NPCIL Kudankulam Stipendiary Trainee Recruitment 2026 is officially out, and if you are looking for a stable PSU technician job with India’s premier atomic energy organisation, this is one of the best opportunities of the year. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), through its Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) in Tamil Nadu, has notified 255 vacancies for Category-II Stipendiary Trainee/Technician (ST/TN) posts across eight disciplines — Plant Operator, Electronics Mechanic, Instrument Mechanic, Electrician, Fitter, Turner, Machinist, and Welder. The online application window opens on 8th June 2026 at www.npcilcareers.co.in and closes on 29th June 2026. Whether you hold an HSC with Science or a 10th pass with an ITI certificate, there is a post for you here. Read on for the complete details — eligibility, salary, bond conditions, selection process, and a step-by-step guide to apply.
Table of Contents
About NPCIL and the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project
Before you apply, it helps to know exactly who you will be working for — because this is not just another PSU job.
Track every open notification & never miss a deadline
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is a Government of India enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Established in 1987, NPCIL is responsible for the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of nuclear power reactors across India. It is one of the most prestigious and safety-conscious employers in the country. NPCIL operates under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and its employees enjoy among the best service conditions in any Central Government undertaking — including competitive pay, subsidised housing, medical benefits, and long-term career security.
The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) is located in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. It is India’s largest nuclear power plant by installed capacity and was built in collaboration with Russia’s Rosatom. The plant currently has Units 1 and 2 in full commercial operation, with Units 3 through 6 at various stages of construction. KKNPP plays a central role in India’s clean energy mission and its target of reaching 100 GW of nuclear power capacity. Working here means being part of a team that literally powers millions of homes while upholding the highest standards of nuclear safety.
Why this job is worth your attention:
- It is a Central Government PSU job under the Department of Atomic Energy
- Permanent absorption as Technician/B after successful 2-year training
- Pay Level 3 salary plus generous DAE allowances
- Career growth within NPCIL across stations and headquarters nationwide
- Workplace safety, subsidised canteen, medical, and housing facilities
📌 Also Read: NPCIL Executive Trainee Recruitment 2026 — for engineering graduates seeking officer-level PSU roles
NPCIL Kudankulam Stipendiary Trainee Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) |
| Project | Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP), Tamil Nadu |
| Advertisement No. | NPCIL/KKNPP/HRM/01/2026 |
| Post Name | Stipendiary Trainee / Technician (ST/TN) – Category II |
| Total Vacancies | 255 (Current: 208 + Backlog: 47) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 8th June 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | 29th June 2026 (4:00 PM) |
| Official Website | www.npcilcareers.co.in |
Important Dates
⚠️ Don’t wait for the last day! Government portals slow down near the deadline — apply in the first week of June itself to avoid technical glitches.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | June 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 8th June 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 29th June 2026 (4:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 29th June 2026 (4:00 PM) |
| Online Examination Date | To be announced on www.npcilcareers.co.in |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Result | To be announced |
Vacancy Details – NPCIL KKNPP 2026
A total of 255 vacancies are on offer, split between current vacancies (208) and backlog vacancies (47).
Category-Wise Vacancy Breakup
| Vacancy Type | Total |
|---|---|
| Current Vacancies | 208 |
| Backlog Vacancies | 47 |
| Total | 255 |
Discipline-Wise Vacancy Breakup
| Discipline / Trade | Total |
|---|---|
| Plant Operator | 136 |
| Electronics Mechanic | 15 |
| Instrument Mechanic | 15 |
| Electrician | 47 |
| Fitter | 30 |
| Turner | 5 |
| Machinist | 5 |
| Welder | 2 |
| Total | 255 |
✅ PwBD Reservation: 11 seats are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities across categories (a), (b), (c), and (d&e).
Eligibility Criteria for NPCIL Kudankulam Recruitment 2026
Educational Qualification (as on 29th June 2026)
| Discipline | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Plant Operator | Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC/10+2) or ISC with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with minimum 50% aggregate marks. English must be a subject at SSC (10th) level. |
| Electronics Mechanic, Instrument Mechanic, Electrician, Fitter, Turner, Machinist, Welder | SSC (10th) with minimum 50% marks in Science and Mathematics individually, PLUS a 2-year ITI certificate in the relevant trade. If the ITI course is shorter than 2 years, at least 1 year of relevant work experience after completion is required. English must be a subject at SSC level. |
💡 Note for Project Affected Persons (PAP): PAP candidates applying for Plant Operator get a relaxed qualification bar — 40% aggregate at HSC level instead of 50%. They also receive a 20% bonus added to their marks at every selection stage.
