NHPC Trainee Engineer Recruitment 2026: Your Gateway to a Navratna PSU
NHPC Limited, a prestigious Navratna PSU under the Government of India, has released Advertisement No. NH/Rectt./02/2026 for the recruitment of Trainee Engineers in Civil, Electrical and Mechanical disciplines. A total of 81 vacancies are available through this Special Recruitment Drive (SRD) for SC, ST, OBC (NCL) and PwBD candidates. The pay scale is ₹50,000 – ₹1,60,000 (IDA) with total annual emoluments of approximately ₹15 to 16 Lakhs. This is a fantastic opportunity for engineering graduates looking for PSU jobs.
If you have a valid GATE 2024 or GATE 2025 score in Civil, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, don’t miss this chance. Online applications open from 16 March 2026 and the last date to apply is 6 April 2026. In this article on GovtJobsAlert.in, we cover everything you need — vacancies, eligibility, salary, selection process and how to apply step by step. Check all PSU job notifications on our portal.
Key Highlights — NHPC Trainee Engineer Recruitment 2026
NHPC Limited was established in 1975 and is India’s leading organization in hydropower development. With a current installed capacity of 8,832.90 MW and Navratna status, NHPC offers a stimulating work environment with excellent growth prospects. The company reported a Profit After Tax of ₹3,084 Crore in FY 2024-25.
- Post Names: Trainee Engineer (Civil), Trainee Engineer (Electrical), Trainee Engineer (Mechanical)
- Total Vacancies: 81 (72 SRD + 9 PwBD)
- Salary / Pay Scale: ₹50,000 – ₹1,60,000 (IDA)
- Job Location: Projects, Power Stations and Offices across India (including JVs and subsidiaries)
- Last Date to Apply: 6 April 2026
How Many Vacancies Are Available in NHPC Trainee Engineer 2026?
The vacancies are divided into two categories — SRD (Table 1-B) and PwBD (Table 1-C):
SRD Vacancies (SC / ST / OBC-NCL):
| Post Name | Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| TE (Civil) | OBC: 3, SC: 7, ST: 1 | 11 |
| TE (Electrical) | OBC: 16, SC: 13, ST: 6 | 35 |
| TE (Mechanical) | OBC: 18, SC: 5, ST: 3 | 26 |
| Total SRD | 72 |
PwBD Vacancies:
| Post Name | Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| TE (Civil) | Cat b: 1, Cat c: 1, Cat d&e: 1 | 3 |
| TE (Electrical) | Cat b: 2, Cat c: 1, Cat d&e: 1 | 4 |
| TE (Mechanical) | Cat b: 1, Cat c: 0, Cat d&e: 1 | 2 |
| Total PwBD | 9 |
Grand Total: 81 Vacancies (72 SRD + 9 PwBD). Note that PwBD reservation is horizontal — PwBD candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC(NCL) can also apply under SRD vacancies.
What Is the Eligibility for NHPC Trainee Engineer Recruitment 2026?
Educational Qualification
- TE (Civil): Full-time regular B.E. / B.Tech / B.Sc. (Engineering) in Civil Engineering with minimum 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD). AMIE with enrollment up to 31.05.2013 also accepted. Only Civil Engineering discipline is eligible.
- TE (Electrical): Full-time regular B.E. / B.Tech / B.Sc. (Engineering) in Electrical Engineering with minimum 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD). Eligible branches: Electrical, Electrical & Electronics, Power Systems & High Voltage, Power Engineering.
- TE (Mechanical): Full-time regular B.E. / B.Tech / B.Sc. (Engineering) in Mechanical Engineering with minimum 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD). Eligible branches: Mechanical, Production, Thermal, Mechanical & Automation Engineering.
Mandatory: Candidates must have a valid GATE 2024 or GATE 2025 score in the corresponding paper (CE / EE / ME).
