High Explosives Factory Recruitment 2026 – 151 Posts for Graduate Engineer & Skilled Worker (Tenure Basis)

High Explosives Factory Recruitment 2026 is officially open, and if you are a Chemical Engineering graduate or an ITI-qualified candidate looking for a defence sector government job — this is a big opportunity. High Explosives Factory (HEF), Khadki, Pune, a unit of Munitions India Limited (MIL) under the Ministry of Defence, has invited applications for 151 vacancies across two posts: Graduate Project Engineer (Supervisory Staff) and Skilled Worker (AOCP) on a tenure basis.

HEF is one of India’s oldest and most critical defence manufacturing units, making this a prestigious appointment even on contract. Applications are received offline, so you need to act fast, download the form, and send in your application well before the closing date. Read on for everything you need — eligibility, salary, selection process, and how to apply step by step.

📌 Also Read: Defence PSU Jobs 2026 – Complete Guide for Engineering Graduates

High Explosives Factory Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview

About High Explosives Factory (HEF), Khadki – Company Overview

High Explosives Factory Khadki is not just another government office. It is one of India’s most strategically important defence manufacturing establishments.

Founded in 1905, HEF Khadki has more than a century of service to the Indian Armed Forces. Located in Khadki (Kirkee), Pune, Maharashtra, the factory specialises in manufacturing high explosives, military ammunition, propellants, and other war-like stores for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

HEF operates under Munitions India Limited (MIL), a Government of India Enterprise incorporated in 2021 as part of the corporatisation of India’s 41 Ordnance Factories. MIL is one of seven Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) that replaced the old Ordnance Factory Board, and it operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.

Why HEF Matters

• ✅ Over 100 years of uninterrupted service to the Indian defence establishment
• ✅ Produces critical military explosives including RDX, TNT, HMX, and composite propellants
• ✅ Operates under strict safety and quality standards mandated for Military Grade production
• ✅ Employees work on the cutting edge of defence chemistry and manufacturing technology

Working at HEF means you are contributing directly to India’s national security. Even on a tenure basis, the experience, training, and official certification you receive here carry significant weight in future career prospects — both within the MIL group of companies and outside.

📌 Also Read: Munitions India Limited – All You Need to Know About MIL Jobs

Important Dates

⚠️ Don’t wait till the last day! Hard copy applications take time to reach Pune by post. Send your application well in advance to avoid any transit delays.

Vacancy Details – HEF Recruitment 2026

Note: The above posts are not identified for PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) candidates. PwBD category candidates are not eligible for these posts. Vacancies may increase or decrease based on the actual requirements of the factory.

⚠️ The total of 151 includes both categories combined. Verify the exact breakdown from the official notification before applying.

Eligibility Criteria

Post 1 – Graduate Project Engineer (Supervisory Staff)

Educational Qualification

You need a B.E. or B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from a recognised university. That’s the core requirement.

Additionally, you should have completed at least one year of Graduate Apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961 — specifically in the Chemical trade at an Ordnance Factory or MIL Factory manufacturing Military Ammunition and Explosives.

Alternatively, candidates who have one year of work experience in factories manufacturing Military Ammunition and Explosives will also be considered for engagement as Graduate Project Engineer on tenure basis.

Age Limit

The upper age limit is between 18 and 40 years as on the last date of receipt of applications. Age relaxation applies as per government rules for reserved category candidates.

Post 2 – Skilled Worker (AOCP – Attendant Operator Chemical Plant)

Essential Qualification

• Matriculation (Class 10) plus National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) or National Trade Certificate (NTC) issued by NCTVT (now NCVT), completed from a government or government-recognised private institution — OR from a Government ITI.
• Trade: Attendant Operator Chemical Plant (AOCP)
• Feeder Trades accepted: IMCP, MMCP, LACP, PPO, Fitter General, Machinist Turner, Sheet Metal Worker, Electrician, Electronic Mechanic, Boiler Attendant, Mechanic Industrial Electronics, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Desirable

Ordnance Factories training or any experience in manufacturing and handling military explosives and ammunition is a strong advantage.

Age Limit

The last date of receipt of applications is the crucial date for determining the upper age limit.

📌 Also Read: ITI Government Jobs 2026 – Top Vacancies for Trade Certificate Holders

Application Fee

✅ There is no application fee for either post. All candidates can apply free of charge.

Salary and Pay Scale – HEF Recruitment 2026

Post 1 – Graduate Project Engineer (Supervisory Staff)

In addition to the basic pay, you will receive Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA) as applicable. House Rent Allowance (HRA) will be paid as per city classification when Company Quarters are not available — priority for Company Quarter allotment is given where available.

