Full-time, regular four-year engineering course.
- Vacancies: 16, as stated in the category total.
2. Graduate Non-Technical Apprentices
- Qualification: BBA, B.Com or BCA.
- Course requirement: Full-time, regular three-year course.
- Vacancies: 6.
3. Diploma Technician Apprentices
- Qualification: Diploma in the relevant discipline.
- Disciplines listed: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics and Computer Science.
- Course requirement: Full-time, regular three-year diploma course.
- Vacancies: 28.
4. Trade Apprentices – ITI
- Qualification: ITI in the relevant trade.
- Trades listed: Electrician, Electronics, Welder, Fitter and Plumber.
- Course requirement: Full-time ITI trade course.
- Vacancies: 20.
The notification specifies government-recognized degrees, diplomas or certificates, as applicable. Candidates should ensure that their qualification matches the discipline or trade listed for the apprenticeship category.
General Eligibility Conditions
- Candidates must possess the required educational qualification for the relevant category.
- The result date of the final examination must fall within five years from the application closing date.
- Candidates must be medically fit under the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961.
- Candidates must have completed 18 years of age.
- Candidates awaiting their final examination results are not eligible.
- Candidates who have undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training in any organization, for any duration, are not eligible.
- Qualifications acquired through part-time, correspondence, distance education or online mode are not eligible.
Additional Qualification Requirements
- The percentage of marks in the final examination of the qualification degree, rather than semester examination marks, should be mentioned in the final or consolidated mark sheet.
- If the percentage is not mentioned in the final mark sheet, candidates must submit a percentage conversion letter issued by their institute or university.
- The required area of specialization, including major or dual specialization where applicable, should be mentioned in the degree or diploma certificate.
- If the specialization is not mentioned in the certificate, the candidate must provide a certificate or letter from the relevant college, institute or university confirming the specialization.
Monthly Stipend and Allowance
Selected apprentices will receive the monthly stipend specified in the recruitment notification. An additional food or messing allowance of ₹1,200 per month is also stated.
| Apprenticeship Category | Qualification / Course | Monthly Stipend | Additional Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITI Tradesmen | Full-time ITI trade course | ₹9,600 | ₹1,200 food / messing allowance per month |
| Diploma Technician | Full-time three-year diploma course | ₹10,900, including DBT | ₹1,200 food / messing allowance per month |
| Graduate Technical Apprentice | Full-time four-year engineering course | ₹12,300, including DBT | ₹1,200 food / messing allowance per month |
| Graduate Non-Technical Apprentice | Full-time three-year BBA / B.Com / BCA course | ₹12,300, as shown for the Graduate Apprentices category | ₹1,200 food / messing allowance per month |
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The notification separately states that the Government of India will provide ₹5,450 for Diploma Apprentices and ₹6,150 for Graduate Apprentices in Engineering and Non-Engineering under the NATS scheme. The stipend table identifies the diploma and graduate stipend figures as including DBT.
KMRL will facilitate Aadhaar seeding of the candidate’s active bank account. Candidates should refer to the notification for the applicable stipend and DBT arrangements.
Age Limit and Age Relaxation
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- Maximum age: Not specified in the notification text.
- Age relaxation: A specific age-relaxation schedule is not provided in the notification. Reservation is stated to be governed by applicable Government guidelines.
Application Fee
The notification states that there is no application fee for this apprenticeship recruitment. No payment method is specified because an application fee is not required.
Reservation and Category-Wise Vacancies
The notification states that reservation, including reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), will be as per Government guidelines.
| Category | Abbreviation / Meaning | Total Vacancies Listed Across Categories |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved | UR | 28 |
| Scheduled Caste | SC | 11 |
| Scheduled Tribe | ST | 5 |
| Other Backward Class (Non-Creamy Layer) | OBC (NCL) | 19 |
| Economically Weaker Section | EWS | 7 |
| Total | 70 | |
The category-wise totals above are reproduced from the overall reservation totals in the notification. The Graduate Technical category contains a discrepancy between its listed reservation figures and stated category total; candidates should check the official PDF for clarification.
Selection Process
According to the notification, there is no written examination or interview process for applicants.
- Applications will be checked for completeness and eligibility.
- Incomplete or ineligible applications will be rejected without prior intimation.
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for verification of documents and certificates.
- Engagement will take place after acceptance of the tripartite apprenticeship contract on the NATS / NAPS website, submission of a medical certificate in the prescribed format and police verification by the candidate.
How to Apply for KMRL Apprenticeship Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates must follow the registration and application procedure specified in the notification.
- Identify the correct apprenticeship portal.
- For ITI candidates, register as a candidate or student on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal: https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/.
- For Degree and Diploma candidates in Engineering and Non-Engineering categories, register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal: https://nats.education.gov.in/.
- Complete your profile. Upload the required documents and ensure that your NAPS / NATS profile is 100% complete and updated.
- Obtain your registration or enrolment number. Keep the NAPS / NATS registration or enrolment number ready for the application.
- Complete the prescribed application form. Use the application format attached to the official notification. The notification states that applications must be submitted in the attached format only.
