Cochin Shipyard Ship Draftsman Trainee 2026 Notification: Eligibility, Stipend and CAD Practical Test Guide
Good news for diploma holders! Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a central PSU under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has released the Ship Draftsman Trainee Recruitment 2026 notification for 60 vacancies — 47 seats in the Mechanical discipline and 13 in the Electrical discipline. If you hold a three-year engineering diploma and enjoy drawing on CAD software, this is a very good chance for you. Explore many similar openings on our PSU jobs page.
The online application window is open from 19th August 2026 to 4th September 2026. Please understand one thing before you apply — this is a two-year traineeship, not a permanent government job. Below we explain the vacancy split, eligibility, age rule, stipend, the CAD practical test and the full apply process in simple language. Read it till the end, and keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for fresh updates.
Key Highlights — CSL Ship Draftsman Trainee Recruitment 2026
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Post Names | Ship Draftsman Trainee (Mechanical) and Ship Draftsman Trainee (Electrical) |
| Total Vacancies | 60 posts (Mechanical 47, Electrical 13) |
| Vacancy Note | CSL may increase, decrease or cancel the notified number of seats |
| Stipend | ₹14,000 per month in the first year, ₹20,000 per month in the second year |
| Engagement Type | Two-year traineeship, not a regular job |
| Job Location | CSL, Kochi (Ernakulam, Kerala) |
| Application Starts | 19th August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 4th September 2026 |
| Selection | Certificate verification, then a CAD practical test of 100 marks |
How Many Vacancies in CSL Ship Draftsman Trainee Recruitment 2026? Discipline and Category-Wise Seats
The 60 vacancies are split between two disciplines. Choose carefully — you may apply for only one.
| Discipline | Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Ship Draftsman Trainee (Mechanical) | 47 |
| Electrical | Ship Draftsman Trainee (Electrical) | 13 |
| Total | Both Disciplines | 60 |
The notification prints the category-wise split separately for each discipline, and the two are not the same.
| Discipline | Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | UR | 28 |
| Mechanical | OBC | 10 |
| Mechanical | SC | 5 |
| Mechanical | ST | 0 |
| Mechanical | EWS | 4 |
| Mechanical | All Categories | 47 |
| Electrical | UR | 8 |
| Electrical | OBC | 3 |
| Electrical | SC | 0 |
| Electrical | ST | 1 |
| Electrical | EWS | 1 |
| Electrical | All Categories | 13 |
| All Disciplines | Total | 60 |
Look at this table before you pick a discipline — there is no ST seat in Mechanical and no SC seat in Electrical, so check your own category first.
This post is not identified for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), so no PwBD seats exist. The reason is the nature of the training — it runs on shop floors, in dry docks and on ships under construction, and involves climbing vertical ladders, passing through manholes and working in confined spaces.
What is the Eligibility for CSL Ship Draftsman Trainee 2026? Diploma, Age Limit and Relaxation
Educational Qualification
Every applicant must have a pass in SSLC (Class 10). After that the diploma decides your discipline — see our diploma-level government jobs section for more such notifications.
| Post / Condition | Qualification or Rule |
|---|---|
| Ship Draftsman Trainee (Mechanical) | Pass in SSLC plus a three-year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from a State Board of Technical Education with minimum 60% marks, with a flair for draftsmanship and proficiency in CAD |
| Ship Draftsman Trainee (Electrical) | Pass in SSLC plus a three-year Diploma in Electrical Engineering from a State Board of Technical Education with minimum 60% marks, with a flair for draftsmanship and proficiency in CAD |
| If your diploma shows CGPA | Use your own board’s conversion formula. Where the board has laid down no formula, multiply the aggregate grade point by 10 to get the percentage, and that figure must reach the 60% bar |
| Serving CSL trainees barred | Those currently working as Ship Draftsman Trainees on the rolls of CSL as on the date of this vacancy notification are not eligible to apply |
Two conditions matter a lot. Your qualification must be from an institute or board recognised by AICTE or the appropriate statutory authority, and an equivalent qualification needs an Equivalency Certificate from the competent authority. Here is the point most people miss — if you do not hold the prescribed diploma but hold a higher degree such as B.Tech. or M.Sc., you will not be considered.
Age Limit
The upper age limit is 25 years as on 4th September 2026. The notification puts it simply: you should be born on or after 5th September 2001. No minimum age is printed.
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation and Certificate Rule |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS | No relaxation stated |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years, only against OBC-reserved seats |
| SC | 5 years, only against SC-reserved seats |
| ST | 5 years, only against ST-reserved seats |
| PwBD | Not applicable for this post |
| Ex-Servicemen | Not mentioned in the notification |
| SC / ST / OBC certificate | The community certificate must be issued by a Revenue Authority not below the rank of Tahsildar. Without it you lose the reserved seat, the age relaxation and the lower pass mark |
| EWS certificate | An Income and Asset Certificate in the prescribed format is compulsory, failing which your EWS claim is not counted. Five EWS seats are on offer |
Relaxation applies only against the seats reserved for that category. Against a UR seat, no relaxation is allowed.
