HPCL Graduate Apprentice Trainees Recruitment 2026: 358 Engineering Posts Across India
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), a Maharatna public sector undertaking, has announced 358 training slots for Graduate Apprentice Trainees (Engineering) under advertisement number HPCL-Apprentice/2026-27. The opportunity spans four engineering disciplines: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Instrumentation, with placements across multiple states. This is a merit-based apprenticeship with no written examination, a fixed monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000, and zero application fees for all candidates. If you hold a fresh engineering degree and are between 18 and 25 years old, this is worth your immediate attention.
Quick Summary
- Total Vacancies: 358 Graduate Apprentice Trainees (Engineering)
- Application Period: 15 July to 31 July 2026
- Monthly Stipend: Rs. 25,000 (Rs. 20,500 from HPCL + Rs. 4,500 Government DBT)
- Age Limit: 18 to 25 years as on 31 July 2026 (relaxation for OBC, SC, ST, PwBD)
- Eligibility: Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation) completed on or after 1 September 2023
- Selection: Merit-based on aggregate percentage, no written exam
- Application Fee: Zero for all categories
Key Dates You Must Know
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Portal Opens | 15 July 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
| Selection Process | Merit-based (no written exam) |
The application window is just 16 days long. Mark 31 July on your calendar now. There is no correction window after submission, so verify all details carefully before clicking final submit.
Who Can Apply: Age and Educational Requirements
You must be between 18 and 25 years old as on 31 July 2026. If you belong to a reserved category, age relaxation applies.
| Category | Upper Age Limit (as on 31 July 2026) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 25 years |
| EWS | 25 years |
| OBC-NC | 28 years (3 years relaxation) |
| SC | 30 years (5 years relaxation) |
| ST | 30 years (5 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) | 35 years (10 years relaxation) |
On the educational side, you need a Bachelor of Engineering degree in one of these four streams: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation. Your degree must have been completed on or after 1 September 2023. The minimum marks requirement depends on your category. General and OBC-NC candidates need 60 percent aggregate marks. SC, ST, and PwBD candidates need 50 percent aggregate marks.
Eligibility Breakdown by Engineering Stream
| Engineering Stream | Minimum Aggregate (UR/OBC-NC) | Minimum Aggregate (SC/ST/PwBD) |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 60% | 50% |
| Mechanical Engineering | 60% | 50% |
| Electrical Engineering | 60% | 50% |
| Instrumentation Engineering | 60% | 50% |
One more thing: you must be registered and approved on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 web portal. This is mandatory. If you haven't registered on NATS 2.0 yet, do that first before applying on the HPCL portal.
State-Wise Vacancy Distribution
HPCL has spread these 358 apprentice slots across 25 states and union territories. Maharashtra leads with the highest number of openings, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. Here is the complete state-wise breakdown.
| State / Union Territory | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 64 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 37 |
| Gujarat | 32 |
| Tamil Nadu | 20 |
| Telangana | 19 |
| Delhi | 18 |
| Rajasthan | 17 |
| Punjab | 16 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 15 |
| Bihar | 14 |
| Haryana | 14 |
| Karnataka | 14 |
| West Bengal | 14 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 10 |
| Kerala | 9 |
| Chhattisgarh | 8 |
| Assam | 6 |
| Goa | 6 |
| Jammu and Kashmir | 5 |
| Jharkhand | 5 |
| Chandigarh | 4 |
| Odisha | 4 |
| Uttarakhand | 4 |
| Nagaland | 2 |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | 1 |
| Total | 358 |
When you apply, you will need to select your preferred training state. Choose a location where HPCL has a presence and where you are willing to train. The more popular states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have higher vacancies, which means more competition but also more slots available.
Monthly Stipend and Payment Structure
As a selected Graduate Apprentice Trainee, you will receive a fixed monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000. This amount is split between HPCL and the Government of India.
| Payment Source | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| HPCL | Rs. 20,500 |
| Government of India (Direct Benefit Transfer) | Rs. 4,500 |
| Total Monthly Stipend | Rs. 25,000 |
The Government of India portion (Rs. 4,500) is transferred directly to your account under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. This is not a salary but a training stipend for the apprenticeship period. The duration of the apprenticeship is typically 12 months, though you should confirm the exact training tenure with HPCL after selection.
