PGCIL Executive Trainee Recruitment through GATE 2026: Notification Out for Engineers! Check Salary, Eligibility, and Apply Online

Last Updated on: October 2, 2025 by:SarkariEdge Team

PGCIL Executive Trainee Recruitment through GATE 2026: An exceptional opportunity knocks for engineering graduates across the country! The Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a prestigious Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), has officially released the short notification for the recruitment of Engineer Trainees (ET) through the GATE 2026 examination. The detailed advertisement, bearing number CC/04/2025, opens the door for bright and dynamic engineers in Electrical, Electronics, Civil, and Computer Science disciplines to join one of India’s most vital organizations.

This recruitment drive is a golden chance for aspirants who dream of a secure and rewarding career in the public sector. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the PGCIL Executive Trainee Notification, covering every detail from eligibility criteria, vacancy distribution, selection process, salary structure, to a step-by-step application guide. Read on to ensure you are fully prepared for this high-profile recruitment process.

About POWERGRID: India’s Power Transmission Backbone

Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) is the Central Transmission Utility (CTU) of India and one of the largest power transmission companies globally. As a Maharatna company, it is responsible for the planning, implementation, operation, and maintenance of India’s inter-state power transmission system. A career at POWERGRID not only offers excellent pay and benefits but also a chance to contribute directly to the nation’s growth and development by ensuring uninterrupted power supply across its vast geography.PGCIL Executive Trainee Recruitment through GATE 2026

PGCIL Executive Trainee Recruitment through GATE 2026 Overview

The recruitment process is based entirely on the scores obtained in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2026. Candidates must first appear and qualify in the relevant GATE paper to be considered for the subsequent stages of selection, which include a Group Discussion and Personal Interview. Here is a quick overview of the key details:

PGCIL Executive Trainee Recruitment through GATE 2026 (via GATE 2026)

While the exact number of vacancies for each discipline will be announced with the detailed notification, POWERGRID consistently recruits a substantial number of engineers each year. The vacancies will be distributed across the following engineering streams:

• Engineer Trainee (Electrical)
• Engineer Trainee (Electronics)
• Engineer Trainee (Civil)
• Engineer Trainee (Computer Science)

Reservations for SC, ST, OBC (NCL), EWS, and PwBD candidates will be applicable as per Government of India directives. Aspirants are advised to stay tuned to SarkariEdge.in for the official vacancy breakdown once it is released.PGCIL Executive Trainee Recruitment through GATE 2026

Detailed Eligibility Criteria for PGCIL Recruitment 2025

Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first and most crucial step. Candidates must ensure they fulfill all conditions related to education, age, and GATE 2026 paper before applying.

1. Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess a full-time B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc (Engg.) degree from a recognized University/Institute with a minimum of 60% marks or an equivalent CGPA. Final year/semester students who expect their results by August 2026 are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the percentage criteria.

2. Age Limit (as on 31.12.2025)

The upper age limit for applying for the Engineer Trainee post is 28 years as of 31st December 2025. This means candidates should not have been born before 31.12.1997.

Age Relaxation

Relaxation in the upper age limit is provided for reserved category candidates as per government norms:

• OBC (NCL): 3 years
• SC/ST: 5 years
• PwBD (UR/EWS): 10 years
• PwBD (OBC-NCL): 13 years
• PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years
• Ex-Servicemen: As per Govt. of India rules.

PGCIL Recruitment Selection Process (GATE 2026)

The selection process for the POWERGRID Engineer Trainee is a multi-stage process designed to select the best talent. The weightage given to each stage is crucial for final selection.

1. GATE 2026 Score (85% Weightage): The first level of shortlisting is based purely on the normalized marks obtained in the GATE 2026 examination. Candidates must score well as this holds the maximum weightage.
2. Group Discussion (3% Weightage): Shortlisted candidates will be called for a Group Discussion (GD), which assesses communication skills, teamwork, and analytical ability.
3. Personal Interview (12% Weightage): The final stage is a Personal Interview (PI) to evaluate the candidate’s technical knowledge, behavioral competencies, and overall suitability for the role.

The final merit list will be prepared based on the combined score of all three stages, with the following weightage:

How to Apply for PGCIL Executive Trainee Recruitment 2025?

PGCIL Executive Trainee Recruitment through GATE 2026 The application process is a two-step procedure. First, you must register and appear for GATE 2026. After the GATE results are out, you must apply separately on the POWERGRID careers portal.

Step 1: Apply for GATE 2026

• Visit the official GATE 2026 website (GOAPS portal).
• Register by providing your name, email ID, and mobile number.
• Fill out the detailed GATE 2026 application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
• Upload your photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable) as per the specified format.
• Pay the application fee and submit the form.
• Save your GATE 2026 Registration Number for future use.

Step 2: Apply on the POWERGRID Website (Feb/Mar 2026)

1. Visit the official POWERGRID website: www.powergrid.in.
2. Navigate to the “Careers” section and find the link for “Recruitment of Engineer Trainees through GATE 2026 (Advt. No. CC/04/2025)”.
3. Click on “Apply Online”. You will need your GATE 2026 Registration Number to proceed.
4. Fill in the required details in the POWERGRID online application form.
5. Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph, signature, and other necessary documents.
6. Pay the application fee through the available online payment modes.
7. Review the application form carefully before final submission.
8. Download and take a printout of the final application form for your records.

Application Fee

Candidates are required to pay a non-refundable application fee. The fee structure is as follows:

• General/OBC/EWS: ₹500/-
• SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen: Exempted (No Fee)

Salary and Career Progression of PGCIL Engineer Trainee

POWERGRID offers one of the most competitive remuneration packages in the industry. The compensation structure is highly attractive, even during the training period.

During One-Year Training Period:

• Pay Scale: ₹40,000 – ₹1,40,000 (IDA)
• Basic Pay: ₹40,000/- per month
• Allowances: Includes Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA, and other perks.
• Approximate CTC per annum: Around ₹11.00 Lakhs

After Regularization as Engineer (E2 Scale):

Upon successful completion of the training, candidates will be absorbed as Engineers in the E2 grade.

• Pay Scale: ₹50,000 – ₹1,60,000 (IDA)
• Allowances: Performance Related Pay, Company Leased Accommodation, Medical facilities, Group Insurance, PF, Gratuity, Pension, and more.
• Approximate CTC per annum: Around ₹22.50 Lakhs

The career progression in POWERGRID is structured, offering ample opportunities for growth to higher management positions based on performance and experience.

Important Dates for PGCIL Recruitment via GATE 2026

Aspirants must keep track of all the important deadlines to avoid missing out on this opportunity.

Important Links:-

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do I need to apply for GATE 2026 separately?

A1: Yes, it is mandatory to apply for and appear in the corresponding paper of GATE 2026. The GATE 2026 registration number is required to apply for the PGCIL recruitment.

Q2: I am in the final year of my B.Tech. Am I eligible to apply?

A2: Yes, final year/semester students who expect their final results by August 2026 are eligible to apply, provided they meet the minimum 60% marks criteria upon course completion.

Q3: What is the upper age limit for PGCIL ET Recruitment?

A3: The upper age limit is 28 years as of December 31, 2025. Relaxations are applicable for reserved categories.

Q4: Is there a separate written test conducted by POWERGRID after GATE?

A4: No, there is no separate written test. Shortlisting is done based on GATE 2026 scores, followed by Group Discussion and Personal Interview.

Q5: What is the application fee for PGCIL Executive Trainee post?

A5: The application fee is ₹500 for General/OBC/EWS candidates. SC/ST/PwBD and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from paying the fee.