Post 2 – Skilled Worker (AOCP)

Additional Benefits and Perquisites

• ✅ EPF and ESI as per government guidelines
• ✅ Bonus on fixed-term basis as per the Bonus Act 1965
• ✅ Night Duty Allowance at par with regular employees if deployed in Night Shift
• ✅ Risk Allowance for similar type of work where regular employees are entitled
• ✅ Leave: 30 days per year; 2.5 days credited per calendar month of service; leave can be accumulated up to 30 days; encashable after one year of service
• ✅ Maternity Benefits for female personnel as per the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
• ✅ Safety and protective gear as per company norms
• ✅ Company Quarters eligible where available (License fee deducted at regular employee rates)

What You Will NOT Get

These benefits are not available to Tenure Based Personnel:

The Tenure Based Engagement will not confer any right on the personnel to claim the status of a regular employee of the Company.

Selection Process

For Graduate Project Engineer (Supervisory Staff)

1. Marks in B.E./B.Tech — Candidates are shortlisted based on qualifying exam marks
2. Personal Interaction / Interview — Final selection is based on combined marks from academics (85% weightage) and Personal Interaction (15% weightage)
3. Cut-off percentage for calling candidates to the interview will be decided by HEF Khadki based on marks in the qualifying examination
4. Document Verification — Candidates qualifying in the Personal Interaction will be called for Document Verification in order of merit

For Skilled Worker (AOCP)

1. NCVT Marks — Selection based on marks secured in the NCVT and Trade Test/Practical Test
2. Trade Test / Practical Test — Cut-off for calling candidates to the Trade Test will be decided based on total NCVT marks
3. Weightage: NCVT marks carry 80% weightage, Trade Test/Practical Test carries 20% weightage
4. Document Verification — Candidates qualifying in the Trade Test will be called for Document Verification in merit order

💡 Pro Tip: Both selection processes are merit-based with no interview for Skilled Workers. Focus your preparation on scoring the highest possible marks in your qualifying exam — that’s what drives your rank.

Terms of Engagement – What You Should Know

Before applying, it’s important to understand exactly what a “tenure basis” engagement means at HEF.

• The initial engagement period is one year, which may be extended for another three years — making the total maximum tenure four years
• Renewal is on a yearly basis from the date of engagement, based on factory requirement and individual performance
• The tenure comes to an end automatically after four years — no further notice is required
• There is no commitment for absorption as a permanent employee or for extension beyond the tenure period
• Performance is assessed on a six-monthly basis; poor performance results in a written warning with one month to improve
• Absence without authorised leave deducts proportionately from Consolidated Emoluments
• To quit, you must give one month’s notice — failing which one month’s salary will be deducted

One Month In-House Training (AOCP Candidates)

Candidates selected from feeder trades (trades other than AOCP) will receive compulsory “ONE MONTH” in-house training on Safe Handling of Explosives, Ammunition, Safety Norms, DOs and DON’Ts. This is designed by OFILKH and conducted at HEF. After training, a certificate is issued which is valid across all MIL Group factories.

How to Apply for High Explosives Factory Recruitment 2026

1. Download the Application Form from the official HEF website or the link provided in the advertisement
2. Print the form and fill it in BLOCK LETTERS only — no handwriting in cursive
3. Attach self-attested copies of all required documents — educational certificates, age proof, experience certificate, caste/community certificate (if applicable), and NCVT/NAC marksheets
4. OBC candidates must also submit the duly signed OBC-NCL undertaking in the format given at Appendix-I of the Application Form
5. Affix one extra copy of a recent passport-size photograph behind the photo (self-attested)
6. Write on the envelope in capital letters: “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF TENURE BASED SUPERVISORY STAFF / SKILLED WORKER ON CONTRACT BASIS”
7. Send the hard copy application to the address below so it reaches on or before the last date of receipt:

The Chief General Manager High Explosives Factory Khadki, Pune, Maharashtra – 411003

8. SC/ST candidates claiming travel reimbursement must produce their Bus/Train ticket and Caste/Community Certificate — a Bank Details Form is mandatory for TA reimbursement

⚠️ No correspondence or enquiry via Phone or Messenger will be entertained. Canvassing in any form will lead to disqualification.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Summing up…

High Explosives Factory Recruitment 2026 is a rare opportunity to work in one of India’s oldest and most respected defence manufacturing establishments under the Ministry of Defence. With 151 vacancies, zero application fee, and a salary that includes IDA and HRA, this tenure-based role is worth pursuing — especially for Chemical Engineering graduates and ITI-qualified AOCP trade candidates.

Submit your application well before the closing date, ensure all documents are complete and self-attested, and prepare thoroughly for your Personal Interaction or Trade Test based on your post. Don’t wait until the last week — postal delays are a common reason for late applications being rejected.

Stay ahead of application deadlines — follow Govtserviceinfo.com for daily Sarkari Naukri alerts, defence PSU vacancies, pay commission updates, and all government job news.

Disclaimer: All information in this article has been sourced from the official recruitment notification published by High Explosives Factory (HEF), Khadki, Pune. GovtServiceInfo.com is not a recruiting authority and does not accept job applications. We strongly recommend reading the full official notification before applying and verifying all details — especially dates, eligibility, and fees — directly from the official HEF website. We are not responsible for any changes made by the recruiting authority after the date of publication.