Comprehensive Overview & Notification Background
The Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Hyderabad, an industrial unit under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India, has released an official notification inviting applications from eligible engineering graduates and diploma holders for engagement as Graduate and Diploma Engineering Apprentices for the training year 2026-27. This apprenticeship program offers a total of 106 vacancies across 8 diploma engineering branches and 5 graduate engineering branches.
This initiative aims to provide practical, hands-on industrial exposure in advanced nuclear technology manufacturing, metallurgical processing, chemical equipment operation, and precision engineering. Selected candidates will undergo a one-year apprenticeship training period in accordance with the Apprentices Act, 1961 (as amended). Qualified and interested candidates must register and apply online through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal before the stipulated deadline of 16 September 2026.
Vacancies Breakdown & Educational Eligibility Criteria
The recruitment drive covers 106 seats distributed across multiple technical streams. The eligibility conditions mandate strict adherence to academic qualification norms standard for technical apprenticeships in public sector undertakings.
Vacancy Distribution
- Graduate Engineering Apprentices: Available across 5 specialized engineering branches including Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, and Civil Engineering.
- Diploma Engineering Apprentices: Available across 8 specialized diploma branches including Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Metallurgy, Civil, Instrumentation, Electronics, and Computer Science/IT.
Educational Qualification Requirements
- Graduate Engineering Apprentices: Candidates must possess a full-time 4-year B.E. or B.Tech degree in the relevant discipline awarded by a recognized University or Institution.
- Diploma Engineering Apprentices: Candidates must hold a 3-year Diploma in Engineering in the relevant discipline awarded by a recognized State Board of Technical Education or university.
- General Eligibility Note: Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act in any organization, or who possess one year or more of job experience after acquiring the essential qualification, are not eligible to apply.
Age Limit, Age Relaxation Rules, & Reservation Policy
The age parameters for apprenticeship engagement at NFC Hyderabad align with the statutory provisions of the Apprenticeship Rules and government guidelines:
- Minimum Age: Candidates must have attained the age of 18 years as of the date specified in the official notification.
- Age Relaxation: Standard upper age relaxation applies for reserved categories as per Central Government directives:
- SC / ST Candidates: Relaxation up to 5 years.
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Candidates: Relaxation up to 3 years.
- PwBD Candidates: Relaxation up to 10 years (subject to medical fitness criteria for industrial technical training).
- Reservation Policy: Category-wise seat allocation (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD) will strictly adhere to prevailing Central Government reservation rosters.
Pay Scale, Salary Structure, Allowance, & Perks
Apprentices engaged at Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) Hyderabad receive a monthly stipend designed to cover basic expenses during the training tenure. Stipend details are governed by the revised NATS rules:
| Apprentice Category | Monthly Stipend Details | Perks & Allowances |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Engineering Apprentice | Prescribed Rate as per Apprenticeship Rules (approx. ₹9,000/- per month) | Access to industrial facilities, training certification upon completion, medical first-aid coverage at plant premises. |
| Diploma Engineering Apprentice | Prescribed Rate as per Apprenticeship Rules (approx. ₹8,000/- per month) | Practical technical guidance, library access, Plant safety exposure, completion certificate. |
Note: Apprentices are not entitled to statutory allowances such as DA, HRA, or transport allowance as they are trainees rather than permanent staff.
Selection Process
The selection methodology for NFC Hyderabad Apprenticeship 2026-27 is transparent, objective, and performance-driven. It primarily relies on academic evaluation and verified credentials.
- Initial Screening / Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on the aggregate percentage or CGPA obtained in their qualifying engineering degree or diploma examination.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates are invited to NFC Hyderabad for physical verification of original certificates, mark sheets, category certificates, and identity proof.
- Medical Fitness Examination: Final engagement is subject to passing the mandatory pre-engagement medical examination conducted by the designated medical authority of NFC.
Detailed Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
There is no traditional written competitive exam or online test for this apprenticeship intake. Selection is derived entirely from academic merit in the qualifying engineering or diploma course.
| Selection Stage | Evaluation Basis | Weightage / Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Merit Screening | Aggregate Percentage in B.E./B.Tech or Diploma | 100% weightage for provisional shortlisting list generation. |
| Document Verification | Original Certificates & ID Proof Check | Qualifying in nature (Mandatory). |
| Medical Fitness | NFC Medical Standards Check | Qualifying in nature (Mandatory). |
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fill the Online Application Form
Candidates must process their application exclusively online via the official National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal. Follow the comprehensive guide below:
- Portal Registration: Visit the official NATS portal at
nats.education.gov.in. If you are a new user, click on the Student Register link and complete the initial enrollment. - Profile Completion: Log in using your credentials, fill in personal details, educational qualifications, upload photo, signature, and qualifying degree/diploma certificates. Ensure all percentage details are entered accurately.
- Search Establishment: Navigate to the Establishment Request / Apply for Apprenticeship section on the dashboard.
- Find NFC Hyderabad: Search for Nuclear Fuel Complex, Hyderabad or search using the establishment code if available in the official notification.
- Submit Application: Select the relevant course/discipline matching your educational qualification and click on the 'Apply' button.
- Confirmation: Download and save the application submission receipt for future reference. No physical printout needs to be posted to the NFC office unless specifically directed later.
Important Guidelines & Documents Required for Verification
Selected candidates called for physical document verification at Hyderabad must bring original documents along with self-attested photocopies. Essential documents include:
- Printout of the NATS registered application form / profile summary.
- Class 10th (SSC) Mark Sheet / Certificate for proof of date of birth.
- Degree or Diploma Passing Certificate and consolidated mark sheets for all semesters.
- Valid Caste/Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) in Central Government format.
- Disability Certificate issued by a competent medical authority (if applicable).
- Aadhaar Card or valid Photo Identity Proof.
- Recent passport-size photographs (minimum 4 copies).
- Bank Account details linked with Aadhaar for direct stipend transfer (DBT).