HPCL Graduate Apprentice Trainee Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 358 Engineering Posts

Eligibility

Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first step before applying. Here are the requirements you need to meet:

Explanation of Eligibility:

• Nationality: Only citizens of India are eligible to apply for these apprenticeship positions.
• NATS 2.0 Registration: This is a mandatory prerequisite. You must first register and get approved on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS 2.0) portal. Only candidates with a valid NATS registration will be considered for selection. This ensures that your apprenticeship is formally recognized and managed.
• Educational Qualification: You must hold an Engineering Graduation degree (B.Tech/B.E) in one of the specified disciplines: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation. Diplomas or other non-degree qualifications are not eligible.
• Graduation Year: Your engineering degree must have been completed on or after September 1, 2023. If you completed your engineering degree before this date, you are not eligible for this apprenticeship training. This condition is typically in place to ensure that the apprenticeship benefits recent graduates.
• Aggregate Marks: Your overall percentage of marks across all semesters/years of your engineering degree is important. General (UR) and Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer - OBC-NC) candidates need a minimum of 60% aggregate marks. Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates require a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. When calculating percentages from CGPA/GPA, ensure you follow your university's conversion norms and obtain a certificate for this, as it may be required during document verification.
• Recognized Qualification: Your engineering degree must be from an institution recognized by the Board of Technical Education, University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), or any other equivalent authority as per prevailing laws. This ensures the validity and standard of your qualification.

Age Limit

Candidates applying for the Graduate Apprentice Trainee positions must meet the specified age criteria as of the cutoff date.

Age Relaxation:

• SC/ST Candidates: 5 years relaxation (Maximum age up to 30 years)
• OBC-NC Candidates: 3 years relaxation (Maximum age up to 28 years)
• PwBD Candidates: 10 years relaxation (Maximum age up to 35 years)

How Age is Calculated: Your age will be calculated based on the cutoff date, which is 31-07-2026. This means you must be at least 18 years old and not more than 25 years old on this specific date, unless you belong to a reserved category eligible for age relaxation. It is crucial to accurately calculate your age and ensure you fall within the permissible limits, including any applicable relaxations. Always double-check the age relaxation rules for your specific category in the official notification to avoid any discrepancies during the application process.

Application Fee

As per the official notification, there is no mention of an application fee for the HPCL Graduate Apprentice Trainee recruitment. Candidates are advised to proceed with their application without expecting to pay any fee.

Selection Process

The selection process for the HPCL Graduate Apprentice Trainee positions is straightforward and primarily based on academic merit and verification of documents. Here's how it works:

Explanation of Each Stage:

• Application Screening: HPCL will review all submitted online applications. The primary criterion for initial shortlisting will be your academic performance, specifically the aggregate percentage of marks you secured in your engineering graduation. This means candidates with higher percentages, meeting the minimum eligibility criteria, are more likely to be shortlisted for the next stage. The number of candidates shortlisted will depend on the number of training slots available and the overall pool of applicants.
• Document Verification: If you are shortlisted after the initial screening, you will be invited for document verification. This is a critical stage where you must present all your original certificates and documents (such as educational qualifications, caste certificates, NATS registration proof, identity proof, etc.) for verification. Any discrepancy or failure to produce required documents will lead to disqualification. It's essential to have all your documents ready and in the prescribed format.
• Merit List Preparation: After successful document verification, a final merit list will be compiled. This list will include only those candidates who have been found fully eligible and suitable during the verification process. The final selection for the apprenticeship training will be based on this merit list, considering the number of available training slots.

Salary

Candidates selected as Graduate Apprentice Trainees (Engineering) at HPCL will receive a monthly stipend. This stipend is designed to support trainees during their learning period and is structured as follows:

Explanation of Stipend:

The total monthly stipend for Graduate Apprentice Trainees will be Rs. 25000/-. This amount is disbursed from two sources: Rs. 20,500/- will be paid directly by HPCL, and the remaining Rs. 4,500/- will be paid directly to the apprentices by the Government of India (GOI) as per the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. This stipend is a fixed amount provided during the apprenticeship period and is not considered a salary in the traditional sense, as it is primarily for training and skill development. Allowances and other benefits typically associated with regular employment are generally not applicable during an apprenticeship, unless specifically mentioned in the official notification.

