Mdl Trade Apprentice Recruitm — 495 Seats — Job Details

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a premier Navratna company under the Ministry of Defence, has announced the MDL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 for 495 seats across 18 different trades. This recruitment drive offers aspiring candidates an opportunity to gain valuable technical training and hands-on experience in shipbuilding and related industries at the MDL Apprentice Training School in Mumbai.

The online application process for these apprentice positions commenced on 11 June 2026 and will remain open until 1 July 2026. The selection process involves a computer-based online examination followed by document verification, trade allotment, and medical examination. Candidates should carefully review the eligibility criteria based on the three different groups (A, B, and C) before taking action.

Quick Facts

About the recruitment

The MDL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 represents a significant opportunity for technical skill development in the shipbuilding sector. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, being a Navratna company under the Ministry of Defence, offers structured apprenticeship training that follows the guidelines of the Apprentices Act, 1961.

This recruitment drive aims to fill 495 apprentice positions across 18 different trades, categorized into three groups based on educational qualifications. The training will be conducted at the MDL Apprentice Training School (ATS) in Mumbai, providing candidates with industry-relevant skills and practical experience in their chosen trade.

Successful candidates will undergo training that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience, preparing them for future employment opportunities in the manufacturing and shipbuilding sectors. The apprenticeship program is designed to develop a skilled workforce that can contribute to India's defence and maritime capabilities.

Important Dates

Candidates must carefully note all the important dates associated with this recruitment process to ensure they don't miss any deadlines. The application window is relatively short, so timely action is crucial for successful submission.

The key dates are as follows: Online registration and application process began on 11 June 2026 (Thursday). The last date to apply (application window now closed) and complete the application process is 1 July 2026 (Wednesday). The last date for online fee payment is also 1 July 2026. The tentative date for the declaration of the eligible/not eligible candidate list is 10 July 2026. The last date to submit representations regarding ineligibility is tentatively set for 15 July 2026. The online examination (CBT) is tentatively scheduled for 25 July 2026.

Candidates should regularly check the official MDL website for any updates or changes to these dates, as all tentative dates are subject to modification by the authorities. It is advisable to complete the application process well before the final deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues or server congestion.

Vacancy Details

The MDL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers a total of 495 vacancies distributed across 18 different trades. These trades are categorized into three groups based on the required educational qualifications and age criteria.

The vacancy distribution includes 53 seats reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, 28 seats for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates, 148 seats for Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates, and 32 seats for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) candidates. The remaining vacancies are for unreserved categories.

Each trade falls under one of the three groups (A, B, or C) with specific educational requirements. Candidates should carefully review which group their preferred trade belongs to before taking action, as the eligibility criteria and age limits vary between groups. The exact distribution of vacancies across individual trades is detailed in the official notification document.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for MDL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 are strictly defined based on the three groups (A, B, and C) and the specific educational qualifications required for each group. Eligibility is assessed based on educational qualification marks as of 1 October 2026.

Group A positions require candidates to have passed the 10th standard examination. Group B positions require candidates to have completed ITI qualification in the relevant trade. Group C positions require candidates to have passed the 8th standard examination. It is important to note that ITI-passed candidates are not eligible to application window closed for Group A and Group C positions. If such ineligibility is discovered at any stage of the selection process, the candidature will be cancelled without notice.

Candidates must ensure they meet the specific educational requirements for their chosen trade and group before taking action. The marks obtained in the qualifying examination will be considered for eligibility assessment, so candidates should have their mark sheets and certificates ready for verification during the application process and subsequent document verification stage.

Age Limit

The age limit for MDL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 varies according to the group for which the candidate is applying. The age is calculated as of 1 October 2026, and candidates must ensure they fall within the specified age range for their chosen group.

For Group A positions, the age limit is between 15 and 19 years. For Group B positions, the age limit is between 16 and 21 years. For Group C positions, the age limit is between 14 and 18 years. These age limits are strictly enforced, and candidates outside these ranges will not be considered eligible for the respective groups.

Candidates should calculate their age as of 1 October 2026 to determine their eligibility. There is no information provided about age relaxation for reserved categories in the available data, so candidates should refer to the official notification for complete details regarding age relaxations, if applicable.

Application Mode

The application process for MDL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is conducted exclusively through online mode. There is no provision for offline applications or physical submission of forms. Candidates must refer to the archived application processthrough the official MDL website within the specified application window.

The online application system requires candidates to create an account, fill in personal and educational details, upload necessary documents, and pay the application fee (if applicable). The system allows candidates to edit and modify their applications until the final submission deadline of 1 July 2026.