- Attach the required documents. Include the relevant educational certificates, mark sheets, proof of age and applicable category certificates.
- Send the application by post. Address the completed application and supporting documents to the following address:
Postal Address:
General Manager (HR, ADMN & TRG)
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd.
Corporate Office, 4th Floor
JLN Stadium Metro Station, Kaloor
Kochi, Kerala – 682017
Application deadline: The application must be submitted within the period stated in the notification, ending on 10 November 2026. The notification does not specify a separate postal dispatch deadline or an online submission facility for the application form. Candidates should plan their submission accordingly.
Documents Required
The notification lists the following documents and requirements:
- NAPS / NATS apprenticeship registration or enrolment number.
- A 100% completed and updated profile on the relevant apprenticeship portal.
- Scanned copies of educational certificates and mark sheets that are clearly visible and readable.
- Proof of age, such as a Matriculation Certificate, Aadhaar Card or Passport.
- SC / ST / latest OBC (NCL) / EWS / PwBD certificate in the Government of India format, where applicable.
- Percentage conversion letter from the institute or university if the percentage of marks is not stated in the final or consolidated mark sheet.
- Certificate or letter confirming the required specialization if it is not mentioned in the degree or diploma certificate.
For engagement after shortlisting, the notification also requires a medical certificate in the prescribed format, police verification and acceptance of the tripartite apprenticeship contract on the NATS / NAPS website.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 15 October 2026 |
| Application Opening Date | 15 October 2026 |
| Application Closing Date | 10 November 2026 |
Apprenticeship Duration, Leave and Other Conditions
- Duration: The apprenticeship training period is one year from the date of joining.
- Extension: The training ends upon completion of one year, and no further extension is permitted.
- Casual leave: 12 days on a pro-rata basis during the one-year apprenticeship.
- Medical leave: 15 days on medical illness grounds during the one-year apprenticeship.
- Performance evaluation: Apprentices will be evaluated periodically on their performance.
- Employment after training: Completion of the apprenticeship does not give the candidate any right to claim employment with KMRL.
- Changes to conditions: KMRL management reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions. Changes will be communicated through email or official communication channels.
- Final decision: The decision of KMRL will be final and binding.
Official Notification and Important Links
| Resource | Link / Details |
|---|---|
| KMRL Notification PDF and Attached Form | View the notification and application form PDF |
| Official Website Provided | Visit the Centre for Management Development, Kerala website |
| NAPS Portal – ITI Candidates | Register on NAPS |
| NATS Portal – Degree / Diploma Candidates | Register on NATS |
| Recruitment Query Email | kmrl.apprentices@gmail.com |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many vacancies are available in KMRL Apprenticeship Recruitment 2026?
The notification lists 70 indicative vacancies: 16 Graduate Technical, 6 Graduate Non-Technical, 28 Diploma Technician and 20 ITI Trade Apprentice positions. The notification also states that vacancy numbers may vary.
2. What is the last date to apply?
The application closing date is 10 November 2026.
3. What is the educational qualification required?
The listed qualifications are a full-time ITI trade certificate, a full-time three-year diploma, a full-time four-year B.Tech / B.E. degree, or a full-time three-year BBA / B.Com / BCA degree, depending on the apprenticeship category and relevant discipline.
4. What is the monthly stipend?
The notification lists ₹9,600 for ITI Tradesmen, ₹10,900 including DBT for Diploma Technicians and ₹12,300 including DBT for Graduate Apprentices. It also specifies an additional food / messing allowance of ₹1,200 per month.
5. Is there an application fee?
No. The notification states that there is no application fee.
6. Is a written examination or interview required?
No. The notification states that there is no written examination or interview process for applicants. Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification.
7. Can candidates with distance or online qualifications apply?
No. The notification states that qualifications obtained through part-time, correspondence, distance education or online mode are not eligible.
8. Can candidates awaiting their final examination results apply?
No. Candidates awaiting their final examination results are not eligible.
9. How should candidates submit the application?
Candidates must first register on NAPS for ITI or NATS for Degree / Diploma categories, complete their profiles, obtain the registration or enrolment number, and send the prescribed application form with the required documents to the General Manager (HR, ADMN & TRG), Kochi Metro Rail Ltd., Corporate Office, 4th Floor, JLN Stadium Metro Station, Kaloor, Kochi, Kerala – 682017.
10. What is the duration of the apprenticeship?
The training lasts one year from the date of joining. The notification states that no extension is permitted beyond the one-year duration.
11. Will apprentices get a permanent job after completing training?
No guarantee of employment is provided. The notification expressly states that candidates will not have any right to claim employment after completing the apprenticeship.
12. Where can applicants ask questions about the recruitment?
The notification provides the email address kmrl.apprentices@gmail.com for queries or clarification.
Final Reminder
Interested candidates should read the complete official KMRL notification and attached application form carefully before applying. Verify the eligibility requirements, course mode, registration portal, documents, stipend conditions and submission procedure. Submit the prescribed application form with the required documents within the application period ending on 10 November 2026. Check the official notification for clarification of the discrepancy in the Graduate Technical category’s vacancy figures.