Last Date to Apply – 8 March 2026
Introduction – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, has officially released its Apprentice Recruitment Notification for 2026. A total of 30 apprenticeship vacancies are available across Graduate, Technician, and Trade categories, offering young professionals an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on training and industry exposure.
The apprenticeship program will be conducted for a period of one year under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961, at multiple locations including Nagpur (Maharashtra) and Chhattisgarh. Eligible candidates can apply online through the NATS portal for Graduate and Technician apprenticeships, and via the Apprenticeship India portal for Trade apprenticeships. The application window is open until 8 March 2026.
Job Overview – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Recruiting Body | Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), Government of India Enterprise |
|---|---|
| Advertisement No. | MECL/Apprentice/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 30 (Graduate – 8, Technician – 5, Trade – 17) |
| Post | Apprenticeship (Graduate, Technician, Trade) |
| Nature of Recruitment | Apprenticeship Training under Apprenticeship Act, 1961 |
| Job Type & Location | Apprenticeship, Locations: Nagpur (Maharashtra), Lachhamangarh & Gorhi Mahloi (Chhattisgarh) |
| Application Deadlines | Start: 24 February 2026 | End: 8 March 2026 |
| Correction Window | Not Applicable |
| Eligibility | Graduate: Bachelor’s Degree (50% min). Technician: Diploma (50% min). Trade: 10+ITI in relevant trade. |
| Age Limit | As per Apprenticeship Act, 1961 (generally 18+ years) |
| Salary Structure | Graduate: ₹12,300/month | Technician: ₹10,900/month | Trade (COPA): ₹10,560/month | Trade (Fitter/Mechanic/Machinist): ₹11,040/month |
| Selection Process | Merit-based shortlisting on academic marks, followed by document verification |
| Reservation Rules | As per Government of India norms |
| Application Fee | No Fee |
| Documents Required | Educational Certificates, Mark Sheets, Identity Proof, Passport-size Photographs |
| Exam Centres | No exam; selection based on merit |
| Official Website | www.mecl.co.in |
| Apply Online | Apply Online |
Important Dates – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Registration | 24 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 8 March 2026 |
Vacancy Details – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Category | Seats |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentices | 8 |
| Technician Apprentices | 5 |
| Trade Apprentices | 17 |
| Total | 30 |
Application Fee – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | No Fee |
Eligibility Criteria – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Category | Qualification | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentices | Bachelor’s Degree (Science/Engineering/Commerce) | Minimum 50% |
| Technician Apprentices | Diploma in Engineering (Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics) | Minimum 50% |
| Trade Apprentices | 10+ITI in COPA/Fitter/Mechanic/Machinist | Pass |
Important Links – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| Download Notification | Official MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 PDF |
| MECL Official Website | Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited Homepage |
| Apply via NATS Portal | Graduate & Technician Apprenticeship Online Application |
| Apply via Apprenticeship India Portal | Trade Apprenticeship Online Application (NAPS 2.0) |
| Apply Online | Direct MECL Recruitment Application Login |
Category-Wise Breakdown – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
| Category | Stream | Seats | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate | Mechanical | 3 | Nagpur & Lachhamangarh |
| Graduate | Chemical | 1 | Nagpur |
| Graduate | Geophysicist | 1 | Lachhamangarh |
| Graduate | Geologist | 1 | Lachhamangarh |
| Graduate | B.Com/BBA | 2 | Gorhi Mahloi |
| Technician | Chemical/Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics | 5 | Nagpur |
| Trade | COPA | 7 | Nagpur & Lachhamangarh |
| Trade | Fitter/Mechanic/Machinist | 10 | Nagpur, Lachhamangarh, Gorhi Mahloi |
How to Apply – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official MECL recruitment portal or apprenticeship portals.
- Register on NATS portal for Graduate & Technician Apprentices.
- Register on Apprenticeship India portal for Trade Apprentices.
- Fill in the application form with correct details.
- Upload required documents and submit before 8 March 2026.
