Airports Authority of India (AAI) has opened an apprenticeship opportunity for candidates looking to gain practical experience in the aviation and airport infrastructure sector. Under its Northern Region apprenticeship programme for 2026–27, AAI is inviting applications for 205 Graduate, Diploma and ITI Trade Apprentice positions.
The opportunity is particularly useful for candidates who have recently completed their degree, diploma or ITI qualification and want to begin their professional journey in a large public-sector organisation.
Unlike a conventional recruitment exam, this programme is focused on apprenticeship training and practical exposure. Candidates selected under the programme will receive monthly financial support during the training period and will be placed at various airports and AAI establishments across the Northern Region.
The total intake includes 80 Graduate Apprentices, 65 Diploma Apprentices and 60 ITI Trade Apprentices. The apprenticeship training will continue for 12 months. Graduate apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of ₹15,000, diploma apprentices ₹12,000 and ITI trade apprentices ₹9,600.
Candidates interested in this opportunity should carefully check the qualification, domicile, age and passing-year requirements before applying. The last date mentioned for submitting applications is September 16, 2026.
AAI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Airports Authority of India |
| Region | Northern Region |
| Advertisement Number | 01/2026/APPRENTICE/GRADUATE/DIPLOMA/ITI/NR |
| Apprenticeship Year | 2026–27 |
| Total Seats | 205 |
| Graduate Apprentice | 80 |
| Diploma Apprentice | 65 |
| ITI Trade Apprentice | 60 |
| Training Duration | 12 Months |
| Graduate Stipend | ₹15,000 per month |
| Diploma Stipend | ₹12,000 per month |
| ITI Stipend | ₹9,600 per month |
| Age Limit | 18 to 26 years |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Fee | No Fee |
| Last Date | September 16, 2026 |
| Selection | Shortlisting, document verification, interview and medical fitness |
The number of seats mentioned in the notification is tentative, which means AAI may increase or decrease the intake depending on its requirements.
What Makes This AAI Apprenticeship Opportunity Important?
For many fresh graduates and diploma or ITI candidates, the biggest challenge after completing their qualification is getting meaningful industry exposure.
A qualification alone does not always provide practical knowledge of how a large organisation operates. An apprenticeship can help bridge that gap.
Working within the AAI environment can give selected candidates exposure to airport operations, technical establishments, office processes and the professional working environment of one of India’s major aviation infrastructure organisations.
However, candidates should understand one important point: this is an apprenticeship programme, not a permanent government job recruitment.
Completion of the apprenticeship does not automatically guarantee a permanent position with AAI. Candidates should therefore consider the programme primarily as an opportunity to gain professional experience, practical knowledge and apprenticeship training.
That distinction is important before applying.
AAI Apprentice Vacancy 2026
AAI has announced a total of 205 apprenticeship seats for the Northern Region.
The vacancies are divided into three broad groups:
- Graduate Apprentices – 80
- Diploma Apprentices – 65
- ITI Trade Apprentices – 60
The available disciplines cover engineering, computer-related fields, architecture, commerce and selected ITI trades.
Graduate Apprentice Vacancies
Graduate candidates can find opportunities across several technical and non-technical disciplines.
| Discipline | Graduate Seats |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 15 |
| Electrical Engineering | 10 |
| Electronics | 10 |
| Computer Science / IT | 15 |
| Aeronautical / Aerospace / Aircraft Maintenance | 5 |
| Architecture | 5 |
| Mechanical / Automobile | 10 |
| BCA / B.Com | 10 |
| Total | 80 |
The Computer Science/IT and Civil Engineering categories have a comparatively strong number of seats, while opportunities are also available in electrical, electronics, mechanical and other disciplines.
Diploma Apprentice Vacancies
Candidates holding eligible engineering diplomas can apply for the Diploma Apprentice category.
| Discipline | Diploma Seats |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 17 |
| Electrical Engineering | 15 |
| Electronics | 11 |
| Computer Science / IT | 7 |
| Aeronautical / Aerospace / Aircraft Maintenance | 4 |
| Architecture | 5 |
| Mechanical / Automobile | 6 |
| Total | 65 |
Civil and Electrical Engineering candidates have the highest number of diploma-level seats in this recruitment.
ITI Trade Apprentice Vacancies
ITI candidates have 60 seats available under the Trade Apprentice category.
| Trade | Seats |
|---|---|
| COPA / Stenography | 50 |
| Computer Hardware & Networking | 10 |
| Total | 60 |
The COPA/Stenography category accounts for the majority of ITI vacancies, making this recruitment particularly relevant for candidates with computer and office-related ITI training.
AAI Apprentice Stipend 2026
One of the main attractions of this apprenticeship is the monthly stipend.
Selected candidates will receive financial support during their one-year training period.
