Hindustan Copper Limited has announced 171 Trade Apprentice training seats at its Malanjkhand Copper Project in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, under Notification No. HCL/MCP/HR/Trade App./01/2026 dated 3 November 2026. The recruitment is a genuine future-opening opportunity: online applications begin on 5 November 2026 at 11:00 AM and close on 24 November 2026. The seats are spread across 19 trades, with the largest intake for Electrician, followed by Computer Assistant (COPA), Fitter, Turner/Machinist and Welder.
This is apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961, not a permanent HCL appointment. At a basic level, candidates need Class 10/Matric and, for most technical trades, the relevant ITI qualification from a recognised institute. The standard age band is 18 to 25 years as on 1 November 2026, with notified relaxation for SC, ST and OBC candidates. Selection is merit-based using Class 10 and ITI marks, followed by eligibility/document checks and medical fitness. The training period varies by trade from one year to three years, while stipend is payable as admissible under the applicable apprenticeship rules. Candidates must complete both apprenticeship-portal registration and the Hindustan Copper online application for their submission to be treated as complete.
Recruitment Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Hindustan Copper Limited |
| Project | Malanjkhand Copper Project (MCP) |
| Notification | HCL/MCP/HR/Trade App./01/2026 |
| Notification date | 3 November 2026 |
| Total training seats | 171 |
| Number of trades | 19 |
| Engagement | Trade Apprentice under Apprentices Act, 1961 |
| Application start | 5 November 2026, 11:00 AM |
| Last date | 24 November 2026 |
| Age / qualification cut-off | 1 November 2026 |
| Training location | Malanjkhand, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh |
| Shortlist publication | 8 December 2026 |
Trade-wise Vacancy Details
| Trade | Seats |
|---|---|
| Mate Mines (Fresher) | 4 |
| Shotfirer / Blaster (Mines) | 13 |
| Driver-cum-Mechanic (LMV) | 6 |
| Mechanic Diesel | 10 |
| Fitter | 16 |
| Turner / Machinist | 16 |
| Welder (Gas & Electric) | 16 |
| Electrician | 36 |
| Draughtsman Civil | 2 |
| Draughtsman Mechanical | 3 |
| Computer Assistant (COPA) | 20 |
| Surveyor | 3 |
| AC & Refrigeration Mechanic | 2 |
| Mason (Building Constructor) | 2 |
| Carpenter | 3 |
| Plumber | 3 |
| Horticulture Assistant | 2 |
| Instrument Mechanic | 10 |
| Solar Technician (Electrician) | 4 |
| Total | 171 |
Category-wise Total
| Category | Seats |
|---|---|
| UR | 71 |
| SC | 25 |
| ST | 12 |
| OBC | 46 |
| EWS | 17 |
| Total | 171 |
Eligibility / Educational Qualification
Qualification varies by trade. Class 10 / Matric is the basic academic requirement, and most technical trades require the relevant ITI certificate from a recognised institute.
Candidates should check the exact row for their chosen trade in the official HCL notification before applying.
The notice also states that candidates holding higher professional qualifications such as Diploma or B.E./equivalent are not considered for this apprenticeship recruitment. Higher academic qualifications such as B.A./B.Sc./B.Com do not receive additional merit weightage.
Age Limit
Candidates must be 18 to 25 years old as on 1 November 2026.
| Category | Upper-age relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
Other Government guidelines will apply where specifically provided.
Use the Regal Naukri Age Calculator with 1 November 2026 as the cut-off date.
Training Period and Stipend
The training duration varies by trade from one year to three years.
HCL states that stipend will be paid as admissible under the applicable apprenticeship rules. The notification does not publish a single fixed stipend amount for all 19 trades, so candidates should not rely on unofficial uniform figures.
Application Fee
The official notification does not specify an application fee.
Candidates should not make any payment unless the official HCL or Government apprenticeship portal displays an authorised requirement.
Selection Process
Selection is merit-based.
- For trades requiring ITI, merit uses 70% weightage to Class 10 marks and 30% weightage to relevant ITI marks.
- For the notified trades where ITI is not required, the merit calculation uses 100% Class 10 marks.
- In case of equal merit, the candidate with higher age receives preference.
- Final engagement remains subject to certificate verification and medical fitness.
There is no separate written examination mentioned in the advertisement.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification issued | 3 November 2026 |
| Online application opens | 5 November 2026, 11:00 AM |
| Age / qualification cut-off | 1 November 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 24 November 2026 |
| Shortlisted candidates list | 8 December 2026 |
How to Apply for Hindustan Copper Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Read the official HCL Trade Apprentice notification and select the trade that matches your qualification.
- Check your age on 1 November 2026 using the Age Calculator.
- Use the Eligibility Pre-check only as a preliminary aid; the HCL notification remains final.
- Register your apprenticeship profile on the Government Apprenticeship Portal. HCL requires this registration before its own application is treated as complete.
- Ensure your apprenticeship profile details match your Class 10 / ITI records and complete the required Aadhaar verification, bank/eKYC and qualification details on the portal.
- From 5 November 2026 at 11:00 AM, open the Hindustan Copper Careers page and submit the HCL online application.
- Enter the apprenticeship registration number and choose only one trade that matches your qualification.
- Upload the prescribed photograph, signature and any trade-specific affidavit required by the notice.
- Use the Government Job Document Checklist to organise Class 10, ITI and category records.
- Submit the application by 24 November 2026, then save the computer-generated application and acknowledgement.
- Review the How to Apply for Government Jobs guide before final submission.
Documents to Keep Ready
- Class 10 / Matric certificate and marksheet
- Relevant ITI certificate and marksheet, where required
- Apprenticeship portal registration details
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature image
- Category certificate, where applicable
- Date-of-birth proof
- Aadhaar-verified apprenticeship profile details as required by the portal
- Affidavit for specified earlier-year ITI candidates, where applicable
- Submitted HCL application and acknowledgement
Important Candidate Notes
- This recruitment is for apprenticeship training, not regular employment.
- HCL states that completion of apprenticeship does not create a right to employment at Malanjkhand Copper Project.
- Both the Government apprenticeship registration and HCL online application steps are mandatory.
- Candidates should apply for only one trade.
- The company may increase or decrease the number of seats depending on requirement.
- Candidates who have already completed apprenticeship training under NAPS are not eligible for another apprenticeship contract as specified in the notification.
FAQ
How many Trade Apprentice seats are available?
Hindustan Copper has announced 171 seats across 19 trades at Malanjkhand Copper Project.
When does the online application open?
The HCL online application opens on 5 November 2026 at 11:00 AM.
What is the last date to apply?
The closing date is 24 November 2026.
What is the basic qualification?
Class 10 / Matric is the basic academic qualification. Most technical trades also require the relevant ITI certificate.
What is the age limit?
Candidates must be 18–25 years old as on 1 November 2026, with notified relaxation for eligible SC, ST and OBC candidates.
Is there a written exam?
No written examination is stated. Selection is based on merit from Class 10 and ITI marks, as applicable.
What is the stipend?
The official notice states that stipend will be paid as admissible under the applicable apprenticeship rules; it does not print one common amount for all trades.
Does this apprenticeship guarantee an HCL job?
No. The notification clearly states that apprenticeship completion does not provide a right to employment in HCL/MCP.
Important Links
| Purpose | Official link |
|---|---|
| HCL Trade Apprentice Notification | Open Official Notification |
| Hindustan Copper Careers | Open HCL Careers Page |
| Government Apprenticeship Portal | Open Apprenticeship India |