Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL) is accepting applications for 12 apprenticeship training seats at Malpe, Karnataka. The current recruitment covers ITI Trade Apprentices in Electrician and Plumber trades along with Diploma Apprentices in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
The application window opened on 15 September 2026 and closes on 14 October 2026. Candidates should pay particular attention to the application method because ITI and Diploma applicants do not follow the same submission route.
UCSL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL) |
| Recruitment | Apprentice Recruitment 2026 |
| Apprentice Categories | ITI Trade & Diploma |
| Total Training Seats | 12 |
| ITI Seats | 9 |
| Diploma Seats | 3 |
| Training Location | Malpe, Karnataka |
| Training Period | 1 Year |
| ITI Stipend | ₹12,600 per month + Meals Allowance |
| Diploma Stipend | ₹13,200 per month + Meals Allowance |
| Application Fee | Nil |
| Application Start Date | 15 September 2026 |
| Last Date | 14 October 2026 |
| ITI Application | Prescribed application process |
| Diploma Application | NATS Portal |
Vacancy and Stipend Details
Instead of a single combined vacancy figure, candidates should check the trade or engineering discipline for which they are eligible.
| Apprentice Trade / Discipline | Seats | Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician – ITI | 5 | ₹12,600/month + Meals Allowance |
| Plumber – ITI | 4 | ₹12,600/month + Meals Allowance |
| Mechanical Engineering – Diploma | 1 | ₹13,200/month + Meals Allowance |
| Electrical Engineering – Diploma | 2 | ₹13,200/month + Meals Allowance |
| Total | 12 | — |
This means 75% of the available seats are for ITI candidates, while the remaining three seats are available for Diploma holders.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on the apprentice category selected by the candidate.
ITI Trade Apprentice
Candidates applying for an ITI position should have passed 10th Standard and hold an ITI qualification with the required National Trade Certificate (NTC) in the relevant trade.
Therefore:
- Electrician applicants need the relevant Electrician ITI qualification.
- Plumber applicants need the relevant Plumber ITI qualification.
A qualification in an unrelated ITI trade should not be treated as eligibility for these advertised seats.
Diploma Apprentice
For the Diploma category, the current recruitment covers:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
The Diploma should be in the relevant Engineering/Technology discipline and must meet the recognition requirements mentioned in the official notification.
Candidates claiming an equivalent qualification are required to provide an Equivalency Certificate from the competent authority. Without the required equivalency proof, UCSL states that the candidature will not be considered.
Diploma Passing-Year Requirement
The current Diploma Apprentice notification specifically invites eligible Engineering Diploma holders who passed during:
| Eligible Passing Years |
|---|
| 2022 |
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2025 |
| 2026 |
Candidates with a Diploma from a different passing year should not assume eligibility without checking the notification applicable to their category.
Age Requirement
Candidates must be above 18 years of age as on 14 October 2026.
The notification also states that Government of India directives regarding reservation for SC, ST, OBC and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) will be followed.
One-Year Apprenticeship — Not a Permanent Job
An important distinction for applicants is that these vacancies are for apprenticeship training, not regular permanent employment.
The training duration is one year.
Completion of the apprenticeship does not automatically create a right to employment with UCSL. The company states in its Diploma notification that it has no obligation to offer employment after completion of the apprenticeship period.
Candidates should therefore consider this recruitment specifically as an apprenticeship training opportunity.
Already Completed an Apprenticeship?
This eligibility condition deserves attention before applying.
For Diploma Apprentices, candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the applicable Apprentices Act in a Government, Public Sector or Private organization are not eligible under the conditions stated in the notification.
Candidates with previous apprenticeship experience should verify this condition before submitting an application.
How Will Candidates Be Selected?
The recruitment information does not specify a separate written examination for the Diploma Apprentice selection.
Shortlisted candidates are required to attend certificate verification and produce original documents supporting details such as:
- Age
- Educational qualification
- Percentage of marks
- Caste/category, where applicable
- Disability status, where applicable
Candidates who successfully complete certificate verification are provisionally considered against the notified training seats according to merit/reservation, subject to medical fitness.
Failure to produce the required original certificates during verification can result in rejection of candidature.