Candidates should ensure they have a stable internet connection and all required documents in digital format before starting the application process. It is advisable to keep multiple copies of the submitted application form and payment receipt for future reference. The online application portal is designed to guide candidates through each step of the process, but careful attention to detail is necessary to avoid errors that could lead to application rejection.

Selection Process

The selection process for MDL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 consists of three distinct stages designed to identify the most suitable candidates for the apprentice positions. The process is merit-based and does not include a personal interview component.

The first stage is an Online Examination (Computer Based Test - CBT) that will assess candidates' knowledge and aptitude. Candidates will be shortlisted based on their performance in this examination, with selection being purely merit-based. The tentative date for this online exam is 25 July 2026.

The second stage involves Document Verification and Trade Allotment. Shortlisted candidates from the online exam will be required to present their original documents for verification. This includes educational certificates, category certificates (if applicable), age proof, and other relevant documents. Based on document verification and merit, trade allotment will be made.

The final stage is a Medical Examination to ensure candidates meet the physical fitness standards required for apprenticeship training. Only candidates who successfully clear all three stages will be offered apprentice positions. The entire process is designed to be transparent and based on objective criteria to ensure fair selection.

Documents Required

Candidates applying for MDL Trade Apprentice positions must prepare several documents in digital format for upload during the application process. Having these documents ready beforehand will streamline the application process and prevent last-minute complications.

The essential documents include educational qualification certificates and mark sheets corresponding to the group being applied for (8th pass, 10th pass, or ITI certificate). For candidates claiming reservation benefits, valid caste certificate (for SC/ST categories) or disability certificate (for PwD candidates) must be uploaded. Children of Armed Forces Personnel must upload a copy of the parent's Service Certificate to claim the AFC category benefit.

Additionally, candidates should have their Aadhaar card, PAN card, and recent passport-sized photograph ready. The PAN card is particularly important as selected apprentices must have a valid PAN card to receive their stipend without tax deduction. All documents should be scanned in clear, legible format meeting the size and format specifications mentioned in the application portal. Candidates should verify that all uploaded documents are authentic, as any discrepancy found during document verification will lead to disqualification.

Preparation Tips

Preparing for the MDL Trade Apprentice selection process requires a strategic approach focused on the online examination component. Since selection is based purely on merit in the online test, thorough preparation is essential for success.

Candidates should begin by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, which typically includes subjects related to their educational qualification level (8th, 10th, or ITI standard). General awareness, basic mathematics, reasoning ability, and technical knowledge relevant to the chosen trade are common components in such apprentice recruitment exams. Practicing with previous years' question papers or sample tests for similar apprentice recruitments can provide valuable insight into the question pattern and difficulty level.

Time management during the exam is crucial, so candidates should practice solving questions within time constraints. Since the examination is computer-based, familiarity with basic computer operation and online test navigation is advisable. Regular revision of key concepts and staying updated with current affairs, especially related to the defence and manufacturing sectors, can also be beneficial. Candidates should also ensure they are physically fit and ready for the medical examination stage by maintaining good health practices in the weeks leading up to the selection process.

Application process reference

The application process for MDL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 must be completed online through the official MDL website. Following these steps carefully will ensure a successful application submission.

First, visit the official MDL website at https://mazagondock.in and navigate to the Careers section, then Online Recruitment, and select Apprentice. Click on 'Create New Account' to register as a new user. Note down your login credentials carefully for future reference.

After registration, log in to your account and complete the application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details. Upload all required documents including educational certificates, category certificate (if applicable), and other necessary documents in the specified format and size. If you require a scribe for the examination, indicate this in the online application form itself, as no subsequent requests will be entertained.

Pay the application fee of Rs. 100 plus bank charges online if you belong to UR, OBC, SEBC, EWS, or AFC categories. SC, ST, and Divyang candidates must upload their valid certificate instead of paying the fee. Select your preferred examination centers from the available options. Review all entered information carefully and submit the application before 1 July 2026. Remember that applications can be edited or modified until this final date.

For any technical assistance or queries regarding the application process, candidates can contact the helpdesk at mdlats@mazdock.com or call 022-23764151 / 4155 during working hours.

Summary

The MDL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for candidates seeking technical training in the shipbuilding industry. With 495 vacancies across 18 trades and a structured selection process, this apprenticeship can serve as a stepping stone to a promising career in the defence manufacturing sector. Interested and eligible candidates should apply (application window now closed) through the official MDL website at https://mazagondock.in before the deadline of 1 July 2026, ensuring all eligibility criteria are met and required documents are prepared in advance.