HPCL Graduate Apprentice Trainees Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 608 Posts

HPCL Graduate Apprentice Trainees Recruitment 2026: Comprehensive Guide

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), a prominent Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has released a massive recruitment notification for Graduate Apprentice Trainees for the year 2026-27. With a total of 608 vacancies spanning across various engineering disciplines, this notification is a superb stepping stone for fresh engineering graduates who wish to kickstart their career in the core energy sector. Apprenticeship at HPCL not only offers practical on-ground experience but also adds significant value to a fresher's resume.

About Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)

HPCL is a globally renowned energy major and ranks highly in the Fortune Global 500 list. It operates two major coastal refineries in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam, alongside numerous terminal pipelines, aviation service facilities, and a massive retail network across India. Working with HPCL under the Apprentice Act, 1961 gives graduates a unique chance to experience industrial workflows, safety standards, corporate discipline, and advanced refining technologies that are impossible to learn purely through academic books.

Job Profile and Training Framework

The selected Graduate Apprentice Trainees will undergo a specialized one-year training program. During this period, candidates will be deployed across various operational departments such as Mechanical Maintenance, Civil Infrastructure, Electrical Substations, and Instrumentation & Control sections. The core responsibility of an apprentice is to shadow senior engineers, learn the functioning of heavy machinery, understand plant safety protocols, assist in daily maintenance scheduling, and gain hands-on proficiency in their respective engineering domains. This acts as an excellent bridge between theoretical college knowledge and practical industry demands.

Stipend and Benefits

While an apprenticeship is a training period and not a permanent employment offer, HPCL ensures that its trainees are well compensated. Graduate Apprentices will receive a fixed monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000/-. This amount is highly competitive compared to standard apprenticeship stipends in India and helps candidates comfortably manage their living expenses. In addition to the stipend, trainees benefit from world-class industrial exposure, networking opportunities with industry veterans, and a certification upon completion which is highly respected in both public and private sectors.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Candidates aspiring to apply for the HPCL Graduate Apprentice Trainee posts must hold a full-time Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology (B.E./B.Tech) from an AICTE/UGC recognized university or institute. The acceptable disciplines include Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electrical & Electronics, Instrumentation, Electronics & Communication, and Computer Science engineering.
Marks Requirement: Unreserved (UR), OBC-NC, and EWS candidates must have an aggregate of 60% marks in their degree, whereas SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are given a relaxation, requiring 50% aggregate marks. Candidates who have passed their graduation on or after 01.04.2023 are only eligible to apply.

Age Limit and Relaxations

The age limit for this recruitment is strictly maintained. The minimum age of the applicant should be 18 years, and the maximum age is capped at 25 years. However, relaxation in the upper age limit is provided strictly as per Government of India guidelines: 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC-NC candidates, and 10 years for PwBD candidates. The cutoff date for age calculation is specified in the official notification.

Selection Process Details

The selection process for HPCL Apprentice 2026 is transparent and merit-based. Firstly, candidates will be shortlisted based on the aggregate marks scored in their qualifying engineering degree. Shortlisted candidates will then be called for a Personal Interview, which may happen either in person or via a virtual platform. The final merit list will be drawn by giving weightage to the academic scores and the interview performance. Document verification and a standard medical fitness test will follow before the final joining letter is issued.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Instructions

To avoid rejection, candidates must follow the application procedure precisely:
1. First, candidates must enroll themselves on the National Web Portal for Apprenticeship (NATS 2.0) at www.nats.education.gov.in and complete their profile verification.
2. After NATS enrollment, visit the official HPCL career portal at www.hindustanpetroleum.com.
3. Go to the 'Careers' section -> 'Job Openings' -> 'Engagement of Graduate Apprentice Trainees'.
4. Click on 'Apply Online', fill in the required personal and educational details, and enter the 16-digit NATS enrollment number.
5. Upload the required scanned documents (photograph, signature, degree certificates).
6. Submit the form and print the final confirmation page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Does this apprenticeship lead to a permanent job in HPCL?
No, as per the Apprentice Act, this is strictly a one-year training program. However, the experience gained is highly beneficial for future jobs in PSUs and the private sector.
Q2. Can Diploma holders apply for this post?
No, this particular notification is strictly for Graduate (B.E./B.Tech) engineers. Diploma holders may look for Technician Apprentice notifications.
Q3. Is there any application fee?
No application fee is required to be paid by any candidate.