SAIL Rourkela Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 1,110 Apprentice Posts

The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has announced a massive recruitment drive for the 2026-27 session at its prestigious Rourkela Steel Plant, offering an exceptional career breakthrough for young engineering, diploma, and ITI graduates. A total of 1,110 apprentice positions are up for grabs across diverse categories. What makes this opportunity particularly attractive is that there will be no written examination, allowing candidates to secure a coveted training position based entirely on academic merit and qualifications.

Breakdown of Vacancies Across Trade, Diploma, and Graduate Streams

The comprehensive recruitment campaign aims to fill 1,110 slots designed to provide one year of intensive industrial apprenticeship training. The vacancies are distributed across three primary categories:

• Trade Apprentice Positions: 421 seats dedicated to ITI qualified candidates.

• Diploma (Technician) Apprentice Positions: 414 seats reserved for engineering diploma holders.

• Graduate Apprentice Positions: 275 seats allocated for engineering degree and non-engineering graduates.

Eligibility Criteria, Passing Years, and Age Limit

To ensure fair opportunities for recent pass-outs, SAIL has laid down specific eligibility guidelines. Candidates must have completed their regular ITI, Diploma, or Degree qualifications from recognized institutions specifically in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026. Individuals who possess one year or more of prior work experience, or those who have already completed or are currently pursuing an apprenticeship elsewhere, are ineligible.

• Age Limit: Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years of age as of August 31, 2026. Standard age relaxations apply for reserved categories in accordance with government regulations.

Important Dates and Application Process via NAPS and NATS Portals

The online application window opened on July 17, 2026, and eligible candidates have until August 26, 2026, to submit their applications. Because registration and application procedures are platform-specific, candidates must apply through the designated national portals:

• Trade Apprentices: Applications must be processed through the NAPS portal.

• Graduate and Diploma Apprentices: Applications must be submitted via the NATS portal.

Merit-Based Selection Process Without Written Test

SAIL Rourkela's selection procedure completely bypasses traditional written tests, making it a seamless process driven by academic excellence. The final merit list will be calculated using a transparent weighting system: 30 percent weightage given to Class 10 marks and 70 percent weightage given to marks obtained in the relevant ITI, Diploma, or Degree examinations. Shortlisted candidates will subsequently be called to Rourkela for document verification to finalize their selection.