Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), has released the SAIL RSP Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification for 1110 Trade, Diploma and Graduate Apprentice Posts. Eligible candidates can apply online for apprenticeship training opportunities in various technical and non-technical disciplines. Candidates should carefully check the eligibility criteria, educational qualification, age limit, selection process, important dates and application procedure before submitting the online application form.
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Introduction
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), through its prestigious Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) unit, has officially released the much-awaited notification for the engagement of 1110 Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 for the training year 2026-27. This large-scale recruitment drive opens the doors for fresh ITI, Diploma, and Degree holders to gain hands-on industrial training in one of India’s leading Maharatna public sector enterprises. The one-year apprenticeship programme offers structured skill development, exposure to modern steel manufacturing processes, and a valuable certificate that significantly enhances employability in the core sector.
For young aspirants seeking a secure entry into the steel industry, this opportunity carries exceptional weight. SAIL RSP is renowned for its robust training infrastructure, safety standards, and contribution to national infrastructure projects. Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend ranging from ₹9,600 to ₹12,300 while working in a professional environment that bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. With no application fee and a transparent merit-based selection process followed by walk-in document verification, the recruitment removes financial barriers and focuses purely on academic performance.
The urgency cannot be overstated. Online registration on the designated government portals closes on 26 August 2026, and the walk-in process begins immediately thereafter from 1 September 2026. Candidates who pass their qualifying examination between 2022 and 2026 as regular students stand a strong chance if they act promptly. This comprehensive guide covers every essential detail required to prepare a successful application and secure a place in this high-value apprenticeship programme at Rourkela Steel Plant.
SAIL RSP Apprentice Overview Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) |
| Post Names | Trade Apprentice (ITI), Technician Apprentice (Diploma), Graduate Apprentice (Degree) |
| Total Vacancies | 1110 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online (via apprenticeshipindia.org for Trade & nats.education.gov.in for Graduate/Technician) |
| Online Registration Dates | 17 July 2026 to 26 August 2026 |
| Selection Process | Academic Merit Shortlisting (30% Class 10 + 70% Qualifying Exam) + Walk-in Document Verification |
| Official Website | apprenticeshipindia.org / nats.education.gov.in / sail.co.in |
SAIL RSP Apprentice Post-wise Vacancy Details
The 1110 apprenticeship seats at SAIL Rourkela Steel Plant are carefully distributed across three major categories to accommodate candidates from diverse educational backgrounds. Trade Apprentices account for 421 seats, Technician (Diploma) Apprentices for 414 seats, and Graduate Apprentices for 275 seats. This balanced distribution ensures opportunities for ITI pass-outs as well as engineering and non-engineering diploma and degree holders. The vacancies cover core industrial trades, engineering branches, general streams, and paramedical disciplines, reflecting the multi-disciplinary requirements of a modern integrated steel plant.
Trade Apprentice (ITI) – 421 Posts
| Trade / Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Electrician | 100 |
| Fitter | 100 |
| COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant) | 56 |
| Electronics Mechanic | 15 |
| Turner | 15 |
| Welder | 15 |
| AOCP (Attendant Operator Chemical Plant) | 10 |
| Diesel Mechanic | 10 |
| Tool & Die Maker | 10 |
| Instrument Mechanic | 10 |
| LACP (Laboratory Assistant Chemical Plant) | 10 |
| Machinist | 10 |
| Mechanic Motor Vehicle | 10 |
| Mechanic Refrigeration and AC | 10 |
| ICTSM (Information & Communication Technology System Maintenance) | 10 |
| Central AC Plant Mechanic | 10 |
| Technician Mechatronics | 10 |
| Manufacturing Process Control & Automation | 10 |
| Total Trade Apprentices | 421 |
Technician (Diploma) Apprentice – 414 Posts
Diploma holders form a significant portion of the intake. Major openings exist in Mechanical/Mechatronics (90), Electrical (90), Civil (40), Information Technology (25), Metallurgy (20), and Electronics & Telecommunication (20). Paramedical and allied health streams also feature prominently with 40 seats for GNM Nursing, along with smaller numbers for Physiotherapy, Medical Lab Technology, Radiological Technology, X-ray Technology, Operation Theatre Technology, and Pharmacy. Data Entry Operator (PGDCA) carries 10 seats. These positions allow diploma-qualified candidates to gain specialized plant-level experience in production, maintenance, quality control, and healthcare support functions.
