NHPC Trainee Engineer Recruitment 2026 โ NHPC Limited, a Schedule-A Navratna Enterprise of the Government of India and Indiaโs leading organisation in hydropower development, has released an official notification for a Special Recruitment Drive (SRD) for SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/PwBD candidates for the post of Trainee Engineer (TE) in Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical disciplines through GATE-2024 / GATE-2025 score. The advertisement number is NH/Rectt./02/2026, dated 12 March 2026, published on the official website nhpcindia.com. The online application window is open from 16 March 2026 (10:00 AM) to 06 April 2026 (5:00 PM).
Details for NHPC Trainee Engineer Recruitment 2026:
| Organisation | NHPC Limited (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) |
| Status | Schedule-A Navratna Enterprise | Government of India |
| Advertisement No. | NH/Rectt./02/2026 | Dated: 12 March 2026 |
| Recruitment Type | Special Recruitment Drive (SRD) โ Exclusively for SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/PwBD Candidates |
| Post Name | Trainee Engineer (TE) โ Civil | Electrical | Mechanical |
| Grade | E-2 |
| Total Vacancies | 81 Posts (72 SRD for SC/ST/OBC(NCL) + 9 exclusively for PwBD) |
| Pay Scale (Training Period) | Rs. 50,000โ3%โ1,60,000 (IDA) | Grade E-2 |
| Approximate Annual CTC | Rs. 15 to 16 Lakhs per annum |
| Maximum Age (as on last date) | 30 years (UR) | Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/PwBD as applicable |
| GATE Requirement | GATE-2024 or GATE-2025 score (Best Score) โ Mandatory | Other years NOT valid |
| Application Fee | OBC (NCL): Rs. 600/- + GST = Rs. 708/- | SC/ST/Women/PwBD/Ex-SM: NIL |
| Application Mode | Online only โ nhpcindia.com โ Career โ Advt NH/Rectt./02/2026 |
| Application Window Opens | 16 March 2026 at 10:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply | 06 April 2026 by 5:00 PM |
| Selection Process | GATE Score (75%) + Group Discussion (5%) + Personal Interview (20%) |
| Service Bond | Rs. 4,00,000/- + GST (OBC-NCL) | Rs. 2,00,000/- + GST (SC/ST/PwBD) โ Min. 4 years of service |
| Official Website | nhpcindia.com |
Vacancy Details:
SRD (SC/ST/OBC NCL):
A total of 72 vacancies under the Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC(NCL) candidates across 3 disciplines are as follows (Backlog + Resultant vacancies combined):
| Post Name | Total* |
|---|---|
| Trainee Engineer (Civil) โ TE (Civil) | 11 |
| Trainee Engineer (Electrical) โ TE (Elect.) | 35 |
| Trainee Engineer (Mechanical) โ TE (Mech.) | 26 |
Special Drive for PwBD:
An additional 09 vacancies are specifically reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates belonging to any category (GEN/EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST):
| Post Name | Total |
|---|---|
| TE (Civil) | 03 |
| TE (Electrical) | 04 |
| TE (Mechanical) | 02 |
Qualification & Eligibility:
All eligibility conditions (age, qualification) are computed with reference to the last date of online application (06 April 2026). Final year students are NOT eligible to apply. The minimum marks requirement is 60% for General/OBC candidates and 50% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates:
| Post Name | Essential Qualification | Eligible Disciplines | GATE Paper | Max Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TE (Civil) | Full-time regular B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc (Engg.) in Civil discipline from recognised Indian University/Institute approved by AICTE with minimum 60% marks (or 50% for SC/ST/PwBD) or equivalent grade; or AMIE (enrollment up to 31.05.2013) with minimum 60% marks | Civil Engineering only No other/equivalent discipline is eligible | CE | 30 Years |
| TE (Electrical) | Full-time regular B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc (Engg.) in Electrical discipline from recognised Indian University/Institute approved by AICTE with minimum 60% marks (or 50% for SC/ST/PwBD) or equivalent grade; or AMIE (enrollment up to 31.05.2013) with minimum 60% marks | Electrical / Electrical & Electronics / Power Systems & High Voltage / Power Engineering No other/equivalent discipline is eligible | EE | 30 Years |
| TE (Mechanical) | Full-time regular B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc (Engg.) in Mechanical discipline from recognised Indian University/Institute approved by AICTE with minimum 60% marks (or 50% for SC/ST/PwBD) or equivalent grade; or AMIE (enrollment up to 31.05.2013) with minimum 60% marks | Mechanical / Production / Thermal / Mechanical & Automation Engineering No other/equivalent discipline is eligible | ME | 30 Years |
Age Limit & Relaxation:
| Category | Maximum Age | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| General / UR | 30 years | No relaxation |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 33 years | +3 years |
| SC / ST | 35 years | +5 years |
| PwBD โ General | 40 years | +10 years |
| PwBD โ OBC (NCL) | 43 years | +13 years |
| PwBD โ SC/ST | 45 years | +15 years |
| J&K Domicile (01.01.1980โ31.12.1989) | 35 years | +5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per the Govt. norms | As per the Government of India guidelines |
Application Fee:
| Category | Fee | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Rs. 600/- + GST = Rs. 708/- | Bank/Processing charges extra. Non-refundable |
| SC / ST / Women / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | NIL โ Exempted | No registration fee applicable |
Fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances. Candidates are advised to verify their eligibility and the correctness of all information before making the payment.
