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The Indian Bank Apprentice recruitment 2026 is open for graduates who want one year of paid training in a public sector bank. Indian Bank has announced 1,500 apprentice seats across 30 States and Union Territories for FY 2026-27, including 44 seats in Kerala. Online registration runs from 5 November 2026 to 25 November 2026.
This guide explains the Indian Bank Apprentice vacancy details, eligibility, stipend, exam pattern, fee and the step-by-step application process in simple English, with special notes for Kerala candidates.
Indian Bank Apprentice 2026: Quick Overview
Here is a short summary of the Indian Bank Apprentice notification released on 4 November 2026. Always cross-check details with the official advertisement on the Indian Bank careers page before you apply.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Bank (public sector bank) |
| Engagement | Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 (FY 2026-27) |
| Total seats | 1,500 |
| Kerala seats | 44 |
| Qualification | Graduation in any discipline |
| Age limit | 20 to 28 years as on 1 November 2026 |
| Stipend | Rs 15,000 (Metro/Urban) or Rs 12,300 (Rural/Semi-Urban) per month |
| Training period | 12 months |
| Apply online | 5 November 2026 to 25 November 2026 |
| Official website | indianbank.bank.in/career |
What Is the Indian Bank Apprentice Programme?
An apprentice is a trainee who learns banking work on the job inside a branch. You will not be a regular bank employee. Instead, you sign an apprenticeship contract for 12 months and receive a monthly stipend.
During the Indian Bank Apprentice training, you will see how a branch works every day: account opening, KYC, cash and deposit work, loan paperwork, digital banking support and customer service. For a fresh graduate, this is real work experience in a large bank, which is hard to get otherwise.
The apprenticeship does not guarantee a permanent job. But the certificate and branch experience help a lot when you later write IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI or RRB exams, because you already understand banking terms and products.
Indian Bank Apprentice Vacancy Details
The 1,500 Indian Bank Apprentice seats are divided among categories as given below.
| Category | Seats |
|---|---|
| UR (General) | 676 |
| OBC | 348 |
| SC | 252 |
| EWS | 142 |
| ST | 82 |
| Total | 1,500 |
State-Wise Seats (South India)
You can apply for only one State or UT, and you must know its local language. Here are the seats for the southern states, where most of our readers live.
| State / UT | Seats | Local language |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala | 44 | Malayalam |
| Tamil Nadu | 270 | Tamil |
| Karnataka | 35 | Kannada |
| Andhra Pradesh | 85 | Telugu / Urdu |
| Telangana | 46 | Telugu / Urdu |
| Puducherry | 9 | As per notification |
Other large allocations include Uttar Pradesh (285), West Bengal (145), Bihar (80), Maharashtra (70) and Madhya Pradesh (65). The full state-wise table is in the official notification.
Kerala Seats by Category
The 44 Indian Bank Apprentice seats in Kerala are split as follows: UR 25, OBC 11, SC 4, EWS 4 and ST 0. Because ST has no seat in Kerala this time, ST candidates from Kerala should check the notification carefully before paying the fee.
Indian Bank Apprentice Eligibility
Read this section slowly. Many candidates lose their seat at document verification because their graduation date or age does not fit the rules.
Educational Qualification
- Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government.
- You must have passed graduation between 1 April 2022 and 1 November 2026 (both dates included).
- Your result must be declared on or before 1 November 2026.
- Candidates who already completed apprenticeship training or have more than one year of work experience are generally not allowed under apprenticeship rules. Check the notification for the exact condition.
Age Limit
You must be between 20 and 28 years as on 1 November 2026. In other words, you should be born between 2 November 1998 and 1 November 2006.
| Category | Age relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| Widows / divorced / legally separated women | Up to 35 (Gen/EWS), 38 (OBC), 40 (SC/ST) |
Local Language
You must be able to read, write, speak and understand the local language of the State you choose. For Kerala, that is Malayalam. If you studied Malayalam as a subject in Class 8, 10 or 12 and can show the mark sheet, you are exempt from the language test.
Indian Bank Apprentice Stipend and Training
The Indian Bank Apprentice stipend depends on the branch location.
| Branch type | Monthly stipend | Bank share | Government share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro / Urban | Rs 15,000 | Rs 8,850 | Rs 6,150 |
| Rural / Semi-Urban | Rs 12,300 | Rs 6,150 | Rs 6,150 |
The government share is paid through the apprenticeship scheme (DBT), so your bank account must be linked with Aadhaar. Apprentices do not get DA, HRA or other employee allowances.
- Duration: 12 months of on-the-job training in the allotted branch.
- Leave: 1 day of casual leave for each completed month.
- Certificate: You need to attend enough training days to get the Certificate of Proficiency at the end.
Indian Bank Apprentice Application Fee
| Category | Fee (plus GST) |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs 800 |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Rs 175 |
The fee is non-refundable. Pay only through the official online form. Saja Jobs or any other website will never ask you to pay money for this recruitment.