🎂 Not sure if you meet the age criteria? Use our free Age Calculator for Government Exams to find your exact age on the cut-off date and instantly check your eligibility — including SC / ST / OBC age relaxation. →
What is the Salary and Stipend for CSL Ship Draftsman Trainee 2026?
This engagement pays a monthly stipend, not a regular pay level. Do not expect a pay matrix — the notification gives only these two figures.
| Training Period | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| First Year of Training | ₹14,000 per month |
| Second Year of Training | ₹20,000 per month |
| Extra hours of work | Trainees are also eligible for work beyond normal working hours |
Now the honest part, so read it slowly. The training runs for two years, with a performance evaluation at the end of the first year — only those who clear it get the second year. CSL is not bound to appoint trainees during or after the training. Depending on organisational needs, available vacancies and your own performance, successful candidates may be considered for contractual posts for 5 years, purely at CSL’s discretion. Treat this as paid shipyard experience, not a confirmed permanent job.
What is the Selection Process for CSL Ship Draftsman Trainee 2026?
| Stage | What Happens | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Scrutiny and Shortlisting | Online application and uploaded certificates are checked | Eligibility is decided only from uploaded documents; CSL may shortlist further as per the number of applications |
| 2. Certificate Verification | Originals for age, qualification and category, with self-attested copies | Only those who clear this stage may sit for the practical test |
| 3. CAD Practical Test | Prepare a drawing using CAD software — 100 marks, held at CSL, Kochi | Category-wise minimum pass marks apply, see the table below |
| 4. Rank List | Discipline-wise rank list from the practical test marks | If two candidates score the same, the older one ranks higher. The rank list stays valid up to 18 months from the date the last candidate reports and may be used for future vacancies |
| 5. Medical and Joining | Medical examination in hospitals prescribed by CSL | Original certificates verified again at joining |
| Travel cost | No TA or DA is paid for attending any stage of the selection process | The practical test is held at Kochi only, so plan the trip at your own cost |
| Candidature | Your candidature stays provisional at every stage | False information or a suppressed fact cancels the candidature or the appointment without notice, at any stage |
| Category | Minimum Pass Marks in the CAD Test |
|---|---|
| UR and EWS | 50% |
| OBC | 45% — only against OBC-reserved seats |
| SC and ST | 40% — only against SC/ST-reserved seats |
The practical test really decides your fate, so practise CAD drafting seriously — dimensioning, layers, orthographic and sectional views, neat and accurate output. The notification sets no time limit for the test. CSL may relax these pass marks if enough qualified candidates are not available. For preparation help, check our syllabus and exam pattern section.
How to Apply Online for CSL Ship Draftsman Trainee Recruitment 2026?
Applications are online only — nothing sent by post is accepted.
| Step | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Keep ready | Diploma marksheets, SSLC certificate, proof of age, category certificate and a recent passport-size colour photograph |
| 1 | Open the official CSL website, go to the Career page and then the CSL, Kochi section (link in Essential Links below) |
| 2 | Read the User Manual and FAQ published there before you start filling anything |
| 3 | Complete the One Time Registration on the SAP Online portal that opens from the Career page |
| 4 | Log in and fill the application form for your discipline — Mechanical or Electrical. Only one application is allowed, and once submitted it is final |
| 5 | Upload every required document — failure to upload means rejection |
| 6 | Pay the application fee of ₹300 online; SC and ST candidates pay nothing |
| 7 | Check each entry carefully and submit — junk or careless entries in any field can get you rejected |
| 8 | Open “My Applications”, confirm the status shows “In process”, and save a printout with your unique registration number |
Do not send the printout, certificates or fee by post. Also, no technical support is available after 1600 hrs on 4th September 2026, so applying on the last afternoon is risky. Finish a few days early.
What are the Important Dates for CSL Ship Draftsman Trainee 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 18th August 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 19th August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 4th September 2026 |
| Fee Payment Window | 19th August to 4th September 2026 |
| Age Reckoned As On | 4th September 2026 |
| Technical Support Cut-off | 1600 hrs on 4th September 2026 |
| Call Letter Release | Not announced yet |
| Certificate Verification | Not announced yet |
| CAD Practical Test | Not announced yet |
Call letters will not come by post — you will be informed by e-mail and on the CSL website.
What is the Application Fee for CSL Ship Draftsman Trainee 2026?
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| UR / General | ₹300 |
| OBC | ₹300 |
| EWS | ₹300 |
| SC | No fee (exempted) |
| ST | No fee (exempted) |
The fee is non-refundable and bank charges are extra. Payment is online only — debit card, credit card or internet banking through the online application facility. The fee window runs from 19th August 2026 to 4th September 2026.
Essential Links — CSL Ship Draftsman Trainee Recruitment 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online on the Cochin Shipyard Official Career Page
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
If your diploma and CAD skills match, do not wait for the last day — apply well before 4th September 2026. Two years of hands-on shipyard drafting with a decent stipend is a strong start, even though a permanent post is not promised. Find more openings in this region on our Kerala government jobs page, and keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for every update.