National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is a Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Government of India. It was incorporated on 18 July 2014 and became operational in September 2015. NHIDCL is mandated with the development of National Highways and strategic infrastructure in the North-Eastern Region (NER), Hilly States, and Border Areas of India — areas that are challenging, geographically critical, and historically underserved by infrastructure development.
NHIDCL operates through an extensive field network of 13 Regional Offices, 46 Project Monitoring Units, and 74 Site Offices across NER and border states. Its work spans highway construction, tunnels, bridges, hill roads, and connectivity projects in states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, and UTs like Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, as well as Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
2. Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) |
| Hiring Notice No. | 07/2026 — SSGS (State Specific Graduate Scheme) |
| Post Name | Associate |
| Total Vacancies | 100 Posts |
| Scheme | State Specific Graduate Scheme (SSGS) under the Young Professionals (YP) Scheme |
| Nature of Engagement | Contractual — purely consultancy-based; NOT a government or regular PSU job |
| Notification Date | July 2026 |
| Apply Mode | Online only — via NHIDCL Resource Pool Portal |
| Application Portal | https://www.nhidcl.com/application/login |
| Official Website | www.nhidcl.com |
| Application Fee | NIL — No application fee |
| Helpdesk Email | helpdesk.ypepl@nhidcl.com |
3. What Is the State Specific Graduate Scheme (SSGS)?
The SSGS is a special component of NHIDCL’s Young Professionals (YP) Scheme designed specifically to build a pipeline of local technical talent in states and UTs where NHIDCL operates.
Key features of the SSGS:
- Operates only at two levels: Associate and Senior Associate
- Engagement is state-specific — a person engaged in a particular state under SSGS cannot be transferred to another state or to NHIDCL’s Head Office
- Only candidates who hold a valid permanent domicile certificate of the respective state/UT are eligible
- The scheme focuses on fresh Civil Engineering graduates from recognised institutions
- Preference is given to candidates from IITs, NITs, or institutions ranked within the top 100 in the latest NIRF Rankings (Engineering category)
- In special cases, the Competent Authority may fix remuneration higher than standard bands if sub-optimal performance is linked to unfilled vacancies or if the candidate is of exceptional competency
4. Post Details & Remuneration
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Associate |
| Level | Entry-level under SSGS / Young Professionals Scheme |
| Experience Required | 0 to 2 years post-qualification; freshers are eligible |
| Upper Age Limit | 30 years as on the date of issue of the Recruitment Advertisement |
| Remuneration | ₹70,000 – ₹80,000 per month (consolidated) |
| Remuneration Nature | Consultancy fees — inclusive of all applicable taxes — no other allowances payable |
| Annual Enhancement | Up to 5% of existing consultancy fee — decided solely by the Consultants’ Review Committee (CRC) |
| Initial Tenure | 2 years (extendable by 1 year at a time) |
| Maximum Tenure | 3 years total (2 + 1), subject to satisfactory CRC performance review |
| Terminal Allowance | If Associate completes more than 2 years with satisfactory performance, CRC may recommend a terminal allowance not exceeding 2 months’ remuneration |
| Legal Status | Independent consultant — NOT an employee, official, or staff member of NHIDCL |
5. Vacancy Details — State/UT wise (100 Posts)
The 100 posts under Hiring Notice 07/2026 are distributed across states and UTs where NHIDCL operates. The state-wise distribution (based on the SSGS pattern established in previous hiring notices, proportionally scaled to 100) is indicative — verify the exact distribution in the official notification PDF at nhidcl.com.
| S. No. | State / Union Territory | Approx. Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assam | 22 |
| 2 | Arunachal Pradesh | 10 |
| 3 | Manipur | 10 |
| 4 | Meghalaya | 8 |
| 5 | Mizoram | 8 |
| 6 | Nagaland | 8 |
| 7 | Tripura | 8 |
| 8 | Sikkim | 6 |
| 9 | Uttarakhand | 7 |
| 10 | Jammu & Kashmir | 6 |
| 11 | Ladakh | 4 |
| 12 | West Bengal | 3 |
| Total | 100 |
Important: The above distribution is indicative based on the SSGS proportional pattern. Verify exact state-wise numbers in the official Hiring Notice 07/2026 PDF at www.nhidcl.com. Candidates must apply only for the state in which they hold a permanent domicile certificate.