Indian Bank Apprentice Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 4 November 2026 |
| Online registration starts | 5 November 2026 |
| Last date to apply and pay fee | 25 November 2026 |
| Online exam | To be announced |
Indian Bank Apprentice Selection Process
Selection for the Indian Bank Apprentice seats happens in these stages:
- Online written test (objective type).
- Local Language Proficiency Test, unless you are exempt with your school mark sheet.
- Interview, only if the bank decides to hold one.
- Merit list prepared State-wise and category-wise.
- Document verification and medical fitness.
Indian Bank Apprentice Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness (Banking focus) | 25 | 25 |
| English Language | 25 | 25 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 |
| Reasoning Aptitude | 15 | 15 |
| Computer Knowledge | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
The test has a composite time of 60 minutes. Reports say there are no separate sectional cut-offs. Details on negative marking were not confirmed at the time of writing, so read the information handout when it is released.
How to Apply for Indian Bank Apprentice: 6 Easy Steps
The Indian Bank Apprentice application has two parts. First you register on the government apprenticeship portal, then you fill the bank’s own form. If you skip the first part, your application can be rejected.
- Register on NATS: Go to the NATS portal, register as a student and complete your profile to 100%. Note your NATS Enrolment ID.
- Open the Indian Bank careers page: Visit the official careers section and click the link for “Engagement of Apprentices 2026-27”.
- New registration: Enter your basic details and note the provisional registration number and password.
- Fill the form: Choose one State, preferred districts and the local language. Enter education details exactly as in your certificates.
- Upload documents: Photograph, signature, left thumb impression and the handwritten declaration in the size given in the notification.
- Pay and submit: Pay the fee online, submit the form and download both the application and the fee receipt.
Documents to Keep Ready
- Degree certificate and mark sheets (with result date)
- Class 10 certificate for date of birth
- Class 8/10/12 mark sheet showing Malayalam (for language exemption)
- Caste, EWS or PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Aadhaar and an Aadhaar-linked bank account
- NATS Enrolment ID
Indian Bank Apprentice Syllabus 2026
The official notification gives only the section names and marks. Based on the usual pattern of bank apprentice and clerk-level exams, these are the topics you should cover for the Indian Bank Apprentice online test.
General Awareness (Banking Focus) – 25 Marks
- Banking terms: CRR, SLR, repo rate, reverse repo, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI, KYC, NPA
- Functions of RBI, NABARD, SIDBI, SEBI and IRDAI
- Government schemes linked to banks: PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Mudra, Atal Pension Yojana, PMSBY, PMJJBY, Stand-Up India
- Bank headquarters, taglines and recent mergers
- Current affairs from the last six months: appointments, awards, sports, summits and economy news
Our guides on PM Mudra Loan, Atal Pension Yojana and PMSBY are useful for scheme-based questions.
English Language – 25 Marks
- Reading comprehension
- Cloze test and fillers
- Error spotting and sentence improvement
- Para jumbles
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms and word usage
Quantitative Aptitude – 25 Marks
- Simplification and approximation
- Number series and quadratic equations
- Percentage, profit and loss, simple and compound interest
- Ratio and proportion, average, ages
- Time and work, time and distance
- Data interpretation (table, bar and pie charts)
Reasoning Aptitude – 15 Marks
- Seating arrangement and puzzles
- Syllogism and inequality
- Blood relations, direction sense and order-ranking
- Coding-decoding and alphanumeric series
Computer Knowledge – 10 Marks
- Computer basics, hardware and software
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Internet, email and networking basics
- Shortcut keys and file extensions
- Cyber security basics: phishing, malware, OTP fraud
Indian Bank Apprentice Preparation Plan: 3 Weeks
The online exam date is not yet announced, but bank apprentice exams usually come a few weeks after the last date. Here is a simple three-week plan you can start right after you apply.
| Week | Focus | Daily target |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Basics of Quant and Reasoning, banking terms | 2 hours Quant/Reasoning, 1 hour banking awareness |
| Week 2 | English practice, current affairs, computer basics | 1 reading comprehension, 30 current affairs questions, 20 computer questions |
| Week 3 | Full mock tests and revision | 1 full mock test (60 minutes) and analysis every day |
Since there are no sectional cut-offs reported, your total score matters most. Many candidates score well in General Awareness and English because these sections need less calculation time. Start the exam with the section you are strongest in.
Indian Bank Apprentice vs IBPS Clerk: What Is the Difference?
| Point | Indian Bank Apprentice | IBPS Clerk |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | 12-month training contract | Permanent job |
| Pay | Fixed stipend (Rs 12,300 to Rs 15,000) | Salary with DA, HRA and other allowances |
| Exam | One online test (100 marks) + language test | Prelims + Mains |
| Graduation year | Passed between 1 April 2022 and 1 November 2026 | No such recent-pass condition |
| Best for | Fresh graduates wanting experience | Candidates wanting a permanent career |
You can apply for both. The Indian Bank Apprentice exam is good practice for IBPS Clerk, and the branch experience helps in interviews for officer posts later.
