Naval Dockyard Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply for 320 ITI Trade Vacancies

A prestigious opportunity for ITI pass-outs has been announced by the Ministry of Defence (Navy). The Naval Dockyard Apprentices School, Visakhapatnam, has released its official recruitment notification (Advertisement No. DAS(V)/01/25) for the 2026-27 batch. This drive aims to fill 320 vacancies for Designated Trade Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961.

This apprenticeship offers more than just training; it’s a gateway to gaining invaluable hands-on experience within one of the nation’s premier defence establishments. Eligible candidates must navigate a two-step application process involving online registration and offline submission. The final date for the application to reach the designated address is 2nd January 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be called for a written examination, tentatively scheduled for 22nd March 2026 in Visakhapatnam.

Naval Dockyard Apprentice 2026: At a Glance

Here’s a snapshot of the key details for quick reference:

Trade-Wise Vacancy Distribution

The 320 apprentice positions are spread across 15 designated trades. The following table provides a clear breakdown:

Important Notes:

• The vacancies include horizontal reservations: 10 for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and 10 for dependents of Armed Forces personnel.
• The number of vacancies is indicative and subject to change.
• Any unfilled reserved category vacancies may be filled by candidates from other categories.

Eligibility Criteria: Education, Age & Physical Standards

Prospective applicants must satisfy the following criteria to be considered:

1. Educational Qualification (As on 02-01-2026):

• Matriculation/10th Standard: Must have passed with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate.
• ITI Qualification: Must have passed in the relevant trade from an institute recognized by NCVT or SCVT with a minimum of 65% marks in aggregate.
• Crucial Note: Mark sheets or certificates that do not display specific marks, grades, or percentages will not be accepted.

2. Age Limit (As on 02-05-2026):

• Minimum Age: 14 years for non-hazardous trades / 18 years for hazardous trades.
• Maximum Age: There is no upper age limit as per the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Eligibility Cut-off: Candidates born on or before 2nd May 2012 (for non-hazardous trades) or 2nd May 2008 (for hazardous trades) are eligible.

3. Physical Fitness:

• Candidates must meet the minimum physical fitness standards prescribed under Rule 4 of the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992. A detailed medical examination will be conducted for finally selected candidates.

4. Previous Training:

• Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training in the same trade under the Apprentices Act, 1961, are not eligible to apply.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply

Missing either step will lead to rejection. Follow this process meticulously:

Step 1: Mandatory Online Registration (NAPS Portal)

1. Visit the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme portal: apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
2. Register yourself under the NAPS scheme. Ensure your Aadhaar and SSC certificate details are accurate and match your documents.
3. Complete 100% of your profile, including educational qualifications, trade preference, and uploading necessary documents.
4. Search for the establishment: “NAVAL DOCKYARD” (Establishment ID: E08152800002).
5. Apply for your desired trade(s) through the portal and take a printout of your complete profile.

Step 2: Offline Application Submission (Via Registered/Speed Post)

1. Download and Print: Get the official notification and annexures from the website.
2. Fill Hall Ticket: Take two copies of Annexure-I (Hall Ticket), fill them carefully with a ballpoint pen, and paste a recent passport-size colour photograph on each.
3. Prepare Envelope: Compile the following documents in an envelope:
   • Printout of your complete apprenticeship profile from the portal.
   • Two filled and signed copies of Annexure-I.
   • Self-attested copies of all required certificates (SSC, ITI, Aadhaar, Caste/PWD/Ex-Servicemen if applicable).
   • Duly filled Annexure-II (Check-off List).
   • A self-addressed envelope affixed with ₹55 worth of postal stamps.
4. Post it: Clearly write your applied Trade Name on the envelope and send it to:The Officer-in-Charge (for Apprenticeship),
   Naval Dockyard Apprentices School,
   VM Naval Base S.O.,
   Visakhapatnam – 530 014
5. Deadline: Ensure your application packet reaches the above address on or before 2nd January 2026.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The selection will be a multi-stage filter:

1. Initial Shortlisting for Written Exam:
   • Based on academic merit: 70% weightage to SSC marks and 30% weightage to ITI marks.
   • A trade-wise and category-wise merit list will be prepared.
   • Hall tickets will be issued in a 1:5 ratio (5 candidates per vacancy).
2. Written Examination (Tentative Date: 22nd March 2026):
   • Mode: OMR-based (Offline).
   • Type: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
   • Subjects & Marks:
     • Mathematics: 35 Questions
     • General Science: 35 Questions
     • General Knowledge: 30 Questions
   • Duration: 2 Hours.
   • Language: English.
   • Marking Scheme: +1 mark for each correct answer. There is no negative marking.
3. Final Merit List & Subsequent Stages:
   • The final selection will be based solely on the marks obtained in the written examination.
   • Tie-Breaker: In case of a tie, the older candidate will be preferred. If the age is also the same, alphabetical order of the name will be considered.
   • Document Verification: Scheduled for 30th March 2026. Original certificates must be presented.
   • Medical Examination: Commences from 31st March 2026 onwards at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.

Important Dates & Links

Disclaimer: Candidates are strongly advised to refer to the official notification PDF for absolute clarity on all guidelines, trade definitions (hazardous/non-hazardous), and any last-minute updates. Do not wait for the last week to complete the dual application process to avoid postal delays or portal issues.

If you have any questions or face issues during the application process, feel free to comment below.

Important Links