NCL Apprentices Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced by Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), a Mini Ratna subsidiary of Coal India Limited, for 1,607 Apprentice Trainee posts across Graduate, Diploma, Trade (ITI), and Paramedical disciplines. This is one of the largest apprenticeship opportunities in India’s coal sector, offering a monthly stipend of up to ₹13,700 for Paramedical graduates. The detailed notification was released on 25th May 2026 under Reference No. NCL/HRD/CETI/2026-27/168, and the online application window is open from 1st June 2026 to 15th June 2026 through the NATS and NAPS government portals .
In this article, you will get complete details about NCL Apprentice 2026 eligibility criteria, educational qualifications, age limit, selection process, application process, stipend structure, vacancy breakdown, important dates, required documents, and official links. Whether you are a B.Tech graduate, Diploma holder, ITI certified, or Paramedical professional, this guide covers everything you need to know before applying for this prestigious PSU apprenticeship.
BSNL Recruitment 2026 : Age, Eligibility & ₹40,000 Salary
An Overview Of NCL Apprentices Recruitment 2026
NCL Apprentices Recruitment 2026 is a national-level apprenticeship engagement conducted by Northern Coalfields Limited under the Apprentice Act, 1961. The training is for a period of one year at NCL’s units located in Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh and Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. The selection is purely merit-based with no written examination. Candidates must apply through dedicated government portals – NATS for Graduate/Diploma apprentices and NAPS for Trade (ITI) apprentices .
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), Singrauli |
| Parent Organization | Coal India Limited (CIL) |
| Post Name | Graduate Apprentice, Diploma Apprentice, Trade Apprentice (ITI), Paramedical Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 1,607 |
| Reference Number | NCL/HRD/CETI/2026-27/168 |
| Notification Release Date | 25th May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 1st June 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 15th June 2026 |
| Training Duration | One Year |
| Training Location | Singrauli (MP) & Sonbhadra (UP) |
| Selection Process | Merit-Based (Qualifying Exam Marks) + Document Scrutiny + Medical Test |
| Application Mode | Online only through NATS/NAPS portals |
| Application Fee | Nil |
| Official Website | www.nclcil.in |
| NATS Portal | https://nats.education.gov.in |
| NAPS Portal | https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria Of NCL Apprentices 2026
Candidates must fulfill all eligibility conditions before applying for NCL Apprentices Recruitment 2026. NCL verifies eligibility at the document scrutiny stage, and any discrepancy will lead to cancellation of candidature .
Nationality Requirements
- Must be an Indian National only
Institute Location Preference
- Qualification must be from a recognized Institute/University functional and operational in Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh
- Preference will be given to candidates from Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa districts of MP and Mirzapur, Chandauli, Sonbhadra districts of UP
Age Limit (As on 1st June 2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 26 years
- Date of Birth: Between 1st June 2000 and 1st June 2008 (both dates inclusive)
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation in Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years (up to 31 years) |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years (up to 29 years) |
| PwBD (General/UR) | 10 years (up to 36 years) |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years (up to 41 years) |
| PwBD (OBC NCL) | 13 years (up to 39 years) |
Other Important Eligibility Conditions
- Candidate should not have passed Graduation/Diploma/ITI prior to June 2022
- Candidates who have undergone Apprenticeship earlier, are currently pursuing apprenticeship, or have 1 year or more job experience are summarily ineligible
- Qualifications acquired through Part-time/Correspondence/Distance Learning mode are not eligible
- Candidates possessing higher qualification over and above the prescribed qualification are not eligible
- Only OBC Non-Creamy Layer candidates are eligible for reservation benefits
- PwBD candidates must submit a valid disability certificate as per Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules 2017
Educational Qualifications Of NCL Apprentices 2026
Graduate Apprentices
- Bachelor of Electrical Engineering: Degree in Electrical/Electrical & Electronics Engineering (Full-time Regular)
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering: Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Full-time Regular)
- Bachelor of Computer Science & Engineering: Degree in CSE/IT (Full-time Regular)
- Bachelor of Mining Engineering: Degree in Mining Engineering (Full-time Regular)
- Bachelor of Electronics Engineering: Degree in Electronics/Electronics & Communication (Full-time Regular)
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering: Degree in Civil Engineering (Full-time Regular)
- Bachelor of Information Technology: Degree in IT (Full-time Regular)
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com): Degree in Commerce (Full-time Regular)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA): Degree in Arts (Full-time Regular)