How to Apply for UCSL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The application method depends on whether you are applying for an ITI or Diploma apprenticeship.
Diploma Apprentice – Apply Through NATS
Diploma candidates must submit their apprenticeship application through the NATS portal.
After completing registration/profile requirements:
- Log in to the NATS student account.
- Go to the advertised vacancies section.
- Search for “UDUPI COCHIN SHIPYARD LIMITED.”
- Open the relevant advertised apprenticeship.
- Click Apply.
- Confirm that the application status shows as “Applied.”
Candidates registered on the previous NATS portal should follow the account activation/migration procedure provided in the UCSL notification before applying.
ITI Trade Apprentice
ITI applicants should use the application procedure and prescribed form provided with the current UCSL ITI Trade Apprentice notification.
Because the application routes differ, ITI candidates should not use the Diploma NATS instructions unless the ITI notification specifically directs them to do so.
Before Submitting the Application
Candidates can reduce avoidable application problems by checking a few details before submission:
- Apply only for a trade or discipline matching the required qualification.
- Enter marks exactly as shown on the official mark sheet.
- Keep qualification and age documents ready.
- Provide a working email address.
- Keep original certificates available for later verification.
- Check the UCSL careers page regularly after applying.
For Diploma candidates, UCSL specifically states that incorrect marks compared with the uploaded mark sheet can result in rejection.
No Application Fee
UCSL has specified the application fee as Nil for this apprenticeship recruitment.
Candidates should therefore be cautious if an unrelated person or organization asks for money claiming it is necessary to secure selection.
UCSL itself also publishes a recruitment-fraud warning on its careers page stating that it has not authorized outside persons or institutions to conduct recruitment or issue offer letters on its behalf.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification / Application Commencement | 15 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 October 2026 |
| Certificate Verification | To be announced |
| Apprenticeship Commencement | Not Disclosed |
Important Points Candidates Should Know
Training does not guarantee employment: Successful completion of the apprenticeship does not create a right to a permanent or contractual job with UCSL.
No boarding or lodging: The Diploma notification states that UCSL will not provide boarding or lodging during the apprenticeship period.
No travel expenses: Travel expenses during the apprenticeship training period are not admissible under the notification.
Seat numbers can change: UCSL states that the notified number of training seats is based on existing requirements and may vary depending on future requirements.
Watch your registered email: Recruitment-related communication and certificate-verification information may be communicated through the registered email address and published on the UCSL/CSL careers pages.
FAQs – UCSL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
How many apprentice vacancies are available?
There are 12 training seats across ITI and Diploma categories. Nine belong to ITI trades and three to Diploma Engineering disciplines.
Which ITI trades have vacancies?
The ITI vacancies are for Electrician (5 seats) and Plumber (4 seats).
Which Diploma branches are included?
The current Diploma vacancies are in Mechanical Engineering (1 seat) and Electrical Engineering (2 seats).
What is the stipend?
ITI Trade Apprentices receive ₹12,600 per month plus Meals Allowance, while Diploma Apprentices receive ₹13,200 per month plus Meals Allowance.
Is there a written examination?
The available Diploma notification describes certificate verification followed by provisional selection according to merit/reservation and medical fitness. It does not specify a separate written examination for this selection.
Is there any application fee?
No. The recruitment notification states that the application fee is Nil.
Can someone who already completed apprenticeship training apply?
Candidates with previous or ongoing apprenticeship training should carefully check the applicable notification. The Diploma notification states that candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship under the applicable Act are not eligible.
Will UCSL provide a permanent job after the apprenticeship?
No such employment guarantee is provided. UCSL specifically states that completion of the apprenticeship does not give an apprentice a right to claim employment with the company.
What is the last date?
Applications must be submitted by 14 October 2026.
Official Recruitment Links
Candidates should verify the information and download the appropriate notification directly from the UCSL careers page before applying.
Official Website: Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited
Official Careers Page: UCSL Careers
Diploma Notification: VN-96 – Graduate/Technician (Diploma) Apprentices
ITI Notification: VN-97 – Trade Apprentices (ITI)
Last Date: 14 October 2026
