Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has issued the notification for the NCL Apprentice Trainee Recruitment 2026. This apprenticeship program is open to eligible fresh graduates, diploma holders, ITI-trained candidates, and paramedical personnel.
The recruitment drive includes 1607 positions across Graduate, Diploma, Trade (ITI), and Paramedical disciplines, with monthly stipends ranging from Rs. 9,600 to Rs. 13,700. Candidates from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh who completed their qualifications between June 2022 and May 2026 are eligible. Online applications are accepted through the NATS and NAPS portals from 01-06-2026 to 15-06-2026.
Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh |
| Advertisement Number | NCL/HRD/CETI/2026-27/168 |
| Post Name | Graduate Apprentice, Diploma Apprentice, Trade Apprentice (ITI), Paramedical Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 1607 Posts |
| Training Duration | One Year (as per Apprentice Act, 1961) |
| Application Mode | Online only – NATS & NAPS Portals |
| Official Website | https://www.nclcil.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 25-05-2026 |
| Age Cut-off Date | 01-06-2026 |
| Online Application Start | 01-06-2026 |
| Online Application Deadline | 15-06-2026 |
| Merit List Release | 20-06-2026 (Tentative) |
| Document Scrutiny & Joining | To be intimated via email |
Age Limit
| Category | Age Requirement | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| General / UR / OBC (Creamy Layer) | 18-26 years as on 01-06-2026 | Nil |
| SC / ST | 18-31 years | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 18-29 years | 3 years |
| PwBD (General/UR) | 18-36 years | 10 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 18-41 years | 15 years |
| PwBD (OBC Non-Creamy Layer) | 18-39 years | 13 years |
Educational Qualification
| Discipline Category | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentices (11 streams) | Bachelor’s degree in a respective engineering or non-engineering discipline from a recognized university/institute (full-time regular course only) |
| Diploma Apprentices (9 streams) | Diploma in respective engineering or non-engineering discipline from a recognized institute (full-time regular course only) |
| Trade Apprentices / ITI (8 trades) | Matriculation (10th) + ITI Certificate in respective trade with National/State Trade Certificate |
| Paramedical Apprentices (12 courses) | Relevant degree or diploma in a paramedical discipline + valid state registration certificate |
Qualification Eligibility Window: Candidates must have qualified between June 2022 and May 2026. Qualifications obtained before June 2022 or via part-time, correspondence, or distance learning modes are not accepted.
Vacancy Details
| Apprentice Discipline | Total Positions |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentices | 322 |
| Diploma Apprentices | 305 |
| Trade Apprentices (ITI) | 906 |
| Paramedical Apprentices | 74 |
| Grand Total | 1607 |
Detailed stream-wise and specialization-wise vacancy breakdowns are available in the official notification PDF.
Monthly Stipend
| Apprentice Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentices | Rs. 12,300 |
| Diploma Apprentices | Rs. 10,900 |
| Trade Apprentices – Electrician, Fitter, Turner, Machinist, Auto Electrician, COPA, Diesel Mechanic, Motor Mechanic | Rs. 10,560 |
| Trade Apprentices – Welder | Rs. 9,600 |
| Paramedical Degree Holders | Rs. 13,700 |
| Paramedical Diploma Holders | Rs. 12,700 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | Nil (Zero Fee) |
No application fee is required for this recruitment.
Selection Process
The selection process involves three stages: 1. Merit-Based Shortlisting: Candidates are ranked based on the percentage of marks obtained in their final qualifying examination (degree, diploma, or ITI average with Matriculation). 2. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must present their original certificates, identity proof, and category documents on the notified dates. 3. Medical Fitness Examination: Candidates must submit a fitness certificate issued by a Government Hospital medical officer (issued on or after 25-05-2026) in the prescribed format.
Eligibility Criteria – Key Points
- Must be an Indian national.
- Aged 18 to 26 years as of 01-06-2026 (relaxations apply).
- Qualification must be from a recognized, functional institute located in Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh.
- Only full-time regular courses are accepted.
- Must have qualified between June 2022 and May 2026.
- Candidates with prior apprenticeship experience or more than one year of employment are ineligible.
How to Apply
Click the official apply link below to access the NATS portal (for Graduate/Diploma) or the NAPS portal (for Trade/ITI). Register to get your Enrolment ID, and use it to complete the online application form for NCL before the deadline.
Important Instructions
- Applications must be submitted online between 01-06-2026 and 15-06-2026.
- Candidates can apply for only one apprentice discipline. Multiple applications will lead to disqualification.
- NCL does not provide residential accommodation, transport, or food facilities during the training.
- This is a one-year apprenticeship training program and does not guarantee permanent employment with NCL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When is the deadline to submit the NCL apprenticeship application?
Ans. The online application window closes on June 15, 2026. Make sure to complete your submission on the NATS or NAPS portal before this date, as late entries aren’t accepted.
Q2. How many apprentice vacancies are available at NCL this year?
Ans. There are 1,607 openings in total. This includes 322 positions for graduates, 305 for diploma holders, 906 for ITI trades, and 74 for paramedical staff.
Q3. What is the maximum age limit for applicants?
Ans. General category candidates must be under 26 years old as of June 1, 2026. Reserved categories get standard relaxations—up to 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC Non-Creamy Layer.
Q4. Do I need to pay an application fee?
Ans. No, the application process is completely free for all candidates. You just need to register on the designated government portals.
Q5. How much stipend will I receive during the training?
Ans. Stipends range from Rs. 9,600 to Rs. 13,700 per month depending on your qualification. For instance, graduates receive Rs. 12,300, while ITI trade stipends range between Rs. 9,600 and Rs. 10,560.
Q6. Can I submit applications for multiple trades?
Ans. No, you are only allowed to apply for one discipline or trade. If you submit multiple applications, NCL will disqualify all of them.
Q7. When will NCL announce the merit list?
Ans. The initial merit list of shortlisted candidates is tentatively scheduled for release on June 20, 2026. You’ll be notified via email and the portal.
Q8. Will NCL provide accommodation for apprentices?
Ans. No, NCL does not offer housing, meals, or transportation. You will need to make your own arrangements for the duration of the one-year program.
Q9. Can postgraduates apply for the graduate apprentice posts?
Ans. No, if you hold a qualification higher than what is required for your specific stream, you are not eligible to apply.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (Graduate/Diploma) | Apply Here |
| Apply Online (Trade/ITI) | Apply Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Download Here |
| Official Website | Visit Here |