- Bachelor of Law (LLB): Degree in Law (Full-time Regular)
- Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA): Degree in BCA (Full-time Regular)
Diploma Apprentices
- Diploma in Back Office Management: Diploma in Business Management/Financial Accounting/Computerized Accounting/Accounting & Taxation/Finance (Full-time Regular)
- Diploma in Mining Engineering: Diploma in Mining/Mining & Mine Surveying/Mine Surveying (Full-time Regular)
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering: Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Full-time Regular)
- Diploma in Electrical Engineering: Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Full-time Regular)
- Diploma in Electronics Engineering: Diploma in Electronics/Electronics & Communication/Telecommunication/Industrial Electronics (Full-time Regular)
- Diploma in Civil Engineering: Diploma in Civil Engineering (Full-time Regular)
- Diploma in Modern Office Management & Secretarial Practices: Diploma in Modern Office Management/Secretarial Practices (Full-time Regular)
- Diploma in Computer Science/IT: Diploma in CSE/IT (Full-time Regular)
- Diploma in Environmental Engineering: Diploma in Environmental Engineering (Full-time Regular)
- Diploma in Survey Engineering: Diploma in Survey Engineering (Full-time Regular)
Trade Apprentices (ITI)
- ITI Electrician: Matriculation (10th) + ITI Certificate in Electrician trade with National/State Trade Certificate
- ITI Fitter: Matriculation (10th) + ITI Certificate in Fitter trade with National/State Trade Certificate
- ITI Welder: Matriculation (10th) + ITI Certificate in Welder trade with National/State Trade Certificate
- ITI Turner: Matriculation (10th) + ITI Certificate in Turner trade with National/State Trade Certificate
- ITI Machinist: Matriculation (10th) + ITI Certificate in Machinist trade with National/State Trade Certificate
- ITI Auto Electrician: Matriculation (10th) + ITI Certificate in Electrician (Auto) trade with National/State Trade Certificate
- ITI COPA: Matriculation (10th) + ITI Certificate in Computer Operator and Programming Assistant trade
- ITI Diesel Mechanic: Matriculation (10th) + ITI Certificate in Diesel Mechanic trade
- ITI Motor Mechanic Vehicle: Matriculation (10th) + ITI Certificate in Motor Mechanic Vehicle trade
Paramedical Apprentices
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy: Degree in Physiotherapy + Valid state registration certificate
- Bachelor of Nursing: Degree in Nursing + Valid state registration certificate
- Bachelor of Ayurveda: Degree in Ayurveda + Valid state registration certificate
- Bachelor of Optometry: Degree in Optometry + Valid state registration certificate
- Bachelor of Yoga: Degree in Yoga + Valid state registration certificate
- Bachelor of Dietetics: Degree in Dietetics + Valid state registration certificate
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology: Diploma in MLT + Valid state registration certificate
- Diploma in Pharmacy: Diploma in Pharmacy + Valid state registration certificate
- Diploma in ECG Technology: Diploma in ECG Technology + Valid state registration certificate
- Diploma in General Nursing & Midwifery: GNM Diploma + Valid state registration certificate
- Diploma in X-Ray Technology: Diploma in X-Ray Technology + Valid state registration certificate
- Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology: Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology + Valid state registration certificate
Telangana Anganwadi Recruitment : Apply & Eligibility 15,247 Posts,₹13,500
Selection Process Of NCL Apprentices 2026
The NCL Apprentices 2026 selection process is purely merit-based with no written examination conducted by NCL. The selection involves three stages as per the Apprentice Act, 1961 .
Stage 1: Merit List Preparation
- For Graduate & Diploma Apprentices: Merit is drawn on the basis of aggregate marks scored in the qualifying Graduation/Diploma examination
- For ITI Trade Apprentices: Merit is based on the average of passing percentage in Matriculation (10th) and the respective National/State Trade Certificate
- Candidates are arranged in descending order of marks
- Tie-breaking rules:
- First: Date of Birth (older candidate preferred)
- Second: Alphabetical order of name in English Dictionary (Roman script)
Stage 2: Document Scrutiny
- Shortlisted candidates based on merit will be called to appear with all original certificates for scrutiny
- Date and venue will be notified on nclcil.in and through email
- Failure to appear or produce valid documents within stipulated date and time will result in cancellation of candidature
- NCL reserves the right to restrict the number of candidates called for document scrutiny
Stage 3: Medical Examination
- Final offer for Apprenticeship Training is subject to clearing the Medical Test as per prescribed standards under the Mines Rules 1955
- Fitness certificate must be obtained from the medical officer of a Government Hospital (rank not less than Assistant Civil Surgeon)
- Medical Fitness certificate must be issued after the date of release of this Notification
- The prescribed format for medical fitness is enclosed as Annexure-3 in the official notification
Step By Step Process How To Apply NCL Apprentices 2026
Online Mode of Applying
Online Applying Method
Candidates must apply only through online mode via the dedicated government portals. No paper-based application will be accepted .