Age Limit
- Maximum Age: 30 years as on last date of application
- Relaxation: SC/ST — 5 years, OBC(NCL) — 3 years
- PwBD Relaxation: General — 10 years, OBC(NCL) — 13 years, SC/ST — 15 years
- J&K Domicile (1980-1989): 5 years additional relaxation
What Is the Salary for NHPC Trainee Engineer 2026?
NHPC offers one of the best compensation packages among PSUs for fresh engineering graduates. Selected candidates will be placed in the pay scale of ₹50,000 – 3% – ₹1,60,000 (IDA) at E2 grade level during the one-year training period.
- Basic Pay Range: ₹50,000 – ₹1,60,000 per month (with 3% annual increment)
- Total Annual Emoluments: Approximately ₹15 to 16 Lakhs for new joinees
- Additional Benefits: Dearness Allowance, HRA, Cafeteria Allowance, Performance Related Pay (PRP)
- Social Security: Provident Fund, Pension, Gratuity, Medical Facility
In-hand salary for a fresh Trainee Engineer at NHPC is expected to be around ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000 per month including all allowances and benefits.
On successful completion of the one-year training period, candidates will be absorbed as Engineer/Officer in the same pay scale with a probation period of one year.
What Is the Selection Process for NHPC Trainee Engineer 2026?
The selection is based on GATE score + Group Discussion + Personal Interview. Here are the details:
Stage 1: GATE 2024 / GATE 2025 Score (75% Weightage)
Candidates must have qualified GATE 2024 or GATE 2025 in the corresponding paper. If you appeared in both years, you must submit your best score. Shortlisting for GD & PI is based on GATE normalized marks (out of 100), with a maximum ratio of 1:5 (candidates to vacancies).
Stage 2: Group Discussion (5% Weightage)
There is no cut-off or qualifying marks for GD alone. However, the combined GD + PI score must meet the qualifying threshold.
Stage 3: Personal Interview (20% Weightage)
Candidates may also undergo Psychometric Assessment (online/offline), the results of which serve as input during the interview.
Qualifying Marks (Combined GD + PI):
| Category | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| OBC (NCL) Candidates | 40% |
| SC / ST / PwBD Candidates | 30% |
How to Apply Online for NHPC Trainee Engineer Recruitment 2026?
- Visit the official NHPC website at www.nhpcindia.com and click on the Career section.
- Read all instructions carefully and click on the online application link for Advertisement No. NH/Rectt./02/2026.
- Fill in the online application form with accurate details including your GATE 2024/2025 Registration Number.
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents (100-400 KB each in PDF format).
- Upload passport-size colour photograph (less than 50 KB, JPEG) and signature (less than 25 KB, JPEG).
- Pay the registration fee of ₹708/- (₹600 + GST) for OBC(NCL) candidates through online payment mode.
- Submit the form and take a printout of the registration slip for future reference.
Important: SC/ST/Women/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from registration fee. Do not send any documents by post.
What Are the Important Dates for NHPC Trainee Engineer 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 12 March 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 16 March 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 6 April 2026 (5:00 PM) |
What Is the Application Fee for NHPC Trainee Engineer 2026?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| OBC (NCL) Candidates | ₹708/- (₹600 + GST) |
| SC / ST / Women / PwBD / Ex-SM | Nil (Exempted) |
Payment is through online mode only. Bank charges/processing charges including GST (if any) are extra. Fee once paid is non-refundable.
Service Bond: Selected candidates must execute a service agreement of minimum 4 years. Bond amount: ₹4,00,000 + GST for OBC(NCL) and ₹2,00,000 + GST for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.
Essential Links — NHPC Trainee Engineer Recruitment 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for NHPC Trainee Engineer 2026
- Visit NHPC Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to join NHPC Limited — one of India’s most respected Navratna PSUs — as a Trainee Engineer. With 81 vacancies, an attractive salary of ₹50,000 – ₹1,60,000 and total annual package of ₹15-16 Lakhs, this is a dream start for any GATE-qualified engineer. Apply before 6 April 2026 and take your first step toward a rewarding career in the power sector. Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for the latest PSU job updates and notifications.