Canara Bank Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 3500 Graduate Apprentice Posts

Canara Bank has officially announced the engagement of Graduate Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 for the financial year 2026-27. This recruitment drive offers a total of 3,500 training seats across various states and Union Territories in India. It presents a valuable opportunity for fresh graduates to gain practical banking experience and develop professional skills within one of India's leading public sector banks. The online application process commenced on 01 October 2026 and will remain open until 17 October 2026.

Candidates interested in applying must first register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme portal and complete their profile to 100%. Only after obtaining the NATS enrollment ID can they proceed to apply through the Canara Bank website. The apprenticeship training period is 12 months, during which selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 16,650, inclusive of any subsidy amount provided by the Government of India. Of this, Canara Bank pays Rs. 10,500 per month directly, while the government share of Rs. 6,150 is credited through Direct Benefit Transfer.

The state-wise vacancy distribution is extensive, with Karnataka having the highest number of 581 seats, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 409 seats, Tamil Nadu with 391 seats, Andhra Pradesh with 247 seats, Kerala with 240 seats, and Maharashtra with 205 seats. Other states and Union Territories have varying numbers of training seats, with the smallest allocations in regions like Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Ladakh, each having just one seat. Candidates can opt for training seats in only one state and will be able to provide district preferences within that state. Allotment will be need-based and subject to availability.

Eligibility criteria require candidates to possess a Degree in any discipline from a university recognized by the Government of India, with graduation passed not earlier than 01 January 2023 and not later than 01 September 2026. The age limit is a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 28 years as on 01 September 2026. Age relaxation is available for SC/ST candidates by 5 years, OBC-NCL by 3 years, and PwBD by 10 years. Widows, divorced women, and women legally separated from their husbands who have not remarried are eligible for age concession up to 35 years for General/EWS, 38 years for OBC, and 40 years for SC/ST candidates.

The application fee is Rs. 500 for all candidates except SC, ST, and PwBD candidates, who are exempted from payment. The selection process is merit-based and does not involve a written examination. A state-wise merit list will be prepared based on marks obtained in the 12th Standard (HSC/10+2) or Diploma examination, with candidates ranked in descending order. The minimum qualifying marks are 60% for General candidates and 55% for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates. Ties will be resolved by ranking older candidates higher. Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification and a local language test. Candidates who have studied the opted local language in 10th or 12th standard are exempt from the language test.

Applicants must ensure they have not undergone apprenticeship training with Canara Bank or any other organization previously, are not currently pursuing apprenticeship training, and have not been terminated from apprenticeship training due to their own fault. Candidates with one or more years of job experience after completing their educational qualification are not eligible. The apprenticeship engagement is purely for training purposes and does not confer any right to regular employment in the bank.

To apply, candidates must register on the NATS portal, visit the Canara Bank careers section, and complete the online application form. Required uploads include a recent photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and a handwritten declaration. After successful submission and fee payment, candidates should take a printout of the application and e-receipt for future reference. It is advisable to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. This apprenticeship program is an excellent stepping stone for graduates seeking to build a career in the banking sector.