6. Eligibility Criteria
6a. Educational Qualification
| Post | Qualification | Institution Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Associate (Civil Engineering — all SSGS states) | B.E. / B.Tech or equivalent in Civil Engineering (full-time, regular course from a recognised university/institute) | IITs, NITs, or institutions ranked within the top 100 in the latest NIRF Rankings (Engineering category). For foreign university degrees: institution ranked within top 100 in Times Higher Education or QS World University Rankings. |
Notes:
- Candidates must have passed the qualifying examination before applying. Those with results still awaited may also apply if they are likely to complete graduation before joining — they must submit proof of passing at the time of document verification / engagement
- Distance / correspondence / part-time courses are not eligible
- Only the specific branch/discipline mentioned (Civil Engineering or equivalent) is eligible — no equivalent claim for other streams is entertained
- Candidates possessing higher qualifications such as M.Tech, MBA, CA, LLB, or any postgraduate degree should verify eligibility under the scheme norms
6b. Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Associate (General) | Maximum 30 years as on date of issue of advertisement (July 2026) |
Note: The official notification may specify age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen candidates as per Government of India guidelines. Verify from the official PDF.
6c. Domicile Requirement
- Candidates must possess a valid permanent domicile certificate of the specific state/UT against which they are applying
- A candidate with domicile of State A cannot apply for SSGS vacancies in State B — the engagement is strictly state-specific and non-transferable
- Candidates applying without a valid domicile certificate will be disqualified at the document verification stage
6d. Experience
| Post | Experience |
|---|---|
| Associate | 0 to 2 years post-qualification experience in relevant domain. Freshers (0 experience) are fully eligible. |
7. Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 — Resource Pool Registration | Candidates register on the NHIDCL Resource Pool Portal at nhidcl.com/application and fill their profile completely with personal, academic, domicile, and professional details. Only online applications accepted. |
| Stage 2 — Screening Committee | An internally constituted Screening Committee shortlists eligible candidates from the portal. Composition: Executive Director (Technical / Projects / Administration) as Chairperson; General Manager (HR) and General Manager (Finance) as Members. Shortlisting is merit-based on academic qualifications, NIRF ranking of institution, and profile completeness. |
| Stage 3 — Written Test / Skill Assessment | The Screening / Selection Committee may conduct a Written Test and/or Group Discussion if the number of eligible candidates is large. This is at the discretion of the Selection Committee and is not mandatory in all cases. |
| Stage 4 — Personal Interview | Shortlisted candidates may be called for a Personal Interview by the Selection Committee before final offer. |
| Stage 5 — Background Verification (BGV) | Final engagement is subject to successful background verification — checking educational certificates, identity proofs, domicile certificate, and character antecedents. |
| Stage 6 — Induction & Competency Tests | All selected Associates must undergo a mandatory 3-day Induction Module after joining. Periodic Competency Tests may be conducted during the engagement period with minimum qualifying marks — failure to qualify may affect continuation. |
| Stage 7 — CRC Review | Performance during engagement is reviewed by the Consultants’ Review Committee (CRC), which decides on annual remuneration enhancement (up to 5%), tenure extension, and terminal allowance. |
8. Nature of Work
Associates under NHIDCL–SSGS work across diverse areas of highway and infrastructure development, including:
| Domain | Work Areas |
|---|---|
| Engineering | Highway construction, hill road design, bridge and tunnel engineering, structural appraisal, geotechnical investigation |
| Project Management | Project monitoring, DPR preparation, contract management, quality assurance, cost control |
| Construction | Site supervision, measurement, quality check, health safety & environment (HSE), road safety audits |
| GIS & Planning | GIS mapping, geographic and geological planning, disaster management planning |
| Procurement | Tendering, procurement procedures, HAM/PPP project support |
| Administrative Support | Land acquisition, environment clearances, utility shifting, liaison with state agencies |
9. Terms & Conditions of Engagement
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Nature | Contractual — purely consultancy-based. No employment benefits (PF, gratuity, pension, DA, HRA, LTC etc.) applicable as would be to a regular employee |
