There is good news for ITI-trained youth across the country. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited has opened the online application window today, October 21, 2026, for 660 Artisan Grade IV posts in its manufacturing units. This is one of the biggest shop-floor recruitment drives the public sector giant has announced in recent years, and it is expected to draw a large number of applications over the next four weeks.
The recruitment covers seven trades and spans nine manufacturing units. Candidates who have completed Class 10 along with an ITI certificate and apprenticeship training can apply online through the official BHEL careers portal. The last date to submit the application is November 18, 2026, so aspirants are advised not to wait until the final days.
Trade-wise break-up of the 660 vacancies
BHEL has announced the maximum openings for fitters, which is not surprising given how central the trade is to heavy engineering work. Here is how the 660 posts are distributed across the seven trades:
- Fitter: 278 posts
- Welder: 104 posts
- Electrician: 90 posts
- Machinist: 101 posts
- Turner: 52 posts
- Electronics Mechanic: 23 posts
- Foundryman: 12 posts
Candidates must apply for the trade in which they hold their qualifications, and each applicant can choose only one manufacturing unit. Selecting the wrong trade or unit is one of the most common reasons applications get rejected, so read the official advertisement carefully before filling the form.
Who can apply: eligibility criteria
The eligibility bar has been kept straightforward, but BHEL is strict about the combination of qualifications. To apply for the Artisan Grade IV posts, candidates must fulfil all of the following conditions:
- Education: Class 10 pass, plus a National Trade Certificate (NTC/ITI) in the relevant trade, plus a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) in the same trade.
- Minimum marks: At least 60 per cent marks in both the ITI and the apprenticeship certificate for General, EWS and OBC (NCL) candidates. The cut-off is 55 per cent for SC and ST candidates.
- Age limit: As on October 1, 2026, the upper age limit is 27 years for General and EWS candidates, 30 years for OBC (NCL) and 32 years for SC/ST. Other relaxations apply as per BHEL rules.
The qualifications, marks and age are all counted as of the October 1, 2026 cut-off date. Candidates whose apprenticeship results are still awaited should check the notification wording closely, because BHEL typically requires the NAC to be in hand.
Key dates every applicant must remember
- October 21, 2026, 10 AM: Online applications open
- November 18, 2026, 11:45 PM: Last date to apply
- December 11, 2026 (tentative): Computer-Based Test
The official notification was released on October 17, 2026, and the computer-based test is tentatively scheduled for December 11. BHEL has said candidates should keep checking the official website for any change in the exam schedule.
How to apply for BHEL Artisan Grade IV posts
The application process is entirely online. Candidates should visit the official BHEL careers portal, find the Artisan Grade IV recruitment link, and register with a valid email address and mobile number. The form asks for personal details, educational qualifications, trade and unit preferences, and document uploads. Double-check every entry before the final submission, because the notification provides a limited window for corrections, if any.
Keep scanned copies of your Class 10 mark sheet, ITI certificate, apprenticeship certificate, caste or EWS certificate if applicable, and a recent photograph ready before you start. Applications submitted through any other mode will not be accepted.
Selection process
Selection will be through a Computer-Based Test, with shortlisted candidates called for further stages as specified in the official advertisement. Merit in the CBT will decide who moves ahead, so ITI-level trade knowledge and basic aptitude are the areas to focus on.
Why this recruitment matters
PSU shop-floor jobs like these rarely come in this volume. With 660 openings across nine units, this drive gives ITI holders a genuine shot at a stable central public sector career with the pay and benefits that come with it. The competition, however, will be stiff, especially for fitter and welder trades where applicant numbers are traditionally the highest.
FAQs
1. What is the last date to apply for BHEL Artisan Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is November 18, 2026, at 11:45 PM.
2. What qualification is needed for BHEL Artisan Grade IV posts?
Candidates need Class 10, an ITI certificate (NTC) and an apprenticeship certificate (NAC), all in the same trade, with the prescribed minimum marks.
3. What is the age limit for BHEL Artisan recruitment?
As on October 1, 2026, the upper age limit is 27 years for General/EWS, 30 years for OBC (NCL) and 32 years for SC/ST candidates.
4. Is there an interview in the BHEL Artisan selection process?
The announced selection is through a computer-based test tentatively scheduled for December 11, 2026. Check the official notification for the complete selection scheme.
5. Can I apply for more than one BHEL unit?
No. A candidate can apply for only one manufacturing unit, and only in the trade matching their qualifications.
If you hold an ITI certificate and have been waiting for a government-sector opening, this is the week to act. Read the official notification once in full, get your documents in order, and submit the application well before the November 18 deadline.
