AAI Graduate, Diploma, ITI Apprentice 2026

AAI has opened three distinct apprenticeship tracks designed for different qualification levels. Graduate Apprentices must hold or be in their final year of a full-time 4-year B.Tech/B.E. in streams such as Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Aeronautical, Electronics, or allied engineering disciplines recognized by AICTE. Diploma Apprentices must have completed or be in their final year of a full-time 3-year Diploma in Engineering from AICTE-accredited polytechnics in similar streams. Trade Apprentices (ITI) must possess or be pursuing an ITI/NCVT certificate in notified trades—typically including fitter, electrician, welder, mechanic, wireman, or allied crafts.

The apprenticeship duration is typically 1 year under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Candidates must verify their specific qualification stream against AAI's notified list before applying. Use the age calculator to confirm your exact eligibility under your category (General, OBC, SC/ST, or PwD).

• Graduate Apprentice: ₹15,000/month stipend for 1-year duration; no formal pay scale or permanent salary at this stage.
• Diploma Apprentice: ₹12,000/month stipend for 1-year duration; no permanent salary guarantee.
• Trade (ITI) Apprentice: ₹9,600/month stipend for 1-year duration; entry-level apprentice remuneration.

These are apprenticeship stipends, not permanent government salaries. After completion, absorption depends on AAI's operational vacancies and performance during apprenticeship—there is no automatic conversion to permanent roles. However, successful apprentices build credentials for future recruitment into junior technical posts (typically Junior Executive or Technician cadre) where permanent pay scales apply. Graduates would typically enter at Pay Level 5–6, Diploma holders at Level 3–4, and ITI-qualified candidates at Level 2–3 of the Indian Railways/Government of India pay matrix, yielding in-hand monthly income of ₹25,000–₹45,000 depending on the post. During apprenticeship, no NPS or tax deductions apply to the stipend. Use the salary calculator to model post-apprenticeship career earnings based on potential junior roles.

• Wrong qualification stream uploaded: NATS and AAI have a notified list of eligible engineering streams for graduates (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Aeronautical, Electronics, Chemical, Instrumentation, etc.) and notified trades for ITI candidates. If your degree/diploma/ITI is in an unlisted stream (e.g., B.Sc., B.Com., diploma in non-engineering streams), you are ineligible. Verify the exact stream requirement before applying.
• AICTE recognition missing: Your institution must be AICTE-accredited. If your degree or diploma comes from an institute lacking AICTE approval, your application will be rejected. Check your institution's AICTE status on the official AICTE website before proceeding.
• Age over limit or relaxation misclaimed: If you are over 26 (General) without valid category relaxation, or you claim SC/ST/OBC/PwD relaxation without valid certificates, your application will be rejected. Ensure age and category documents are authentic and uploaded.
• Photo and signature not meeting specifications: Photos must be recent, white background, passport-size (200×240 pixels), and under 100 KB. Signatures must be clear, in black ink, scanned at 150 DPI, JPG format, under 50 KB. Blurry or oversized files cause rejection. Use the image resizer tool to comply.
• Incorrect document names or missing certificates: The portal expects specific file formats (JPG for photo/signature, PDF for certificates). Uploading wrong file types or incomplete document set (e.g., only 10th certificate without degree) triggers rejection at backend verification.
• Duplicate or multiple applications: Submitting more than one application under different names or email IDs is grounds for permanent disqualification from AAI recruitment for a specified period. Use only one identity and email.

Once your offer letter is issued, you will receive reporting instructions specifying your duty airport/AAI facility (typically one of India's major airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc.), reporting date (usually 2–4 weeks from final selection notification), and required documents. You must report on the specified date with original certificates and a recent passport-size photo for in-house verification and ID card issuance.

Your apprenticeship duration is 1 year, during which you will work under the supervision of senior technicians/engineers in your assigned department—whether it is airfield maintenance, electrical, mechanical, civil infrastructure, or air traffic control support roles. You will be required to maintain attendance, follow AAI's code of conduct, and submit monthly progress reports. At the end of the apprenticeship period, your performance is reviewed by a panel. If deemed satisfactory, AAI may offer to absorb you as a Junior Technician or Junior Executive (depending on your qualification level) on a permanent basis. However, absorption is not automatic and depends on vacancies and budgetary approval. Even if not absorbed, your apprenticeship certificate and AAI experience open doors for recruitment in other public sector enterprises (Railways, CISF, BSF, etc.) or private aviation/engineering companies. Total timeline from selection to joining is typically 4–6 weeks; full apprenticeship completion is 12 months thereafter.

Airports Authority of India, established in 1975 under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is a Schedule 'A' Miniratna Category-1 Public Sector Enterprise responsible for developing, managing, and operating civil airports across India. AAI operates 24 major civil airports and manages airfield operations, terminal infrastructure, cargo handling, and air traffic control support services at these facilities. It is one of Asia's largest airport management organizations, serving over 250 million passengers annually and employing approximately 13,000 personnel across engineering, operations, administrative, and support cadres.

AAI maintains international standards for airport operations and safety, holds ISO certifications, and invests continuously in modernization and workforce development. As a Miniratna enterprise, AAI has financial autonomy and operational flexibility, allowing it to hire talented technical staff at competitive stipend levels and fast-track high performers into permanent cadres. The organization's footprint spans metro airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad) and tier-2/3 cities, offering apprentices exposure to diverse operational environments and career pathways in aviation, infrastructure, and public sector management.

Graduate Apprentices work on technical and operational projects under the guidance of senior engineers. Typical duties include assisting in airport infrastructure maintenance (runway, taxiway, terminal buildings), electrical/mechanical system operations, planning and quality assurance, and junior project coordination. They interact with multiple teams—airfield operations, maintenance, planning, and external contractors—and may work both indoors (offices, control rooms) and outdoors (airfield). Duties are largely desk-based documentation and site inspections combined with hands-on troubleshooting. Reporting is to a Senior Engineer or Manager-level officer.

Diploma Apprentices are deployed as junior technicians in maintenance, operations, or infrastructure support roles. Daily work includes assisting in equipment maintenance, operational checks, site surveys, record-keeping, and junior supervision of routine tasks. These roles are more field-oriented—frequent time on airfield, terminal floors, and equipment areas—with a mix of manual and supervisory duties. Reporting is typically to a Technician or Supervisor.

Trade (ITI) Apprentices work as operational-level technicians in trades like electrical, mechanical, welding, or plumbing. They assist in direct maintenance, repair, installation, and routine checks on airport systems and infrastructure. Work is highly hands-on, often involving tools, equipment operation, and field presence. Safety compliance and adherence to standard operating procedures are paramount. Reporting is to a Master Technician or Supervisor in their assigned trade section.

All apprentices are required to wear AAI uniform (if applicable at the facility), maintain safety standards, and work within AAI's operational timelines, which may include early mornings, evenings, or weekend shifts depending on airport operations schedules.