Overview of MDL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has issued advertisement number MDL_ATS/01/2026 for the recruitment of 495 Trade Apprentices. The program is governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961, and focuses on training across 18 distinct trades in Mumbai.

Important Recruitment Schedule

Trade Apprentice Vacancy Distribution

The 495 vacancies are categorized into three groups based on educational qualifications. A 30% horizontal reservation is applicable for women, and standard PwD reservations apply per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age Limit: As of 2026-10-01, the age limits are 15-19 years for Group A, 16-21 years for Group B, and 14-18 years for Group C. Age relaxation for reserved categories is provided as per government norms.
• Educational Standards: Candidates for Group A and C must possess minimum aggregate marks of 50% (General/OBC/SEBC/EWS) or pass marks for SC/ST. For Group B, an ITI certificate in the relevant trade is mandatory.
• Restriction: ITI-qualified candidates are strictly ineligible to apply for Group A or Group C positions.

Selection and Training

The selection process consists of a Computer Based Test (CBT) comprising 100 multiple-choice questions. Following the examination, merit-based candidates will undergo document verification and a mandatory medical fitness assessment. Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend deposited via Electronic Clearing Service (ECS). Candidates are required to hold a savings account in a Scheduled Bank and a valid PAN card to prevent tax deductions on stipends.

Application Procedure and Common Mistakes

Applications must be submitted exclusively via the official MDL portal. To ensure successful processing, candidates should avoid these common errors:

• Incorrect Group Selection: Applying for the wrong group based on qualification leads to automatic disqualification.
• Missing Documents: Failure to upload valid caste or disability certificates during the registration process results in the application being processed under the General category.
• Scribe Requests: Requests for a scribe must be made during the initial online application; requests made later will not be honored.
• Bank Details: Ensure all bank details for stipend payments are accurate upon registration.