NCL Assistant Foreman Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 270 Mechanical, Electrical & E&T Vacancies

Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), a Miniratna PSU under Coal India Limited, has announced its Assistant Foreman Recruitment 2026 for 270 vacancies across Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics/E&T disciplines for Diploma engineers, offering regular Supervisory Grade-C posts in its mines and establishments in Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh) and Sonbhadra (Uttar Pradesh).

Online applications are open from 11 February to 5 March 2026 through the NCL website, with selection based on a single 90-minute CBT comprising 100 MCQs (70 technical, 30 general) and no negative marking. Eligible candidates must be 18–30 years old (with applicable relaxations), hold a 10th certificate and a relevant full-time Diploma, and meet reservation and PwBD criteria as per Government of India norms.

The post offers a starting basic pay of about ₹47,330 per month during training (1–2 years depending on cadre), along with DA and other NCWA-XI benefits, making it a strong career opportunity for Diploma holders seeking a stable central PSU job in the coal sector.

Northern Coalfields Limited Recruitment 2026: 270 Assistant Foreman Vacancies (Mechanical, Electrical, E&T) – Apply Online

Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), a Miniratna company and subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has released a new employment notification for direct recruitment of Supervisory Staff at Assistant Foreman level for the 2025–26 cycle.

NCL is inviting online applications from eligible Indian nationals for regular appointment as Assistant Foreman (Trainee) Grade‑C in its mines and establishments located in Singrauli district (Madhya Pradesh) and Sonbhadra district (Uttar Pradesh).

This is a major opportunity for Diploma engineers in Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics/E&T disciplines who are looking for a secure central PSU job in the coal sector.

Post & Vacancy Details (Branch‑wise)

NCL has notified posts under different cadres – E&T, Excavation and E&M – with category‑wise distribution of seats.

Positions and Cadres

• Assistant Foreman (E&T) (Trainee) Grade‑C – E&T cadre.
• Assistant Foreman (Mechanical) (Trainee) Grade‑C – Excavation cadre and E&M cadre.
• Assistant Foreman (Electrical) (Trainee) Grade‑C – Excavation cadre and E&M cadre.

Total Vacancies Snapshot

Vertical reservation is available for UR, SC, ST, OBC (NCL – Central List) and EWS categories, with horizontal reservation for PwBD and Ex‑Servicemen.

Eligibility Criteria (Age, Education, Reservation)

Age Limit (as on 05/03/2026)

• Minimum age: 18 years.
• Maximum age: 30 years for UR/EWS candidates.

Upper age relaxation:

• SC/ST: 5 years.
• OBC (NCL – Central List): 3 years.
• PwBD (UR): 10 years.
• PwBD (OBC‑NCL): 13 years.
• PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years.
• Ex‑Servicemen: Actual defence service + 3 years (overall age not to exceed 50 years for SC/ST/OBC who are also ESM).
• Departmental candidates (employees of CIL & subsidiaries): No upper age limit.

Date of birth as recorded in Matriculation/10th certificate is treated as final.

Essential Educational Qualifications

Common condition for all posts:

• Matriculate / 10th or equivalent from a recognized Board.

Post‑specific essential Diploma qualification (regular, full‑time, minimum 3‑year course from Government‑recognized institute):

• Assistant Foreman (E&T): Diploma in Electronics Engineering (or relevant higher qualification in Electronics/ECE/ETC as specified).
• Assistant Foreman (Mechanical): Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (or relevant higher Mechanical‑related degree branches as listed).
• Assistant Foreman (Electrical): Diploma in Electrical Engineering (or relevant higher qualification like Electrical / Electrical & Electronics Engineering).

Distance‑learning / part‑time Diploma or Degree qualifications are not acceptable.

Table D of the notification gives detailed clarification on which higher qualifications are considered relevant and which branches are not eligible for each post (e.g., Instrumentation & Control etc. for E&T, Production/Industrial/Thermal branches for Mechanical, Power Systems/Power Electronics etc. for Electrical).

Reservation, EWS & PwBD

• Reservation for SC/ST/OBC (NCL – Central List)/EWS/PwBD/ESM will be as per Government of India rules and latest guidelines.
• Candidates claiming reservation/relaxation must possess valid category certificates in prescribed formats enclosed with the notification.
• EWS candidates must have a valid Income & Asset Certificate based on gross family income of FY 2024–2025, as per DoPT OM dated 31.01.2019.
• PwBD positions are identified for specific disabilities such as HH, OA, OL, BL, LC, Dw, AAV, SLD and certain multiple disabilities, subject to physical requirements like Sitting, Standing, Walking, Lifting etc., as detailed in Table C.
• Degree of benchmark disability must be at least 40% for availing reservation/relaxation; disability certificates must follow RPwBD Rules, 2017.

Candidates of reserved categories selected on their own merit without relaxed standards will be counted in UR quota, while those availing relaxation will be counted in reserved slots.

