Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) has issued a notification to engage 171 Trade Apprentices at its Malanjkhand Copper Project in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh. Recruitment is being conducted under the Apprentices Act, 1961, for training in 19 trades, including Electrician, Fitter, Welder, Mechanic Diesel, COPA, and other technical positions.
The online application process began on November 5, 2026, and eligible candidates can apply until November 24, 2026. Candidates who have passed Class 10 or hold an ITI certificate in the relevant trade can apply, depending on the post. The age limit is 18 to 25 years as of November 1, 2026, with relaxation for eligible reserved categories.
This is an apprenticeship training opportunity, not a permanent employment offer from HCL. Candidates must complete registration on the Government apprenticeship portal and submit the HCL application.
HCL Recruitment 2026: Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Organisation | Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) |
| Project | Malanjkhand Copper Project |
| Advertisement Number | HCL/MCP/HR/Trade App./01/2026 |
| Post Name | Trade Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 171 |
| Number of Trades | 19 |
| Training Location | Malanjkhand, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | November 5, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | November 24, 2026 |
| Age Limit | 18–25 Years |
| Qualification | Class 10 / Relevant ITI, depending on trade |
| Selection Process | Merit-Based Selection |
| Stipend | As admissible under apprenticeship rules |
| Official Website | Hindustan Copper Limited |
HCL Trade Apprentice Vacancy 2026: Trade-wise Details
HCL has announced 171 apprentice seats across 19 trades. Electrician has the highest number of vacancies, with 36 seats, followed by Computer Assistant (COPA), with 20 seats.
| Trade Name | Vacancies | Training Duration |
| Mate Mines (Fresher) | 4 | 3 Years |
| Shotfirer/Blaster (Mines) | 13 | 2 Years |
| Driver-cum-Mechanic (LMV) | 6 | 1 Year 3 Months |
| Mechanic Diesel | 10 | 1 Year |
| Fitter | 16 | 1 Year |
| Turner/Machinist | 16 | 1 Year |
| Welder (Gas & Electric) | 16 | 1 Year |
| Electrician | 36 | 1 Year |
| Draughtsman Civil | 2 | 1 Year |
| Draughtsman Mechanical | 3 | 1 Year |
| Computer Assistant (COPA) | 20 | 1 Year |
| Surveyor | 3 | 1 Year |
| AC & Refrigeration Mechanic | 2 | 1 Year |
| Mason (Building Constructor) | 2 | 1 Year |
| Carpenter | 3 | 1 Year |
| Plumber | 3 | 1 Year |
| Horticulture Assistant | 2 | 1 Year |
| Instrument Mechanic | 10 | 1 Year |
| Solar Technician (Electrician) | 4 | 1 Year |
| Total | 171 |
Category-wise Vacancy Distribution
The category-wise distribution of the 171 seats is given below:
| Category | Vacancies |
| Unreserved (UR) | 71 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 25 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 12 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 46 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 17 |
| Total | 171 |
The vacancies are subject to the requirements of the Malanjkhand Copper Project and may be increased or decreased by the company.
HCL Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
Candidates should keep track of the following dates to complete the application process on time.
| Event | Date |
| Notification Date | November 3, 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | November 5, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | November 24, 2026 |
| Age and Qualification Cut-off Date | November 1, 2026 |
| Shortlisted Candidates List | December 8, 2026 |
| Document Verification | To be announced |
| Training Commencement | To be announced |
HCL will publish the shortlisted candidates’ list on December 8, 2026. Further instructions regarding document verification and apprenticeship engagement will be communicated through the company’s official website.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates interested in HCL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 must meet the educational qualification and age requirements prescribed for their selected trade.
Educational Qualification
The qualification depends on the trade for which a candidate applies.
For Mate Mines, Shotfirer/Blaster and Driver-cum-Mechanic (LMV):
- Candidates must have passed Class 10 or Matriculation under the 10+2 education system, or an equivalent examination.
- No ITI qualification is specified in the trade-wise qualification table for these posts.
For the other 16 trades:
- Candidates must have passed Class 10 or an equivalent examination.
- They must also hold an ITI certificate in the concerned trade from a recognised institute.
Candidates with higher professional qualifications such as a Diploma, B.E. or equivalent are not eligible under the notification. Higher academic qualifications such as BA, BSc or BCom do not provide additional weightage in the selection process.
Candidates who passed ITI in 2025 or earlier must submit an affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper, sworn before a Magistrate or Notary Public, confirming that they have neither undergone apprenticeship training earlier nor taken employment anywhere.
Age Limit
The prescribed age limit is 18 to 25 years as of November 1, 2026.
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
| General/Unreserved | No relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
Other applicable Government of India guidelines will be followed wherever relevant. Candidates should check the official advertisement for the conditions applicable to their category.
