Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), Chhattisgarh, has announced engagement of apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961 for the year 2026-27. This major industrial training drive invites online applications for exactly 710 vacancies across Trade (ITI), Technician (Diploma), and Graduate Apprentice disciplines. Eligible candidates can register on the Apprenticeship India and NATS portals until 20 October 2026. Selected apprentices receive monthly stipends and comprehensive practical heavy metallurgy and engineering training.
SAIL Bhilai Apprentice 2026: Trade & Vacancy Distribution
The 710 apprenticeship positions are divided across key mechanical, electrical, and fabrication trades:
| Trade / Engineering Discipline | Engagement Category | Vacancies | Prescribed Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | Trade Apprentice | 95 Posts | 10th pass + ITI in Electrician trade (NCVT/SCVT) |
| Fitter | Trade Apprentice | 80 Posts | 10th pass + ITI in Fitter trade |
| Welder (Gas & Electric) | Trade Apprentice | 65 Posts | 10th pass + ITI in Welder trade |
| Machinist & Turner | Trade Apprentice | 50 Posts | 10th pass + ITI in Machinist/Turner trade |
| Mechanical / Electrical Engineering | Technician Apprentice | 180 Posts | 3-Year Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering |
| Metallurgy & Chemical Engineering | Graduate Apprentice | 240 Posts | B.E. / B.Tech in Metallurgy, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering |
Selection Process and Exam Pattern
Selection for apprentice engagement is strictly merit-based without written examination, evaluated through academic qualifying scores:
- Academic Marks Evaluation: Merit lists are formulated based on aggregate marks obtained in the qualifying ITI, Diploma, or Engineering degree examination from NCVT/SCVT or AICTE approved institutions.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates undergo physical certificate verification at the HR-Learning and Development Centre (L&D), Bhilai Steel Plant, Bhilai, Durg District, Chhattisgarh.
- Pre-Engagement Medical Fitness: Selected candidates must satisfy the plant medical officer regarding physical fitness standards required for heavy industrial and metallurgical plant operations.
Previous Years Cutoff Trends and Qualifying Marks
Because selection does not involve an objective written exam, the merit cutoff is governed by ITI, diploma, and degree marks percentages:
- Trade Apprentice Cutoff: Historic qualifying merit in high-demand trades like Electrician and Fitter has ranged between 78% and 86% in ITI aggregate marks. Welder and Machinist cutoffs typically range between 72% and 80%.
- Diploma & Graduate Cutoff: Technical and Graduate streams historically record cutoff ranges between 72% and 81% across recognized university programs in mechanical, electrical, and metallurgical engineering.
- Reservation Quotas: Statutory reservations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD categories are applied in compliance with the Apprenticeship Rules and directives of the Government of Chhattisgarh.
Monthly Stipend and Training Entitlements
Apprentices engaged at Bhilai Steel Plant receive consolidated monthly stipends prescribed under the Apprentices Act, 1961:
- Trade (ITI) Apprentices: Statutory monthly stipend ranging from Rs. 7,700 to Rs. 8,050 per month based on trade duration.
- Technician (Diploma) Apprentices: Fixed monthly stipend of Rs. 8,000 per month.
- Graduate (Degree) Apprentices: Fixed monthly stipend of Rs. 9,000 per month.
- Plant Facilities: Apprentices receive specialized industrial safety gear, access to plant medical dispensary facilities for emergency treatment, and heavy engineering workshop mentorship.
Candidate Guidelines and Aspirant Suggestions
- Apprenticeship India Portal Registration: ITI candidates must establish a 100% verified profile on www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and apply against establishment code E03162200011 (Bhilai Steel Plant). Ensure candidate name and date of birth match your 10th marksheet exactly.
- NATS 2.0 Portal Registration: Diploma and Graduate candidates must register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal (nats.education.gov.in) and select Bhilai Steel Plant under establishment search.
- Passing Year Restriction: Only candidates who have passed their qualifying degree or diploma within the last three financial years and have not previously undergone apprentice training are eligible.
- Medical Certificate: Obtain a standard medical fitness certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner prior to reporting for document verification.
- Stipend Direct Benefit Transfer: Link your Aadhaar number to an active savings bank account to receive monthly government stipends via Direct Benefit Transfer without administrative delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for SAIL Bhilai Apprentice 2026?
The deadline to submit online applications on the designated apprenticeship portals is 20 October 2026.
How many vacancies are offered in this training engagement?
There are a total of 710 vacancies across Trade (ITI), Technician (Diploma), and Graduate Apprentice streams.
Is there any written test for SAIL Bhilai Apprenticeship?
No. Selection is conducted strictly on the basis of marks scored in qualifying degree, diploma, or ITI examinations.
Is there any application fee charged by SAIL?
No application fee is required to apply for apprenticeship training on government apprenticeship portals.
What is the duration of the training program?
The apprenticeship training is conducted for a period of 1 year in accordance with the Apprentices Act, 1961.