The Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) has just announced its much-awaited Engineer Trainee (ET) recruitment for 2026, and if you’re an engineering graduate eyeing a career in the power sector, this is your shot. This opportunity allows you to join one of India’s most prestigious Maharatna Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs), and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to be a part of such a big player in the country’s power transmission game?
PGCIL ET Recruitment 2025
But here’s the thing: To even get your foot in the door, you’ll need to qualify for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026. So, whether you’re a final-year student or someone gearing up for the GATE exam next year, the process is going to be both thrilling and challenging. This isn’t just about taking an exam, it’s about setting yourself up for one of the most respected roles in the country.
Overviews of PGCIL ET Recruitment
| Conducting Body | Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) |
| Post Name | Engineer Trainee (ET) |
| Vacancies | To Be Announced (TBA) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.powergrid.in |
| Notification Release Date | September 27, 2025 |
| Application Start Date | February/March 2026 (Tentative) |
| Application End Date | March 2026 (Tentative) |
About Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) is a state-owned Maharatna Public Sector Enterprise, responsible for the transmission of electricity across India. Established in 1989, it plays a pivotal role in the nation’s power sector by managing more than 90% of India’s inter-state and inter-regional electric power transmission. Known for its cutting-edge technology and large-scale infrastructure, POWERGRID ensures reliable power transmission, supporting the country’s economic growth and development in the energy sector.
Important Dates
So, what’s the timeline for all of this? It’s critical you keep track of these dates because missing a single one could derail your plans. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Notification Release: September 27, 2025
- Application Start Date: February/March 2026
- Application End Date: March 2026
- GATE 2026 Exam: February 2026 (exact dates subject to official announcement)
Stay sharp! Once the application portal opens, it’s game time.
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Vacancy 2026
Okay, here’s where things get a bit interesting. POWERGRID is going to hire candidates across four key engineering disciplines: Electrical, Electronics, Civil, and Computer Science. But—and this is a big but—vacancies aren’t listed just yet. We’ll have to wait for the final recruitment advertisement before we get any concrete numbers. Still, if you’re in one of these fields, it’s worth keeping a close eye on the updates.
- Engineer Trainee (Electrical): GATE Paper Code: EE
- Engineer Trainee (Electronics): GATE Paper Code: EC
- Engineer Trainee (Civil): GATE Paper Code: CE
- Engineer Trainee (Computer Science): GATE Paper Code: CS
You’ll be able to apply based on your specific GATE paper, but we’ll have to wait for more details before the numbers are confirmed.
Eligibility Criteria
Let’s talk about the eligibility criteria, which is the first thing you should check before getting any deeper into this. Make sure you fit the bill. If you don’t, no matter how badly you want this, you won’t be eligible.
- Nationality: Must be an Indian national.
- Age Limit: The upper age limit as of December 31, 2025, is 28 years for General/EWS candidates, with some relaxation for reserved categories. Here’s the breakdown:
- OBC (NCL): 31 years
- SC/ST: 33 years
- Educational Qualification: You need a full-time B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc (Engineering) degree with at least 60% marks (or equivalent CGPA) in the relevant discipline. Final-year students who expect their results by August 14, 2026, are also eligible to apply as long as they have a 60% aggregate till their pre-final exams.
Application Fee
Here’s the thing—recruitment in PSUs like POWERGRID is not only competitive but can be expensive, and there’s a fee involved. The application fee is Rs. 500 for General/OBC/EWS candidates, but don’t worry—if you belong to SC/ST/PwBD categories, you won’t have to pay anything.
- General/OBC/EWS: Rs. 500/-
- SC/ST/PwBD: Exempted from fee payment
If you’re lucky enough to be exempt, consider it a little relief in an otherwise competitive race.
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Selection Process
The selection process is a blend of objective and subjective measures, and it’s designed to be thorough. First, there’s the GATE exam, which is non-negotiable. Your GATE score will carry the most weight—85% of the final selection! After that, things get interesting with a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI), so it’s not just about being good with exams; you also need to prove you’re a solid team player and a good communicator.
- GATE 2026 Score: 85% weightage
- Group Discussion (GD): 3% weightage
- Personal Interview (PI): 12% weightage
Also, just because you ace the GATE exam doesn’t mean you’re home free. You’ll have to qualify in both the GD and PI stages, too, with a minimum of 40% marks required in the PI for General/EWS candidates.
Salary & Benefits
Now, let’s talk money. Because, let’s face it, who isn’t interested in the salary? The compensation for this role is pretty impressive. During the one-year training period, the salary is in the range of Rs. 40,000/- to Rs. 1,40,000/-, depending on your experience and other factors. The CTC during this period would be roughly around Rs. 11.00 lakhs annually.
Once you complete the training, you’ll be promoted to an Engineer in the E2 pay scale, with a salary range of Rs. 50,000/- to Rs. 1,60,000/-, and the approximate CTC for this role is around Rs. 22.50 lakhs per year. I think we can all agree that’s pretty competitive for a PSU job.
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How to Apply for PGCIL ET Recruitment Through GATE 2026?
The application process is simple but requires careful attention. To apply, you must first ensure you’re registered for the GATE 2026 exam. Once that’s done, you can head over to the official POWERGRID website to submit your application.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Visit the official POWERGRID website.
- Navigate to the “Career” section and click on “Engineer Trainee-2026 Recruitment Apply Online” link.
- Log in with your GATE 2026 registration number and fill in your details.
- Upload your photo, signature, and any required documents.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) and submit your application.
Once your application is submitted, keep an eye out for updates on the exam and interview dates.
FAQ’S About PGCIL ET Recruitment
What is the conducting body for PGCIL ET Recruitment Through GATE 2026?
The conducting body for the PGCIL ET Recruitment Through GATE 2026 is Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a leading Maharatna Public Sector Enterprise in India.
How can I apply for PGCIL ET Recruitment Through GATE 2026?
You can apply online through the official POWERGRID website, starting from February/March 2026, after registering for GATE 2026.
What is the eligibility criterion for PGCIL ET Recruitment Through GATE 2026?
Candidates must have a B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc (Engineering) degree with at least 60% marks in the relevant discipline, and they must have appeared for the GATE 2026 exam.
What is the salary during the training period?
During the one-year training period, Engineer Trainees will receive a salary ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1,40,000, with a CTC of around Rs. 11.00 lakhs annually.