Selection Process: How Merit is Determined
HPCL uses a straightforward merit-based selection method. There is no written examination. Your selection depends entirely on your academic performance and document verification.
The selection process has three main stages. First comes application screening and shortlisting based on your aggregate percentage from your qualifying engineering degree. Candidates with higher aggregate marks are ranked higher. Second, if you are shortlisted, you must submit required documents for verification. Third, you will undergo medical certificate submission and police verification to ensure you meet the health and character standards.
Keep your engineering degree certificate, mark sheets, and other academic documents ready. You will need to upload a scanned copy of your photo (passport size) and signature as part of the online application. The medical certificate and police verification happen after shortlisting, so don't worry about those now.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process happens in two parts: first on the NATS 2.0 portal, then on the HPCL portal. Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Register on NATS 2.0
Before you can apply to HPCL, you must register and get approval on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 web portal. Visit the official NATS 2.0 website, create an account with your email and phone number, and fill in your personal and educational details. You will receive approval confirmation within a few days. Keep your NATS 2.0 registration number safe. You will need it for the HPCL application.
Step 2: Create Your HPCL Portal Account
Once you have NATS 2.0 approval, go to the official HPCL recruitment portal at jobs.hpcl.co.in/Recruit_New/recruitlogin.jsp. Click on the link to register for the Graduate Apprentice Trainees recruitment. Provide your email address and phone number. HPCL will send you login credentials via email. Note down your username and password.
Step 3: Log In and Select Your Engineering Branch
Use your credentials to log in to the HPCL application portal. The system will ask you to select your engineering stream: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation. Choose the stream in which you hold your BE degree. This choice is important because it determines which positions you are eligible for.
Step 4: Fill in Personal and Contact Details
Enter your full name, date of birth, gender, category (General, OBC-NC, SC, ST, EWS, or PwBD), and contact information. Make sure your date of birth is correct because the age limit is calculated as on 31 July 2026. Double-check your phone number and email address so HPCL can contact you if needed.
Step 5: Choose Your Preferred Training State
Select the state or union territory where you want to train. You can typically choose one preferred location. Think carefully about this. If possible, choose a location closer to your home or where you have support. Remember that higher-vacancy states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh will have more competition.
Step 6: Upload Documents
You will need to upload two files: a passport-size photo (usually 4cm x 6cm, JPEG or PDF format, file size under 500 KB) and your signature on a white background (same format restrictions). Make sure the photo is clear, with your face visible and no sunglasses or hat. The signature should be in black ink, legible, and taken against a plain white background.
Step 7: Review Your Application
Before submitting, the portal will show you a preview section. Read through every field carefully. Check your name, date of birth, category, engineering stream, and state preference. Look for any typos or errors. This is your last chance to review because there is no correction window after final submission.
Step 8: Submit Your Application
Once you are satisfied, click the "Final Submit" button. The system will show a confirmation message with your application reference number. Save this number. You may need it to track your status or contact HPCL customer support.
Important: There is no correction or editing window after you submit. If you make a mistake, you cannot change it. So take your time in step 7 and review everything before final submission.
Important Web-Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | Visit |
| VacancyWallah Website | Click Here |
| Join Telegram | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp | Click Here |
| Follow on Facebook | Click Here |
| Free Photo & Signature Resizer | Click Here |
Application Fee and Category Concessions
HPCL charges zero application fee for all candidates, regardless of category. There are no hidden fees, no processing charges, and no payment gateway fees. This makes the application completely free for everyone: General, EWS, OBC-NC, SC, ST, PwBD, and Female candidates. You can apply without any financial barrier.
