NHSRCL Recruitment 2026: Junior Engineer (JE) & Deputy Engineer (DE) Vacancy Notice – Apply on Absorption Basis

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has released two important vacancy notices for the year 2026, inviting applications from serving Regular/Contractual employees of Indian Railways, Government-owned or Government-operated Railways, Metro Railways and RRTS systems. These notifications cover the posts of Junior Engineer (JE) / Controller / Safety cadre and Deputy Engineer (DE) / Deputy Chief Controller cadre, all to be filled purely on an Absorption Basis. Since NHSRCL is implementing India’s first-ever high-speed rail corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad (the MAHSR Project), this recruitment drive is a golden opportunity for railway, metro and RRTS professionals who want to work on cutting-edge high-speed rail technology. In this article, we have broken down both notifications in complete detail — vacancies, eligibility, age limit, qualification, experience, fee, selection process, salary, job profile, surety bond conditions and how to apply — so that eligible candidates do not miss this opportunity.

NHSRCL Recruitment 2026 Overview – Quick Summary Table

Before going into the details, here is a quick snapshot of both the NHSRCL JE Recruitment 2026 and NHSRCL DE Recruitment 2026 notifications for easy reference.

About NHSRCL and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project

National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited is a Joint Sector Company promoted by the Government of India along with participating State Governments, set up specifically to implement the High Speed Train Corridor Project in India. It is currently executing one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country’s rail sector — India’s first bullet train corridor connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad. NHSRCL is positioning itself as a progressive employer with modern HR practices and an employee-friendly policy framework, offering its workforce exposure to world-class high-speed rail technology along with several other professional benefits. Joining NHSRCL on absorption basis therefore gives serving railway, metro and RRTS employees a chance to be part of a transformative national project while enjoying a structured IDA pay scale and growth path.

NHSRCL Junior Engineer (JE) Recruitment 2026 – Vacancy Details (Notice No. 26/2026 to 32/2026)

The Junior Engineer notification covers seven vacancy categories spanning Civil/Track, Electrical, Signalling & Telecom, Rolling Stock (Electrical and Mechanical), Operations and Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) Systems streams. Within most categories, a fixed number of posts are also earmarked for Controller and Safety assignments. The post-wise breakup is given below.

Important: A candidate can apply against only one post out of vacancy notice numbers 26/2026 to 32/2026, and only one application is allowed across this entire group. The Computer Based Test (CBT) for all these posts may be conducted on the same day and at the same time, so cross-applying is not permitted.

NHSRCL Deputy Engineer (DE) Recruitment 2026 – Vacancy Details (Notice No. 21/2026 to 25/2026)

The Deputy Engineer notification is for senior supervisory-level absorption and covers five categories across Civil/Track, Electrical, Signalling & Telecom, Rolling Stock and Operations streams, with several posts earmarked specifically for Deputy Chief Controller assignment in the Operations Control Centre (OCC).

Just like the JE notice, a candidate can apply against only one post out of vacancy notice numbers 21/2026 to 25/2026, and the CBT for these posts may also be conducted on a common day and time slot.

NHSRCL Recruitment 2026 Eligibility – Age Limit Criteria

The maximum age limit prescribed for both the Junior Engineer and Deputy Engineer posts is 45 years. Since recruitment is purely on absorption basis from currently serving Railway/Metro/RRTS employees, no separate minimum age has been specified, and age relaxation rules applicable to Government absorption recruitments will generally apply. Candidates should note that age, qualification and experience will all be reckoned as on 31st May 2026, the cut-off date fixed by NHSRCL for this recruitment cycle.

NHSRCL JE Recruitment 2026 – Educational Qualification & Experience Required

For Junior Engineer posts, candidates must hold a 3-year Engineering Diploma or a BE/B.Tech degree (or equivalent) from a Government recognised University or Institute, in the discipline relevant to the post applied for, as shown below.

