POWERGRID has opened the long-awaited 2026 Engineer Trainee application stage with a fresh vacancy notification issued on 3 November 2026. The recruitment offers 319 positions across Electrical, Civil and Computer Science disciplines, making it one of the larger PSU engineering opportunities currently available for GATE 2026 candidates. Online registration starts at 5:00 PM on 3 November and closes at 11:59 PM on 18 November 2026, so eligible applicants have a defined two-week window to complete the POWERGRID form.
The present vacancy notice continues Advertisement No. CC/04/2025 but, importantly, it now confirms the actual discipline-wise vacancy count and application schedule. Electrical carries the largest share with 250 posts, followed by 48 Civil posts and 21 Computer Science posts. Candidates need a relevant full-time engineering degree and a valid qualifying GATE 2026 score in the corresponding paper; detailed branch and category conditions remain governed by the official advertisement. Selected candidates enter a one-year Engineer Trainee programme in POWERGRID’s IDA pay structure before absorption as Engineer in the E2 grade, subject to successful completion of training. This recruitment is especially relevant for engineering graduates seeking a nationwide technical career in power transmission, substations, projects and related infrastructure.
Recruitment Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) |
| Post | Engineer Trainee — Electrical, Civil and Computer Science |
| Fresh vacancy notice | Notice No. 2 dated 3 November 2026 |
| Base advertisement | CC/04/2025 dated 27 September 2025 |
| Total vacancies | 319 |
| Recruitment route | GATE 2026 |
| Application mode | Online |
| Application start | 3 November 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Last date | 18 November 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Job location | POWERGRID offices, substations, transmission-line offices, construction sites and subsidiaries across India; overseas posting may also arise |
| Training period | One year |
Vacancy Details
| Discipline | Current vacancies | Backlog vacancies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 243 | 7 | 250 |
| Civil | 45 | 3 | 48 |
| Computer Science | 21 | 0 | 21 |
| Total | 309 | 10 | 319 |
POWERGRID has also notified horizontal PwBD reservation within the advertised vacancies. Candidates claiming reservation should read the official vacancy notice and detailed advertisement for the applicable subcategory conditions.
Eligibility / Educational Qualification
Applicants need a full-time B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc. (Engineering) in the relevant notified discipline from a recognised university or institute, normally with at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA, together with a valid qualifying GATE 2026 score in the corresponding paper.
| Engineer Trainee discipline | GATE 2026 paper |
|---|---|
| Electrical | EE |
| Civil | CE |
| Computer Science | CS |
The official advertisement contains the accepted branch combinations and category-specific relaxation provisions. Candidates should confirm their exact degree title before applying.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The standard upper age limit is 28 years as on 31 December 2025.
| Category | Upper-age relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC (NCL) | 3 years for reserved posts |
| SC/ST | 5 years for reserved posts |
| PwBD — UR/EWS | 10 years |
| PwBD — OBC (NCL) | 13 years |
| PwBD — SC/ST | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen / victims of riots | As per Government of India directives |
Use the Regal Naukri Age Calculator with 31 December 2025 as the cut-off date, then compare the result with the applicable official relaxation rule.
Salary / Pay
During the one-year training period, Engineer Trainees are placed in the ₹40,000–₹1,40,000 IDA scale with basic pay of ₹40,000 plus IDA, HRA and notified perks. POWERGRID states an approximate annual CTC of ₹11 lakh during training.
After successful completion of training, candidates are absorbed as Engineer in the E2 scale of ₹50,000–₹1,60,000 IDA, with an approximate annual CTC of ₹22.50 lakh, depending on posting and applicable conditions.
Application Fee
The non-refundable application fee is ₹500 for candidates required to pay it.
SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen and departmental candidates are exempt from the application fee as provided in the official advertisement.
