Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Marketing Division
Last Date: 31 July 2026

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited has opened online registration for 358 Graduate Apprentice Trainee posts in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Instrumentation engineering. The application window runs from 15 July to 31 July 2026, and the engagement is spread across 25 states and union territories under HPCL's Marketing Division. This is a one year apprenticeship under the Apprentices Act, 1961, with a monthly stipend of Rs 25,000.

HPCL Graduate Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview

HPCL Graduate Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Quick Intro

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is one of India's leading public sector oil and gas companies. It operates refineries, pipelines, LPG plants, fuel terminals, and a large network of retail outlets across the country. Its Marketing Division has now opened the 2026-27 cycle of Graduate Apprentice Trainee engagement for engineering graduates in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Instrumentation streams, spread across training locations in 25 states and union territories.

One important point to understand is that HPCL may conduct Graduate Apprentice recruitment in different cycles based on its requirements. The Marketing Division opened a similar recruitment in February 2026 with 608 training slots, barely five months before this one and now for this recruitment cycle trainning slots has come down to 358, a drop of nearly 41%, which means the number of apprenticeship positions can vary from one recruitment cycle to another depending on how many apprentices the corporation currently needs across its offices. 

Vacancy Details

The total currently available vacancy slots are 358, Here is how these training slots are distributed across states: 

> Candidates should note that there is no official information of branch-wise distribution of training positions within each state. As a result, applicants cannot determine in advance how many positions are available for Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation Engineering in a particular state.
Maharashtra has the highest number training slots close to 18 percent of all, which completely understandable as HPCL's large refinery and marketing infrastructure concentrated in and around Mumbai. Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. On the otherhand, states like Nagaland and the Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu union territory have only one or two seats each. Candidates should carefully check the state-wise vacancy details before submitting their application. Since the reservation policy is applied within the vacancies of each state.

Application Fee

As per the available recruitment details, no application fee has been prescribed for this Graduate Apprentice engagement, and eligible candidates can complete the online application without paying an application fee. Earlier HPCL apprentice cycles in 2025 and early 2026 also did not charge any fee. However, candidates are still advised to carefully check the official application portal and notifications before submitting the form, because if there is any update or change regarding the application fee, the official HPCL website will provide the latest information.

Age Limit

Candidates age should be between 18 to 25 years, calculated as on 31 July 2026, which is also the last date of the application. Category wise age relaxation applies as follows:

Note: An 18 to 25 age limit is slightly strict for an engineering apprenticeship, especially if we compare with many other PSUs allow for similar apprentice engagements elsewhere. Candidates those who exceed the upper age limit can apply only if they are eligible for age relaxation under the applicable reserved category or other provisions specified by HPCL.

Educational Qualification

Only candidates who have completed a full-time B.E. or B.Tech degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation Engineering are eligible to apply for this Graduate Apprentice recruitment. Diploma holders and candidates from other engineering branches such as Computer Science, Chemical or Electronics are not eligible for this recruitment. 

Candidates belonging to the General and OBC-NCL categories must have secured at least 60% aggregate marks in their qualifying engineering degree, and 50 percent for SC/ST and PwBD candidates. If your university awards marks in the form of CGPA, GPA, or letter grades, you should convert them into a percentage using the official conversion formula prescribed by your university or institute. Candidates are also advised to keep the conversion certificate issued by their institution ready, as it may be required during document verification.

Note: Candidates must also satisfy the graduation cut-off date i.e., only those who have completed their B.E. or B.Tech degree on or after 1 September 2023 are eligible to apply for this Graduate Apprentice recruitment. Candidates who completed their engineering degree before 1 September 2023 are not eligible for this recruitment, even if they meet all other eligibility conditions.

Selection Process

The selection process for this Graduate Apprentice recruitment is based only on the marks obtained in the qualifying engineering degree. As per the official notification, there is no written examination, computer-based test (CBT), or interview for this recruitment. Eligible candidates will be shortlisted based on their qualifying degree percentage, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions and the number of available training positions.