For Graduate & Diploma Apprentices (NATS Portal):
- Visit the official NATS portal: https://nats.education.gov.in
- Register yourself by creating an online account using valid mobile number and email ID
- After successful registration, a registration number (Enrolment ID) will be generated
- Login to the NATS portal and apply against the NCL notification
- Fill in all relevant details including NATS registration reference, Date of Birth, Name as per Matriculation certificate, Address, Academic details
- Upload scanned colour photograph and signature in black ink as per portal specifications
- Enter total marks scored and maximum marks in qualifying degree/diploma
- Confirm the declaration and preview all details before final submission
- Save and preserve a hard copy as well as soft copy of the submitted application
For Trade Apprentices (NAPS Portal):
- Visit the official NAPS portal: https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
- Register yourself by creating an online account using valid mobile number and email ID
- After successful registration, a registration number (Enrolment ID) will be generated
- Login to the NAPS portal and apply against the NCL notification
- Fill in all relevant details including NAPS registration reference, Date of Birth, Name as per Matriculation certificate, Address, Academic details
- Upload scanned colour photograph and signature in black ink as per portal specifications
- Enter total marks scored and maximum marks in Matriculation and ITI Trade Certificate
- Confirm the declaration and preview all details before final submission
- Save and preserve a hard copy as well as soft copy of the submitted application
Important Notes:
- A candidate may apply for only one notified position – multiple applications will lead to disqualification
- Information pertaining to Date of Birth, Caste Category, and Qualification once entered shall be considered final
- No alteration will be permitted at later stages
- For assistance, email HRD Department, NCL at: apprentice.ncl@coalindia.in
- Visit NCL website under Menu > Career > Apprenticeship Training for updates
Offline Process
There is no offline application process for NCL Apprentices Recruitment 2026. Northern Coalfields Limited accepts applications only through online mode via the NATS and NAPS government portals. Paper-based applications sent by post or courier will not be entertained .
PM Internship Scheme 2026 : Last Date & ₹6,000 Monthly Stipend
Syllabus Required to Write NCL Apprentices Exam 2026
There is no written examination for NCL Apprentices Recruitment 2026. The selection is purely merit-based on the marks obtained in the qualifying examination. Therefore, no specific syllabus or exam pattern is applicable for this recruitment.
However, candidates should ensure they have the following knowledge and documents ready:
- For Graduate Apprentices: Complete understanding of your degree subject matter; original degree certificate and mark sheets
- For Diploma Apprentices: Thorough knowledge of your diploma discipline; original diploma certificate and mark sheets
- For Trade Apprentices: Practical skills in your ITI trade; original Matriculation certificate and ITI Trade Certificate
- For Paramedical Apprentices: Clinical knowledge of your paramedical field; original degree/diploma certificate and state registration certificate
Important: Since selection is based on academic merit, candidates with higher percentages in their qualifying examinations have better chances of selection. There is no separate entrance test, interview, or skill test conducted by NCL for this apprenticeship engagement.