Graduate Apprentice – 275 Posts
Graduate seats cover both engineering and non-engineering disciplines. Mechanical/Mechatronics leads with 30 seats, followed by Electrical (15), Civil (10), Metallurgy (10), and several other engineering branches at 10 seats each. Non-engineering openings include Bachelor of Arts (40), B.Sc Nursing (20), B.Sc (15), B.Com (10), BCA (10), BBA (10), and Data Entry Operator (PGDCA) (10). This wide spectrum ensures that candidates from arts, science, commerce, computer applications, and nursing streams also find suitable apprenticeship opportunities within the steel plant ecosystem.
Reservation of seats follows the guidelines of the Government of Odisha. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities categories will receive benefits as per applicable rules. The detailed category-wise split is available in the official notification PDF. Aspirants are strongly advised to verify the exact number of seats in their specific trade or branch before applying, as the distribution is fixed and competitive.
SAIL RSP Apprentice Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for SAIL RSP Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is strictly defined to ensure that only fresh, regularly qualified candidates enter the training programme. Meeting every condition is mandatory; any deviation will lead to rejection at the shortlisting or document verification stage.
Educational Qualification
For Trade Apprentice posts, candidates must have passed the ITI examination in the relevant trade from a Government-recognized Industrial Training Institute. The trade must match the vacancy applied for. For Technician Apprentice posts, a full-time Diploma in the relevant engineering or specified non-engineering discipline from a Government-recognized polytechnic or institute is required. For Graduate Apprentice posts, candidates need a full-time Degree (B.E./B.Tech or equivalent) in the relevant engineering branch or a Bachelor’s degree in the specified general, science, commerce, computer application, business administration, or nursing disciplines from a recognized university.
Only candidates who have completed the qualifying examination as regular students are eligible. Those who passed through distance, correspondence, or part-time modes are not considered. The year of passing must fall within the window of 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026. Candidates whose results have not been declared by the last date of application (26 August 2026) are ineligible. Provisional certificates are acceptable at the time of walk-in, but final mark sheets and certificates will be required for formal engagement.
Age Limit and Relaxations
The minimum age is 18 years and the maximum age is 28 years as on 31 August 2026. This cut-off date is fixed and non-negotiable. Age is calculated on the basis of the date of birth recorded in the Matriculation or equivalent certificate. Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training in any establishment, or who possess one year or more of job experience after the qualifying examination, are not eligible to apply. This condition ensures that the training slots remain available exclusively for fresh talent.
Age relaxation is admissible as per the guidelines of the Government of Odisha. Typically, SC/ST candidates receive 5 years of relaxation, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates receive 3 years, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities receive additional relaxation as per rules. Ex-servicemen and other special categories may also claim relaxation subject to production of valid certificates. Candidates must carefully check the official notification for the exact quantum of relaxation applicable to their category and ensure that supporting documents are ready for the walk-in verification.
Nationality is restricted to Indian citizens. Candidates must possess a valid Aadhaar number linked to a bank account that is DBT-enabled and KYC-verified, as stipend payments will be processed through the Direct Benefit Transfer mode for eligible categories.
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Application Fee and Payment Mode
One of the most candidate-friendly aspects of the SAIL RSP Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is the complete waiver of application fee. No fee is charged from candidates belonging to any category – General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities, or Women. This zero-fee policy removes a significant financial barrier and encourages maximum participation from economically weaker sections and remote areas.
Since there is no fee, candidates do not need to worry about payment gateways, transaction failures, or refund processes. The entire registration and application process on the Apprenticeship India portal (for Trade Apprentices) and the NATS portal (for Graduate and Technician Apprentices) is free of cost. Candidates should, however, ensure that they complete the registration carefully, as any error in data entry may require correction through the portal’s available options or may necessitate re-registration if the system does not permit edits after final submission.
Although no fee is payable, candidates must still maintain an active mobile number and email ID for the entire duration of the recruitment and training period, as all official communication will be sent electronically. Bank account details must be accurate and DBT-ready so that stipend can be credited without delay once the apprenticeship begins.
SAIL RSP Apprentice Salary, Stipend & Pay Scale Details
Selected apprentices at SAIL Rourkela Steel Plant will receive a fixed monthly stipend during the one-year training period as per the rates prescribed by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, and the Apprentices Act. The stipend structure is designed to provide financial support while candidates gain practical industrial experience.
Trade Apprentices (ITI) will be paid ₹10,560 per month for most trades. However, candidates selected in COPA and Welder trades will receive ₹9,600 per month. Technician (Diploma) Apprentices will get ₹10,900 per month, while Graduate Apprentices will receive the highest stipend of ₹12,300 per month. For Graduate and Technician apprentices, 50 percent of the stipend is contributed by Rourkela Steel Plant and the remaining 50 percent is disbursed by the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. Trade apprentices receive the full amount as per MSDE norms.