Age Limit (as on 29th June 2026)
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years (born on or after 29.06.2008) |
| Maximum Age (UR/EWS) | 24 years (born on or before 29.06.2002) |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 27 years (3-year relaxation) |
| SC / ST | 29 years (5-year relaxation) |
| PwBD – UR/EWS | 34 years (10-year relaxation) |
| PwBD – OBC (NCL) | 37 years (13-year relaxation) |
| PwBD – SC/ST | 39 years (15-year relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years relaxation after deduction of military service |
| Widows / Divorced Women (not remarried) – UR/EWS/OBC | Up to 35 years |
| Widows / Divorced Women (not remarried) – SC/ST | Up to 40 years |
| Dependents of 1984 Riot Victims | 5-year relaxation |
| NPCIL Contract/Fixed Term Employees | Additional 5-year relaxation |
⚠️ Important: The maximum age relaxation across all categories combined shall not exceed 56 years.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet basic physical standards at the time of medical examination:
| Requirement | Minimum Standard |
|---|---|
| Height | 160 cm |
| Weight | 45.5 kg |
NPCIL Kudankulam Stipendiary Trainee Salary 2026
This is arguably the most important section for every job seeker. Here is the full salary picture — during training and after absorption.
Stipend During 2-Year Training Period
| Training Period | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| First Year | ₹20,000/- per month |
| Second Year | ₹22,000/- per month |
| Book Allowance | ₹3,000/- (one time, at the start of training) |
Salary After Absorption as Technician/B
Once you successfully complete the 2-year training and score at least 60% marks overall, you will be permanently absorbed as Technician/B in Pay Level 3 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix.
| Pay Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Pay Level 3) | ₹21,700/- |
| Dearness Allowance (DA @ 60% as on 01.01.2026) | ₹13,020/- |
| Approximate Monthly Emoluments | ₹34,720/- |
In addition to the above, absorbed employees are entitled to House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), medical benefits under NPCIL’s health scheme, and other DAE-specific perks. The actual in-hand take-home could be higher depending on your city of posting and applicable allowances.
📌 Also Read: Latest Government Job Notifications 2026 — stay updated on all new PSU and central government vacancies
Training Bond Conditions
✅ Selected trainees must sign a bond of ₹5,07,000/- for a period of 5 years. If you leave the organisation before completing the bond period, you will be required to repay the full stipend and book allowance received during training. This is standard practice across DAE establishments — plan accordingly.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General (UR) / EWS / OBC (Male) | ₹100/- |
| Women / SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen / DODPKIA / NPCIL Employees | NIL |
Payment is accepted online only — via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Selection Process for NPCIL Kudankulam Stipendiary Trainee 2026
The selection is entirely objective and merit-based, with no interview stage. There are three stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Test (Online — Screening Stage)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Total Questions | 50 MCQs |
| Subjects | Mathematics (20 Qs), Science (20 Qs), General Awareness (10 Qs) |
| Marks for Correct Answer | +3 marks |
| Negative Marking | –1 mark per wrong answer |
| Maximum Marks | 150 |
| Qualifying Cut-off | UR – 40% |
Stage 2: Advanced Test (Online — Merit Stage)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Total Questions | 50 MCQs |
| Syllabus | Plant Operator: HSC/ISC level Science/Maths; Other trades: ITI trade syllabus |
| Marks for Correct Answer | +3 marks |
| Negative Marking | –1 mark per wrong answer |
| Maximum Marks | 150 |
| Qualifying Cut-off | UR – 30% |
⚠️ Key point: Both the Preliminary and Advanced Tests are held on the same day, one after another with no break in between. The question paper is trilingual — Tamil, Hindi, and English. Stage 2 scores are evaluated only if you qualify Stage 1.
Stage 3: Document Verification
Candidates shortlisted from Stage 2 (in a 1:3 ratio for each post and category) will be called for document verification. Final merit is based entirely on Stage 2 performance.
How to Apply for NPCIL Kudankulam Recruitment 2026
Applications are accepted only online at www.npcilcareers.co.in. The portal opens on 8th June 2026 at 10:00 AM.
💡 Pro Tip: Before you start, keep your passport-size photo (JPG, 20–50 KB) and scanned signature (JPG, 10–40 KB) ready. Also have your SSC/HSC marksheet, ITI certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and work experience letter (if needed) handy for uploading.