Application Fee and Total Vacancies
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwBD) | Nil |
- No application fee is required for NCL Apprentices Recruitment 2026
- Candidates apply online through the NATS/NAPS government portals free of cost
- No payment is to be made to NCL for this apprenticeship engagement
Total Vacancies Breakdown
| Category | Discipline | Vacancies | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentices | Bachelor of Electrical Engineering | 45 | ₹12,300 |
| Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering | 43 | ₹12,300 | |
| Bachelor of Computer Science & Engineering | 13 | ₹12,300 | |
| Bachelor of Mining Engineering | 17 | ₹12,300 | |
| Bachelor of Electronics Engineering | 8 | ₹12,300 | |
| Bachelor of Civil Engineering | 16 | ₹12,300 | |
| Bachelor of Information Technology | 7 | ₹12,300 | |
| Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) | 58 | ₹12,300 | |
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) | 7 | ₹12,300 | |
| Bachelor of Law (LLB) | 12 | ₹12,300 | |
| Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) | 15 | ₹12,300 | |
| Diploma Apprentices | Diploma in Back Office Management | 13 | ₹10,900 |
| Diploma in Mining Engineering | 29 | ₹10,900 | |
| Diploma in Mechanical Engineering | 67 | ₹10,900 | |
| Diploma in Electrical Engineering | 72 | ₹10,900 | |
| Diploma in Electronics Engineering | 12 | ₹10,900 | |
| Diploma in Civil Engineering | 56 | ₹10,900 | |
| Diploma in Modern Office Management & Secretarial Practices | 16 | ₹10,900 | |
| Diploma in Computer Science / IT | 14 | ₹10,900 | |
| Diploma in Environmental Engineering | 5 | ₹10,900 | |
| Diploma in Survey Engineering | 21 | ₹10,900 | |
| Trade Apprentices (ITI) | ITI Electrician | 244 | ₹10,560 |
| ITI Fitter | 349 | ₹10,560 | |
| ITI Welder | 110 | ₹9,600 | |
| ITI Turner | 44 | ₹10,560 | |
| ITI Machinist | 43 | ₹10,560 | |
| ITI Auto Electrician | 63 | ₹10,560 | |
| ITI Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA) | 32 | ₹10,560 | |
| ITI Diesel Mechanic | 11 | ₹10,560 | |
| ITI Motor Mechanic Vehicle | 10 | ₹10,560 | |
| Paramedical Apprentices | Bachelor of Physiotherapy | 6 | ₹13,700 |
| Bachelor of Nursing | 30 | ₹13,700 | |
| Bachelor of Ayurveda | 3 | ₹13,700 | |
| Bachelor of Optometry | 3 | ₹13,700 | |
| Bachelor of Yoga | 3 | ₹13,700 | |
| Bachelor of Dietetics | 3 | ₹13,700 | |
| Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology | 10 | ₹12,700 | |
| Diploma in Pharmacy | 15 | ₹12,700 | |
| Diploma in ECG Technology | 10 | ₹12,700 | |
| Diploma in General Nursing & Midwifery | 60 | ₹12,700 | |
| Diploma in X-Ray Technology | 10 | ₹12,700 | |
| Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology | 2 | ₹12,700 | |
| Grand Total | 1,607 |
Note: Stipend for Graduate and Diploma Apprentices is inclusive of the Government of India share that will be paid by GOI through DBT. Trade Apprentice stipend will be paid directly by NCL. PwBD horizontal reservation is applicable for 58 posts as per the Divyangjan Notification dated 04-01-2021.
SSC & CGL 2026 Recruitment: 12,256 Posts & Salary , Eligible
Required Documents to Apply for NCL Apprentices 2026
Candidates must keep the following documents ready before starting the online application:
- Valid Email ID and Mobile Number (active for at least one year)
- Scanned colour passport-size photograph (as per portal specifications)
- Scanned signature in black ink on white paper (as per portal specifications)
- Matriculation (10th Standard) certificate for Date of Birth proof
- Qualifying examination mark sheets and certificate (Degree/Diploma/ITI/Paramedical)
- National/State Trade Certificate (for ITI Trade Apprentices)
- Valid registration certificate from respective state council (for Paramedical candidates)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) in prescribed format (Annexure-1), if applicable
- PwBD disability certificate as per Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules 2017 (Annexure-2), if applicable
- Address for correspondence and permanent address proof
- AADHAAR-linked bank account details (for stipend payment)
- Medical Fitness Certificate in prescribed format (Annexure-3) – to be submitted after selection
- Notarized Affidavit in prescribed format (Annexure-4) – to be submitted before joining
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 25th May 2026 |
| Cut-off Date for Age Determination | 1st June 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date (NATS & NAPS) | 1st June 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date (NATS & NAPS) | 15th June 2026 |
| Qualification should not have been passed prior to | June 2022 |
| Release of Merit List / Shortlisted Candidates | 20th June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Date of Reporting for Document Scrutiny & Joining | To be intimated through email |
| Training Commencement Date | To be notified separately |
Note: All dates mentioned are tentative and subject to alteration/amendment by NCL. Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates.
