NLC India Limited, a prestigious “Navratna” Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, has announced a nationwide apprenticeship program for the year 2025–26. This program aims to provide hands-on practical training to fresh graduates and diploma holders in various engineering, technology, and allied disciplines. The initiative is conducted under the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Act, 1973 and is designed to equip young talent with industry-relevant skills and knowledge. Candidates who have successfully completed their graduation or diploma between 2021 and 2025 are eligible to apply. The apprenticeship tenure is for one year, offering structured exposure to professional work in a reputed PSU environment. The total number of apprenticeship positions available under this program is 575, distributed among graduate and technician apprentices across multiple streams.
This apprenticeship provides a unique opportunity for candidates to gain professional experience in a structured, corporate setting, though it should be noted that completion of the apprenticeship does not guarantee employment with NLC India Limited. The program is designed to enhance employability by offering practical training in specific disciplines, enabling participants to apply academic knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Important Dates
Candidates must pay attention to the key dates for registration, application submission, and selection:
- Start of Online Registration: 19 December 2025, 10:00 AM
- End of Online Registration: 02 January 2026, 5:00 PM
- Last Date for Submission of Hard Copies of Online Application: 09 January 2026, 5:00 PM
- Display of Candidates for Certificate Verification: 17 January 2026
- Certificate Verification Dates: 21 January 2026 to 23 January 2026
- Display of Provisionally Selected Candidates: 04 February 2026
- Reporting/Joining Date for Graduate Apprentices: 10 February 2026
- Reporting/Joining Date for Technician Apprentices: 16 February 2026
It is strongly recommended that candidates submit their applications well before the deadline and track all updates on the official NLC India platform to avoid missing any crucial steps in the selection process.
Vacancy Details
Total Vacancies: 575 Apprentices
NLC India Limited has announced a total of 575 apprenticeship training positions, divided among graduate and technician apprentices. This distribution ensures opportunities for candidates across a variety of engineering and professional disciplines.
Stream-wise Vacancies
| S. No | Discipline | Graduate Apprentices | Technician Apprentices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mechanical Engineering | 94 | 57 |
| 2 | Electrical Engineering | 93 | 66 |
| 3 | Civil Engineering | 34 | 15 |
| 4 | Instrumentation Engineering | 14 | 10 |
| 5 | Chemical Engineering | 9 | – |
| 6 | Mining Engineering | 49 | 32 |
| 7 | Computer Science Engineering | 49 | 13 |
| 8 | Electronics & Communication Engineering | 9 | 10 |
| 9 | Information Technology | 6 | 0 |
| 10 | Medical Lab Technology / Medical Laboratory Technology | 0 | 5 |
| 11 | Catering Technology & Hotel Management | 0 | 5 |
| 12 | Pharmacist | 0 | 5 |
- Total Graduate Apprentices: 357
- Total Technician Apprentices: 218
This variety of disciplines ensures that candidates from engineering, technology, medical, hospitality, and pharmaceutical backgrounds can avail of this training opportunity.
Application Fee
The official notification does not mention any application fee. Candidates are advised to apply free of cost and ensure submission of all required documents and certificates along with the application.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must ensure they fulfill all eligibility requirements before applying. Applications failing to meet these criteria will be rejected at any stage.
Educational Qualification
Graduate Apprentices
- Must hold a full-time degree in Engineering or Technology from a statutory university or an institution empowered to grant such a degree under an Act of Parliament.
- Candidates who have completed a professional degree recognized by the State or Central Government are also eligible.
Technician Apprentices
- Must possess a full-time diploma in Engineering or Technology granted by a State Council, Board of Technical Education, or a recognized university/institution.
- Diploma must be in a relevant discipline to the apprenticeship applied for.
Candidates must have completed their degree or diploma in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025.
Other Eligibility Conditions
- Candidates must belong to the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala or the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
- Applicants should not have previously undergone apprenticeship training in NLC India Limited or any other organization.
- Age criteria will be applied as per Apprenticeship Rules.
Reservation Policy
Reservation of seats will follow the guidelines under the Apprentices Act for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD candidates.
- Candidates claiming reservation must submit certificates as per the government standard format.
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates must provide valid certificates issued between 01 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.
- Candidates failing to provide valid certificates will be considered under the General category.
Salary / Stipend Details
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend during the apprenticeship period.
| Apprenticeship Type | Monthly Stipend (INR) | Government Contribution (DBT) |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentices | 15,028 | 4,500 |
| Technician Apprentices | 12,524 | 4,000 |
The stipend is paid monthly and is subject to deduction in case of any loss of pay. Apprentices are not entitled to additional benefits such as PF, ESI, or bonus.
Selection Procedure
The selection of graduate and technician apprentices is purely merit-based.
Key Steps in Selection
- Shortlisting based on percentage of marks obtained in the final qualifying degree or diploma.
- If results are awarded in grades/CGPA, equivalence to percentage will be calculated using the following methods:
- Multiply CGPA by 10, or
- Average the semester-wise marks from the second year to final year, or
- Average year-wise marks if the university provides only yearly results.
- In case of a tie at the cut-off percentage, older candidates will be given preference.
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo certificate verification, which will include the submission of all required documents.
Merely being shortlisted does not guarantee selection. Final selection depends on eligibility, verification of documents, and availability of seats.
Documents Required
Candidates must submit the following self-attested copies along with the signed online application form:
- Signed printout of the online application
- Degree Certificate / Provisional Certificate
- Consolidated or semester-wise mark sheets
- Percentage calculation format certified by university
- SSLC & HSC mark sheets
- Transfer Certificate
- Community Certificate (if applicable)
- Ration Card / Voter ID
- Aadhaar Card
- Disability proof (for PwBD candidates)
- Ex-serviceman certificate (if applicable)
- Format showing percentage calculation method (for engineering/diploma candidates)
Applications without proper documents will not be considered.
Training Duration
- Duration: One year (12 months)
- Apprentices will undergo on-the-job training in their respective streams.
- Completion of training does not entitle candidates to employment with NLC India Limited.
Reporting and Joining
- Graduate Apprentices Reporting Date: 10 February 2026
- Technician Apprentices Reporting Date: 16 February 2026
Candidates must report as per the dates mentioned and submit all original certificates for verification.
General Instructions
- Applications should be complete and accurate; discrepancies may lead to disqualification.
- No correspondence outside the official NLC India platform will be entertained.
- Candidates should track the selection process on the NLC India portal.
- Overstating marks or providing false information will lead to immediate disqualification.
- Apprentices are not employees and are not eligible for employee benefits.
- Any misconduct during the training period may result in termination.