In addition to the basic stipend, apprentices benefit from exposure to a professional work environment, safety training, and a nationally recognized apprenticeship certificate upon successful completion. No Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, or other regular employee benefits are applicable, as the engagement is purely for training under the Apprentices Act. The stipend is credited monthly to the candidate’s DBT-enabled and KYC-verified bank account. Candidates must ensure their bank details are correctly updated on the portal to avoid any payment delays.
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SAIL RSP Apprentice Selection Process
The selection process for SAIL RSP Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is transparent, merit-driven, and does not involve any written examination or interview. It consists of two clear stages designed to shortlist the most academically competent candidates and then verify their credentials through a physical walk-in process.
In the first stage, applications received on the respective portals are scrutinized and shortlisted purely on the basis of academic merit. A weightage of 30 percent is assigned to the marks obtained in the Class 10 (Matriculation) examination, and 70 percent weightage is given to the marks secured in the qualifying examination (ITI for Trade Apprentices, Diploma for Technician Apprentices, or Degree for Graduate Apprentices). The combined score determines the merit list for each trade and discipline separately, keeping in view the number of vacancies and reservation norms of the Government of Odisha.
Shortlisted candidates are required to appear for the second stage — Walk-in Document Verification — at the designated venue in Rourkela as per the trade/branch-wise schedule published in the notification. During the walk-in, original documents are verified against the information submitted online. Candidates must also produce a medical fitness certificate issued by a Government hospital. Only those who successfully clear document verification and are found medically fit are finally engaged as apprentices. There is no interview or skill test; the entire selection rests on academic performance and fulfilment of eligibility conditions. Candidates who fail to report on the scheduled date or fail to produce required documents will forfeit their claim.
SAIL RSP Apprentice Exam Syllabus & Exam Pattern
One of the most distinctive features of the SAIL RSP Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is the complete absence of a written examination, computer-based test, or physical efficiency test. The recruitment authority has deliberately adopted a pure merit-based shortlisting system to reduce the burden on candidates and focus exclusively on academic excellence. Consequently, there is no prescribed syllabus for any competitive exam, no sectional cut-offs, no negative marking, and no fixed duration of any test paper.
The evaluation is entirely formula-driven. The final merit score of a candidate is calculated using the following weightage formula:
- 30 percent of the percentage of marks obtained in Class 10 (or equivalent) examination
- 70 percent of the percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying examination (ITI / Diploma / Degree)
For example, if a candidate has scored 80 percent in Class 10 and 75 percent in ITI, the merit score will be calculated as (0.30 × 80) + (0.70 × 75) = 24 + 52.5 = 76.5. Candidates are ranked in descending order of this composite score within their respective trade or discipline and category. In case of a tie in merit score, the candidate with higher marks in the qualifying examination is ranked higher; further ties are resolved by date of birth (older candidate preferred).
Since no written test is conducted, candidates do not need to prepare any specific subjects such as Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, or General Awareness. The only preparation required is ensuring that all academic documents are accurate, complete, and readily available in original as well as self-attested photocopy form. Candidates should also keep a Government hospital medical fitness certificate ready, as it forms a mandatory part of the walk-in verification. The focus of the entire process remains on academic record, fulfilment of eligibility criteria, and timely appearance at the walk-in venue with all prescribed documents.
This merit-only system rewards consistent academic performers and eliminates the uncertainty associated with competitive examinations. Aspirants are therefore advised to carefully calculate their expected merit score using the 30:70 formula and compare it with the previous year’s cut-off trends (if available) to gauge their chances realistically.
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Step-by-Step How to Apply for SAIL RSP Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The application process is completely online and must be completed through the designated Government of India portals before the deadline of 26 August 2026. Candidates should follow the steps meticulously to avoid rejection.
- Determine the correct portal: Trade Apprentices (ITI) must register and apply on https://apprenticeshipindia.org. Graduate and Technician (Diploma) Apprentices must register and apply on https://nats.education.gov.in.
- Create a new candidate/student account on the respective portal using a valid mobile number and email ID. Complete the basic profile with personal details, educational qualifications, and Aadhaar number.
- Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, Class 10 certificate, qualifying examination mark sheet/certificate, and caste/PwBD certificate (if applicable) in the prescribed format and size.
- After successful registration, log in and search for the establishment “SAIL Rourkela Steel Plant” or “Steel Authority of India Limited, Rourkela Steel Plant” under Apprenticeship Opportunities / Establishment Requests.
- Select the exact trade or discipline matching your qualification and click on Apply. Ensure that the vacancy is still open before submitting.
- Review all entered details carefully and submit the application. Take a clear printout of the submitted application form and the registration acknowledgement.
- Keep the bank account details (DBT-enabled and KYC-verified) updated on the portal, as stipend will be paid only through DBT.
- Monitor the official notification and portal for the exact walk-in date corresponding to your trade/branch. Appear at the venue on the scheduled date with all original documents and the printed application form.
Candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the last date, as portal traffic may increase and technical issues can arise. Any discrepancy between the online data and original documents will lead to cancellation of candidature at the walk-in stage.
Important Dates
Candidates must strictly adhere to the following schedule published by Rourkela Steel Plant. Missing any deadline will result in automatic disqualification.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 17 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 17 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online / Register on Portal | 26 August 2026 |
| Age Calculation Cut-off Date | 31 August 2026 |
| Walk-in Document Verification Period | 01 September 2026 to 26 September 2026 |
| Reporting Time for Walk-in | 09:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
| Venue | Central Recreation Room, Trainees’ Hostel, Sector-5, Rourkela – 769002, Dist. Sundargarh, Odisha |
The exact date for each trade and branch is specified in the official notification. Candidates must appear only on the date allotted to their trade/discipline. No request for change of date will be entertained.
Important Links
- Registration
& apply for Trade (ITI) Apprentice posts: Apply Here
- Registration & apply for
Diploma/Degree Apprentice posts: Apply Here
- Official Notification PDF: Download Notification PDF
- Official Website: Official Web Portal
FAQs
1. Is there any written examination for SAIL RSP Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
No. There is no written test, CBT, or interview. Selection is purely based on academic merit (30% Class 10 + 70% qualifying exam marks) followed by walk-in document verification.
2. Can candidates who passed in 2021 apply?
No. Only candidates who have passed the qualifying examination in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 as regular students are eligible.
3. Is there any application fee?
No. The entire application process is free of cost for all categories including General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwBD.
4. What documents are mandatory at the time of walk-in?
Original Institution Leaving Certificate, Matriculation certificate (for DOB), Provisional/Final Pass Certificate and Mark sheets of qualifying exam, Caste/PwBD certificate (if applicable), Aadhaar Card, Medical Fitness Certificate from a Government hospital, and printout of the online application/registration form.
5. Can I apply for more than one trade or discipline?
Candidates should apply only for the trade or discipline that exactly matches their ITI/Diploma/Degree qualification. Multiple applications for unrelated trades may lead to rejection.
6. Will accommodation or TA/DA be provided?
No. Rourkela Steel Plant will not provide accommodation or any travel allowance to candidates appearing for walk-in or during the training period.
7. What happens if I have already completed one year of apprenticeship earlier?
Such candidates are not eligible. Anyone who has already undergone or is currently undergoing apprenticeship training of one year or more, or has one year of job experience, is barred from applying.
8. How is the merit score calculated if marks are given in CGPA?
Candidates must convert CGPA into percentage as per the formula prescribed by their board/university and enter the percentage accurately. Supporting conversion certificate should be produced at the time of verification.
9. Can I correct mistakes after final submission of the application?
Limited corrections may be possible through the respective portal’s edit option before the closing date. After the last date, no changes are allowed. Therefore, fill the form with utmost care.
10. When will the final list of selected apprentices be published?
After completion of the walk-in process for all trades and successful document verification, the final list of selected candidates will be published on the official portals and SAIL website. Selected candidates will also be intimated through email/SMS.
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Conclusion
The SAIL RSP Apprentice Recruitment 2026 presents a golden opportunity for 1110 fresh ITI, Diploma, and Degree holders to begin their professional journey in one of India’s most reputed public sector steel plants. With zero application fee, a transparent merit-based selection process, and a decent monthly stipend, this apprenticeship programme offers both skill development and financial support. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria should complete their online registration without delay and prepare all original documents well in advance for the walk-in verification scheduled between 1 and 26 September 2026.
Success in this recruitment depends on accurate data entry, timely application, and presence at the venue with complete documentation. Aspirants are urged to read the official notification thoroughly, calculate their merit score, and apply at the earliest to avoid last-minute technical issues.
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Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is compiled from the official notification and reliable sources for the guidance of candidates. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the official notification issued by Rourkela Steel Plant (SAIL) and the details available on apprenticeshipindia.org and nats.education.gov.in shall be the final authority. Candidates are strongly advised to verify all details, eligibility conditions, vacancies, and dates from the official notification PDF before applying. The authors and publishers of this article shall not be responsible for any loss or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information contained herein.
