Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), in coordination with the Board of Apprenticeship Training (Southern Region), has officially released its notification for the engagement of 108 Graduate Apprentices and Technician (Diploma) Apprentices for the training session 2026–27 under the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Act 1973. Engineering graduates and diploma holders residing in Tamil Nadu who passed their qualifying examinations in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or May 2026 can submit online applications through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS 2.0) portal on or before 17 October 2026. There is no application fee, and candidates are selected strictly based on qualifying examination merit without any written test.
CMWSSB Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Fast Overview & Key Highlights
CMWSSB is the statutory civic agency responsible for water supply, water treatment, sewerage, and drainage infrastructure throughout the Greater Chennai metropolitan area. The apprenticeship engagement offers structured industrial training across water treatment plants, pumping stations, distribution networks, and quality control laboratories. The essential recruitment data from the official notification is summarized below:
| Recruiting Board | Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) |
|---|---|
| Coordinating Authority | Board of Apprenticeship Training (Southern Region) / NATS |
| NATS Establishment User ID | STNCHS000035 |
| Training Opportunity | One-Year Apprenticeship under the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Act 1973 |
| Total Training Slots | 108 Apprenticeship Places |
| Graduate Apprentice Slots | 76 Posts (Monthly Stipend: ₹12,300/-) |
| Technician (Diploma) Slots | 32 Posts (Monthly Stipend: ₹10,900/-) |
| Eligible Domicile | Tamil Nadu State Residents Only |
| Eligible Batches | Graduates & Diploma Holders of 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 & May 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online (Exclusively via National NATS 2.0 Portal) |
| Application Fee | NIL (100% Free of Cost for All Categories) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 17 October 2026 |
| Official Apprenticeship Portal | https://nats.education.gov.in/ |
Discipline-wise Slot Breakdown & Monthly Stipend Rates
The 108 apprenticeship training slots are categorized into Graduate and Technician cadres across core engineering branches:
| Apprentice Category | Engineering Discipline | Training Places | Prescribed Monthly Stipend | Training Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category I: Graduate Apprentices | Civil Engineering / Mechanical Engineering | 52 Places | ₹12,300/- per month | One Year (12 Months) |
| Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE) | 24 Places | ₹12,300/- per month | One Year (12 Months) | |
| Graduate Sub-Total | 76 Places | — | ||
| Category II: Technician (Diploma) Apprentices | Civil Engineering | 10 Places | ₹10,900/- per month | One Year (12 Months) |
| Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE) | 22 Places | ₹10,900/- per month | One Year (12 Months) | |
| Technician Sub-Total | 32 Places | — | ||
| Grand Total Openings | 108 Places | — | ||
Stipend Disbursal: Monthly stipends are credited directly to the apprentice's bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in partnership between CMWSSB and the Central Government under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
CMWSSB Apprentice Eligibility Criteria: Qualifications, Passing Year & Rules
To be considered for the 2026–27 apprenticeship batch at CMWSSB, candidates must satisfy the following statutory conditions:
1. Educational Qualifications
- For Graduate Apprentices: A full-time regular degree in Engineering or Technology (B.E. / B.Tech) in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical & Electronics Engineering granted by a statutory Indian University or an institution empowered to grant such degree by an Act of Parliament.
- For Technician (Diploma) Apprentices: A full-time regular Diploma in Engineering or Technology in Civil or Electrical & Electronics Engineering granted by the State Board of Technical Education, Tamil Nadu or an equivalent recognized state technical board.
- Graduation / Passing Year: Candidates must have graduated or passed their diploma in the calendar years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or May 2026. Candidates who completed their studies prior to 2022 are not eligible as per central apprenticeship rules.
- Minimum Marks: Candidates must have secured at least 60% aggregate marks (55% for SC/ST/PwBD) across all semesters of their qualifying degree/diploma.
2. Prior Training & Experience Ineligibility
- Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training in any government or private establishment are NOT eligible.
- Candidates with one year or more of prior regular work experience in any industry or organization are barred from applying under the Apprenticeship Act.
3. Age Limit & Domicile Requirements
- Age Standards: Age will be reckoned as per the Apprenticeship Rules (minimum 18 years as of 01.09.2026). No upper age limit is stipulated under NATS norms.