- Visit the official website at www.npcilcareers.co.in
- Click on the “Recruitment” section and find Advertisement No. NPCIL/KKNPP/HRM/01/2026
- Click on “New Registration” and fill in your basic details — Name, Date of Birth, Category, Email ID, and Mobile Number
- An activation link will be sent to your registered email — click it to activate your account
- Log in and complete the application form — enter educational qualifications, work experience (if applicable), and personal details
- Upload your photograph and signature as per specified dimensions
- Review the filled form carefully before submitting
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) through the online payment gateway
- Submit your application and download the confirmation receipt — keep a printed copy
📌 Also Read: NPCIL Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2026 — a related opportunity for ITI holders at NPCIL
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF (Advt. No. NPCIL/KKNPP/HRM/01/2026) | Download from npcilcareers.co.in |
| Apply Online (Active from 8th June 2026) | www.npcilcareers.co.in |
| Official NPCIL Website | www.npcil.nic.in |
| All PSU Job Alerts | PSU Jobs Category – GovtServiceInfo |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in NPCIL Kudankulam Stipendiary Trainee Recruitment 2026?
A total of 255 vacancies have been notified — 208 current vacancies and 47 backlog vacancies. The largest share is for Plant Operator (136 posts), followed by Electrician (47 posts) and Fitter (30 posts).
Q2. What is the last date to apply for NPCIL KKNPP Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application and pay the fee is 29th June 2026 up to 4:00 PM. Do not wait until the final day — submit at least 3–4 days early to avoid portal congestion.
Q3. What educational qualification do I need for the Plant Operator post?
You need HSC (10+2) or ISC with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as subjects and a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate. You must also have had English as a subject at the SSC (10th) level. ITI is not required for this post.
Q4. What is the salary after selection in NPCIL KKNPP Stipendiary Trainee 2026?
During training, you receive ₹20,000/- per month in the first year and ₹22,000/- per month in the second year. After successful absorption as Technician/B, your approximate monthly emoluments will be around ₹34,720/- (basic pay ₹21,700 + DA at 60%). Additional allowances like HRA and TA will apply based on your posting location.
Q5. Is there negative marking in the NPCIL Kudankulam online examination?
Yes. There is a negative marking of –1 mark for every incorrect answer in both the Preliminary Test and the Advanced Test. Each correct answer carries +3 marks.
Q6. Will there be an interview in the NPCIL KKNPP selection process?
No. There is no interview. The selection is purely merit-based, determined by your performance in the Advanced Test (Stage 2), followed by document verification.
Q7. What is the training bond requirement?
Selected trainees must execute a service bond of ₹5,07,000/- for 5 years. If you leave NPCIL before completing the bond period, you will be required to refund the total stipend and book allowance paid during training.
Q8. Can SC/ST candidates apply for a fee waiver?
Yes. SC, ST, Women, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, DODPKIA candidates, and existing NPCIL employees are exempt from the ₹100/- application fee. Only General (UR), EWS, and OBC (male) candidates need to pay.
Q9. Where will selected candidates be posted?
Initially, posting will be at the NPCIL Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP) site in Tamil Nadu. However, selected candidates are liable for transfer to any NPCIL site, station, headquarter, joint venture, or DAE establishment anywhere in India or abroad.
Q10. Are Project Affected Persons (PAP) eligible for special consideration?
Yes. PAP candidates for the Plant Operator post get a relaxed educational qualification (40% instead of 50% at HSC level) and receive a 20% bonus on marks at every stage of selection.
Summing Up…
If you have been searching for a government technician job that offers stability, a respectable salary, and the prestige of working with India’s nuclear energy programme, NPCIL Kudankulam Stipendiary Trainee Recruitment 2026 is your opportunity. With 255 vacancies across multiple trades and disciplines, a transparent merit-based selection process, and the prospect of permanent absorption in a Department of Atomic Energy undertaking, this recruitment is genuinely worth pursuing. Submit your application between 8th June and 29th June 2026 at www.npcilcareers.co.in, prepare well for the online tests, and keep your documents organised. Stay ahead of application deadlines — follow Govtserviceinfo.com for daily Sarkari Naukri alerts and PSU recruitment updates.
Disclaimer: All information in this article has been sourced from the official recruitment notification published by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) under Advertisement No. NPCIL/KKNPP/HRM/01/2026. 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 website www.npcilcareers.co.in. We are not responsible for any changes made by the recruiting authority after the date of publication.
