| NHPC Recruitment 2026 :- NHPC is now open for applications. NHPC Limited, a Schedule–A Enterprise of the Government of India and a distinguished ‘Navratna’ company, has released Advertisement No. NH/Rectt./02/2026 for a Special Recruitment Drive (SRD) for SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/PwBD candidates for the post of Trainee Engineer in Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical disciplines. This recruitment drive invites online applications from eligible candidates who have qualified GATE-2024 or GATE-2025 with a valid score. A total of 72 vacancies are available across three engineering disciplines, offering an attractive compensation package and dynamic career opportunities in India’s premier hydropower development organization. |
NHPC Recruitment 2026 Details
| S.No. | Post Name | Grade / Pay Scale | Total Vacancies | Category-wise Vacancy Distribution | Corresponding GATE Paper & Code | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trainee Engineer (Civil) | E2 / ₹50,000-3%-1,60,000 (IDA) | 07 (04* + 03^) | Table 1-B: OBC(NCL): 02, SC: 02, ST: 00, Total: 04* Table 1-C (PwBD): Cat b: 01, Cat c: 01, Cat d&e: 01, Total: 03^ | CE (Civil Engineering) | Full time regular Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering with minimum 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD) or AMIE (enrollment up to 31.05.2013) with minimum 60% marks |
| 2 | Trainee Engineer (Electrical) | E2 / ₹50,000-3%-1,60,000 (IDA) | 30 (09* + 21^) | Table 1-B: OBC(NCL): 04, SC: 04, ST: 01, Total: 09* Table 1-C (PwBD): Cat b: 02, Cat c: 01, Cat d&e: 01, Total: 04^ Additional: 08 resultant vacancies (Table 1-C total 04 includes 01 carried forward) | EE (Electrical Engineering) | Full time regular Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical/Electrical & Electronics/Power Systems & High Voltage/Power Engineering with minimum 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD) or AMIE (enrollment up to 31.05.2013) with minimum 60% marks |
| 3 | Trainee Engineer (Mechanical) | E2 / ₹50,000-3%-1,60,000 (IDA) | 23 (05* + 18^) | Table 1-B: OBC(NCL): 04, SC: 01, ST: 00, Total: 05* Table 1-C (PwBD): Cat b: 01, Cat d&e: 01, Total: 02^ Additional: 16 resultant vacancies (Table 1-B total 21^ includes 16 additional) | ME (Mechanical Engineering) | Full time regular Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical/Production/Thermal/Mechanical & Automation Engineering with minimum 60% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwBD) or AMIE (enrollment up to 31.05.2013) with minimum 60% marks |
| Total | 3 Posts | 72 |
NHPC Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Application Window Open Date | 16 March 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Application Window Close Date | 06 April 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Cut-off Date for Eligibility (Age, Qualification) | 06 April 2026 |
NHPC Recruitment 2026 Age Limit & Relaxation
| Criteria | Details(As on 06.04.2026) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Age Limit | 30 Years |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST: +5 years (up to 35 years) OBC (NCL): +3 years (up to 33 years) PwBD (General): +10 years (up to 40 years) PwBD (OBC-NCL): +13 years (up to 43 years) PwBD (SC/ST): +15 years (up to 45 years) Jammu & Kashmir Domiciled (01.01.1980 to 31.12.1989): +5 years Ex-Servicemen: As per Government guidelines |
NHPC Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee (including applicable taxes) |
|---|---|
| OBC (NCL) Candidates | ₹708/- (₹600 + applicable taxes) |
| SC / ST / Women / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen Candidates | Exempted |
| Payment Mode | Online through payment gateway |
NHPC Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
| Stage | Description | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| 1. GATE Score (GATE-2024 or GATE-2025) | Candidates must have qualified GATE-2024 or GATE-2025 with a valid score in the corresponding paper (CE for Civil, EE for Electrical, ME for Mechanical). The best score out of GATE-2024/GATE-2025 will be considered (normalized marks out of 100). | 75% |
| 2. Shortlisting for GD & PI | Candidates will be shortlisted based on GATE score only, in the ratio of not more than 1:5 (5 times the number of vacancies). In case of tie in marks, all candidates with equal marks will be called. | – |
| 3. Group Discussion (GD) | Shortlisted candidates must submit consent and appear for GD. There are no qualifying marks for GD. | 05% |
| 4. Personal Interview (PI) | Candidates may also undergo online/offline Psychometric Assessment, results of which will be used as input during interview. | 20% |
| 5. Combined Score of GD & PI | Minimum qualifying combined score: • OBC (NCL) Candidates: 40% • SC/ST/PwBD Candidates: 30% | – |
| 6. Final Merit List | Based on composite score (GATE 75% + GD 5% + PI 20%), subject to qualifying combined GD & PI score. | 100% |
| 7. Tie-Breaker | In case of equal marks, older candidate (elder in age) will be placed higher in merit. | – |
NHPC Recruitment 2026 Compensation Package
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Period | One year in E2 grade (₹50,000-3%-1,60,000 IDA) |
| Post-Training Absorption | Engineer/Officer in same scale with one year probation |
| Total Annual Emoluments | Approximately ₹15 to 16 Lakhs (for new joinees) |
| Additional Benefits | Basic Pay, Dearness Allowance, HRA, Cafeteria Allowance, Performance Related Pay (PRP), Medical Facility, PF, Pension, Gratuity, and Social Security Benefits as per company rules |
How to Apply ?