Documents Required

When applying for the HPCL Graduate Apprentice Trainee recruitment, you will need to prepare and potentially upload several documents. Having these ready in advance will streamline your application process. While the notification doesn't list every single document, based on standard recruitment practices and specific mentions, here's what you should prepare:

• Recent Passport-sized Photograph: A clear, recent photograph with a light background.
• Signature: A scanned image of your signature.
• Identity Proof: A valid government-issued identity proof such as an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving License.
• Educational Certificates:
  • 10th Class Mark Sheet/Certificate (for Date of Birth proof).
  • 12th Class Mark Sheet/Certificate.
  • Engineering Graduation Mark Sheets (all semesters/years).
  • Engineering Graduation Degree Certificate.
  • Certificate for CGPA/GPA conversion to percentage, if applicable, from your University/Institute.
• NATS 2.0 Registration Proof: Your registration ID or proof of approval from the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS 2.0) portal. This is a mandatory requirement.
• Caste/Community Certificate (if applicable): For SC, ST, OBC-NC, and PwBD candidates, a valid certificate in the prescribed format issued by the competent authority. Ensure the name of your caste/community and its spelling exactly match the lists notified by the central government. Formats for these certificates can typically be downloaded from the HPCL careers website.
• PwBD Certificate (if applicable): For Persons with Benchmark Disabilities, a certificate indicating a degree of disability of 40% or above.

Always ensure that all documents are clear, legible, and uploaded in the specified format and size as required by the online application portal.

How to Apply

Applying for the HPCL Graduate Apprentice Trainee position involves a few crucial steps. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure your application is submitted correctly:

1. Register on NATS 2.0 Portal: Before you can apply to HPCL, you must first register and get approved on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS 2.0) web portal. This is a mandatory prerequisite. Ensure your registration is complete and approved by the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT).
2. Visit the HPCL Portal: Go to the official HPCL careers website. Look for the specific link related to "Engagement of Graduate Apprentice Trainees (Engineering)".
3. Read the Official Notification: Thoroughly read the complete official advertisement available on the HPCL portal to understand all details, instructions, and eligibility criteria.
4. Initiate Online Application: Click on the "Apply Online" or "New Registration" link for the Graduate Apprentice Trainee recruitment.
5. Fill Personal Details: Provide all your personal information accurately, including your name, contact details, date of birth, and category. Ensure that the details match your official documents.
6. Enter Qualification Details: Fill in your educational qualifications, including your engineering degree details, aggregate marks/percentage, and the year of passing. If you have a CGPA/GPA, ensure you convert it to a percentage as per your university's norms and be prepared to provide a certificate for this conversion.
7. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph, signature, and all other required documents such as educational certificates, caste/PwBD certificates (if applicable), and NATS 2.0 registration proof. Ensure these are clear, legible, and meet the specified file size and format requirements.
8. Review Application: Carefully review all the information you have entered before proceeding. Pay close attention to your personal details, educational qualifications, and category selection, as changes may not be allowed after submission.
9. Submit Application: Once you are confident that all details are correct and documents are uploaded, submit your online application.
10. Print Application Form: After successful submission, make sure to print a copy of your completed application form for your records. This copy will be useful for future reference, especially during document verification.

Important Instructions

To ensure a smooth application process and avoid common pitfalls, keep the following important instructions in mind:

• Verify Eligibility: Always cross-check your eligibility against all criteria mentioned in the official notification before applying. Do not assume anything.
• NATS Registration is Key: Remember that registration and approval on the NATS 2.0 portal is a mandatory first step. Without it, your application will not be considered.
• Accuracy is Paramount: All details filled in the online registration form will be treated as final. No changes will be entertained once submitted, especially for category selection (GEN/SC/ST/OBC-NC/PwBD).
• Upload Correct Documents: Ensure that all uploaded documents are clear, legible, and accurate. Incorrect or blurry documents can lead to rejection.
• Meet the Deadline: Submit your application well in advance of the last date (2026-07-31) to avoid any last-minute technical issues or server overload.
• Save Application Copy: Always print and save a copy of your submitted online application form for your records and future reference.
• Stay Updated: Regularly visit the NATS portal and the HPCL careers portal for any updates, announcements, or changes regarding the selection process.
• Caste Certificate Details: If applying under a reserved category, ensure that the name of your caste/community and its spelling in your certificate exactly match the lists notified by the central government. Any variation may lead to non-acceptance.
• Email Queries Correctly: If you have any queries, email them with the subject formatted as "GAT Engagement (2026-27) – Application No." as specified in the notification.
• Management Rights: Be aware that HPCL reserves the right to raise minimum eligibility standards, modify the selection process, or increase/decrease the number of vacancies without prior notice.