Candidates shortlisted on the basis of merit will be called for document verification, at a ratio of 1:5 against the number of available training positions, so for a state with 10 seats, roughly 50 candidates by merit rank would typically be called for verification, though HPCL keeps the right to adjust this. No travel allowance is paid for attending document verification, and a final merit list is prepared only from candidates who clear that verification stage.

Because there is no written examination or interview, the marks obtained in the qualifying engineering degree play the most important role in the selection process. Document verification, category certificates and a valid tri-partite apprenticeship contract on NATS are the only other factors in this recruitment and failure to complete these formalities or submit the required documents may affect the final selection.

Salary, Job Location and Service Conditions

The stipend is fixed at Rs 25,000 per month for every selected apprentice, regardless of state or engineering branch. Of this, HPCL pays Rs 20,500 directly, and the remaining Rs 4,500 comes from the Govt. of India through the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme, other than this no other assistance or any other allowance will be provided.

You choose one preferred state at the time of application, and HPCL places you for training somewhere within that state based on requirement and seat availability at the time. You cannot pick the exact city or office, and also multiple state preferences are not allowed, so keep this in mind because you will not be able to change it later.

The engagement runs for exactly one year under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This is training, not employment, therefore, completion of the apprenticeship doesn't guarantee permanent or temporary employment in HPCL, however, eligible apprentices may receive certain benefits in future HPCL recruitments, such as age relaxation equal to the apprenticeship period (up to one year) and a 5% grace in marks in the computer-based test (CBT) for eligible regular recruitment, subject to the applicable recruitment rules and conditions.

How to Apply

1. Before submitting the HPCL online application, candidates should register on the NATS 2.0 portal and obtain the required approval from the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT), as this is a mandatory requirement
2. Go to the HPCL Apprentice Application Link available in the Important Links section below and choose Sign up for New Registration.
3. Wait for your login ID and password, which HPCL's Apprentice Team sends to your registered email.
4. Sign in with those credentials and select your Engineering Branch from the dropdown, matching the streams mentioned in the advertisement.
5. Fill in your Personal Details and click Validate your details, correcting anything the system flags as an error.
6. Click Save & Next to move to Contact Details, and enter your correspondence and permanent address along with a working contact number.
7. Select your one preferred State of Training from the dropdown. You can choose only one state, so decide before submitting.
8. Move to Qualification Details and enter your degree information exactly as it appears on your marksheets and certificates.
9. Upload a recent passport sized photograph and your signature in the format specified on the portal.
10. Use the Preview option to recheck every field, and go back to correct anything before you finalise.
11. Read the declaration carefully, tick the required boxes, and click Final Submit. 
12. Save the confirmation email HPCL sends with your HPCL Application Number, since you will need it for any future correspondence.

Required Documents and Important Instructions

Keep your engineering degree certificate and semester-wise or year-wise marksheets ready, along with the percentage conversion certificate from your institute if your degree shows CGPA instead of a direct percentage. You will also need a valid photo ID, your NATS registration details, and category certificates if you are applying under SC, ST, OBC-NC or PwBD.

Reserved category candidates need to submit their certificates in the exact format HPCL prescribes, downloadable from hpclcareers.com under the Downloads section for Apprentices (a direct link is also provided in the Important Links section below). Your caste or community name must match word for word with how it appears in the central government's official list for that category, and any mismatch may lead to certificate rejection.

OBC-NC candidates should note that their category certificate must be based on their father's home state, not the state they currently live in if they have migrated. The certificate must also mention that the candidate doesn't fall under the creamy layer, and candidates who do fall under creamy layer have to apply as Unreserved, and no relaxation applies to them despite belonging to an OBC community.

One important requirement for this recruitment is the mandatory registration on the NATS 2.0 portal along with the required approval from the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT). This process is separate from the HPCL online application and must be completed as per the official guidelines.

Read the important points below to understand this recruitment better:

Your Degree Marks Decide the Selection

One important feature of this recruitment is that there is no written examination or interview. The selection is based entirely on the marks obtained in the qualifying engineering degree, therefore, candidates should ensure that their academic details are entered correctly in the application form, and those whose universities award CGPA or GPA should use the official percentage conversion formula and keep the required conversion certificate ready.