Graduate Apprentices
Graduate apprentices will receive:
₹15,000 per month
Diploma Apprentices
Diploma apprentices will receive:
₹12,000 per month
ITI Trade Apprentices
ITI trade apprentices will receive:
₹9,600 per month
The stipend is provided during the apprenticeship period and should not be confused with the salary of a permanent AAI employee.
For Graduate and Diploma apprentices, the notification information also indicates a combination of AAI and government contribution toward the stipend.
AAI Apprentice Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates should pay close attention to the eligibility requirements.
The recruitment is not open to every graduate or diploma holder. A candidate must meet the required qualification, age, domicile and other apprenticeship conditions.
Educational Qualification
Graduate Apprentice
Candidates applying for Graduate Apprentice positions should have the required full-time degree in the relevant discipline.
Eligible areas include engineering disciplines as well as BCA and B.Com for the positions mentioned in the vacancy table.
Diploma Apprentice
Candidates should hold the required full-time diploma qualification in the relevant engineering discipline.
ITI Apprentice
ITI candidates must possess the required qualification in the relevant trade mentioned for the apprenticeship.
Candidates should match their qualification with the discipline they are applying for rather than selecting a position simply because they meet the general educational level.
Passing Year Requirement
This is one of the most important conditions for candidates considering this opportunity.
The recruitment is aimed at relatively recent pass-outs. The available recruitment details indicate that the qualifying degree, diploma or ITI qualification should have been completed in 2024 or later.
Therefore, candidates who completed their qualifying course before the specified passing-year window should carefully check their eligibility before submitting an application.
AAI Apprentice Age Limit
The prescribed age range is:
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 26 Years
The age is considered as of September 16, 2026, which is also the closing date mentioned for the recruitment. Applicable relaxation may be available to candidates belonging to reserved categories according to the relevant government rules.
Candidates should calculate their age carefully rather than relying only on the year of birth.
Domicile Requirement
This recruitment is specifically for the Northern Region of AAI.
Candidates from the specified Northern Region states and Union Territories can participate, including:
- Chandigarh
- Delhi
- Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Leh Ladakh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
The domicile condition is important because this is a region-specific apprenticeship programme. Candidates from outside the eligible locations should not assume that the recruitment is automatically open to every state in India.
AAI Apprentice Training Duration
The apprenticeship training will be for one year or 12 months.
The training period begins from the commencement of the apprenticeship contract.
During this period, apprentices are expected to work according to the rules, working environment and requirements of the AAI establishment where they are assigned.
The programme can therefore be useful for candidates who want to add structured work experience to their resume after completing their education.
Where Will AAI Apprentices Be Trained?
The apprenticeship programme covers a wide network of airports and AAI establishments in the Northern Region.
Training locations mentioned in the recruitment information include places such as Delhi, Varanasi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Srinagar, Jammu, Dehradun, Agra, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Amritsar, Bareilly, Shimla, Udaipur, Leh and several other locations.
There are also AAI offices in New Delhi where apprentices may be assigned.
One practical point candidates should remember is that selecting or registering for a preferred location does not necessarily mean that the candidate will have complete control over the final training location. The final allotment is subject to AAI’s requirements and the conditions mentioned in the apprenticeship notification.
AAI Apprentice Selection Process 2026
Candidates often assume that every government-related opportunity requires a written examination. That is not the case here.
The selection process is based on shortlisting and further assessment rather than a conventional competitive written examination.
The broad process includes:
1. Shortlisting
Eligible candidates are shortlisted on the basis of marks obtained in their qualifying examination.
This means academic performance can play an important role in determining who moves ahead.
2. Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates will have to provide their original educational and other required documents for verification.
3. Interview
Candidates called for the next stage may have to appear for an interview.
4. Medical Fitness
Candidates selected for engagement are required to meet the prescribed medical fitness requirements.
The recruitment information indicates that candidates may receive communication regarding verification and further stages through their registered contact details.
Is There Any Application Fee?
No.
Candidates do not have to pay an application fee for this apprenticeship engagement.
However, candidates should be careful if they come across anyone asking for money in the name of AAI apprenticeship registration or selection.
How to Apply for AAI Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The application process is online and depends on the category of apprenticeship.
Graduate and Diploma candidates are required to use the NATS apprenticeship system, while ITI Trade candidates use the NAPS/Apprenticeship India system.
The basic process is:
- Complete registration on the applicable apprenticeship portal.
- Create or update your candidate profile.
- Search for the relevant AAI Northern Region apprenticeship opportunity.
- Select the discipline or trade for which you are eligible.
- Check all personal and educational information carefully.
- Submit the application.
- Save the acknowledgement or confirmation for future reference.
Important
Candidates should apply for only one discipline/trade as permitted under the notification. Applying for multiple disciplines where not allowed can result in rejection.
