GRSE Recruitment 2026: 58 Journeyman and Driver Vacancy, Eligibility and Stipend
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), a Navratna defence shipyard under the Ministry of Defence, has invited online applications for 58 posts. These are 55 Journeyman vacancies across 14 trades and 3 Driver (Vehicle) vacancies. If you are 10th pass with an ITI or apprenticeship certificate, this PSU job in Kolkata can be a strong start.
The online window runs from 30 October 2026 (2:00 pm) to 28 November 2026 (11:59 pm). Journeymen get a stipend of ₹24,000 a month in year one and ₹26,000 in year two, and the Driver post comes with a regular pay scale. Qualification, age limit and physical test differ by post, so read your own row carefully. Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for updates on this recruitment.
What Are the Key Highlights of GRSE Recruitment 2026?
GRSE builds warships for the country and is one of its premier defence shipyards, with its head office in Kolkata. This drive fills two kinds of jobs: Journeyman trainees who earn a stipend for two years, and regular Driver (Vehicle) staff.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) |
| Advertisement | Employment Notification No. 2026/05 (J&OP) |
| Posts | Journeyman (14 trades) and Driver (Vehicle) |
| Total Vacancies | 58 (Journeyman 55 + Driver 3) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Application Window | 30 October 2026 to 28 November 2026 |
| Job Location | Kolkata; posting at any GRSE unit, project or location, including new units like Raichak and Timber Pond |
| Written Test Centres | Kolkata and Ranchi |
How Many Vacancies Are There in GRSE Recruitment 2026 Trade-wise?
The reservation split changes from trade to trade, so check the row for your trade and category before you apply.
| Post | Category-wise Vacancies | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman (Carpenter) | UR 1 / SC 1 / ST 0 / OBC 0 / EWS 0 | 2 |
| Journeyman (Crane Operator) | UR 1 / SC 0 / ST 0 / OBC 1 / EWS 0 | 2 |
| Journeyman (Diesel Mechanic) | UR 1 / SC 0 / ST 0 / OBC 1 / EWS 0 | 2 |
| Journeyman (Driver Material Handling) | UR 1 / SC 1 / ST 0 / OBC 0 / EWS 0 | 2 |
| Journeyman (Electrician) | UR 4 / SC 1 / ST 1 / OBC 1 / EWS 1 | 8 |
| Journeyman (Electronic Mechanic) | UR 1 / SC 2 (1 backlog) / ST 0 / OBC 1 / EWS 2 (1 backlog) | 6 (incl. 2 backlog) |
| Journeyman (Fitter) | UR 3 / SC 1 / ST 1 / OBC 1 / EWS 0 | 6 |
| Journeyman (GRP/FRP Worker) | UR 1 / SC 1 / ST 0 / OBC 1 / EWS 1 | 4 |
| Journeyman (Machine Operator) | UR 1 / SC 1 / ST 0 / OBC 0 / EWS 1 (backlog) | 3 (incl. 1 backlog) |
| Journeyman (Painter) | UR 3 / SC 1 / ST 0 / OBC 1 / EWS 1 | 6 |
| Journeyman (Pipe Fitter) | UR 1 / SC 1 / ST 0 / OBC 1 / EWS 1 | 4 |
| Journeyman (Rigger) | UR 2 / SC 1 / ST 0 / OBC 1 / EWS 0 | 4 |
| Journeyman (Structural Fitter) | UR 2 / SC 0 / ST 1 / OBC 1 / EWS 0 | 4 |
| Journeyman (Welder) | UR 1 / SC 1 / ST 0 / OBC 0 / EWS 0 | 2 |
| All Journeyman posts | UR 23 / SC 12 / ST 3 / OBC 10 / EWS 7 | 55 |
| Driver (Vehicle) | UR 2 / SC 0 / ST 0 / OBC 1 / EWS 0 | 3 |
Several trades have no seat at all for some categories, for example no SC seat in Crane Operator and no ST seat in most trades. A reserved-category candidate applying for a post with no seat in their category is treated as General, with no relaxation in any criteria.
