HCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 171 Trade Apprentice Posts at hindustancopper.com

Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), a Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise, has invited online applications for the recruitment of 171 Trade Apprentices at its Malanjkhand Copper Project (MCP) in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh. The official notification, issued under advertisement number HCL/MCP/HR/Trade App./01/2026, opened for online registration on November 5, 2026. Eligible candidates can complete their applications through the official portal hindustancopper.com until November 24, 2026.

This apprentice intake covers 19 different technical trades under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Selection is based purely on academic merit without any written test or interview.

Important Dates and Schedule

Candidates must complete both the NAPS apprenticeship portal registration and the HCL application before the deadline:

• Official Notification Date: November 3, 2026
• Online Application Start Date: November 5, 2026
• Last Date to Submit Online Application: November 24, 2026 (11:59 PM)
• Publication of Shortlisted Candidates Merit List: December 8, 2026
• Document Verification and Medical Fitness Schedule: Starting mid-December 2026

Vacancy Details and Trade Distribution

A total of 171 training slots are distributed across various engineering and technical trades:

| Trade Name | Total Vacancies | Training Period | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Electrician | 36 | 1 Year | | Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA) | 20 | 1 Year | | Fitter | 16 | 1 Year | | Turner / Machinist | 16 | 1 Year | | Welder (Gas and Electric) | 16 | 1 Year | | Shotfirer / Blaster (Mines) | 13 | 1 Year | | Mechanic Diesel | 10 | 1 Year | | Instrument Mechanic | 10 | 1 Year | | Driver-cum-Mechanic (LMV) | 6 | 1 Year | | Mate Mines (Fresher) | 4 | 3 Years | | Solar Technician | 4 | 1 Year | | Surveyor | 3 | 1 Year | | Draughtsman Mechanical | 3 | 1 Year | | Carpenter | 3 | 1 Year | | Plumber | 3 | 1 Year | | Draughtsman Civil | 2 | 1 Year | | AC and Refrigeration Mechanic | 2 | 1 Year | | Mason (Building Constructor) | 2 | 1 Year | | Horticulture Assistant | 2 | 1 Year | | Total | 171 | |

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following age limits and educational standards as on November 1, 2026.

Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 18 years as on November 1, 2026.
• Maximum Age: 25 years as on November 1, 2026.
• Age Relaxation: Relaxations apply for reserved categories as per statutory directives:
  • SC / ST Candidates: 5 years
  • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Candidates: 3 years
  • PwBD Candidates: 10 years (15 years for SC/ST, 13 years for OBC)

Educational Qualifications

• For Technical ITI Trades: Passed Class 10th (Matriculation) under the 10+2 system from a recognized board, and must possess a National Trade Certificate (NTC) or State Trade Certificate (STC) issued by NCVT or SCVT in the respective trade.
• For Mate Mines and Shotfirer: Passed Class 10th (Matriculation) from a recognized board as freshers.
• Candidates who have already completed an apprenticeship or have more than one year of professional employment after acquiring qualifications are not eligible.

Application Fee

• All Categories (General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, PwBD, Women): Rs. 0 (Nil)
• Applying for HCL Apprentice positions is free of charge. No payment or processing fees are charged at any stage.

Selection Process and Merit Calculation

HCL will not conduct any written examination or oral interview for this recruitment drive. Selection is determined on academic marks:

1. Weightage Formula: Merit ranking is calculated by giving 70% weightage to marks secured in Class 10th (Matriculation) and 30% weightage to marks secured in the relevant ITI examination.
2. Fresher Trades (Mate Mines): Ranking is based 100% on marks obtained in Class 10th.
3. Merit List Release: The consolidated list of shortlisted candidates will be displayed on hindustancopper.com on December 8, 2026.
4. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must present original academic certificates, ITI marksheets, caste certificates, and medical fitness certificates at Malanjkhand Copper Project, Balaghat.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply Online

Applicants must complete a two-step application process to be considered:

Step 1: Apprenticeship Portal Registration

1. Go to the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
2. Complete candidate registration and activate your profile to 100%.
3. Search for the establishment name "Hindustan Copper Limited, Malanjkhand Copper Project" and apply for your relevant trade.
4. Note down your unique 10-digit Apprenticeship Registration Number (starting with 'A').

Step 2: HCL Official Application

1. Visit the official website of Hindustan Copper Limited at hindustancopper.com.
2. Navigate to the "Careers" section from the top menu.
3. Click on the link for "Engagement of Trade Apprentices in MCP (Advt. No. HCL/MCP/HR/Trade App./01/2026)".
4. Click on "Apply Online" and enter your Apprenticeship Registration Number along with basic personal details.
5. Fill in marks obtained in Class 10th and ITI examination.
6. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, 10th marksheet, and ITI certificate as specified.
7. Submit the form and download the final acknowledgment copy for reference.

Official Links

• Official Portal: hindustancopper.com
• Apprenticeship Portal: apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
• Careers Page: HCL Careers Section

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the closing date for HCL Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

The last date to submit online applications is November 24, 2026, until 11:59 PM.

How many apprentice vacancies are announced by Hindustan Copper Limited?

A total of 171 vacancies are open for training at the Malanjkhand Copper Project in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh.

Is there any examination for HCL Trade Apprentice selection?

No. There is no written examination. Selection is based purely on a merit list prepared from Class 10th and ITI marks.

What is the application fee for HCL Apprentice posts?

There is no application fee for any candidate. Registration is entirely free.

When will HCL publish the apprentice merit list?

The merit list of shortlisted candidates is scheduled to be announced on December 8, 2026, on the official HCL website.