Application Fee
The HCL notification does not specify a separate application fee in its published recruitment advertisement. Candidates should follow the instructions displayed on the official application portal while submitting their forms.
Stipend and Training Duration
Selected candidates will receive a stipend as admissible under the applicable apprenticeship rules. The notification does not mention a single fixed monthly stipend amount for all trades.
The training period varies according to the selected trade:
- Mate Mines (Fresher): 3 years
- Shotfirer/Blaster (Mines): 2 years
- Driver-cum-Mechanic (LMV): 1 year and 3 months
- Other listed trades: 1 year
Candidates should note that apprenticeship training does not guarantee permanent employment with Hindustan Copper Limited. The notification clearly states that apprentices cannot claim a right to employment in HCL after completing their training.
Selection Process
The selection for HCL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 will be based on academic merit. There is no separate written examination or interview mentioned in the notification.
The merit calculation will follow these criteria:
- 10th Marks: 70% weightage
- Relevant ITI Marks: 30% weightage
For trades where an ITI qualification is not required, including the fresher category, merit will be calculated using 100% weightage of Class 10 marks.
If two or more candidates secure equal marks in the merit list, the older candidate will receive preference. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete document verification and satisfy the company’s medical fitness requirements.
How to Apply Online for HCL Recruitment 2026
Candidates must complete two mandatory registration steps to apply successfully. Registration on the Government apprenticeship portal alone does not complete the HCL application.
Step 1: Register on the Apprenticeship Portal
- Visit the Government Apprenticeship Portal.
- Register as a Trade Apprentice.
- Open the Establishment Search option.
- Search for Hindustan Copper Limited, Malanjkhand Copper Project.
- Select the relevant establishment and trade opportunity.
- Complete your profile and Aadhaar verification.
- Update your bank account and e-KYC details.
- Note your apprenticeship registration number for the HCL application.
Step 2: Submit the HCL Online Application
- Visit the HCL official website.
- Open the Careers section.
- Find Advertisement No. HCL/MCP/HR/Trade App./01/2026.
- Click the online application link.
- Enter your apprenticeship registration number and other required details.
- Fill in your personal and educational information.
- Select the trade that matches your qualification.
- Upload your photograph, signature, and other required documents.
- Review the information and submit the application.
- Download and save the application form and acknowledgement slip.
HCL follows a one applicant, one application rule. Candidates should apply for only one trade that matches their qualifications. If multiple applications are submitted, only the first application will be considered.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- Class 10 marksheet and certificate
- ITI certificate and marksheets, wherever applicable
- Apprenticeship portal registration details
- Aadhaar-verified candidate profile
- Recent passport-size colour photograph
- Scanned signature in English using black ink
- Non-judicial stamp paper affidavit for eligible earlier ITI pass-out candidates
- Other documents required during verification
The photograph and signature must be uploaded in JPG format, with each file under 50 KB. The affidavit, where applicable, must be uploaded in PDF format under 1 MB.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Complete registration on the Government apprenticeship portal before applying to HCL.
- Ensure your apprenticeship profile is 100% Aadhaar-verified.
- Check that your name, date of birth, and educational details match your certificates.
- Select only the trade for which you meet the prescribed qualification.
- Submit only one application.
- Keep your registered email address and mobile number active.
- Download the submitted application and acknowledgement slip.
- Check the HCL website regularly for the shortlisted candidates’ list and further instructions.
Final words
The HCL Recruitment 2026 drive offers 171 Trade Apprentice training opportunities across 19 trades at the Malanjkhand Copper Project in Madhya Pradesh. Candidates who have passed Class 10 or hold an ITI certificate in the relevant trade can apply, depending on the post requirements. The application window is open from November 5 to November 24, 2026. Selection will be based on academic merit, followed by document verification and medical fitness. Interested candidates should complete both the apprenticeship portal registration and the HCL online application before the deadline.
FAQs
- How many vacancies are available under HCL Recruitment 2026?
Hindustan Copper Limited has announced 171 Trade Apprentice vacancies across 19 different trades at its Malanjkhand Copper Project in Madhya Pradesh. - What is the last date to apply for HCL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is November 24, 2026. Applications started on November 5, 2026. - What is the educational qualification required for HCL Apprentice posts?
Candidates must have passed Class 10. For most trades, a relevant ITI certificate is also required. Some trades, such as Mate Mines and Shotfirer/Blaster, accept Class 10 qualification. - What is the age limit for HCL Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must be between 18 and 25 years of age as of November 1, 2026. SC/ST candidates receive 5 years of relaxation, while OBC candidates receive 3 years. - What is the selection process for HCL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Selection is based on academic merit. Class 10 marks carry 70% weightage, and relevant ITI marks carry 30% weightage for applicable trades. Shortlisted candidates must complete document verification and medical fitness requirements.