- Domicile: Only candidates who are permanent residents of the State of Tamil Nadu are eligible for this recruitment. Candidates must possess a valid Nativity / Community Certificate issued by the Revenue Authority of Tamil Nadu.
Selection Process: Merit-Based Ranking (No Written Exam)
The selection methodology is 100% transparent and merit-based:
- Preparation of Merit Shortlist: The Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT), Southern Region, compiles a merit ranking based on the percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying B.E./B.Tech or Diploma examination.
- Community-wise Reservation: Statutory reservations for SC, ST, OBC (BC/MBC/BCM), and PwD categories are strictly applied as per Tamil Nadu Government reservation roster guidelines.
- Shortlist Intimation via Email: Selected candidates are notified via their registered email addresses and mobile numbers. The shortlist is also hosted on the official BOAT (SR) and CMWSSB websites.
- Certificate Verification: Shortlisted candidates must appear in person for original document verification at CMWSSB Headquarters in Chennai. Documents verified include: 10th marksheet, Diploma/Degree certificate, consolidated marksheets, community certificate, transfer certificate (TC), and Aadhaar card.
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must produce a Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner prior to formal contract signing.
How to Apply Online via NATS 2.0 Portal (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applications are accepted exclusively online through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS 2.0) portal. Follow these instructions:
For Candidates Already Registered on NATS Portal:
- Visit the official portal at nats.education.gov.in.
- Click on "Student" and select "Student Login".
- Enter your registered Email ID / User ID and password to log in to your dashboard.
- Click on "Apply against Advertised Vacancy" or navigate to the "Establishment Search" tab.
- In the establishment name field, type: CHENNAI METROPOLITAN WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE BOARD or search directly using User ID: STNCHS000035.
- Select your relevant discipline (Civil / Mechanical / EEE) under the Graduate or Diploma category.
- Click the "Apply" button and confirm submission. Download the application confirmation page for future reference.
For Fresh Candidates (First-Time NATS Enrollees):
- Go to nats.education.gov.in and click on "Student" > "Student Register".
- Complete your profile registration by entering Aadhaar details, qualifying degree/diploma details, college name, and marks.
- Upload your photograph, signature, and provisional certificate / degree certificate.
- Upon approval and generation of your 16-digit National Student ID, follow the steps above to search for CMWSSB (User ID: STNCHS000035) and apply.
Important Dates & Schedule (CMWSSB Apprenticeship 2026)
| Online Application Commencement on NATS Portal | 17 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Enrolling on NATS Portal to Apply | 10 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Applying to CMWSSB on NATS Portal | 17 October 2026 |
| Declaration of Shortlisted Candidates | Fourth Week of October 2026 |
| Certificate Verification at CMWSSB Chennai | First Week of November 2026 |
| Commencement of One-Year Training | November 2026 |
Official Notification Downloads & Portal Links
Frequently Asked Questions (CMWSSB Apprenticeship 2026)
Is there any examination fee for CMWSSB Apprenticeship?
No. The entire application process on the National NATS 2.0 portal is 100% free of charge for all candidates, regardless of category.
What is the monthly stipend for Graduate and Diploma Apprentices?
Graduate Apprentices receive a monthly stipend of ₹12,300/-, while Technician (Diploma) Apprentices receive ₹10,900/- per month throughout the 12-month training tenure.
Can candidates from other states apply for CMWSSB apprenticeship?
No. The notification specifically restricts eligibility to candidates hailing from the State of Tamil Nadu.
Will CMWSSB offer permanent employment after apprenticeship training?
No. Under Section 22 of the Apprenticeship Act 1973, completion of apprenticeship training does not confer any legal right or guarantee of permanent absorption in CMWSSB.
What is the establishment code for CMWSSB on the NATS portal?
The user establishment ID for Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board on the NATS 2.0 portal is STNCHS000035.
Official Disclaimer & Verification Notice
Official Advisory: Candidates must ensure that their profile details on NATS 2.0 correspond exactly with their educational certificates. CMWSSB and BOAT (SR) do not charge any intermediate fee or engage agents. Candidates should always cross-check details on the official NATS portal at nats.education.gov.in.
