SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026: The company is inviting applications for 1600 Graduate and Technician Apprentice positions across its mining establishments in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. This is a golden opportunity for engineering graduates, diploma holders, and graduates in general streams to gain hands-on training in one of India’s largest coal-producing companies.
The online application process is currently open, and the last date to apply is 31st March 2026. Candidates from Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh will receive preference in the merit list. Read on for complete details regarding vacancies, eligibility, stipend, selection process, and the step-by-step application procedure.
SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) |
| Parent Company | Coal India Limited (CIL) |
| Post Name | Graduate Apprentice & Technician Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 1600 |
| Application Mode | Online (NATS 2.0 Portal + SECL Portal) |
| Application Start Date | Already Started |
| Application Last Date | 31 March 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Training Duration | 1 Year (Contract Basis) |
| Job Locations | Chhattisgarh & Madhya Pradesh |
| Official Website | secl-cil.in |
Vacancy Breakdown (Stream‑Wise)
A total of 1600 apprenticeship positions are available across two categories:
Graduate Apprentice (Total: 500)
| Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Mining Engineering | 200 |
| Civil Engineering | 20 |
| Electrical Engineering | 30 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 30 |
| Electronics & Telecom Engineering | 10 |
| BBA | 25 |
| BCA (Computer Application) | 100 |
| B.Com | 50 |
| B.Sc (Science – Chemistry) | 35 |
| Total | 500 |
Technician Apprentice (Total: 1100)
| Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Mining Engineering | 900 |
| Civil Engineering | 40 |
| Electrical Engineering | 50 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 50 |
| Electronics & Telecommunication | 20 |
| Mine Surveying | 40 |
| Total | 1100 |
Important Dates for SECL Apprentice 2026
Candidates must strictly adhere to the following schedule:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 22 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 31 March 2026 (up to 11:59 PM) |
| Provisional Selection List Publication | 2nd Week of April 2026 |
| Document Verification Starts | From 20 April 2026 onwards |
Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification
| Apprentice Type | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | B.Tech/BE degree in the respective engineering discipline OR Graduation (BBA / B.Com / BCA / B.Sc) from a recognized university/institute. |
| Technician Apprentice | 3-year Diploma in the respective discipline from a recognized institute/state board. |
2. Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- No upper age limit specified, but candidates must meet other eligibility conditions.
3. Additional Eligibility Conditions
Candidates must ensure they meet all the following conditions before applying:
- A candidate can apply for only one apprenticeship category.
- Must be registered on the NATS 2.0 portal (Board of Apprenticeship Training – Western Region).
- The qualifying degree/diploma must not have been completed more than 5 years before the date of joining.
- Should not have undergone apprenticeship training in any other institution earlier.
- Should not have completed one year or more of work experience in any establishment.
- Should not be pursuing or have completed a postgraduate qualification.
Stipend & Emoluments
Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend during the one-year training period:
| Apprentice Type | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | ₹12,300/- |
| Technician Apprentice | ₹10,900/- |
Selection Process
The selection for SECL Apprentice 2026 will be based on the following criteria:
- Merit List: Based on marks obtained in the relevant qualifying degree/diploma.
- Tie-Breaking Criteria:
- First: Marks in the degree/diploma
- Second: Marks in 12th/10th
- Third: Date of birth (older candidates preferred)
- Preference Policy:
- Level 1 Merit List: Candidates from Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh
- Level 2 Merit List: Candidates from other states (considered only after Level 1 candidates are exhausted)
- Within Level 2, preference is given to candidates from the Western Region of BOAT.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates will be called for original document verification starting 20 April 2026.
- Medical Examination: Final selection is subject to medical fitness.
Posting Locations
Apprentices will be posted across SECL’s establishments in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, depending on their discipline:
- Mining & Mine Surveying Apprentices: Will be posted only in underground mines.
- Other Engineering Apprentices: Will be posted in opencast mines, underground mines, workshops, and other establishments.
- General Stream Graduates (BBA, B.Com, BCA, B.Sc): Will be posted in offices across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Reservation Policy
Reservation will be provided as per government guidelines:
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| SC | 19% |
| ST | 14% |
| OBC | 17% |
*Note: OBC candidates must possess a valid Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate issued on or after 1 April 2025.*
Application Fee
- No application fee is required for any candidate. The application process is completely free.
How to Apply for SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The application process involves two mandatory steps: registration on the NATS 2.0 portal and submission of the application on the SECL portal. Follow the step-by-step guide below:
Step 1: Register on NATS 2.0 Portal
- Visit the official NATS 2.0 portal: https://nats.education.gov.in/
- Register under the Board of Apprenticeship Training (Western Region).
- Obtain your unique registration number.
Step 2: Apply on SECL Portal
- After successful NATS registration, visit the official SECL apprenticeship portal.
- Complete registration/login using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill the online application form carefully. No changes or corrections will be allowed after submission.
- Upload the required documents (scanned copies of photograph, signature, educational certificates, caste certificate, domicile, etc.).
- Submit the application on or before 31 March 2026 (11:59 PM).
Step 3: Keep a Printout
- After submission, take a printout of the completed application form for future reference.
- There is no need to send a printed copy to SECL at this stage.
Documents Required for Verification
Candidates shortlisted for document verification must carry the following original documents along with self-attested copies:
- Educational certificates (degree/diploma marksheets)
- Caste certificate (OBC NCL certificate issued on or after 1 April 2025)
- Domicile certificate (for MP & Chhattisgarh candidates)
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account details (passbook)
- Passport-size photographs
- Notarized affidavit in the prescribed format
Why This SECL Apprentice Recruitment is a Big Opportunity
With 1600 vacancies, this is one of the largest apprenticeship recruitment drives by a Coal India subsidiary in 2026. Key highlights include:
- No application fee – making it accessible to all.
- Preference for local candidates – domicile holders of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh get priority.
- Hands-on industry experience – training in one of India’s largest PSUs.
- Stipend support – ₹12,300 for graduates and ₹10,900 for technicians.
- Pathway to future employment – apprenticeship experience at SECL is highly valued in the mining and industrial sectors.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official SECL Website | secl-cil.in |
| NATS 2.0 Portal | nats.education.gov.in |
| SECL Apprentice Apply Link | Available on SECL official website |
| Helpdesk Phone | 07752-255059 |
| Helpdesk Email | (via SECL portal) |
Helpdesk Timings:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ What is the total number of vacancies in SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
There are 1600 vacancies – 500 Graduate Apprentices and 1100 Technician Apprentices.
❓ What is the last date to apply for SECL Apprentice 2026?
The last date to apply online is 31st March 2026 (up to 11:59 PM).
❓ Is there any application fee?
No, there is no application fee for any candidate.
❓ What is the stipend for SECL Apprentices?
Graduate Apprentices receive ₹12,300 per month, and Technician Apprentices receive ₹10,900 per month.
❓ What is the eligibility for Graduate Apprentice?
A B.Tech/BE degree in the relevant engineering discipline OR graduation (BBA/B.Com/BCA/B.Sc) from a recognized university.