Salary Structure
- Graduate Apprentice Stipend: ₹12,300 per month
- Diploma Apprentice Stipend: ₹10,900 per month
- ITI Trade Apprentice Stipend:
- ₹10,560 per month (for Electrician, Fitter, Turner, Machinist, Auto Electrician, COPA, Diesel Mechanic, Motor Mechanic Vehicle)
- ₹9,600 per month (for Welder)
- Paramedical Graduate Apprentice Stipend: ₹13,700 per month
- Paramedical Diploma Apprentice Stipend: ₹12,700 per month
- Stipend Payment Mode: Directly into AADHAAR-linked bank account through DBT (for Graduate/Diploma) or by NCL (for Trade)
- Stipend Administration: Based on monthly attendance of the trainee
- Annual Increment: Not applicable (fixed stipend for training period)
- Other Benefits: Coverage under Workmen Compensation Act, 1923 for accidents during training
UPSC Recruitment : 451 CDS (II) 2026 Posts & Eligibility, salary
What Are the Benefits of NCL Apprenticeship Job
- PSU Training Experience: One-year hands-on training at a Mini Ratna PSU under Coal India Limited
- Monthly Stipend: Fixed monthly stipend ranging from ₹9,600 to ₹13,700 based on qualification
- Government Certification: Apprenticeship certificate recognized under the Apprentice Act, 1961
- No Application Fee: Completely free application process through government portals
- Leave Benefits:
- Casual Leave: 11 days per year
- Medical Leave: 15 days per year
- Working Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Accident Coverage: Covered under Workmen Compensation Act, 1923
- Direct Stipend Transfer: Stipend paid directly into AADHAAR-linked bank account
- Career Enhancement: Apprenticeship certificate improves employability in PSUs and private sector
- No Bond/Agreement: Free to pursue regular employment after completion of training
- Training Certificate: Valuable addition to resume for future job applications
Important Links & Notification PDFs
| Resource | Official Link |
|---|---|
| NCL Official Website | https://www.nclcil.in |
| NCL Apprenticeship Training Page | https://www.nclcil.in/data-listing/pages/apprenticeship-training |
| NATS Portal (Graduate/Diploma) | https://nats.education.gov.in |
| NAPS Portal (Trade/ITI) | https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
| Official Notification PDF | Download from NCL Website |
| Annexure 1 – Reservation Format | Download from NCL Website |
| Annexure 2 – PwBD Format | Download from NCL Website |
| Annexure 3 – Medical Fitness Format | Download from NCL Website |
| Annexure 4 – Affidavit Format | Download from NCL Website |
| Email for Assistance | apprentice.ncl@coalindia.in |
Frequently Asked Questions about NCL Apprentices 2026
What is the NCL Apprentices 2026 notification release date?
The NCL Apprentices 2026 detailed notification was released on 25th May 2026 under Ref. No. NCL/HRD/CETI/2026-27/168 for 1,607 apprentice vacancies.
What is the last date to apply for NCL Apprentices 2026?
The last date to submit the online application for NCL Apprentices 2026 is 15th June 2026 through the NATS and NAPS portals.
What is the age limit for NCL Apprentices 2026?
The age limit is 18 to 26 years as on 1st June 2026, with relaxations of 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC-NCL, and 10-15 years for PwBD categories.
What is the educational qualification required for NCL Graduate Apprentice 2026?
Candidates need a full-time regular Bachelor’s degree in the relevant engineering discipline or B.Com/BA/LLB/BCA from a recognized university operational in UP or MP.
What is the stipend for NCL Apprentices 2026?
The monthly stipend ranges from ₹9,600 (ITI Welder) to ₹13,700 (Paramedical Graduate), with Graduate Apprentices getting ₹12,300 and Diploma Apprentices getting ₹10,900.
How many vacancies are there in NCL Apprentices 2026?
There are a total of 1,607 vacancies across Graduate (241), Diploma (305), Trade/ITI (806), and Paramedical (255) disciplines.
What is the selection process for NCL Apprentices 2026?
The selection is merit-based on qualifying examination marks, followed by document scrutiny and medical examination. There is no written test or interview.
Is there any application fee for NCL Apprentices 2026?
No, there is no application fee for any category. Candidates apply free of cost through the NATS and NAPS government portals.
Can I apply for multiple positions in NCL Apprentices 2026?
No, a candidate may apply for only one notified position. Multiple applications will lead to disqualification.
Will NCL absorb apprentices as permanent employees after training?
No, the Apprenticeship Trainee shall not be absorbed in NCL as an employee under any circumstances. The training does not confer any right or claim for regular employment.