Hindustan Copper Apprentice Recruitment 2026 has been announced for 171 Trade Apprentice training seats across 19 trades at the Malanjkhand Copper Project (MCP), Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh. Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), a Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, has issued Notification No. HCL/MCP/HR/Trade App./01/2026 dated 3 November 2026 under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
Candidates with Class 10, or Class 10 and ITI in the relevant trade, can apply according to the advertised apprenticeship category. The online application opens on 5 November 2026 at 11:00 AM and closes on 24 November 2026. The standard age band is 18–25 years as on 1 November 2026, with applicable age relaxations.
Two-part application is mandatory: First register and apply for the relevant opportunity through the Government of India Apprenticeship India (NAPS) portal; then complete and submit the HCL online apprentice application through the company’s Careers page. Registering on only one portal is not sufficient. These seats are for training, not regular/permanent jobs; completion does not guarantee employment in HCL.
Hindustan Copper Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Organisation | Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) |
|---|---|
| Project / work location | Malanjkhand Copper Project, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh |
| Notification number | HCL/MCP/HR/Trade App./01/2026 |
| Notification date | 3 November 2026 |
| Post / training category | Trade Apprentice (under Apprentices Act, 1961) |
| Total training seats | 171 |
| Number of trades | 19 |
| Minimum qualification | Class 10 for notified mining/LMV fresher categories; Class 10 plus relevant ITI for other trades |
| Age limit | 18–25 years on 1 November 2026 (ordinary age band) |
| Training period | One year to three years, depending on trade |
| Stipend | Payable under applicable apprenticeship rules; exact amount not stated in the available notice summaries |
| Selection | Merit of 10th/ITI marks, document verification, medical fitness |
| Application fee | No fee amount specified in the recruitment details reviewed |
| Apply online from | 5 November 2026, 11:00 AM |
| Last date | 24 November 2026 |
| Apply | HCL Careers and Apprenticeship India Portal |
Hindustan Copper Apprentice 2026: All 171 Trade-Wise and Category-Wise Seats
Electrician has the largest intake (36), followed by Computer Assistant/COPA (20). This complete table shows the trade-wise seat count, reservation and training duration reported for the November 2026 Malanjkhand notification. Training seats can be revised by HCL; applicants must refer to the latest original advertisement/corrigendum for their exact category and trade.
| Trade | Training | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mate Mines (Fresher) | 3 years | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Shotfirer / Blaster (Mines) | 2 years | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 13 |
| Driver-cum-Mechanic (LMV) | 1 year 3 months | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
| Mechanic Diesel | 1 year | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 10 |
| Fitter | 1 year | 6 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 16 |
| Turner / Machinist | 1 year | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 16 |
| Welder (Gas & Electric) | 1 year | 6 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 16 |
| Electrician | 1 year | 15 | 5 | 2 | 10 | 4 | 36 |
| Draughtsman Civil | 1 year | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Draughtsman Mechanical | 1 year | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Computer Assistant (COPA) | 1 year | 8 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 20 |
| Surveyor | 1 year | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| AC & Refrigeration Mechanic | 1 year | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Mason (Building Constructor) | 1 year | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Carpenter | 1 year | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Plumber | 1 year | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Horticulture Assistant | 1 year | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Instrument Mechanic | 1 year | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 10 |
| Solar Technician (Electrician) | 1 year | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Total | — | 71 | 25 | 12 | 46 | 17 | 171 |
Overall Category-Wise Vacancies
| Category | Seats |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 71 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 25 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 12 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 46 |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 17 |
| Total | 171 |
Educational Qualification: 10th Pass or 10th + ITI
The required qualification depends on the apprenticeship trade; not all 171 seats are open to SSLC-only candidates.
Trades for Class 10 / Matric Candidates
The three listed mining/driving fresher trade categories are Mate Mines (Fresher), Shotfirer/Blaster (Mines) and Driver-cum-Mechanic (LMV). The basic academic qualification for these categories is Class 10 (Matriculation) under the 10+2 system or equivalent. Applicants for a driving-related trade should read the original notice for any extra licence or practical conditions instead of assuming that Matriculation is the only requirement.
Trades Requiring Class 10 and Relevant ITI
Most technical trades—including Electrician, Fitter, COPA, Welder, Diesel Mechanic, Turner/Machinist, Draughtsman, Surveyor, Instrument Mechanic, Plumber and other listed categories—require Class 10 and an ITI certificate in the matching trade from a recognised institute. Ensure that the exact name of the ITI trade corresponds to the published HCL apprenticeship category.
Are Diploma or B.E./B.Tech Graduates Eligible?
Recruitment summaries of this notice specifically state that applicants holding higher professional qualifications such as an engineering diploma or B.E./B.Tech (or equivalent professional qualification) are not eligible for this Trade Apprentice engagement. Therefore, do not assume that a higher engineering qualification makes an applicant eligible instead of the advertised ITI certificate.
Age Limit and Age Relaxation
Age is calculated on 1 November 2026. The ordinary age band is 18–25 years, while eligible reserved-category applicants may receive relaxation according to the notification and current apprenticeship rules.
| Category | Reported upper-age concession |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved / EWS | 18–25 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Up to 3 additional years, where eligible |
| SC / ST | Up to 5 additional years, where eligible |
| PwBD / other eligible categories | As provided in applicable rules and original notice |
Use the date of birth recorded in the accepted Class 10 certificate and keep the prescribed category certificate ready when claiming relaxation.
Training Duration and Hindustan Copper Apprentice Stipend
Training lengths vary: Mate Mines (Fresher) is three years; Shotfirer/Blaster (Mines) two years; Driver-cum-Mechanic (LMV) one year and three months; all the remaining listed trade groups are reported as one year.