Pay Scale, Training Period and Benefits

Assistant Foreman (Trainee) Grade‑C is a Supervisory position under NCWA‑XI with attractive basic pay and allowances.

• Entry level basic pay: Minimum Grade‑C basic of Rs. 47,330.25 per month (monthly rated) during training.
• Training period:
  • Assistant Foreman (E&T): 1 year (E&T cadre).
  • Assistant Foreman (Mechanical): 2 years in Excavation cadre or E&M cadre.
  • Assistant Foreman (Electrical): 2 years in Excavation cadre or E&M cadre.
• Post‑training grade: On successful completion of training, candidates will continue in Grade‑C with respective cadre designation (Assistant Foreman E&T / Mechanical–Excavation / Mechanical–E&M / Electrical–Excavation / Electrical–E&M).

Additional benefits as per NCWA‑XI include DA, attendance bonus, special allowance, HRA, transport subsidy, medical facility and other admissible perks, with further career growth governed by cadre rules.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern (CBT)

One‑Stage CBT Based Selection

• Only one Computer Based Test (CBT) will be conducted for each post.
• Selection is purely based on relative score in CBT, subject to qualifying minimum cut‑off marks and verification of eligibility.

Important points:

• Candidates will be allowed to appear in CBT based on self‑declared eligibility; documents are verified only for those who qualify CBT.
• CBT will be conducted separately for each post; test cities are to be chosen at the application stage, but NCL may alter the allotted city.

CBT Structure

• Duration: 90 minutes (single sitting).
• Total questions: 100 MCQs, each carrying 1 mark (no negative marking).
• Sections:
  • Section A – Technical (post‑specific): 70 questions.
  • Section B – General: 30 questions (common to all posts).
• Question paper: Bilingual – English and Hindi (in case of ambiguity, English version will prevail).

Minimum qualifying (cut‑off) marks out of 100:

• UR / EWS: 50 marks.
• SC / ST / OBC‑NCL / ESM / PwBD: 40 marks.

In case of tie in CBT scores, NCL will sequentially apply higher Section‑A score, then older age (Date of Birth), then alphabetical order of names to prepare the merit list.

Syllabus Highlights

Indicative syllabus is given in Annexure‑A and covers core Diploma‑level topics.

• For Assistant Foreman (E&T): Network theory, Digital electronics, Microprocessors (8085), Signals and systems, Electronic devices, Analog electronics, Control systems, Analog and digital communications, Electromagnetics, Antennas, Computer networking, Voice communication.
• For Assistant Foreman (Mechanical): Theory of machines & design, Engineering mechanics & SOM, Thermal engineering and thermodynamics, Air‑standard cycles, IC engines, Rankine cycle, Boilers, compressors, refrigeration, fluid mechanics and machinery, foundry, casting, metal cutting, machining processes.
• For Assistant Foreman (Electrical): Electrical fundamentals, AC/DC machines, transformers, transmission and distribution, overhead lines, underground cables, illumination, domestic and industrial wiring, substations, control and protection, testing and measuring instruments, safety rules and mining electrical regulations.

Section B (common) includes: General Knowledge (India & international relations, science), General Awareness (sports, defence, books, prizes, Indian democracy), Reasoning (verbal & mental ability, synonyms/antonyms, grammar, relationships) and Quantitative Aptitude (work, profit & loss, speed, etc.).

Application Process, Fees & Documents

How to Apply Online

Candidates must apply online only through the NCL website:

• Navigate: www.nclcil.in → Career → Recruitment → Employment Notification for Direct Recruitment of Supervisory Staff (Assistant Foreman Mechanical/E&T/Electrical) → Apply online.
• The notification is available in both English and Hindi; candidates should read it carefully before applying.
• A candidate can apply for only one of the three positions; applying for multiple posts will lead to cancellation of candidature.

No hard copies of application or documents are to be sent to NCL.

Application Fee

• UR / OBC‑NCL / EWS: Rs. 1000 + GST Rs. 180 = Rs. 1180 (non‑refundable).
• SC / ST / ESM / PwBD / Departmental candidates: No application fee.

Fee must be paid online only; applications without prescribed fee will be rejected, and fee once paid will not be refunded or adjusted.

Documents to Upload

Scanned copies to be uploaded in specified formats:

• Recent passport size colour photograph (not older than 3 weeks).
• Signature in black ink.
• Matriculation/10th certificate/marksheet.
• Post‑specific Diploma / higher relevant qualification certificate (Electrical / Mechanical / Electronics).
• Category certificates (SC/ST/OBC‑NCL/PwBD/EWS) in prescribed format, where applicable.

Incomplete applications or illegible/missing mandatory documents will be summarily rejected.

