Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) has officially released the NCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification on 25th May 2026. This is one of the biggest apprenticeship opportunities of the year, with a total of 1607 vacancies available across Graduate, Diploma, ITI Trade, and Paramedical disciplines.
Online applications will open from 1st June 2026 to 15th June 2026 through the NATS and NAPS government portals. There is no application fee for any category. If you are a recent graduate, diploma holder, ITI pass candidate, or paramedical professional looking for hands-on training with a reputed public sector company, this recruitment is worth your attention.
Read this complete guide to understand everything — eligibility, vacancy details, stipend, how to apply, and the selection process.
NCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) |
| Company Status | Miniratna Company, Subsidiary of Coal India Ltd. |
| Post Name | Graduate, Diploma, Trade (ITI) and Paramedical Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 1607 |
| Notification Release Date | 25th May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 1st June 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 15th June 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online (NATS and NAPS Portals) |
| Application Fee | No Fee |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹9,600 to ₹13,700 |
| Merit List Release | 20th June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Selection Process | Merit-based, No Written Exam |
| Official Website | www.nclcil.in |
About Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL)
Northern Coalfields Limited is a Miniratna Category-1 Public Sector Undertaking and a subsidiary of Coal India Limited. NCL operates in the Singrauli coalfield region, which spans across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most productive coal companies in India and offers structured apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
The NCL Apprentice program gives fresh graduates, diploma holders, and ITI candidates a chance to work alongside experienced professionals, gain practical industry knowledge, and earn a decent monthly stipend during their training period.
NCL Apprentice 2026 — Vacancy Details
The 1607 vacancies are spread across four major categories. Here is a clear breakdown:
| Apprentice Category | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentices (B.E./B.Tech/B.Com/BA/LLB/BCA) | 234 |
| Diploma Apprentices (Engineering and Non-Engineering) | 315 |
| Trade Apprentices (ITI — Electrician, Fitter, Welder, etc.) | 889 |
| Paramedical Apprentices (Physiotherapy, Nursing, Pharmacy, etc.) | 169 |
| Total | 1607 |
Out of the total 1607 vacancies, 58 seats are horizontally reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
For a discipline-wise detailed breakup such as Electrical, Mechanical, Mining, HR, and others, candidates should download the official NCL Apprentice 2026 notification from the official website at www.nclcil.in.
NCL Apprentice Eligibility 2026
Before applying, every candidate must carefully check the eligibility conditions. Only those who meet all the requirements should submit an application.
Nationality
Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply for NCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026.
Age Limit
The age of the candidate is calculated as on the cut-off date of 1st June 2026. Candidates must have been born between 1st June 2000 and 1st June 2008.
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) / EWS | 26 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 29 years (+3 years relaxation) |
| SC / ST | 31 years (+5 years relaxation) |
| PwBD — UR/EWS | 36 years (+10 years relaxation) |
| PwBD — OBC | 39 years (+13 years relaxation) |
| PwBD — SC/ST | 41 years (+15 years relaxation) |
Educational Qualification
The qualification must be a full-time regular course from a recognized institution. Part-time, correspondence, or distance education qualifications are not eligible.
| Post Type | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | B.E. / B.Tech / B.Com / BA / LLB / BCA from a recognized university |
| Diploma Apprentice | Diploma in Engineering or Non-Engineering from a recognized board |
| Trade (ITI) Apprentice | 10th pass + ITI certificate (NTC/STC) in relevant trade |
| Paramedical Apprentice | Degree or Diploma in paramedical field such as BPT, B.Sc Nursing, DMLT, D.Pharma, etc. |
Important Eligibility Conditions
- The qualifying institution must be located in Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh
- Candidates must have passed their qualifying exam after June 2022 — those who passed before June 2022 are not eligible
- Candidates who have already completed an apprenticeship anywhere are not eligible
- Candidates with more than one year of job experience in any organization are also not eligible
NCL Apprentice Monthly Stipend 2026
All selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend as per the Apprentices Act. The stipend varies based on the type and level of the apprenticeship.
| Apprentice Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | ₹12,300 per month |
| Diploma Apprentice | ₹10,900 per month |
| Trade Apprentice (Electrician, Fitter, etc.) | ₹10,560 per month |
| Trade Apprentice (Welder) | ₹9,600 per month |
| Paramedical Apprentice (Degree) | ₹13,700 per month |
| Paramedical Apprentice (Diploma) | ₹12,700 per month |
For Graduate and Diploma apprentices, the Government of India pays its share of the stipend directly to the candidate through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). For Trade apprentices, the full stipend is paid by NCL.
NCL Apprentice Selection Process 2026
One of the best things about this recruitment is that there is no written examination. The entire selection is merit-based, which means candidates are shortlisted purely on the basis of marks scored in their qualifying examination.
How Merit is Calculated
- Graduate Apprentices: Merit based on the percentage obtained in the degree
- Diploma Apprentices: Merit based on the average of Matriculation (10th) percentage and Diploma percentage
- Trade (ITI) Apprentices: Merit based on the average of Matriculation (10th) percentage and ITI Trade percentage
Selection Steps in Order
- Candidate submits online application on NATS or NAPS portal
- NCL prepares a merit list in descending order of marks
- Shortlisted candidates list published on 20th June 2026 (tentative)
- Selected candidates called for document verification at NCL premises
- Medical fitness test conducted as per Mines Rules, 1955 — a fitness certificate from an Assistant Civil Surgeon or higher-ranked government doctor is required
- Final apprenticeship contract is registered for those who clear all stages
Tie-Breaking Rule
If two candidates have identical marks, the older candidate (with the earlier date of birth) gets preference. If the date of birth is also the same, the candidate whose name appears first alphabetically in the English dictionary is given priority.
How to Apply for NCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The entire application process is online. No hard copies or physical applications will be accepted. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1 — Choose the Right Portal
- If you are a Graduate or Diploma candidate, register on the NATS portal at nats.education.gov.in
- If you are an ITI Trade candidate, register on the NAPS portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
Step 2 — Register on the Portal Create a new account by clicking on “Student Register” or the sign-up option. You will need a valid personal email address and an active mobile number. Keep both accessible throughout the recruitment process.
Step 3 — Note Your Enrollment ID After successful registration, you will receive an Enrolment ID or Registration Number. Save this carefully — you will need it for the next steps.
Step 4 — Find the NCL Advertisement Log in to your portal account and search for the NCL advertisement. The official advertisement reference number is NCL/HRD/CETI/2026-27.
Step 5 — Fill the Application Form Enter all required details accurately including personal information, educational qualifications, and category details.
Step 6 — Upload Documents Upload scanned copies of:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Educational certificates
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
Step 7 — Submit and Take Printout Review all details carefully before final submission. Once submitted, no changes can be made. Take a printout of the completed application for future reference.
For any technical difficulties, candidates can write to: apprentice.ncl@coalindia.in
NCL Apprentice 2026 — Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 25th May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 1st June 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 15th June 2026 |
| Cut-off Date for Age and Qualification | 1st June 2026 |
| Merit List / Shortlist Release | 20th June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Document Verification | Will be notified via email |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in NCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026? There are a total of 1607 vacancies across Graduate, Diploma, ITI Trade, and Paramedical categories.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for NCL Apprentice 2026? The last date to submit the online application is 15th June 2026.
Q3. Is there any application fee for NCL Apprentice 2026? No. There is no application fee for any category of candidates.
Q4. Where do I apply for NCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026? Graduate and Diploma candidates apply through the NATS portal at nats.education.gov.in. ITI Trade candidates apply through the NAPS portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
Q5. What is the stipend for NCL Apprentices in 2026? The monthly stipend ranges from ₹9,600 to ₹13,700 depending on the apprenticeship category and discipline.
Q6. Is there a written exam for NCL Apprentice selection? No. The selection is purely merit-based on qualifying exam marks. There is no written test.
Q7. When will the NCL Apprentice merit list be released? The merit list is tentatively expected on 20th June 2026.
Q8. Will I get a permanent job at NCL after the apprenticeship? No. The apprenticeship is a temporary, statutory training program. It does not give any right or claim for regular employment at Northern Coalfields Limited.
Q9. What is the age limit for NCL Apprentice 2026? The general age limit is 18 to 26 years as on 1st June 2026. Reserved category candidates get relaxation as per government rules.
Q10. My qualifying institution is in a state other than UP or MP. Am I eligible? No. As per the official notification, the qualifying institution must be located in Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh only.