AAI ER Recruitment 2026: The Airports Authority of India (AAI), Eastern Region, has released a fresh notification inviting applications for Graduate, Diploma, and ITI apprentices for the year 2026-27. If you’re a candidate from West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, or Andaman & Nicobar looking for a government apprenticeship in the aviation sector, this is an opportunity worth applying for. Here’s a complete breakdown of the notification.
AAI ER Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview
AAI, categorized as an “A Category – 1 Mini Ratna” Public Sector Enterprise, is engaging apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961, for its Eastern Regional Headquarters (Kolkata) and various airports under its jurisdiction. The advertisement number for this recruitment is 01/2026/ER/APPRENTICE.
This is a one-year apprenticeship program, and it is open only to Indian Nationals belonging to the Eastern Region — specifically candidates domiciled in West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, and Andaman & Nicobar.
AAI ER Apprentice Vacancies
| Category | Vacancies | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate | 35 | Rs. 15,000/- |
| Diploma | 35 | Rs. 12,000/- |
| ITI | 70 | Rs. 9,600/- (1st year); Rs. 10,560/- (2nd year) for National/State Trade Certificate holders |
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, candidates must:
- Be Indian Nationals belonging to the Eastern Region (West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, or Andaman & Nicobar)
- Have passed their Degree, Diploma, or ITI qualification in or after 2024, as reckoned on 30 June 2026
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How to Apply for AAI ER Apprentice: Step-by-Step
Applications must be submitted only online, through the official apprenticeship portals. Applications through any other mode will not be accepted.
- Graduate/Diploma candidates: Apply via the NATS portal — https://nats.education.gov.in
- ITI candidates: Apply via the NAPS portal — https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
Candidates need to register on the relevant portal, locate AAI’s Establishment ID for their preferred location, and submit the online application accordingly.
FAQs
1. How many vacancies are there in AAI ER Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
There are 140 vacancies in total — 35 for Graduate, 35 for Diploma, and 70 for ITI apprentices.
2. What is the advertisement number for this recruitment?
The advertisement number is 01/2026/ER/APPRENTICE.
3. Who is eligible to apply for AAI ER Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Indian Nationals belonging to the Eastern Region — West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, and Andaman & Nicobar — who have passed their Degree/Diploma/ITI in or after 2024 (as on 30 June 2026) are eligible.
4. What is the stipend for AAI ER apprentices?
Graduates get Rs. 15,000/- per month, Diploma holders get Rs. 12,000/- per month, and ITI apprentices get Rs. 9,600/- in the 1st year and Rs. 10,560/- in the 2nd year (for Trade Certificate holders).
5. How can I apply for AAI ER Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Graduate/Diploma candidates apply via the NATS portal (nats.education.gov.in), while ITI candidates apply via the NAPS portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in). Applications through any other mode are not accepted.
6. What is an Establishment/Enrolment ID and why do I need it?
It’s a unique code assigned to each AAI location. Candidates must search for the correct Establishment ID matching their preferred posting location while registering on the NATS/NAPS portal.
7. At which locations can I be posted as an AAI apprentice?
Locations include RHQ ER Kolkata, VSI Airport (Sri Vijaya Puram), Bagdogra, Gaya, Patna, Birsa Munda (Ranchi), Raipur, Bhubaneswar, Pakyong, and Jharsuguda airports.
8. Is this apprenticeship a guarantee of a permanent job at AAI?
No. It is a one-year apprenticeship under the Apprentices Act, 1961, and does not guarantee regular employment at AAI.
9. Can candidates from outside the Eastern Region apply?
No. This particular notification is restricted to candidates belonging to the specified Eastern Region states only.
10. Can AAI change the number of vacancies later?
Yes. AAI has explicitly reserved the right to increase, decrease, or cancel the engagement process without assigning any reason.