MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 30 Vacancies, Stipend Up to ₹12,300/Month
Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), a Government of India Enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, has invited online applications for 30 Apprentice vacancies across three categories — Graduate Apprentice, Technician Apprentice, and Trade Apprentice. The apprenticeship is for a period of 1 year under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The monthly stipend ranges from ₹10,560 to ₹12,300 depending on the category. Postings are at MECL locations in Nagpur (Maharashtra), Lachhamangarh (Chhattisgarh), and Gorhi Mahloi (Chhattisgarh). The online application started from 24 February 2026 and the last date to apply is 8 March 2026.
Key Highlights of MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- Organization: Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India
- Post Name: Graduate Apprentice / Technician Apprentice / Trade Apprentice
- Total Vacancies: 30
- Stipend: ₹10,560 to ₹12,300 per month (category-wise)
- Apprenticeship Duration: 1 Year
- Locations: Nagpur (Maharashtra), Lachhamangarh (Chhattisgarh), Gorhi Mahloi (Chhattisgarh)
- Application Mode: Online (NATS Portal / apprenticeshipindia.gov.in)
- Application Period: 24 February 2026 to 8 March 2026
- Contact: MECL Apprenticeship Section — 0712-2510310 (Working Days, 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM)
MECL Apprentice Vacancy Breakdown 2026
The complete category-wise, discipline-wise, and location-wise vacancy details are as follows:
Graduate Apprentice — 8 Seats (Stipend: ₹12,300/month)
| Discipline | Qualification | Seats | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical | B.Sc. with Chemical as subject (min 50%) | 01 | Nagpur, Maharashtra |
| Mechanical | B.Tech / B.E. in Mechanical Engineering (min 50%) | 03 | Nagpur + Lachhamangarh, Chhattisgarh |
| Geophysicist | B.Sc. with Geophysicist / Applied Geophysicist (min 50%) | 01 | Lachhamangarh, Chhattisgarh |
| Geologist | B.Sc. with Geology / Applied Geology (min 50%) | 01 | Lachhamangarh, Chhattisgarh |
| B.Com / BBA | B.Com / BCA with minimum 50% marks | 02 | Gorhi Mahloi, Chhattisgarh |
| Total Graduate | 08 |
Technician Apprentice — 5 Seats (Stipend: ₹10,900/month)
| Discipline | Qualification | Seats | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical | Diploma in Chemical Engineering (min 50%) | 01 | Nagpur, Maharashtra |
| Mechanical | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (min 50%) | 02 | Nagpur, Maharashtra |
| Electrical | Diploma in Electrical Engineering (min 50%) | 01 | Nagpur, Maharashtra |
| Electronics & Instrumentation | Diploma in Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering (min 50%) | 01 | Nagpur, Maharashtra |
| Total Technician | 05 |
Trade Apprentice — 17 Seats
| Trade | Qualification | Seats | Stipend | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COPA | 10th + ITI in COPA Trade | 07 | ₹10,560/month | Nagpur + Lachhamangarh |
| Fitter / Mechanic / Mechanic Diesel / Machinist | 10th + ITI in respective Trade | 10 | ₹11,040/month | Nagpur + Lachhamangarh + Gorhi Mahloi |
| Total Trade | 17 |
Grand Total: 8 (Graduate) + 5 (Technician) + 17 (Trade) = 30 Apprentice Vacancies
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Graduate Apprentice: Bachelor’s Degree in Science / Engineering in the relevant discipline with minimum 50% marks from a recognized university.
- Technician Apprentice: 3-year Diploma in Engineering in the relevant discipline with minimum 50% marks from a recognized polytechnic / institute.
- Trade Apprentice: 10th Pass + ITI in the respective trade (NCVT / SCVT recognized).
- Note: Candidates who have already completed or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961 are NOT eligible.
Age Limit
As per the Apprentices Act, 1961, the minimum age is 18 years. Upper age limit and category-wise relaxation as per Government of India rules applicable to apprenticeship engagements.
Stipend Details
| Category | Monthly Stipend | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | ₹12,300/- | 1 Year |
| Technician Apprentice | ₹10,900/- | 1 Year |
| Trade Apprentice (COPA) | ₹10,560/- | 1 Year |
| Trade Apprentice (Fitter / Mechanic / Machinist) | ₹11,040/- | 1 Year |
Note: This is an apprenticeship under the Apprentices Act, 1961. There is no guarantee of employment in MECL after completion of training.
Selection Process
The selection for MECL Apprentice 2026 is merit-based. Candidates will be shortlisted based on their academic marks (percentage) in the qualifying examination. Shortlisted candidates may be called for document verification. Final selection will be done on the basis of merit in the relevant qualification.
How to Apply Online
For Graduate & Technician Apprentices — Apply on NATS Portal:
- Visit the NATS Portal (nats.education.gov.in).
- Register as an Apprentice with your email and mobile number.
- Complete your profile — personal details, educational qualifications, and category.
- Search for MECL as the employer and select the relevant discipline.
- Upload degree / diploma marksheets and certificates.
- Submit your application before 8 March 2026.
For Trade Apprentices — Apply on Apprenticeship India Portal:
- Visit apprenticeshipindia.gov.in (NAPS 2.0 Portal).
- Register as an Apprentice and verify via OTP.
- Fill in personal and educational details. Upload ITI certificate.
- Search for MECL as the establishment and select COPA or Fitter / Mechanic trade.
- Submit your application before 8 March 2026.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 24 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 8 March 2026 |
Application Fee
There is no application fee for MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026. The application through NATS and apprenticeshipindia.gov.in portals is completely free for all categories.
Essential Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online — Graduate & Technician (NATS Portal) | Apply on NATS |
| Apply Online — Trade Apprentice | Apply on Apprenticeship India |
| MECL Official Website | Visit MECL |
| Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| WhatsApp Channel for Govt Jobs | Join Here |
| Telegram Channel for Govt Jobs | Join Here |
| Telegram for Maharashtra Govt Jobs | Join Here |
Conclusion
MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers 30 vacancies for graduates, diploma holders, and ITI pass candidates in disciplines like Chemical, Mechanical, Geophysicist, Geologist, B.Com/BBA, Electrical, Electronics, COPA, and Fitter/Mechanic trades. With stipends ranging from ₹10,560 to ₹12,300 per month, this 1-year apprenticeship provides valuable industry experience in India’s mineral exploration sector. Apply through the NATS portal (for Graduate & Technician) or apprenticeshipindia.gov.in (for Trade) before 8 March 2026.