SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 1600+ Posts
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
The South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a premier Miniratna subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has officially released the SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification. This is a golden opportunity for fresh engineering graduates, diploma holders, and degree students in non-engineering streams like B.Com, BBA, and BCA to kickstart their professional journey in the heart of India's coal mining sector.
With a total of 1600 vacancies announced for the 2026-27 training cycle, this recruitment drive aims to nurture young talent across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. If you are looking for a stable start with a reputable Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), the detailed breakdown below will guide you through the application process, eligibility, and selection criteria.
SECL Apprentice Notification 2026: Key Highlights
The official notification (Advt No: SECL/BSP/HRD/NATS/Apprentice 26-27/1393) was made live in mid-March 2026. Unlike many other competitive exams, this recruitment does not involve a written test; instead, it prioritizes academic merit.
Feature | Details |
Organization | South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) |
Parent Company | Coal India Limited (CIL) |
Total Vacancies | 1600 (Plus 100 Fresher Posts) |
Training Duration | 1 Year |
Stipend (Graduate) | ₹12,300 per month |
Stipend (Technician) | ₹10,900 per month |
Application Mode | Online via NATS 2.0 & SECL Portal |
Job Location | Chhattisgarh & Madhya Pradesh |
Detailed Vacancy Breakdown for SECL Apprentice 2026
The vacancies are broadly divided into Graduate and Technician (Diploma) categories. Notably, SECL has expanded its scope to include general stream graduates to support administrative and digital operations.
1. Graduate Apprentice Posts (500 Vacancies)
Mining Engineering: 200 Posts
Computer Application (BCA): 100 Posts
Commerce (B.Com): 50 Posts
Administration (BBA): 25 Posts
Civil / Electrical / Mechanical Engineering: 80 Posts
Science (B.Sc. Chemistry): 35 Posts
2. Technician Apprentice Posts (1100 Vacancies)
Mining Engineering / Mine Surveying: 940 Posts
Electrical / Mechanical / Civil / Electronics: 160 Posts
Eligibility Criteria for SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Before heading to the secl-cil.in portal, ensure you meet the following mandatory requirements set by the officials:
Educational Qualifications:
For Graduate Apprentices: A 4-year degree in Engineering or a 3-year regular degree (B.Com/BBA/BCA/B.Sc) from a recognized university.
For Technician Apprentices: A 3-year full-time diploma in the relevant engineering branch.
Passing Year: Candidates should have passed their qualifying degree/diploma within the last 5 years from the date of joining.
Age Limit (As of March 31, 2026):
Minimum Age: 18 Years.
Upper Age: As per Apprenticeship Rules (Check the official PDF for specific relaxations if applicable).
Important Restrictions:
Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961, are not eligible.
Candidates with one year or more of work experience after their graduation/diploma are ineligible.
Registration on the NATS 2.0 Portal (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme) is a prerequisite.
Selection Process: How Merit is Calculated
The SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 selection is purely merit-based. There is no interview or written exam. The provisional merit list is prepared based on the following hierarchy:
Academic Percentage: Marks obtained in the final year/semester of the Degree or Diploma.
Date of Passing: In case of a tie, candidates who passed their degree earlier will be ranked higher.
Tie-Breaker: If marks and passing years are identical, the candidate's date of birth is considered (older candidates get preference).
Regional Preference:
Level 1: Candidates belonging to Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are prioritized.
Level 2: Candidates from other states are considered only if vacancies remain unfilled after Level 1.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online at secl-cil.in
To ensure your application is successful, follow these two mandatory steps:
Step 1: NATS 2.0 Registration
Visit the official NATS portal (nats.education.gov.in).
Complete your profile and ensure your E-KYC is verified.
Note down your NATS Enrollment ID.
Step 2: SECL Portal Application
Go to the official SECL website: www.secl-cil.in.
Navigate to HRD > Apprentice Section > Apply Online.
Fill in your personal details, educational qualifications, and bank details (Aadhaar-linked account is mandatory for stipend).
Upload your photo, signature, and mark sheets in the prescribed format.
Submit the form and take a printout for the document verification stage.
Important Dates to Remember
Event | Date |
Official Notification Release | March 17, 2026 |
Online Application Start Date | March 17, 2026 |
Last Date to Apply Online | March 31, 2026 (Midnight) |
Publication of Provisional Merit List | 2nd Week of April 2026 |
Document Verification Starts | April 20, 2026 |
Essential Documents for Verification
Shortlisted candidates must appear for physical document verification with the following:
Printout of the Online Application Form.
High School (10th) and Intermediate (12th) Mark sheets/Certificates.
Degree/Diploma Certificate and all Semester Mark sheets.
Aadhaar Card.
Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable).
Proof of NATS 2.0 Registration.
Conclusion
The SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 represents a significant career milestone for those looking to gain practical experience in a Miniratna PSU. By working with Coal India Limited’s subsidiary, you not only earn a competitive stipend but also gain a certificate that is highly valued in both the public and private sectors. Ensure you complete your NATS registration today and submit your application before the March 31 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Ans: SECL has announced a total of 1600 vacancies for Graduate and Technician apprentices, along with an additional 100 posts for fresher apprentices in various trades.
Q2. Is there any application fee for SECL Recruitment?
Ans: No, there is no application fee for any category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS). The process is entirely free of cost on the official portal.
Q3. Can final year students apply for this recruitment?
Ans: Only candidates who have already passed their degree/diploma and possess the final mark sheet or provisional certificate by the time of application can apply.
Q4. What is the stipend for Graduate Apprentices in 2026?
Ans: As per the latest notification, Graduate Apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of ₹12,300, while Technician (Diploma) Apprentices will receive ₹10,900.
CTA
Official Website: Visit secl-cil.in
Apply Online: SECL Apprenticeship Portal
NATS Registration: NATS 2.0 Portal
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