In addition to the educational qualification, a minimum of 3 years of post-qualification experience in the relevant field, gained while working in the Operations & Maintenance departments of Indian Railways, Government-owned/operated Railways, Metro Railways or RRTS systems, is mandatory for all JE posts. Candidates must support their claim with a Competency Certificate or Experience Certificate issued by their employer, clearly mentioning year-wise details of the nature and type of work performed. It is also important to note that experience gained through Teaching, Faculty positions, Apprenticeship, Internship, Proprietorship, Partnership or as a Freelancer will not be counted towards this mandatory experience requirement.

NHSRCL DE Recruitment 2026 – Educational Qualification & Experience Required

For Deputy Engineer / Deputy Chief Controller posts, the basic educational requirement is again a 3-year Engineering Diploma or BE/B.Tech in the relevant discipline (Civil, Electrical, Signalling & Telecom related streams, or any discipline for Operations), but the experience criteria are more elaborate since this is a senior supervisory-level post. The eligibility differs depending on whether the candidate is currently working in IDA pay scales (Metro/RRTS) or CDA pay scales (Indian Railways/Ministry of Railways), as summarised below.

A few additional clarifications apply to the DE notification. Higher grade pay granted to CDA employees under MACP will not be counted for eligibility — only the substantive grade is considered. Employees in IDA pay scales who do not meet the IDA-specific criteria may still be considered eligible if they satisfy the CDA criteria applicable during their earlier service. Group C employees of CDA who were later absorbed into IDA scales will have their total qualifying Group C service computed by combining both periods. As with the JE notice, a Competency/Experience Certificate from the employer with year-wise details is compulsory.

Job Profile & Roles and Responsibilities of NHSRCL JE/DE Posts

Since most posts under both notifications carry dual or triple designations (a base engineering role plus a Controller and/or Safety role), the job profile naturally varies by stream, though the work culture across all posts predominantly involves shift duty, night-shift maintenance work, and emergency restoration as required for round-the-clock operation of the high-speed rail system.

Civil/Track stream: The Junior/Deputy Engineer (Civil/Track) is responsible for managing civil structures and inspecting/maintaining track infrastructure for operations and the project. The Facility Controller/Deputy Chief Facility Controller, on the other hand, sits in the Operations Control Centre (OCC) and authorises, coordinates and supervises maintenance, inspection and construction activity on tracks and civil assets, while monitoring viaducts, bridges, tunnels, stations and automated sensors (rainfall, rail temperature, earthquake detection) through OCC displays and SCADA systems. The Safety officer in this stream ensures Civil and Track operations comply with established safety standards.

Electrical stream: The Junior/Deputy Engineer (Electrical) supervises maintenance, operation, testing and troubleshooting of HSR electrical systems including Traction Power Supply, Overhead Equipment (OHE) and SCADA. The Electric Power Controller/Deputy Chief Controller (Electrical) remotely operates circuit breakers and switching devices, manages grid power supply, performs rule-based switching, and quickly isolates faults to restore power and minimise service disruption, including coordinating emergency OHE shutdowns for detrainment.

Signalling & Telecom stream: This role covers supervision and maintenance of Electronic Interlocking Systems, ATP/ATO, signals, point machines, axle counters, and telecom assets such as radio, PA systems, PIDS, CCTV and FOTS. The S&T Controller/Deputy Chief Controller monitors interlocking, ATC/ATP/ATS status, train radio and disaster-prevention systems from the OCC, and leads fault diagnosis, fallback procedures and safe restoration after maintenance.

Rolling Stock stream: Junior/Deputy Engineers here perform preventive and corrective maintenance of rolling stock, diagnose electrical, mechanical and pneumatic issues, and assist in preparing O&M manuals and SOPs. The Rolling Stock Controller/Deputy Chief Controller continuously monitors train health parameters (brakes, doors, HVAC, pantograph, bogies), coordinates trainset rostering and depot-to-service movement, and provides remote technical support to train crew during failures.

