Canara Bank Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – 3500 Graduate Posts | Apply Online (1-17 Oct)

Canara Bank has officially opened one of the most awaited apprenticeship opportunities of the year. The bank has released the notification for engagement of Graduate Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 for the financial year 2026-27. A total of 3,500 training seats are available across different States and Union Territories.

This is not a regular job recruitment. It is a structured one-year apprenticeship programme that gives fresh graduates real banking experience, a monthly stipend, and exposure to day-to-day branch operations. Online applications will be accepted from 1 October 2026 to 17 October 2026. Candidates must complete their registration on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal before applying on the Canara Bank website.

If you are a recent graduate looking for practical training in a public sector bank without facing a written examination, this notification deserves your full attention.

The number of seats is provisional and may change according to the bank’s actual requirement.

Candidates are strongly advised to complete NATS registration early. Only those with a 100% complete profile on the NATS portal can submit the Canara Bank application.

State-wise seats vary significantly. Karnataka has the highest number (around 581), followed by Uttar Pradesh (around 409), Tamil Nadu (around 391), Andhra Pradesh (around 247), Kerala (around 240) and Maharashtra (around 205). Smaller Union Territories such as Ladakh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu have only 1–4 seats each.

Each State/UT has a prescribed local language. Candidates must select only one State and can give district preferences within that State. Local language proficiency is mandatory and is verified through marksheets or a language test during document verification.

Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a graduation degree in any discipline from a university recognised by the Government of India or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government.

The degree must have been completed between 1 January 2023 and 1 September 2026 (both dates inclusive).

In addition, candidates need minimum marks in Class 12 (HSC/10+2) or Diploma examination:

• 60% for General/EWS and other categories
• 55% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates

Candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training or have one year or more of post-graduation work experience are not eligible.

Age Limit (as on 1 September 2026)

• Minimum: 20 years
• Maximum: 28 years

Candidates must have been born between 2 September 1998 and 1 September 2006 (both days inclusive).

Age Relaxation

• SC/ST: 5 years
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
• PwBD: 10 years
• Widows, divorced women and women legally separated who have not remarried: up to 35 years (General/EWS), 38 years (OBC) and 40 years (SC/ST)

Selected apprentices will receive a consolidated monthly stipend of ₹16,650 during the entire 12-month training period. The amount is split as:

• Canara Bank contribution: ₹10,500
• Government of India share (via Direct Benefit Transfer): ₹6,150

No other allowances are payable. Training takes place at designated Canara Bank branches. Apprentices work under the bank’s operational guidelines and follow the prescribed curriculum for on-the-job learning in banking operations, customer service, digital banking and related areas.

This stipend is higher than the previous year’s figure, reflecting the revised structure under the Apprentices Act.

Selection is purely merit-based and state-wise.

1. A state-wise merit list is prepared in descending order of marks/percentage obtained in Class 12 (HSC/10+2) or Diploma examination.
2. In case of equal percentage, older candidates are ranked higher.
3. Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification.
4. Local language test is conducted for those who cannot produce 10th or 12th marksheets showing they studied the prescribed local language. Failure in the language test leads to disqualification.
5. Medical fitness examination is mandatory before final engagement.

No written test or interview is conducted for the initial shortlisting. This makes the process transparent and accessible for candidates with strong academic records in higher secondary education.

The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online through debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI.

1. Visit the NATS portal at nats.education.gov.in and complete registration. Ensure the profile is 100% complete and note down the Enrollment ID.
2. Go to the Canara Bank careers page: canarabank.bank.in → Careers → Recruitment.
3. Click on the link for “Engagement of Graduate Apprentices in Canara Bank under Apprentices Act, 1961 for FY 2026-27”.
4. Enter basic details and the NATS Enrollment ID to generate provisional registration number and password.
5. Upload recent passport-size photograph, signature, left thumb impression and handwritten declaration as per the prescribed specifications.
6. Fill personal, educational, category and State/District preference details carefully.
7. Pay the application fee (if applicable).
8. Review all information using “Save and Next”, then submit the final form.
9. Download and print the application form and e-receipt for future reference.

No offline applications are accepted. Incomplete applications or those without a valid NATS Enrollment ID will be rejected.

Keep the following ready in original along with self-attested photocopies:

• System-generated printout of the online application
• Proof of date of birth (Class 10 certificate or birth certificate)
• Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID or Driving Licence)
• Marksheets and certificates from Class 10 onwards, including all semester/year-wise graduation marksheets and degree certificate
• Caste certificate / OBC-NCL / EWS Income & Asset certificate (if applicable)
• Disability certificate and UDID card (for PwBD candidates)
• NATS Enrollment ID proof
• Character and conduct certificate and medical fitness certificate (at the time of joining)

Public sector banks continue to engage large numbers of graduate apprentices every year under the Apprentices Act. Canara Bank’s 3,500 seats for FY 2026-27 represent a significant intake. The absence of a written examination levels the field for candidates who performed well in Class 12 or Diploma but may not have prepared for competitive banking exams.

The one-year training provides hands-on exposure to core banking activities, customer handling, digital channels and regulatory compliance. Many previous apprentices have used this experience as a strong foundation while preparing for IBPS, SBI or other bank recruitments. The revised stipend of ₹16,650 also makes the programme financially more attractive than earlier years.

However, candidates should note two important points. First, this is pure apprenticeship training — it does not guarantee permanent employment in Canara Bank. Second, local language proficiency and document verification are strict. Any mismatch in educational dates, marks or language proof can lead to rejection even after shortlisting.

Candidates who graduated between January 2023 and September 2026, fall within the age bracket, and have the required Class 12/Diploma percentage should prioritise completing NATS registration immediately. The application window of just 17 days is short, and last-minute technical issues on the portal are common.

For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official notification available on the Canara Bank recruitment page and the NATS portal. All further announcements, including shortlists and document verification schedules, will be published only on the bank’s website.

This recruitment offers a clean, merit-based entry into the banking ecosystem for thousands of fresh graduates. Prepare your documents, complete NATS registration early, and apply within the stipulated dates to maximise your chances.

Official Links for Quick Reference

• Canara Bank Recruitment Page: https://www.canarabank.bank.in/pages/recruitment
• NATS Apprenticeship Portal: https://nats.education.gov.in

Stay updated through the official channels and apply carefully. Good luck to all aspirants.