| Step | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Visit Official Website | Go to the official NHPC website: www.nhpcindia.com and click on “Career” section. |
| Step 2: Read Advertisement | Carefully read the full advertisement for details of age, educational qualification, and other eligibility criteria. |
| Step 3: Check GATE Eligibility | Ensure you have a valid GATE-2024 or GATE-2025 score with GATE Registration Number in the corresponding paper (CE/EE/ME). |
| Step 4: Prepare Documents | Keep scanned copies ready of: • Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate (proof of date of birth) • Complete mark sheets/certificates (XII, Graduation, Post-Graduation if applicable) • Caste Certificate (in Government of India format) – OBC certificate must be within 6 months • Disability Certificate (if applicable) • Certificate from Principal confirming full-time/regular course • CGPA to Percentage conversion certificate (if applicable) • GATE-2024/2025 Score Card • Declaration regarding medical ailments/deficiencies (if applicable) • Declaration regarding arrest/prosecution/debarment (if applicable) • Valid proof of change in name (if applicable) *(Documents: PDF format, 100-400 KB each)* |
| Step 5: Upload Photo & Signature | • Photograph: Passport size colour, JPEG format, less than 50 KB • Signature: JPEG format, less than 25 KB |
| Step 6: Fill Online Application | Log on to the online registration site from 16 March 2026 (10:00 AM) to 06 April 2026 (5:00 PM). Fill the application form with accurate details including GATE Registration Number and score. |
| Step 7: Pay Application Fee | OBC (NCL) candidates pay fee of ₹708/- online. SC/ST/Women/PwBD/Ex-servicemen are exempted. |
| Step 8: Submit & Print | After submission, a Unique Registration Number will be generated. Take a printout of the registration slip/form for future reference. |
| Step 9: Await Communication | Shortlisted candidates will be intimated about GD/PI schedule through email only. No separate communication will be sent by post. |
NHPC Recruitment 2026 Service Agreement / Surety Bond
| Category | Bond Amount (plus applicable GST) | Service Period |
|---|---|---|
| OBC (NCL) Candidates | ₹4,00,000/- | Minimum 4 years (including training period) |
| SC/ST/PwBD Candidates | ₹2,00,000/- | Minimum 4 years (including training period) |
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Important Links
| Apply Mode | Start on 16.03.2026 |
| Notifications | Click here |
| Official Website | Click here |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. I have GATE-2023 score. Can I apply for this NHPC Recruitment 2026?
A1. No. Only candidates with a valid GATE-2024 or GATE-2025 score are eligible to apply. GATE scores from any other year are not valid for this recruitment exercise.
Q2. I have completed my Engineering degree with 58% marks. Am I eligible to apply for this NHPC Recruitment 2026?
A2. For UR/OBC(NCL) candidates: No, you need minimum 60% marks in the qualifying degree.
For SC/ST/PwBD candidates: Yes, you are eligible with minimum 50% marks (relaxation applicable).
Q3. I belong to OBC (NCL) category. What is the validity requirement for my caste certificate in this NHPC Recruitment 2026?
A3. Your OBC (NCL) certificate must be issued within 06 months from the closing date of online application (i.e., on or after 06 October 2025). It must be in the prescribed Government of India format and clearly indicate that you do not belong to the “Creamy Layer”.
Q4. What is the reimbursement policy for attending GD/PI in this NHPC Recruitment 2026?
A4. Candidates attending GD/PI will be reimbursed To and Fro Third AC Rail fare/Bus fare (as per actual) by the shortest route on production of tickets, provided the distance travelled is not less than 30 Kms.
Q5. I am a final year engineering student appearing for exams in 2026. Can I apply?
A5. No. Final year appearing students are not eligible to apply. Candidates must have completed their degree and obtained the qualification on or before the last date of application (06 April 2026).
Q6. What happens if two or more candidates secure equal marks in the final merit in this NHPC Recruitment 2026?
A6. In case more than one candidate secures the same total marks, the candidate with older date of birth (elder in age) shall be considered for deciding place in the merit list.
Q7. I am employed with a Government Department. Do I need to submit any additional document for this NHPC Recruitment 2026?
A7. Yes. Candidates employed with Government Departments/PSUs/Autonomous Bodies must upload a scanned copy of No Objection Certificate (NOC) along with testimonials. If NOC is not ready by the last date, you must produce it at the time of GD/PI, failing which your candidature will be cancelled.
Q8. Is there any negative marking in the selection process in this NHPC Recruitment 2026?
A8. No. The selection is based on GATE score (already obtained), Group Discussion, and Personal Interview. There is no separate written test conducted by NHPC with negative marking.