Operations stream: This is the largest category and includes Train Manager (onboard passenger handling, safety, ticketing and emergency response), Station Manager (station operations, route setting, ticketing/revenue, crowd and emergency management), Depot Controller (depot entry/exit, shunting, route setting within depot), and Operations Controller/Deputy Chief Controller (Operations) who, at the Deputy Chief level, leads the entire OCC shift, supervises all controllers, directs service recovery and timetable adjustments, and enforces safety protocols across the network.

AFC Systems stream: The Junior Engineer (AFC Systems) oversees the system integrator/PMC for ticketing system delivery, supports installation and commissioning of AFC gates, TVMs and TOMs, conducts acceptance testing, coordinates with vendors for maintenance, and monitors performance and availability of the ticketing infrastructure.

NHSRCL Recruitment 2026 Application Fee Details

The application fee structure is identical for both JE and DE notifications. UR, EWS and OBC category candidates are required to pay a non-refundable fee of Rs. 400/-, exclusive of any transaction processing charges. Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories, and all Women candidates are fully exempted from payment of the application fee.

Once paid, the recruitment fee along with transaction charges will not be refunded under any circumstances, so candidates are strongly advised to verify their eligibility and the application closing date before making the payment.

NHSRCL JE & DE Recruitment 2026 Selection Process

The selection methodology differs slightly between the two notifications. For Junior Engineer posts (26/2026 to 32/2026), selection will be through a Computer Based Test (CBT), followed by Document Verification and a Medical Examination. For Deputy Engineer posts (21/2026 to 25/2026), since these are senior supervisory roles, an additional Interview stage is included along with CBT, Document Verification and Medical Examination. In both cases, NHSRCL management reserves the right to include or dispense with any stage of the selection methodology as deemed fit, and may also prescribe a competitive written test or raise/relax eligibility criteria depending on the volume of applications received. Mere fulfilment of eligibility conditions does not guarantee a call for the next stage of selection.

NHSRCL Recruitment 2026 Salary, Pay Scale & Emoluments

Both notifications offer pay under the IDA (Industrial Dearness Allowance) pay structure applicable to Non-Executive employees of NHSRCL. Junior Engineer posts carry a pay scale of Rs. 40,000 – 1,25,000 (NE-4), while Deputy Engineer/Deputy Chief Controller posts carry a higher pay scale of Rs. 46,000 – 1,45,000 (NE-6). Beyond the basic pay, selected employees are entitled to a comprehensive package of perks including House Rent Allowance (HRA), Medical Benefits, Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Gratuity and other allowances as per the extant rules of the corporation, which may be revised by NHSRCL from time to time.

Medical Standards Required for NHSRCL JE/DE Posts

Appointment of all selected candidates is subject to medical fitness as determined through a Medical Examination conducted per NHSRCL’s directives. Most posts under both notifications require Medical Standard A-3, while Train Manager/Station Manager/Depot Controller/Operations Controller/JE (Safety-Operations) under vacancy 31/2026 require the more stringent Medical Standard A-1. Detailed medical criteria are governed by the Indian Railway Medical Manual (IRMM), and candidates may additionally be required to undergo specialised tests such as Audiometry and Perimetry, given the safety-critical nature of operating and maintaining high-speed train systems.

Surety Bond & Service Conditions for Selected Candidates

Candidates selected through this recruitment should be aware of two important bond conditions. First, a Surety Bond on Joining of Rs. 3,00,000/- must be executed to serve the corporation for a minimum period of 4 years (excluding any period spent on Leave Without Pay or Extraordinary Leave), along with a mandatory 90-day prior notice period before resignation.

Second, if the candidate undergoes any structured training after joining, a Surety Bond on Training covering the cost of training plus applicable service tax must be executed, binding the employee to serve for a minimum of 6 years post-training completion, along with a three-month prior notice requirement before resignation. All appointments on absorption basis will also carry a probation period of one year, and selected employees may be posted to serve at any location or office of NHSRCL during their tenure.