Among the 55 Journeyman vacancies, 1 is reserved for PwBD (OH), 1 for PwBD (HH/PD) and 2 for PwBD (VH/LV), and the two VH/LV seats are backlog. PwBD reservation does not apply to Crane Operator, Rigger and Driver Material Handling. The vacancies also include seats for ex-servicemen and ex-Agniveers as per government guidelines.
What Is the Eligibility for GRSE Journeyman and Driver 2026?
Journeyman posts need Matriculation (10th pass) with an NAC / NTC in the trade shown, or NSQF for GRP/FRP. NTC means the National Trade Certificate (ITI pass) and NAC means the National Apprenticeship Certificate. Qualifications count as on 01 October 2026, and the date your result is declared or your mark sheet is issued is the date you acquire the qualification, with no relaxation. With only a 10th pass certificate and no trade certificate, you cannot apply for Journeyman.
| Post | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Carpenter | NAC / NTC in Carpenter, Wood Work Technician or Shipwright (Wood) |
| Crane Operator | NAC / NTC in Electrician. Desirable: Government recognised Crane Operation certification |
| Diesel Mechanic | NAC / NTC in Diesel Mechanic, Mechanic Diesel or Mechanic (Marine Diesel) |
| Driver Material Handling | NAC / NTC in Diesel Mechanic, with a valid Heavy Vehicle Driving License. Desirable: Government recognised Crane Operation certification |
| Electrician | NAC / NTC in Electrician |
| Electronic Mechanic | NAC / NTC in Electronic Mechanic |
| Fitter | NAC / NTC in Fitter, Weapon Fitter or MMTM (Mechanic Machine Tool Maintenance) |
| GRP/FRP Worker | NAC / NTC in Fiber Reinforced Plastic Processor or Plastic Processing Operator, OR 10th pass with the NSQF Plastic FRP Operator course |
| Machine Operator | NAC / NTC in Millwright Mechanic or MMTM |
| Painter | NAC / NTC in Painter (General), Painter (Marine) or Industrial Painter |
| Pipe Fitter | NAC / NTC in Pipe Fitter or Plumbing |
| Rigger | NAC / NTC in Rigger, Carpenter or Wood Work Technician |
| Structural Fitter | NAC / NTC in Structural Fitter, Fabricator, Sheet Metal Work or Fitter |
| Welder | NAC / NTC in Welder, Welder (Gas & Electric), TIG/MIG Welder, Welder (GMAW & GTAW), Welder (Pipe), Welder (Pipe & Pressure Vessels), Welder (Structural), Welder (Fabrication & Fitting), Welder (Welding & Inspection) or Advance Welder |
Candidates with a higher professional qualification are not eligible for any post. This covers a graduate or postgraduate degree in Engineering, Technology or Pharmacy, MBA, CA, CMA, CS, LL.B, MCA, Ph.D or any equivalent. If you hold such a qualification and do not declare it, your selection becomes null and void once GRSE finds out.
Driver (Vehicle) Qualification and Experience
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | 10th pass with a valid Commercial LMV Driving License |
| Experience | At least 6 years of driving Light and Heavy Motor Vehicles on direct employment in an organisation, firm or rental agency, counted from the later of passing 10th or the issue of the Commercial LMV license, up to 01 October 2026. Armed Forces candidates meeting the criteria may also apply |
| Desirable | Valid Heavy Vehicle Driving License; experience as Staff Car Driver for Senior Officers of Government organisations or PSUs |
| Driving record | No accident history, no police complaint for accidents, major traffic violations, reckless driving or drunken driving in the last 6 years |
| Proof | Experience certificate showing joining and relieving dates (if currently employed and without one: appointment or offer letter plus latest pay slip); originals must be produced at verification, failing which you will not be considered further |
If your driving experience certificate comes from a contractor, firm or agency as Staff Car Driver, it must carry an endorsement from the PSU or government department where you were deployed.
