POWERGRID Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Apprentice (ITI-Electrician, Diploma Electrical, Diploma Civil, Graduate Electrical, Graduate Civil)

Yes. This is an all-India recruitment. Candidates from any Indian state may apply, irrespective of domicile. However, after selection, you may be posted to any POWERGRID regional office across India based on operational needs. You cannot request posting in your home state; acceptance of the offered location is mandatory.

Required documents: (1) Recent passport-size photograph (white background, 100×400 pixels, .jpg/.png, max 400 KB); (2) ITI certificate (for ITI-Electrician) or Diploma certificate (for Diploma courses) or Degree certificate (for Graduate courses); (3) 10th standard marksheet and pass certificate; (4) Caste certificate if you claim SC/ST/OBC/EWS reservation; (5) Identity proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License, or PAN); (6) Any additional documents mentioned in the notification (e.g., domicile certificate if required by your state). All documents except the photo must be scanned as PDF or JPG, clear and legible.

No official physical fitness test is mandated for POWERGRID apprentices. However, the role involves fieldwork, climbing substations, and lifting equipment; candidates must be physically fit. Medical examination during document verification checks for fitness to perform duties. Candidates with mobility issues or serious health conditions may face challenges.

POWERGRID does not cap the number of attempts for apprentice recruitment. However, age is the limiting factor: you must be 18–26 years old (or within the relaxed limit if eligible). You can apply in each new apprentice recruitment cycle until you exceed the age limit. There is no restriction on re-applying in future years if you are not selected in the current cycle.

In-hand salaries (after ~10% NPS deduction): ITI-Electrician ₹12,150/month, Diploma Electrical ₹13,500/month, Diploma Civil ₹13,500/month, Graduate Electrical ₹15,750/month, Graduate Civil ₹15,750/month. First payment arrives 30–45 days after joining, once payroll processing is complete. During the interim, you may receive an advance from POWERGRID or relocation assistance at your posting location.

Posting location is decided by POWERGRID based on operational requirements and is not negotiable. Posting is typically in states with high POWERGRID presence: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. You cannot request a specific state or city. Relocation to your posting location is mandatory within 15 days of offer letter issue. Plan for relocation costs and temporary accommodation if needed.

As per standard government rules: OBC candidates get 3 years' age relaxation (upper limit 29 years instead of 26); SC/ST candidates get 5 years' relaxation (upper limit 31 years); PwD candidates get 10 years' relaxation (upper limit 36 years), applicable across all categories. If you are an OBC/SC/ST/PwD candidate, calculate your effective upper limit and ensure you are within it at the time of application closure (10 September 2026). Use the age calculator tool to confirm your eligibility.

Yes, you may apply during your final year of ITI, Diploma, or Degree. However, your qualification (certificate/degree) must be in hand and awarded before the application closing date (10 September 2026). If your final exams are scheduled after the closing date, you cannot apply yet; defer to the next recruitment cycle. If your degree is conferred between the closing date and joining date, notify POWERGRID immediately with your pass certificate and final marksheet.

At the end of 12 months, POWERGRID conducts a final assessment combining theory exam, practical test, and supervisor performance rating. Candidates scoring 60%+ in the assessment are typically offered permanent absorption as Junior Engineers (or equivalent, based on trade) with salary jump to ₹30,000–₹45,000/month (Level 2–3 pay band). Those scoring below 60% are released without further obligation and no contractual entitlement to permanent employment. Absorption is merit-based and not guaranteed; perform well during apprenticeship to maximize your chances.

Stage 1: Online written exam (trade-specific knowledge, general knowledge, English/Hindi, reasoning) — typically 60–90 questions, 60–90 minutes, with negative marking (0.25–0.5 per wrong answer). Qualifying marks usually 40–50%. Stage 2: Personal interview (15–20 minutes) assessing technical knowledge, communication, and motivation — out of 100 marks. Qualifying marks 40–50%. Stage 3: Document verification (original certificates checked against application data) — no marks, but disqualification if discrepancies found. Final merit list: written exam (60%) + interview (40%), with category-wise reservations applied at final selection stage.

Application closing date is 10 September 2026. No applications are accepted after this date, even if submitted minutes after the deadline. The portal closes at the official closing time (usually 5:00 PM IST). Submit your application at least 2–3 days before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues or internet outages. Late applications result in automatic rejection.