How This Compares to Other PSU Apprenticeships
HPCL's Graduate Apprentice Trainees program stands apart from similar PSU apprenticeships in a few ways. The 358 vacancies across four engineering streams is a substantial intake. The monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000 is competitive for engineering apprenticeships in India. The zero application fee means no candidate is excluded on cost grounds. Unlike some other PSU apprenticeships, there is no written examination here, which simplifies the selection process. The merit-based approach rewards your academic performance directly, without the uncertainty of a competitive exam. If you compare this to IOCL Bongaigaon Apprenticeship or IOCL Guwahati Refinery Apprenticeship, you will find HPCL offers a larger pool of opportunities and a more straightforward selection pathway.
Important Document Checklist for Selection
If you are shortlisted, HPCL will call you for document verification. Have these ready in original and photocopied form.
- Bachelor of Engineering degree certificate
- Mark sheets from all semesters or final grade sheet
- NATS 2.0 registration certificate or approval letter
- Aadhar card or passport
- Passport-size photographs (4-6 copies)
- Medical fitness certificate (to be obtained after shortlisting)
- Character certificate from your institution or local authority
- Police verification clearance (to be obtained after shortlisting)
The medical certificate and police verification are done after you are shortlisted, so you don't need to arrange them now. But the academic documents must be with you before you apply because you might be called for verification soon after the results are announced.
Strategy for State Selection
Choosing your preferred state is a key decision. Here is some practical thinking. If you live in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, or Gujarat, these states have the highest number of vacancies (64, 37, and 32 respectively). More vacancies mean more seats available but also more applicants competing. If you live in a state with fewer vacancies like Nagaland (2 slots) or Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (1 slot), you face tighter odds but less overall competition. Choose a state where you can realistically train and where HPCL has a significant presence. Avoid choosing a state just because it has low vacancies if you cannot travel there or have no support network in that location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When does the application window open and close?
A. The online application portal opens on 15 July 2026 and closes on 31 July 2026. You have exactly 16 days to submit your application. No late submissions are accepted.
Q. What is the upper age limit, and does age relaxation apply?
A. The upper age limit is 25 years as on 31 July 2026 for General and EWS candidates. OBC-NC candidates get 3 years relaxation (28 years), SC and ST candidates get 5 years relaxation (30 years), and PwBD candidates get 10 years relaxation (35 years).
Q. What is the monthly stipend, and how is it paid?
A. The monthly stipend is Rs. 25,000. HPCL pays Rs. 20,500 directly, and the Government of India transfers Rs. 4,500 to your account under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme.
Q. Which engineering streams are eligible for this recruitment?
A. You must hold a Bachelor of Engineering degree in one of these four streams: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation. Your degree must have been completed on or after 1 September 2023.
Q. What is the selection process? Is there a written examination?
A. The selection is purely merit-based on your aggregate percentage from your engineering degree. There is no written examination. Selected candidates must then pass document verification, medical check-up, and police verification.
Q. Is there any application fee?
A. No. HPCL charges zero application fee for all candidates, including General, EWS, OBC-NC, SC, ST, PwBD, and Female candidates.
Q. What is NATS 2.0, and is registration mandatory?
A. NATS 2.0 is the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme portal run by the Government of India. Yes, you must register and get approval on NATS 2.0 before you can apply to HPCL. This is a mandatory requirement.
Q. Can I edit my application after submission?
A. No. There is no correction or editing window. Review all details carefully in the preview section before clicking final submit. Once submitted, you cannot make changes.
What to Do Right Now
The application window is only 16 days long. If you have a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation completed after 1 September 2023, and you are between 18 and 25 years old (with applicable relaxation), you are eligible. Your first action should be to register on the NATS 2.0 web portal if you haven't already done so. Once you receive NATS 2.0 approval, visit jobs.hpcl.co.in/Recruit_New/recruitlogin.jsp and start your HPCL application. Gather your engineering degree certificate and mark sheets now so you have them ready. Do not wait until the last day because server traffic often slows down the portal on the deadline. Apply between 15 July and 28 July to avoid any last-minute issues. Your engineering degree is your ticket to a stable apprenticeship with a Maharatna PSU and a Rs. 25,000 monthly stipend. Use this window.