GRSE Age Limit 2026
| Category | Journeyman | Driver (Vehicle) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum age on 01.10.2026 | 26 years | 32 years |
| OBC | +3 years (where posts are reserved) | +3 years |
| SC / ST | +5 years (where posts are reserved) | Not listed |
| PwBD (UR) | +10 years | +10 years |
| PwBD and OBC-NCL | +13 years | +13 years |
| PwBD and SC / ST | +15 years | Not listed |
| Ex-servicemen | Service period + 3 years (minimum 6 months continuous service) | Same |
| Ex-Agniveer | +3 years (+5 for the first Agnipath batch) | Same |
| Ex-Trade Apprentice of GRSE | +3 years | Not listed |
| Maximum after all relaxations | 56 years | 56 years |
🎂 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 OBC / SC / ST / PwBD age relaxation. →
Agniveers expected to be released by 31 March 2027 may also apply if they meet the qualification and age criteria.
What Is the Salary for GRSE Journeyman and Driver 2026?
| Post | Pay |
|---|---|
| Journeyman, year 1 | ₹24,000 per month (fixed stipend) |
| Journeyman, year 2 | ₹26,000 per month (fixed stipend) |
| Journeyman after absorption (Semi-skilled grade) | ₹19,900-3%-69,650 (or as revised) |
| Driver (Vehicle), Skilled (SK) grade | ₹20,110-3%-70,390 (or as revised) |
A Journeyman spends 2 years on a fixed stipend with training in multiple trades, and may then be absorbed on the permanent roll in the Semi-skilled grade, based on performance, subject to requirement, vacancies, medical fitness and disciplinary or vigilance clearance. Absorption is not promised. If performance is unsatisfactory, the engagement can be extended, and if it stays unsatisfactory the Journeyman is discharged.
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Journeyman period | PF on the stipend with matching company contribution, ESI if applicable, first aid at the yard dispensary, hospitalization for self, subsidized canteen |
| After absorption | Basic pay plus Industrial DA, HRA, allowances, CPF and gratuity as per company rules; 1 year probation |
| Driver (Vehicle) | Basic pay plus Industrial DA, HRA, allowances, CPF and gratuity; medical and canteen as for Operative staff; PF on Basic + DA; 1 year probation |
What Is the Selection Process for GRSE Journeyman and Driver 2026?
Selection is by a written test followed by a practical (trade) test, and the two posts follow slightly different steps.
| Stage | Journeyman | Driver (Vehicle) |
|---|---|---|
| Shortlisting | If applications are many, by percentage marks in the qualifying exam: AITT marks under ATS for NAC-only holders, AITT marks under CTS for NTC-only or NAC and NTC holders | By nature and years of relevant experience (essential and desirable), at GRSE’s discretion |
| Written test | Qualifying: 50% of 100 marks (45% SC/ST/OBC, 40% PwBD) | Qualifying: 40% of 100 marks (35% OBC, 30% PwBD) |
| Document verification | Before the practical test; only those who clear it can appear | Same |
| Practical (trade) test | 50 marks, qualifying 50% (45% SC/ST/OBC, 40% PwBD); candidates called in the ratio 1:5 per vacancy | Same |
| Physical Efficiency Test | Qualifying, only for Driver Material Handling, Rigger and Crane Operator; not applicable to shortlisted ex-Agniveers | Not listed |
| Final merit | On written test marks, among those who qualify the practical test | Same |
| Final steps | Pre-employment medical examination and Police Clearance Certificate | Same |
| Part | Content | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part I | Questions on your trade syllabus | 80 |
| Part II | General Knowledge, General Aptitude, Reasoning, Mental Ability, Numerical Ability | 20 |
| Whole paper | 100 objective MCQs, 2 hours | 100 |
The paper is in English and Hindi, and the English version prevails if there is any doubt. A Hindi medium option is given in all selection tests. The trade-wise syllabus will be uploaded on the career section of the GRSE website, and our syllabus page can help with preparation. The notification does not mention negative marking. Only candidates who qualify in the practical test enter the final merit list, and selected candidates join only after a clear Police Clearance Certificate.