Documents Candidates Should Keep Ready
Although the exact document requirement can vary according to the stage of recruitment, candidates should keep commonly required records available, including:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Educational qualification certificate
- Marksheets
- Diploma certificate, wherever applicable
- ITI certificate, wherever applicable
- Date of birth proof
- Domicile certificate
- Category certificate, if applicable
- Aadhaar or other identity document
- Apprenticeship portal registration details
- Bank account details
- Medical fitness certificate when required
Candidates should make sure that the name, date of birth and other details are consistent across their documents.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Apprenticeship Year | 2026–27 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 16, 2026 |
| Age Cut-off Date | September 16, 2026 |
| Training Duration | 12 Months |
The notification does not separately highlight an application opening date in the same manner as many conventional recruitment advertisements, so candidates should not wait until the last day to complete their registration and application process.
RojgarEasy Editorial Team’s Take
For a fresher, this AAI apprenticeship can be a useful career-starting opportunity, especially for candidates from engineering, computer science, BCA, B.Com and eligible ITI backgrounds.
The biggest advantage is that candidates can gain experience in an established aviation infrastructure organisation while receiving a monthly stipend.
However, applicants should look at the opportunity realistically.
This is not a permanent AAI job. It is a one-year apprenticeship programme. Candidates should therefore apply if their objective is to gain practical exposure, develop workplace skills and strengthen their resume.
Another important point is the eligibility filter. The passing-year requirement and domicile condition can immediately make some candidates ineligible. So candidates should check these conditions before spending time on the application process.
For candidates who meet all conditions, the programme can be particularly valuable because airport infrastructure involves multiple technical and operational functions. Working in such an environment can provide exposure that may help candidates when applying for future jobs.
Who Should Apply for AAI Apprentice Recruitment?
This recruitment may be worth considering if you are:
- A recent engineering graduate
- A diploma holder
- A BCA graduate
- A B.Com graduate eligible for the notified position
- An eligible ITI candidate
- Looking for your first professional experience
- Interested in aviation or airport infrastructure
- Interested in public-sector work environments
- Looking for a one-year structured apprenticeship
- Comfortable with training at an AAI location assigned under the programme
Candidates who are specifically looking for a permanent government employee position should understand that this apprenticeship itself does not provide that status.
AAI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
1. How many vacancies are available in AAI Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 205 apprenticeship seats are available for the Northern Region. These include 80 Graduate, 65 Diploma and 60 ITI Trade Apprentice seats.
2. What is the last date to apply?
The last date for submitting the application is September 16, 2026.
3. What is the stipend for AAI Graduate Apprentices?
Graduate Apprentices will receive ₹15,000 per month during the apprenticeship period.
4. What is the stipend for Diploma Apprentices?
Selected Diploma Apprentices will receive ₹12,000 per month.
5. What is the stipend for ITI Apprentices?
ITI Trade Apprentices will receive ₹9,600 per month.
6. What is the age limit for AAI Apprentice Recruitment?
The prescribed age range is 18 to 26 years, subject to applicable relaxation under government rules.
7. What is the duration of the AAI apprenticeship?
The training duration is 12 months.
8. Is there any application fee?
No. The apprenticeship application does not carry an application fee.
9. Is AAI Apprentice Recruitment a permanent government job?
No. It is an apprenticeship training programme. Completion of training does not automatically result in permanent employment with AAI.
10. Which candidates can apply?
Eligible candidates with the required Graduate, Diploma or ITI qualification who satisfy the age, domicile, passing-year and other conditions mentioned in the notification can apply.
11. Is there a written examination?
The recruitment information indicates that candidates are shortlisted based on qualifying examination performance, followed by document verification and interview, along with the required medical fitness process.
12. Can candidates from Uttar Pradesh apply?
Yes. Uttar Pradesh is among the specified Northern Region states included in the domicile eligibility for this apprenticeship programme.
13. Can an ITI candidate apply?
Yes. There are 60 ITI Trade Apprentice seats, including opportunities in COPA/Stenography and Computer Hardware & Networking.
14. Can candidates who completed their qualification before 2024 apply?
Candidates should carefully check the passing-year condition. The current recruitment information specifies 2024 or later for the relevant qualifying qualification.
15. Where can selected candidates be posted for training?
Training can take place at various AAI airports and establishments across the Northern Region, including locations such as Delhi, Varanasi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Srinagar, Jammu, Dehradun, Agra and several others.
Final Words
The AAI Apprentice Recruitment 2026–27 is a good opportunity for eligible fresh graduates, diploma holders and ITI candidates who want to gain practical experience in the aviation infrastructure sector.
With 205 apprenticeship seats, a 12-month training period, and a stipend of up to ₹15,000 per month, the programme can provide a useful starting point for candidates at the beginning of their careers.
At the same time, applicants should not treat it as a guaranteed permanent government job. The real value of the opportunity lies in practical exposure, professional experience and skill development.
Before submitting the application, candidates should carefully verify their qualification, passing year, age, domicile, discipline/trade and other eligibility conditions. It is also advisable to keep all educational and identity documents ready well before the deadline.
RojgarEasy Editorial Team recommends eligible candidates complete the application process well before September 16, 2026, rather than waiting for the final day.