Salary Structure – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) offers a structured monthly stipend to apprentices depending on their category. This ensures fair compensation during the one-year training period under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961. The stipend varies by qualification level and trade specialization, as shown below:
| Category | Monthly Stipend (INR) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentices | ₹12,300 | For candidates with Bachelor’s Degree (Science/Engineering/Commerce) |
| Technician Apprentices | ₹10,900 | For Diploma holders in Engineering disciplines |
| Trade Apprentices (COPA) | ₹10,560 | For ITI qualified candidates in Computer Operator & Programming Assistant |
| Trade Apprentices (Fitter/Mechanic/Machinist) | ₹11,040 | For ITI qualified candidates in Fitter, Mechanic Diesel, or Machinist trades |
The stipend is credited monthly and is fixed for the duration of the apprenticeship. Apprentices are not entitled to additional allowances or benefits beyond the prescribed stipend.
Documents Required – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Educational Certificates (Degree/Diploma/ITI)
- Mark Sheets (minimum 50% marks proof)
- Identity Proof (Aadhar/PAN)
- Passport-size Photographs
Exam Pattern – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 does not involve any written examination. Selection will be purely merit-based, determined by the marks obtained in the qualifying academic examinations (Degree, Diploma, or ITI depending on category). There will be no preliminary or mains test, and no interview stage. The recruitment process emphasizes transparency and fairness, ensuring that candidates are selected solely on academic performance and eligibility criteria.
Selection Procedure – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
The selection procedure for MECL Apprenticeship 2026 follows a streamlined process:
- Application Review: All online applications submitted through NATS or Apprenticeship India portals will be screened.
- Merit List Preparation: Candidates will be shortlisted based on marks obtained in their qualifying examination (Graduate, Diploma, or ITI).
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must present original certificates, mark sheets, and identity proofs for verification.
- Final Selection: Candidates who successfully clear document verification will be engaged as apprentices for one year under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961.
No written test or interview is conducted. The entire process is merit-driven, ensuring equal opportunity for all eligible applicants.
Job Location – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Apprenticeship training under MECL will be conducted across multiple project sites, providing candidates with exposure to diverse working environments in both Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. The official training locations are listed below:
| Location | State | Category/Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Nagpur | Maharashtra | Graduate (Chemical, Mechanical), Technician (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics), Trade (COPA, Fitter/Mechanic/Machinist) |
| Lachhamangarh | Chhattisgarh | Graduate (Mechanical, Geophysicist, Geologist), Trade (COPA, Fitter/Mechanic/Machinist) |
| Gorhi Mahloi | Chhattisgarh | Graduate (B.Com/BBA), Trade (Fitter/Mechanic/Machinist) |
These training centres are strategically located to provide apprentices with practical industry experience in mineral exploration projects. Candidates will be assigned to specific sites based on their trade and category.
Related Posts – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
FAQs – MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
1. What is MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
It is a government apprenticeship program by Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited offering 30 vacancies across Graduate, Technician, and Trade categories.
2. How many vacancies are available?
A total of 30 apprenticeship positions: 8 Graduate, 5 Technician, and 17 Trade apprentices.
3. What is the last date to apply?
The closing date for online applications is 8 March 2026.
4. Where can I apply online?
Graduate & Technician apprentices apply via NATS portal, Trade apprentices via Apprenticeship India portal, or directly at MECL recruitment site.
5. What is the eligibility criteria?
Graduate: Bachelor’s Degree with 50% marks. Technician: Diploma with 50% marks. Trade: 10+ITI in relevant trade.
6. Is there any application fee?
No application fee is required for MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026.
7. What is the age limit?
Applicants must meet the age requirements as per the Apprenticeship Act, generally 18 years and above.
8. What is the salary structure?
Graduate: ₹12,300/month, Technician: ₹10,900/month, Trade COPA: ₹10,560/month, Trade Fitter/Mechanic/Machinist: ₹11,040/month.
9. What is the selection process?
Selection is merit-based on academic marks followed by document verification. No written exam or interview.
10. What documents are required?
Educational certificates, mark sheets, identity proof, and passport-size photographs are required.
11. Where are the job locations?
Apprenticeship training will be conducted at Nagpur (Maharashtra), Lachhamangarh (Chhattisgarh), and Gorhi Mahloi (Chhattisgarh).
12. What is the official website?
The official website of MECL is www.mecl.co.in.