Important General Conditions of NHSRCL Recruitment 2026

Candidates should keep the following general conditions in mind while applying. Experience and other eligibility criteria will be reckoned strictly as on 31st May 2026. Only one application can be submitted within each notice group (26/2026–32/2026 for JE, and 21/2026–25/2026 for DE). NHSRCL will not take responsibility for postal delays or non-delivery of any communication, and applications must be submitted strictly in the prescribed online format — incomplete applications or those without supporting documents will be summarily rejected.

Experience gained through Teaching, Faculty roles, Apprenticeship, Internship, Proprietorship, Partnership or Freelancing will not be counted. Management retains full discretion to call or not call any candidate, to cancel or postpone the entire process, and its decision on selection will be treated as final. Out-station candidates called for interview (applicable to DE posts) will be paid TA as per company rules. All official communication will be sent only to the candidate’s registered email ID, so applicants are advised to regularly check their inbox, including the spam folder, and to keep visiting the official NHSRCL website for updates.

How to Apply for NHSRCL JE/DE Recruitment 2026

Applications for both the Junior Engineer and Deputy Engineer posts must be submitted online through the official NHSRCL recruitment portal. Since the notification specifically directs candidates to refer to the separate “Guidelines to Apply” document for the full step-by-step procedure, applicants are advised to carefully read that document before starting their application.

In general, the process will involve registering on the NHSRCL careers/recruitment portal, filling in personal, educational and employment details, uploading the required Competency/Experience Certificate and other supporting documents, indicating willingness and preference for Controller/Safety assignment (for JE) or Deputy Chief Controller assignment (for DE) where applicable, paying the requisite application fee online, and finally submitting and printing the confirmation page for future reference. Candidates should apply well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues, and should keep scanned copies of all certificates ready in advance.

Notification Details and Online Application Link

NHSRCL Recruitment 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Who can apply for NHSRCL JE and DE Recruitment 2026?
Only Regular/Contractual employees currently working in the Operations & Maintenance departments of Indian Railways, Government-owned/operated Railways, Metro Railways or RRTS systems are eligible to apply, since recruitment is purely on Absorption Basis.

Q2. What is the total number of vacancies in NHSRCL Recruitment 2026?
There are 175 posts under the Junior Engineer notification (26/2026 to 32/2026) and 34 posts under the Deputy Engineer notification (21/2026 to 25/2026), making a combined total of 209 posts.

Q3. What is the maximum age limit for these posts?
The maximum age limit for both JE and DE posts is 45 years, reckoned as on 31st May 2026.

Q4. What is the application fee for NHSRCL Recruitment 2026?
UR, EWS and OBC candidates must pay Rs. 400/-, while SC, ST and all Women candidates are exempted from the fee.

Q5. What is the selection process for NHSRCL JE and DE posts?
JE posts are selected through CBT, Document Verification and Medical Examination. DE posts additionally include a Personal Interview stage along with CBT, Document Verification and Medical Examination.

Q6. Can a candidate apply for more than one post in these notifications?
No. A candidate can apply for only one post within the JE group (26/2026–32/2026) and only one post within the DE group (21/2026–25/2026), since the CBT for posts within each group may be held on the same day and time.

Q7. What is the pay scale offered under this recruitment?
JE posts carry IDA pay scale Rs. 40,000–1,25,000 (NE-4) and DE posts carry IDA pay scale Rs. 46,000–1,45,000 (NE-6), along with HRA, medical benefits, EPF, gratuity and other allowances.

Q8. Is there any service bond after selection?
Yes. Selected candidates must execute a Surety Bond of Rs. 3,00,000/- to serve for a minimum of 4 years on joining, and an additional training bond (cost of training plus service tax) to serve for 6 years if they undergo training, along with prescribed notice periods before resignation.

Q9. Where will selected candidates be posted?
Selected candidates can be posted anywhere in NHSRCL/MAHSR Project, and may be required to serve at any location or office of NHSRCL during their employment.

Q10. What experience certificate is required at the time of application?
Candidates must submit a Competency Certificate or Experience Certificate issued by their employer, clearly indicating year-wise details of the nature and type of work performed, supporting the minimum experience claimed.