SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 1600 Graduate & Technician Posts

Welcome to the official recruitment update for the SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026. South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has announced a significant opportunity for 1600 apprenticeship positions for the financial year 2026-27. This is an excellent chance for fresh engineering and general stream graduates to gain valuable training in the coal sector. The application process is entirely online, and candidates must apply before the last date to be considered for these attractive stipend-based roles.

Organization Overview

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is a Mini Ratna Company and a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, headquartered in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. As a leading coal producer in India, SECL operates numerous opencast and underground mines across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The organization is committed to skill development and industrial training under the Apprentices Act 1961, offering structured apprenticeship programs to nurture young talent in various engineering and administrative disciplines.

Post Details

The SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 invites applications for Graduate Apprentices and Technician Apprentices in multiple streams. These positions are for a one-year apprenticeship training program, providing hands-on experience in the coal mining sector. The recruitment aims to fill 1600 seats with a community-wise reservation policy, ensuring equitable opportunities for all eligible candidates.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet specific educational and age requirements to be eligible for the SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026. All criteria must be fulfilled as of 31 March 2026.

Educational Qualification

For Graduate Apprentices, a 4-year or 3-year full-time degree such as B.E./B.Tech, B.Sc., B.Com, BBA, or BCA in the relevant discipline from a government-recognized institution is required. For Technician Apprentices, a 3-year full-time diploma in the relevant engineering branch (e.g., Mining, Civil, Electrical) obtained after 10th or as a 2-year diploma after 12th is mandatory. One-year diplomas are not permitted. Additionally, all candidates must be registered on the NATS 2.0 portal and should not have undergone apprenticeship training or completed one-year employment/service previously.

Age Limit

The age criteria for SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 are straightforward, with no upper age limit specified. However, candidates must ensure they meet the minimum age requirement.

Note: There is no age relaxation for any category, including SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or Ex-Servicemen. Candidates must be at least 18 years old as of 31 March 2026 to apply.

Application Fee

There is no application fee for the SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026. Candidates can apply online free of charge, making this an accessible opportunity for all eligible individuals.

Selection Process

The selection process for SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is merit-based and involves multiple stages to ensure fair and transparent hiring.

Shortlisting is primarily based on the date of passing the degree or diploma, with earlier dates receiving higher ranks. In case of ties, the percentage of marks in the degree/diploma, followed by 12th/10th marks, and then date of birth are used as tie-breakers. Two separate seniority lists are prepared: Level-1 for candidates from Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, and Level-2 for candidates from other states. Selected candidates must undergo document verification and a medical fitness examination as per Mines Rules 1955 and Apprenticeship Rules 1992.

Important Dates

Adhering to the timeline is crucial for successful application submission. Below are the key dates for the SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026.

How to Apply

Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply for the SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 online. Ensure all details are accurate to avoid rejection.

1. First, register on the NATS 2.0 portal at https://nats.education.gov.in.
2. Visit the official SECL website www.secl-cil.in and navigate to the HRD → Apprentice section.
3. Click on the online application link and complete the SECL registration using your NATS-registered email ID.
4. Log in and fill in all mandatory details in the application form, including basic information, educational details, photograph, signature, and bank details.
5. Upload required documents such as SSC/HSC certificates, degree/diploma marksheets, NATS registration document, and Aadhaar card.
6. Verify all details and click Final Submit before 31 March 2026 (12:00 Midnight).
7. Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference.

Applications sent by post, email, or any other mode will not be accepted. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying.