SECL Apprentice 2026: 1,600 vacancies announced, apply before deadline

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a 'Miniratna' Public Sector Undertaking under the Government of India, has announced a large-scale apprenticeship recruitment drive. The initiative offers 1,600 positions under its apprenticeship programme, providing an opportunity for candidates seeking experience in the government sector.

Interested applicants can submit their forms through the official apprenticeship portal at nats.education.gov.in. The last date to apply online is March 31, 2026, reported The Times of India.

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Eligibility and criteria

Candidates applying for the SECL apprenticeship must meet specific educational requirements. These include a 4-year Engineering Degree, a 3-year Diploma (after Class 10), or a 2-year Diploma (after Class 12), depending on the position.

Applicants must also be at least 18 years old as of March 31, 2026.

Application process

To apply, candidates need to register on the NATS 2.0 portal. Once registered, they can proceed to fill out the application form by entering the required details.

There is no application fee for this recruitment, making it accessible to a wider pool of candidates.

Selection process

Selection will be based on academic performance. Candidates will be shortlisted through a merit list prepared using their qualifications.

Shortlisted applicants will then undergo document verification and a medical examination. Final appointments will be made after these steps are completed.

Stipend and job location

Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend based on the role. Graduate Apprentices will be paid Rs 12,300 per month, while Technician Apprentices will receive Rs 10,900 per month.

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Candidates are advised to check the official notification for detailed information regarding the recruitment process and eligibility.

The chosen candidates will be assigned to different operational sites in SECL's areas, which are located in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. These states are known for their high levels of coal mining activities.