South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has officially released its Fresher Apprentice Recruitment Notification 2026. The organization is inviting online applications for 1600 Apprentice posts across various trades and disciplines. This is a great opportunity for candidates who have passed 10th, 12th, ITI, Diploma, or Graduation — and there is no application fee for any category.
Latest Update – What’s New Today
SECL has released Advertisement No. SECL/2026-27 for Fresher Apprentice recruitment 2026. The online application window opened on 17 March 2026 and will close on 31 March 2026. Candidates are advised to apply at the earliest as the last date is just two weeks away.
The selection will be purely merit-based — no written exam and no interview will be conducted.
Recruitment Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) |
| Advertisement No. | SECL/2026-27 |
| Post Name | Fresher Apprentice |
| Total Vacancy | 1600 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Fee | Nil – Free for All Categories |
| Job Location | Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh |
| Official Website | secl-cil.in |
| Apprentice Portal | apprenticeship.secl-cil.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 14 March 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 17 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 31 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Pay Fee | 31 March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | As per Schedule |
| Result Date | As per Schedule |
Vacancy Details
SECL is recruiting 1600 Fresher Apprentices under three broad categories. The trade-wise and post-wise breakup will be available in the official notification PDF.
| Post Name | Total Posts | Qualification Required |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | As per notification | B.Tech / B.E. – 4-year Degree |
| Technician / Diploma Apprentice | As per notification | Diploma in Engineering – 3-year |
| ITI / Fresher Apprentice | As per notification | 10th / 12th with ITI Certificate |
| Total | 1600 | As per official notification |
Candidates must download the official PDF for exact trade-wise vacancy distribution.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Graduate Apprentice: A 4-year undergraduate degree such as B.Tech or B.E. from a recognized university.
- Technician / Diploma Apprentice: A 3-year diploma after 10th, or a 2-year diploma after 12th, from a government-recognized institute.
- ITI / Fresher Apprentice: Pass in 10th or 12th with a valid ITI certificate in the relevant trade.
Age Limit
| Criteria | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | 26 to 30 Years (Post-Wise) |
| Age Calculated As On | 31 March 2026 |
Age relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, and PH candidates will be as per Government of India norms. Please refer to the official notification for details.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 0/- (No Fee) |
| SC / ST / PH | Rs. 0/- (No Fee) |
No fee is required from any candidate under any category.
Selection Process
There will be no written test or interview for this recruitment. Selection will be done purely on the basis of academic merit.
In case of a tie in marks, preference will be given in the following order:
- Percentage of marks in the qualifying degree or diploma
- Marks in 12th (for degree holders) or 10th (for diploma holders)
- Date of birth — older candidate will be given preference
Final stages of selection:
- Merit-Based Shortlisting
- Document Verification
- Final Appointment as Apprentice
Stipend / Training Details
| Apprentice Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | Rs. 9,000/- per month |
| Technician Apprentice | Rs. 8,000/- per month |
| ITI / Fresher Apprentice | As per Apprentices Act, 1961 |
Please note that apprenticeship training does not guarantee permanent employment with SECL. However, the experience significantly strengthens future job applications in PSU and private sectors.
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Visit the official SECL Apprentice portal: apprenticeship.secl-cil.in
- Click on the “Apply Online” link
- Register and log in to your account
- Fill in the application form carefully with personal, educational, and contact details
- Upload your photograph, signature, and required documents
- Review the preview of your form before final submission
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference
Always read the full official notification before filling the application form.
Documents Required
- 10th Marksheet and Certificate
- 12th Marksheet (if applicable)
- Degree / Diploma / ITI Certificate and Marksheet
- Category Certificate – SC / ST / OBC / EWS (if applicable)
- Date of Birth Proof
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | apprenticeship.secl-cil.in/login.php |
| Download Official Notification PDF | SECL Official Notification PDF |
| SECL Official Apprentice Page | secl-cil.in/apprentice |
| SECL Official Website | www.secl-cil.in |
| NATS Portal – Graduate / Diploma Registration | nats.education.gov.in |
| NAPS Portal – ITI Candidate Registration | apprenticeshipindia.org |
| Coal India Limited Official Website | www.coalindia.in |
FAQs – SECL Apprentice 2026
Q1. How many vacancies are there in SECL Apprentice 2026?
There are a total of 1600 Fresher Apprentice posts available in this recruitment.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for SECL Apprentice 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 31 March 2026.
Q3. Is there any application fee?
No. The application fee is Rs. 0/- for all categories including General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, and PH.
Q4. Will there be a written exam?
No. Selection will be done purely on the basis of academic merit. No written test or interview will be conducted.
Q5. What is the monthly stipend for SECL Apprentices?
Graduate Apprentices will receive Rs. 9,000/- per month and Technician Apprentices will receive Rs. 8,000/- per month.
Q6. Will I get a permanent job after the apprenticeship?
SECL does not guarantee permanent employment after the apprenticeship period. However, the training experience is valuable for future government and private sector job applications.
Q7. Where do I apply?
You can apply online at apprenticeship.secl-cil.in/login.php
Conclusion
SECL Apprentice 2026 is a strong opportunity for candidates with B.Tech, Diploma, or ITI qualifications looking to gain experience in the coal sector under a Central Government PSU. With 1600 vacancies, zero application fee, and merit-based selection, this recruitment is open to a wide range of candidates. The last date is 31 March 2026, so do not delay. Download the official notification, verify your eligibility, and apply today.
Published: 17 March 2026 | Source: secl-cil.in (Official) | Advertisement No.: SECL/2026-27