Mumbai/Visakhapatnam: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), a prominent Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise, has officially invited applications for its Graduate Apprentice Trainee program within the Refineries Division for the 2026-27 session. This recruitment drive is specifically aimed at engineering graduates who are looking to bridge the gap between their academic training and professional industry standards. The program offers a total of 250 training slots, strategically divided between two of HPCL’s major refinery locations: the Mumbai Refinery in Maharashtra, which has 120 available positions, and the Visakh Refinery in Andhra Pradesh, offering 130 positions.
The eligibility criteria for this prestigious apprenticeship are clearly defined to ensure the selection of high-caliber candidates. Applicants must possess a full-time regular engineering degree in core disciplines, including Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, and Computer Science or Information Technology. To be eligible, candidates from the General and OBC-NC categories must have secured a minimum of 60% aggregate marks across all semesters, while a relaxed requirement of 50% aggregate marks is applicable for SC, ST, and PwBD candidates. Furthermore, only those who have completed their engineering graduation on or after April 1, 2023, are eligible to apply, ensuring the opportunity remains focused on fresh graduates.
In terms of age requirements, candidates must be between 18 and 25 years old as of the application deadline. The corporation provides age relaxations in accordance with Government of India directives, offering a five-year extension for SC/ST candidates, three years for OBC-NC applicants, and ten years for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities. Selected trainees will receive a consolidated monthly stipend of ₹25,000 during the one-year engagement period. This stipend is a joint contribution, with HPCL providing ₹20,500 and the Government of India contributing ₹4,500 through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS).
The selection process is designed to be merit-oriented and transparent, focusing primarily on the academic performance of the candidates. There is no written examination or formal interview for these refinery positions. Instead, HPCL will screen applications based on the aggregate percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying engineering degree. Shortlisted candidates, typically in a ratio of 1:5 per vacancy, will be called for document verification via email. The final merit list will be prepared following successful verification, medical fitness certification, and police verification.
For those interested in applying, the process is conducted entirely online. It is mandatory for all candidates to first register on the NATS 2.0 portal and obtain an approved student enrollment number. Once registered on NATS, applicants must visit the official HPCL careers portal to complete their application. The application window for the Refineries Division will remain active until March 10, 2026. Applicants are required to upload scanned copies of their passport-sized photograph and signature, and they must ensure all educational details are entered accurately as per their mark sheets.
This apprenticeship represents a significant career milestone for young engineers. Beyond the financial stipend, the program provides invaluable hands-on exposure to real-world refinery operations, safety protocols, and technical workflows in the oil and gas sector. While completion of the apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment at HPCL, the experience gained at a Maharatna PSU significantly enhances a candidate's resume. Moreover, HPCL often provides incentives for its former apprentices in future permanent recruitment drives, such as a 5% weightage in marks for Computer-Based Tests and relevant age relaxations, making this a strategic move for those eyeing long-term careers in the energy industry.
At Eduadvice, we believe that the right beginning defines a professional's entire journey. The HPCL Graduate Apprentice program is more than just a training slot; it is a gateway to understanding the complexities of India's energy backbone. We encourage all eligible engineering graduates to seize this opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. Stay focused, prepare your documents meticulously, and take this proactive step toward a rewarding engineering career. Best of luck to all the aspirants!
Click Here for More Jobs