Tips for Kerala Candidates
Kerala has 44 Indian Bank Apprentice seats, so competition will be strong. A few practical points can help you:
- Choose districts wisely. You will be posted in a branch in your chosen State. Pick districts where you can travel daily, because the stipend is modest.
- Use the Malayalam exemption. If your SSLC or Plus Two mark sheet shows Malayalam, keep a clear scan ready to avoid the language test.
- Focus on General Awareness. 25 marks come from banking awareness. Read about RBI policies, banking terms and current affairs from the last six months.
- Prepare with bank exam material. The pattern is close to IBPS Clerk prelims. You can also read our IBPS Assistant Recruitment 2026 guide for overlapping preparation.
- Register with the employment exchange. It is free and useful for other government openings. See our Employment Exchange Registration Kerala guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping NATS registration or leaving the NATS profile incomplete.
- Applying with a degree passed before 1 April 2022.
- Choosing a State whose language you cannot read and write.
- Uploading a blurred photo, signature or thumb impression.
- Waiting till 25 November 2026, when the server may be slow.
What You Will Learn in the Branch
Every branch works a little differently, but most apprentices get exposure to these areas during the year:
| Area | Typical work |
|---|---|
| Customer service | Helping customers with forms, passbook updates, balance enquiries and complaints |
| Accounts and KYC | Account opening papers, KYC checks, Aadhaar and PAN linking |
| Digital banking | Guiding customers on mobile banking, UPI and internet banking |
| Loans | Collecting and checking documents for Mudra, education and personal loans |
| Government schemes | Enrolment for Jan Dhan, PMSBY, PMJJBY and Atal Pension Yojana |
| Back office | Record keeping, data entry and filing |
Apprentices generally do not handle cash independently or approve transactions. You work under the guidance of branch officers, and your daily attendance and conduct are recorded.
After the Indian Bank Apprentice Training
When you finish 12 months, you receive a Certificate of Proficiency under the apprenticeship scheme. Here is how candidates usually use it:
- Bank exams: Write IBPS Clerk, IBPS PO, SBI Clerk, SBI PO and RRB exams with better banking awareness.
- Private banks and NBFCs: Branch experience helps in interviews for sales, operations and relationship roles.
- Kerala jobs: Experience is useful for Kerala Bank, cooperative bank and Kerala PSC posts that ask for banking knowledge.
- Gulf jobs: Exchange houses and banks in the Gulf value Indian banking experience along with a degree.
Note that once you complete an apprenticeship under the Apprentices Act, you normally cannot do another apprenticeship. Choose your programme carefully.
Is the Indian Bank Apprentice Programme Worth It?
If you are a recent graduate preparing for bank exams, yes. The Indian Bank Apprentice training pays a stipend, gives you real branch experience and adds a recognised certificate to your CV. It also helps you understand the questions in banking awareness sections, because you see these products every day.
However, do not leave your exam preparation. Use the year to study for IBPS, SBI and Kerala PSC bank-related posts so that you can move to a permanent job after training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for Indian Bank Apprentice 2026?
The last date to apply and pay the fee is 25 November 2026.
How many Indian Bank Apprentice seats are there in Kerala?
There are 44 seats in Kerala: UR 25, OBC 11, SC 4 and EWS 4.
What is the Indian Bank Apprentice stipend?
Rs 15,000 per month in Metro/Urban branches and Rs 12,300 per month in Rural/Semi-Urban branches.
Can final-year students apply?
No. Your graduation result must be declared on or before 1 November 2026.
Is this a permanent bank job?
No. It is a 12-month apprenticeship. The bank does not promise a regular job after training.
Is there an interview?
An interview may be held only if the bank decides. Selection is mainly through the online test and language test.
Is there negative marking in the Indian Bank Apprentice exam?
Negative marking was not confirmed in the reports available at the time of writing. Check the information handout released with the call letter.
How many States can I choose for Indian Bank Apprentice?
Only one State or UT. You must know its local language.
What is the Indian Bank Apprentice application fee?
Rs 800 plus GST for General/OBC/EWS and Rs 175 plus GST for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.
Conclusion
The Indian Bank Apprentice 2026 recruitment offers 1,500 paid training seats, including 44 in Kerala, for graduates who passed after 1 April 2022. Register on NATS first, then complete the Indian Bank form before 25 November 2026. Keep your documents ready, prepare for the 100-mark online test, and visit Saja Jobs for more bank job updates.
Disclaimer: Details are based on the Indian Bank notification dated 4 November 2026 as reported. Always confirm with the official advertisement before applying.