Selection Process โ NHPC Trainee Engineer 2026
| Parameter | Weightage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| GATE-2024 / GATE-2025 Score (Best Score) | 75% | Normalised marks out of 100 in the corresponding GATE paper (CE/EE/ME). Best score of GATE-2024 or GATE-2025 used for shortlisting in a ratio of 1:5 (not more than 5 times the vacancies) |
| Group Discussion (GD) | 05% | No cut-off marks for GD individually. However, the combined GD + PI qualifying percentage is mandatory |
| Personal Interview (PI) | 20% | Combined cut-off for GD + PI: 40% for OBC (NCL) | 30% for SC/ST/PwBD. Psychometric assessment may also be conducted as input during the interview |
Documents Required:
The following scanned documents (in PDF format, 100โ400 KB each) must be uploaded during online registration. Originals will be required at the GD/PI stage:
| Document | Applicable To |
|---|---|
| GATE-2024 / GATE-2025 Score Card | All candidates โ Mandatory |
| Matriculation / Secondary School Certificate (Date of Birth proof) | All candidates โ Mandatory |
| Complete mark sheets/certificates (Class XII, Graduation, PG if applicable) | All candidates |
| Certificate from Principal confirming full-time/regular mode of study | All candidates (except AMIE) |
| CGPA to Percentage Conversion Certificate (from University/Institute) | Candidates with CGPA grading |
| Caste Certificate (prescribed GoI format, issued by Competent Authority) | SC/ST/OBC (NCL) candidates โ OBC certificate must be within 6 months |
| EWS Income & Asset Certificate (as per DoPT OM dated 31.01.2019) | EWS candidates (if applicable) |
| Disability Certificate from Competent Authority (min. 40% disability) | PwBD candidates |
| NOC from current employer (if employed in Govt./PSU/Autonomous Body) | Currently employed candidates |
| Declaration โ Medical ailments/deficiencies/previously declared UNFIT (if applicable) | As applicable (See FAQ on nhpcindia.com) |
| Declaration โ Arrest/Prosecution/Conviction/Debarred from UPSC/PSC (if applicable) | As applicable (See FAQ on nhpcindia.com) |
| Valid proof of change in name (if applicable) | As applicable |
| Passport-size colour photograph (JPEG, less than 50 KB) | All candidates โ Mandatory |
| Signature (JPEG, less than 25 KB) | All candidates โ Mandatory |
How to Apply Online โ Step by Step
- Visit the official NHPC website: nhpcindia.com and click on โCareerโ
- Find and click on the link for Advertisement No. NH/Rectt./02/2026 โ Trainee Engineer (Civil/Electrical/Mechanical) SRD
- Read all instructions carefully before proceeding
- Keep the following ready before filling the form:
- Your GATE-2024 / GATE-2025 Registration Number and Score
- Scanned documents in PDF format (100โ400 KB each)
- Passport-size colour photograph in JPEG format (< 50 KB)
- Signature in JPEG format (< 25 KB)
- Fill the online application form with accurate personal, educational, GATE score, and category details. The system will generate a Unique Registration Number upon submission
- Upload all scanned documents in the designated spaces on the application portal
- Upload your latest photograph and signature as per the portalโs specifications
- OBC (NCL) candidates must pay the application fee of Rs. 708/- (Rs. 600 + GST) online. SC/ST/Women/PwBD/Ex-SM candidates proceed without fee payment
- Submit the application before 06 April 2026 by 5:00 PM
- Take a printout of the Registration Slip/Form generated by the system for future reference. Do NOT send any document by post
Important Dates:
| Advertisement Published | 12 March 2026 |
| Online Application Window Opens | 16 March 2026 at 10:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 06 April 2026 by 5:00 PM |
| GATE-based Shortlisting & GD/PI Schedule | To be announced |
| Group Discussion & Personal Interview | To be announced |
| Final Appointment & Joining | After final selection |
Important Links:
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
FAQs:
Q1. How many total posts are available in the NHPC Trainee Engineer Recruitment 2026?
A total ofย 81 vacanciesย have been announced โ 72 under the Special Recruitment Drive (SRD) for SC/ST/OBC(NCL) candidates (TE Civil: 11, TE Electrical: 35, TE Mechanical: 26) and 9 posts exclusively for PwBD candidates (TE Civil: 3, TE Electrical: 4, TE Mechanical: 2).
Q2. Who is eligible to apply for the NHPC Trainee Engineer SRD 2026?
This is aย Special Recruitment Driveย exclusively forย SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/PwBD candidates. General/UR candidates without a reserved category certificate are not eligible. Candidates must have a valid GATE-2024 or GATE-2025 score in the corresponding discipline (CE/EE/ME) and a B.E./B. Tech degree in the relevant discipline with minimum 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD) from a recognised Indian University/Institute approved by AICTE.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for NHPC TE Recruitment 2026?
The online application window closes onย 06 April 2026 at 5:00 PM. Applications must be submitted atย nhpcindia.com. No manual/paper applications will be entertained. The window opened on 16 March 2026 at 10:00 AM.
Q4. Which GATE score is valid for NHPC TE Recruitment 2026?
Onlyย GATE-2024 or GATE-2025 scoresย are valid. If a candidate has appeared in both, theย best scoreย out of the two must be submitted. GATE scores from any other year (GATE-2023, GATE-2022, etc.) are not valid. The score submitted cannot be changed later.
Q5. What is the selection process for the NHPC Trainee Engineer 2026?
The selection is based on three components:ย GATE-2024/2025 normalized marks (75% weightage),ย Group Discussion (5% weightage), andย Personal Interview (20% weightage). Candidates are shortlisted for GD/PI in a 1:5 ratio based on GATE score. The minimum qualifying combined score for GD + PI isย 40% for OBC(NCL)ย andย 30% for SC/ST/PwBDย candidates.