Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), a Government of India PSU operating under the Ministry of Mines, has published the MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification for 30 apprenticeships. This is purely a one-year engagement as per the Apprentices Act, 1961.
The interested candidates can apply online from 24 February 2026 to 8 March 2026 through the NATS and Apprenticeship India websites. The selected candidates will be paid a monthly stipend of ₹10,560 to ₹12,300, depending on the apprentice category.
This article contains all the information regarding the vacancy breakup, eligibility, stipend package, selection process, and application process.
MECL Apprentice 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) |
| Post Name | Graduate Apprentice / Technician Apprentice / Trade Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 30 Posts |
| Training Period | 1 Year |
| Stipend | ₹10,560 – ₹12,300 per month |
| Job Locations | Nagpur (Maharashtra), Lachhamangarh & Gorhi Mahloi (Chhattisgarh) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 8 March 2026 |
| Helpline Number | 0712-2510310 (Working Days) |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Begins | 24 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 8 March 2026 |
Vacancy Distribution – Category Wise
Graduate Apprentice – 8 Posts (₹12,300/month)
| Discipline | Qualification | Seats | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical | B.Sc. (Chemical) – 50% | 1 | Nagpur |
| Mechanical | B.E./B.Tech Mechanical – 50% | 3 | Nagpur & Lachhamangarh |
| Geophysics | B.Sc. (Geophysics) – 50% | 1 | Lachhamangarh |
| Geology | B.Sc. (Geology) – 50% | 1 | Lachhamangarh |
| B.Com/BBA | B.Com/BCA – 50% | 2 | Gorhi Mahloi |
| Total | 8 |
Technician Apprentice – 5 Posts (₹10,900/month)
| Discipline | Qualification | Seats | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical | Diploma (Chemical Engg.) – 50% | 1 | Nagpur |
| Mechanical | Diploma (Mechanical Engg.) – 50% | 2 | Nagpur |
| Electrical | Diploma (Electrical Engg.) – 50% | 1 | Nagpur |
| Electronics & Instrumentation | Diploma – 50% | 1 | Nagpur |
| Total | 5 |
Trade Apprentice – 17 Posts
| Trade | Qualification | Seats | Stipend | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COPA | 10th + ITI (COPA) | 7 | ₹10,560 | Nagpur & Lachhamangarh |
| Fitter / Mechanic / Diesel / Machinist | 10th + ITI | 10 | ₹11,040 | All Locations |
| Total | 17 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Graduate Apprentice: Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline with minimum 50% marks.
- Technician Apprentice: 3-year diploma in relevant engineering branch with minimum 50%.
- Trade Apprentice: 10th pass + ITI (NCVT/SCVT recognized).
Candidates who have already completed apprenticeship training earlier under the Act are not eligible.
Age Limit
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Upper age relaxation: As per Government of India apprenticeship rules.
Stipend Structure
| 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 (Technical Trades) | ₹11,040 | 1 Year |
Selection Process
Selection will be conducted purely on a merit basis.
- Shortlisting based on marks in qualifying examination
- Document verification
- Final merit preparation
No written examination is scheduled.
Application Fee
There is no application fee for any category. Registration on both portals is completely free.
How to Apply for MECL Apprentice 2026
For Graduate & Technician Apprentices
Apply through the official NATS portal:
- Register on the NATS portal
- Complete profile details
- Search for MECL establishment
- Upload required documents
- Submit before 8 March 2026
For Trade Apprentices
Apply through Apprenticeship India (NAPS 2.0):
- Register as an apprentice
- Fill educational details
- Search for MECL
- Apply for respective trade
- Submit before the deadline
Quick Acess Links
| Description | Quick Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| Apply Online – Trade Apprentice | Apply Here (Apprenticeship India Portal) |
| Apply Online – Graduate & Technician Apprentice | Apply Here (NATS Portal) |
| Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited Official Website | Visit Official Website |
| Join Our WhatsApp Channel | Click to Join |
Why Apply for MECL Apprentice 2026?
- Central Government PSU Training Opportunity
- Monthly Stipend up to ₹12,300
- Posting at MECL Project Sites in Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh
- 1-Year Structured Apprenticeship Program
- Hands-on Technical & Field Experience
- Merit-Based Selection (No Written Exam)
- Strong Career Value for Future Government & Private Jobs
FAQs
1. What is the last date to apply for MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply online is 8 March 2026.
2. How many posts are available in MECL Apprentice 2026?
There are 30 apprentice vacancies in total.
3. What is the stipend for MECL Apprentices?
The monthly stipend ranges from ₹10,560 to ₹12,300.
4. How will candidates be selected?
Selection is based on academic merit and document verification.
5. Is there any application fee?
No, the application process is completely free for all candidates.
Last Reminder Before Apply
The MECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026 provides a great opportunity for engineering pass-outs, diploma holders, and ITI pass candidates to get practical exposure to the industry in a central PSU. With only 30 seats available and a short period for application, candidates are advised to register for the opportunity before 8 March 2026.