Selection Process
The selection process uses the candidate's GATE 2026 performance, Group Discussion and Personal Interview.
| Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| GATE 2026 marks in the corresponding paper | 85% |
| Group Discussion | 3% |
| Personal Interview | 12% |
Candidates must qualify in GATE 2026 and in the Personal Interview separately. POWERGRID may also use a psychometric assessment as an input during the interview stage. Medical fitness under POWERGRID standards is required before appointment.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Fresh vacancy notification | 3 November 2026 |
| Online application starts | 3 November 2026 at 5:00 PM |
| Last date for application and fee payment | 18 November 2026 at 11:59 PM |
How to Apply for POWERGRID Engineer Trainee Recruitment 2026
- Read both the fresh POWERGRID vacancy notice and the underlying detailed advertisement before starting the form.
- Confirm that your engineering discipline matches Electrical, Civil or Computer Science and that you have a valid qualifying GATE 2026 score for EE, CE or CS respectively.
- Check your preliminary eligibility with the Regal Naukri Eligibility Pre-check, but treat the POWERGRID advertisement as final.
- Open the official POWERGRID recruitment portal after the application window activates and enter your GATE 2026 Registration Number and Application Number exactly as shown on the GATE admit card.
- Fill personal, academic and category details carefully. POWERGRID allows submitted applications to be edited up to the last date, but candidates should not rely on later correction for critical identity or GATE details.
- Upload the prescribed photograph, signature and supporting certificates in the formats stated in the portal.
- Pay the ₹500 fee if applicable. Exempt candidates should follow the exemption instructions shown in the recruitment system.
- Submit the application and save the generated POWERGRID registration number and completed form.
- Keep your GATE 2026 admit card and score card safely for later GD, interview and verification stages.
- Review the Documents Required for Government Jobs guide to organise your application and later verification records without substituting the official POWERGRID checklist.
Documents Required
POWERGRID's fresh notice asks candidates to be ready with a recent colour photograph, scanned signature, date-of-birth proof, applicable category/disability/age-relaxation certificates and the final qualification passing certificate. Candidates still covered by the final-year provision in the detailed advertisement should follow the exact academic-document instruction shown in the application system.
A valid original photo ID, GATE 2026 admit card and GATE 2026 score card will be important at later selection stages.
Important Candidate Notes
- Only the GATE 2026 score is valid for this recruitment; GATE 2025 or earlier scores are not accepted.
- The fresh 3 November notice removes Electronics from the current vacancy table; the advertised 319 posts are only in Electrical, Civil and Computer Science.
- POWERGRID may post selected candidates anywhere in India and, where required, abroad.
- Selected candidates must execute the prescribed service agreement bond and complete the required training/service period.
- Vacancy numbers can be modified by POWERGRID if organisational requirements change.
FAQ
How many vacancies are available in POWERGRID Engineer Trainee Recruitment 2026?
The fresh vacancy notification lists 319 posts: 250 Electrical, 48 Civil and 21 Computer Science.
When does the POWERGRID Engineer Trainee application start?
Online submission starts on 3 November 2026 at 5:00 PM.
What is the last date to apply?
The application and online fee-payment window closes on 18 November 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Is GATE 2026 compulsory?
Yes. Candidates must have qualified in the corresponding GATE 2026 paper for the discipline they apply to. Earlier GATE scores are not valid for this recruitment.
What is the basic educational qualification?
Applicants need a relevant full-time B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc. (Engineering) degree from a recognised institution, subject to the marks and branch conditions in the official advertisement.
What is the age limit?
The standard upper age limit is 28 years as on 31 December 2025, with notified category relaxations.
What is the salary during training?
Engineer Trainees are placed in the ₹40,000–₹1,40,000 IDA scale during the one-year training period, with basic pay of ₹40,000 plus applicable components.
Does the current vacancy notice include Electronics?
No. The 3 November 2026 vacancy notification lists Electrical, Civil and Computer Science only.
Important Links
| Purpose | Official link |
|---|---|
| Fresh vacancy notification — Notice No. 2 dated 3 November 2026 | Open POWERGRID Vacancy Notification |
| Detailed Advertisement CC/04/2025 | Open Detailed POWERGRID Advertisement |
| Recruitment page | Open POWERGRID Engineer Trainee 2026 Page |
| Online recruitment portal | Open POWERGRID Careers Portal |