Complete the NATS Process Before Applying to HPCL

HPCL will not even consider your application unless you are already registered and approved on the NATS 2.0 portal and by the Board of Apprenticeship Training, this is a separate and mandatory process. As of 2026, NATS registration also requires linking an APAAR ID. Candidates are advised to complete the NATS registration and approval process well before the application deadline, as approvals may take time.

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❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many vacancies does this HPCL apprentice recruitment have?

There are 358 training slots for Graduate Apprentice Trainee (Engineering) this cycle, spread across 25 states and union territories under HPCL's Marketing Division. Maharashtra carries the largest share with 64 slots, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.

What is the last date to apply?

Online applications close on 31 July 2026. The window opened on 15 July 2026, giving candidates roughly two weeks to register on NATS 2.0, complete the HPCL form and upload documents.

Who is eligible for this apprenticeship?

Indian nationals holding an engineering degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Instrumentation, completed on or after 1 September 2023, are eligible. Candidates also need active NATS 2.0 registration and BOAT approval, and must not hold work experience of one year or more.

What is the age limit, including relaxations?

The base band is 18 to 25 years as on 31 July 2026. SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation, OBC-NC candidates get 3 years, and PwBD candidates get 10 years, as per government norms under the Apprentices Act.

What qualification does HPCL require for this post?

You need a full engineering degree, not a diploma, in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or Instrumentation, with 60 percent aggregate marks for General and OBC-NC candidates and 50 percent for SC/ST and PwBD candidates across all semesters or years.

What does the selection process involve?

Selection runs purely on your qualifying degree percentage, with no written exam. HPCL shortlists candidates for document verification in a 1:5 ratio against training slots, then prepares a final merit list from those who clear verification.

What is the stipend for this apprenticeship?

Selected apprentices get Rs 25,000 per month, split as Rs 20,500 from HPCL and Rs 4,500 from the Government of India under the DBT scheme. This amount stays the same regardless of state or engineering branch.

Is there an application fee for this recruitment?

The notification does not mention any fee for any category. Earlier HPCL apprentice cycles in 2025 and early 2026 also did not charge a fee, though candidates should confirm this on the payment section of the application portal.

How do I apply for the HPCL apprentice recruitment online?

Register on NATS 2.0 and get BOAT approval first, then sign up on HPCL's apprentice portal at jobs.hpcl.co.in, fill in personal, contact and qualification details, upload your photo and signature, and submit before 31 July 2026.

What is the official website for this recruitment?

Applications and further updates are available at jobs.hpcl.co.in and hpclcareers.com. Reserved category certificate formats are downloadable from hpclcareers.com under the Downloads section for Apprentices.

Does this apprenticeship guarantee a permanent job at HPCL afterward?

No. HPCL states clearly that completing the apprenticeship does not create any right to permanent or temporary employment. It does offer up to one year of age relaxation and a 5 percent marks grace in future HPCL recruitment exams.

Can I apply for more than one state or submit multiple applications?

No. You can select only one preferred state of training, and HPCL allows only one application per candidate. Submitting multiple applications leads to rejection of your candidature.

Conclusion

We hope the information provided above has helped you understand this recruitment process. So, now Before filling out the HPCL online application form, the most important step is to complete your NATS 2.0 registration and obtain BOAT approval, as both are mandatory for this apprenticeship, and since the NATS registration process is separate from the HPCL application portal and may take some time for approval, candidates are advised to complete it as early as possible because the last date of application sumission is 31 July 2026.

After the application process is completed, candidates should regularly check the email address registered in their application, as HPCL will communicate important updates and information to shortlisted candidates through the registered email. Also for any updates after the release of the notification, such as changes in important dates, vacancy details, or other recruitment information, candidates should always refer to the official HPCL Careers portal. (you can also bookmark this page and follow our social media handles such as telegram and WhatsApp for quick updates)

This article is based on the official notification and simplified for easy understanding. For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official website.