HCL describes the apprenticeship stipend as payable under the Apprentices Act and applicable rules. The notification summaries checked do not provide a fixed monthly stipend amount for each trade. This is a statutory training stipend and must not be described as the wage scale of a permanent HCL employee.
After training: Apprenticeship completion does not create an automatic right to a regular job with Hindustan Copper Limited.
Selection Process: Merit Based on Class 10 and ITI Marks
No separate written recruitment examination or interview has been indicated for the trade apprentice merit selection. Shortlisting is reported to be based on Class 10 and ITI qualifying marks, followed by verification of original certificates and medical fitness.
For ITI trades, current reproductions of the notice report the merit formula as 70% weightage for Class 10 marks and 30% for ITI marks. For the non-ITI Class 10 categories, the Class 10 result is the relevant qualification-merit basis. The official HCL rules and category-wise selection criteria prevail if a revised notice changes this formula.
Shortlist publication is scheduled for 8 December 2026. The final verification and joining/training dates will be communicated by HCL.
Application Fee
A fee amount is not specified in the accessible notice details. Multiple current recruitment summaries report no application fee for apprentice registration, but candidates should follow the original notification and official HCL/NAPS application portals. Do not make any payment to unauthorised intermediaries promising a selection letter.
Important Dates
| Event | Date and time |
|---|---|
| Notification issued | 3 November 2026 |
| Age / qualification reference date | 1 November 2026 |
| Online applications start | 5 November 2026, 11:00 AM |
| Last date to apply online | 24 November 2026 |
| Scheduled publication of shortlist | 8 December 2026 |
| Document verification / medical examination | To be notified |
| Training begins | To be notified |
How to Apply for Hindustan Copper Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Two separate actions are essential. Keep your personal details, Class 10/ITI details and trade choice consistent on both websites.
Step 1: Apprenticeship India Portal (NAPS)
- Visit the Government Apprenticeship India portal.
- Register or sign in as a candidate and complete the required apprenticeship profile, including identity, academic/trade details and necessary verification.
- Locate the establishment Hindustan Copper Limited – Malanjkhand Copper Project and find the opportunity matching your trade, where available.
- Apply to the appropriate apprenticeship opportunity. Save the apprenticeship registration number (A-number) and relevant application acknowledgement.
Step 2: HCL Online Apprentice Application
- Open Hindustan Copper Limited’s official Careers page.
- Select HCL/MCP/HR/Trade App./01/2026 – Engagement of Trade Apprentices at Malanjkhand Copper Project once the online application opens on 5 November at 11 AM.
- Complete the HCL form with your personal details, apprenticeship registration number, educational qualification, trade, category and contact details.
- Upload the image and supporting files in the exact formats prescribed by the HCL form. Current reports describe photo and signature in JPG format below 50 KB each; ITI pass-outs from 2025 or earlier may also need to upload the prescribed affidavit as PDF below 1 MB. Check the actual form instructions.
- Review everything and submit by 24 November 2026. Save/print the completed HCL application and acknowledgement.
Application warning: An NAPS registration number alone is not an HCL apprentice application. Complete both government-apprenticeship registration/application and the HCL form. Use the 2026 Malanjkhand notice, not a recruitment link from HCL’s earlier 2025 or January 2026 apprentice drives.
Important Links – Official Notification and Apply Online
| Document / application | Official link |
|---|---|
| HCL 171 Trade Apprentice Notification 2026 (PDF) | Download original HCL notification |
| Apply Online – HCL Trade Apprentice 2026 | Hindustan Copper Careers – Select HCL/MCP/HR/Trade App./01/2026 |
| Government Apprenticeship Registration (NAPS) | Apprenticeship India Portal |
| More Apprenticeship Updates | Geosial Eduland Apprentice Jobs |
| More ITI Vacancies | Geosial Eduland ITI Jobs |
| More 10th Pass Jobs | Geosial Eduland 10th Pass Jobs |
Link clarification: The HCL careers page is the official place to access the 2026 application. A separate direct URL to the live HCL form was not independently confirmed before opening on 5 November; the link here goes to the official company careers listing, not a fabricated direct form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many seats are available in Hindustan Copper Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
171 apprenticeship training seats across 19 trades at the Malanjkhand Copper Project.
Can a 10th-pass candidate without ITI apply?
Yes, for the specific Mate Mines, Shotfirer/Blaster and Driver-cum-Mechanic (LMV) categories for which Class 10 is the basic listed academic qualification. Most other trades require a recognised ITI certificate.
How many Electrician vacancies are advertised?
36, the largest individual trade allocation.
What is the age limit?
Normally 18–25 years on 1 November 2026. Reserved-category relaxation applies as notified.
When can candidates start applying?
The HCL online application is scheduled to open at 11:00 AM on 5 November 2026.
What is the last date?
24 November 2026.
Is there a written test?
No separate written selection test is indicated. Selection is based on qualification marks, followed by verification and medical fitness.
Do candidates need to apply on two different websites?
Yes. Complete registration/application on Apprenticeship India and separately submit the HCL online application.
What stipend will apprentices receive?
HCL states that the stipend is governed by the applicable apprenticeship rules. A specific trade-wise amount was not independently confirmed from this notice.
Are these permanent Hindustan Copper jobs?
No. This is an apprenticeship training engagement and does not guarantee permanent employment.
Editorial source note (4 November 2026): Hindustan Copper’s official Careers listing confirms the advertisement identifier and application window. The trade-wise table, qualification groups, age conditions, shortlist date and selection rules have been cross-checked against contemporary reproductions of Notification HCL/MCP/HR/Trade App./01/2026. The PDF URL supplied by the reader could not be retrieved directly for final page-by-page checking. Applicants should verify trade-specific restrictions, category certificates, documents and any subsequent corrections in the original official PDF before submitting their application.