Important Instructions & Dates for Job Seekers

Key Dates (NCL Assistant Foreman 2026)

• Online registration & form submission start: 11 February 2026 (10:00 AM).
• Online registration & form submission last date (Crucial Date): 05 March 2026 (11:59 PM).
• Admit card release: To be notified on official website.
• CBT date: To be notified on official website.
• Result declaration: To be notified on official website.

All further updates (exam date, admit card, answer key, result, objection management link) will be provided only on NCL’s website; candidates must keep checking regularly.

General Points to Remember

• Check eligibility (age, qualification, category) thoroughly before applying; no change is allowed later.
• Use an active email ID and mobile number valid for at least one year; all communication will be via these and through the NCL website.
• Ex‑servicemen, departmental candidates and those already in Govt/PSU service must follow NOC and other requirements as specified; NOC is to be produced at document verification.
• SC/ST candidates called for CBT are eligible for II‑class non‑AC fare reimbursement subject to conditions and submission of TA claim form with travel tickets and caste certificate.
• Selection and appointment are subject to medical fitness as per CIL Medical Attendance Rules, verification of documents, character and antecedents.
• NCL reserves the right to change number of vacancies, test cities, schedule, or even cancel the recruitment without assigning reasons; NCL’s decision is final.

For Diploma engineers in Electrical, Mechanical and Electronics seeking a permanent central PSU job with good pay, strong allowances and a clear career path in India’s coal sector, this NCL Assistant Foreman (Trainee) Grade‑C recruitment is a high‑value opportunity with 270 vacancies and a straightforward CBT‑based selection process.

FAQs about NCL Assistant Foreman Recruitment 2026

What is the NCL Assistant Foreman Recruitment 2026?
It is a direct recruitment drive by Northern Coalfields Limited for 270 Assistant Foreman (Trainee) Grade-C posts in Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics/E&T disciplines.

Who can apply for NCL Assistant Foreman posts?
Indian nationals who have passed Matriculation (10th) and hold a full-time regular Diploma in the relevant engineering discipline can apply, subject to age limits.

How many total vacancies are available?
A total of 270 vacancies are notified across all posts and cadres, including reserved and backlog vacancies.

Which disciplines are covered under this recruitment?
Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Electronics/E&T Engineering.

What is the job location for selected candidates?
Selected candidates will be posted in NCL mines and establishments in Singrauli district (Madhya Pradesh) and Sonbhadra district (Uttar Pradesh).

What is the age limit for applying?
The minimum age is 18 years and the maximum age is 30 years for UR/EWS candidates as on 05 March 2026, with relaxations for reserved categories.

Is there age relaxation for SC, ST and OBC candidates?
Yes, SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation and OBC (NCL-Central List) candidates get 3 years relaxation.

Are departmental candidates eligible?
Yes, employees of Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries are eligible and have no upper age limit.

What educational qualification is required?
Candidates must have passed 10th and possess a full-time regular Diploma of at least 3 years in the relevant discipline from a recognized institute.

Are distance learning or part-time diplomas accepted?
No, distance learning, part-time or correspondence Diploma/Degree qualifications are not accepted.

What is the application mode for NCL Assistant Foreman Recruitment 2026?
Applications must be submitted online only through the official NCL website.

What are the important application dates?
Online applications start on 11 February 2026 and the last date to apply is 05 March 2026.

Can a candidate apply for more than one post?
No, a candidate is allowed to apply for only one post. Multiple applications will lead to cancellation.

What is the application fee?
UR, OBC-NCL and EWS candidates must pay ₹1180 (including GST). SC, ST, ESM, PwBD and departmental candidates are exempted.

What is the selection process?
Selection is based on a single Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by document verification and medical examination.

What is the exam pattern for CBT?
The CBT consists of 100 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 90 minutes with no negative marking.

How are the questions divided in the CBT?
There are 70 technical questions related to the post and 30 questions from general knowledge, reasoning and quantitative aptitude.

What are the minimum qualifying marks?
UR/EWS candidates need at least 50 marks, while SC/ST/OBC-NCL/ESM/PwBD candidates need at least 40 marks.

Is the CBT conducted in Hindi and English?
Yes, the question paper is bilingual, but in case of any discrepancy, the English version will be considered final.

What is the pay scale for Assistant Foreman (Trainee) Grade-C?
The entry-level basic pay is ₹47,330.25 per month during the training period, along with applicable allowances.

What is the duration of training?
Training is 1 year for E&T cadre and 2 years for Mechanical and Electrical cadres.

Are there additional benefits apart from basic pay?
Yes, benefits include DA, HRA, medical facilities, attendance bonus, transport subsidy and other NCWA-XI perks.

Is reservation applicable in this recruitment?
Yes, reservation for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwBD and Ex-Servicemen is applicable as per Government of India rules.

Where will admit cards and exam updates be published?
All updates including admit cards, exam dates and results will be published only on the official NCL website.

Is this a permanent government job?
Yes, it is a regular supervisory position in a Central Public Sector Undertaking under Coal India Limited.