What Are the Important Dates for GRSE Recruitment 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online registration starts | 30 October 2026 (14:00 hrs) |
| Online registration ends | 28 November 2026 (23:59 hrs) |
| Payment deducted but registration incomplete (verified and updated) | On or before 30 November 2026 |
| Age and qualification cut-off | 01 October 2026 |
| Driver experience cut-off | 01 October 2026 |
| Admit card for written test | To be announced later |
| Written test (Kolkata and Ranchi) | Schedule on the GRSE website |
| Document verification and practical test | Schedule on the GRSE website; venue in call letter |
The age and qualification cut-off is 01 October 2026, not the day you apply, so work out your age on that date. If money is deducted on or before 28 November but your registration is incomplete, GRSE verifies and updates such cases within two working days of the closing date.
What Is the Application Fee for GRSE Recruitment 2026?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / UR, OBC and EWS | ₹472 |
| SC, ST, PwBD and Internal candidates | Exempted (no fee) |
The fee is paid online through the payment gateway only, and no other mode is accepted. It is non-refundable, so confirm your eligibility before paying.
Conditions That Can Cost You the Job
| Condition | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Category | Your category (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD) cannot be changed after you enter it online |
| UR posts | Reserved-category candidates applying for UR posts get no relaxation in any criteria |
| OBC-NCL and EWS | The OBC-NCL certificate must be issued in 2026-27, and only an EWS Income and Asset Certificate for 2026-27 is accepted |
| PwBD | Minimum 40% disability with a certificate in the prescribed format; indicate scribe or reader needs while applying |
| Duplicate applications | Please note that a candidate who submits more than one application for the same post or trade has the candidature liable to be cancelled |
| Incomplete application | Liable to be rejected |
| Police clearance | You join only after a clear Police Clearance Certificate, and your candidature is liable to be cancelled if it is not submitted or carries an adverse report |
| Government and PSU employees | Apply through proper channel; if you send an advance copy, you must submit a No Objection or Release Certificate from your employer. For the Driver post, without it you will not be allowed to join |
| False information | Incorrect or false information, or suppressing a material fact, at any stage or even after appointment, cancels your candidature and your appointment can be terminated forthwith |
| Eligibility check | If you are found ineligible at any time, your candidature is rejected, with no refund of travel or medical expenses |
| Original documents | Without original certificates at document verification you will not be entertained, and no travel allowance is paid |
| Canvassing | Any form of canvassing disqualifies your candidature |
| Travel allowance | No allowance for the written test; outstation candidates called for verification or practical test get second class or sleeper rail fare, or actual if less |
| Right to cancel | GRSE may increase or decrease vacancies, or cancel any post or the whole recruitment, without giving reasons |
| Correspondence | Only by email, so keep your email ID active for at least one year; corrigenda appear only on the GRSE website |
How to Apply Online for GRSE Recruitment 2026?
Keep scanned copies of your educational qualification, caste certificate, date of birth proof and experience proof (for Driver) ready before you begin.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the application portal or the Career section of the GRSE website (links in Essential Links below) |
| 2 | Register with a valid email ID that you will keep active for at least one year |
| 3 | Fill in the online form and declare your category carefully, as it cannot be changed later; PwBD candidates must indicate scribe requirement |
| 4 | Upload the scanned documents |
| 5 | Pay the ₹472 fee through the payment gateway if you are not exempted |
| 6 | Submit the form and keep a copy for your records |
You can apply for more than one trade if you are eligible, but you must submit a separate application for each post, and the test dates for different trades may coincide.
GRSE Recruitment 2026 Essential Links
- Apply Online for GRSE Recruitment 2026 (Employment Notification 2026/05 J&OP) – 58 Posts: Journeyman & Driver (Apply Online)
- Visit GRSE Official Website
- Official Notification Page for GRSE Recruitment 2026 (Employment Notification 2026/05 J&OP) – 58 Posts: Journeyman & Driver (Apply Online)
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
If you are 10th pass with the right trade certificate, this is a real chance to work at a defence shipyard, so start your application soon and finish well before 28 November 2026. Check your trade, category and age on the cut-off date before you pay. Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for more PSU job updates and admit card notifications.