| Non-Transferability | SSGS Associates cannot be transferred across states or to NHIDCL Head Office |
| Annual Enhancement | Up to 5% of consultancy fee — sole discretion of CRC |
| Termination | Either party may terminate with notice as per engagement terms. Breach of contract terms = immediate termination |
| Induction | Mandatory 3-day induction module on joining |
| Competency Test | Periodic tests during engagement — minimum qualifying marks prescribed |
| Conflict of Interest | Associate must not take up any other consultancy, employment, or assignment during the period of engagement without prior written approval from NHIDCL |
| Confidentiality | All project data, documents, and information must be kept strictly confidential — breach = legal action |
| No Employment Right | Completion of the contractual period does not confer any right to regular employment or absorption into NHIDCL as a permanent employee |
10. How to Apply — Step by Step
Apply at: https://www.nhidcl.com/application/login
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Visit www.nhidcl.com → Navigate to ‘Current Jobs’ or ‘Careers’ section → Click on Hiring Notice 07/2026 (SSGS) |
| Step 2 | Go to the Resource Pool Portal: nhidcl.com/application/login → Click ‘Registration’ → Enter Name, Email, Mobile Number, Password, and CAPTCHA → Verify email |
| Step 3 | Log in with registered email ID and password → Navigate to ‘Current Openings / SSGS Associate’ → Click ‘Apply’ for your state |
| Step 4 | Fill in all mandatory fields: Personal Details, Date of Birth, Domicile State, Educational Qualifications (with CGPA/percentage, institution name, NIRF rank), Experience (if any), and contact details |
| Step 5 | Upload scanned documents: Recent passport-size photograph, Signature, Civil Engineering Degree/Provisional Certificate and Marksheets, Domicile Certificate of the state applied for, Category certificate (if applicable), Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport) |
| Step 6 | Review complete application carefully — no fee to pay — click ‘Final Submit’ → Save/Print the Acknowledgment with Application Reference Number |
| Step 7 | Keep the registered email ID active for at least 1 year — all communications (shortlisting, interview call, offer letter) will be sent to registered email only. Also check the NHIDCL Careers page regularly for updates. |
No physical applications or postal applications are accepted. The Resource Pool Portal may be used to register even before a specific notice is published — NHIDCL may shortlist from existing registered profiles without issuing fresh advertisements.
11. Documents Required
| # | Document | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Class X Certificate/Marksheet | Date of birth proof |
| 2 | B.E./B.Tech Civil Engineering Degree Certificate or Provisional Certificate | Educational qualification |
| 3 | All semester/year-wise Marksheets of B.E./B.Tech | Aggregate percentage calculation |
| 4 | NIRF Ranking printout of institution (latest available) | Institution eligibility verification |
| 5 | CGPA to Percentage Conversion Certificate (if CGPA awarded) | Percentage calculation |
| 6 | Permanent Domicile Certificate of the state/UT applied for | SSGS state-specific eligibility |
| 7 | Valid Photo ID — Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID / Passport / Driving Licence | Identity verification |
| 8 | Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD) — GoI prescribed format | Reservation/age relaxation (if applicable) |
| 9 | Experience Certificate(s) from employer(s) with dates | Experience claim verification (if applicable) |
| 10 | Recent passport-size photograph | Application and all stages |
12. Salary Comparison — NHIDCL Young Professionals Scheme
For broader context, the NHIDCL YP Scheme has three levels. The SSGS operates only at Associate and Senior Associate levels:
| Post Level | Experience | Remuneration (per month) | Max. Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate (SSGS / YP) | 0–2 years | ₹70,000 – ₹80,000 | 30 years |
| Senior Associate (SSGS / YP) | 2–9 years | ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 | 40 years |
| Consultant (YP only — not SSGS) | 9–15 years | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,75,000 | 45 years |
Annual enhancement capped at 5% across all levels, at sole discretion of CRC. All figures are consolidated monthly consultancy fees inclusive of all applicable taxes.
13. Key Conditions to Note Before Applying
| Condition | Detail |
|---|---|
| Not a government job | This is a contractual consultancy engagement — no PF, gratuity, pension, DA, HRA, or government service benefits |
| State-specific only | SSGS Associates cannot be posted or transferred outside the state/UT of recruitment |
| Domicile mandatory | Without valid permanent domicile of the applied state, candidature will be rejected |
| NIRF-ranked institution | Graduation must be from IITs, NITs, or institutions in the NIRF Top 100 (Engineering) — no relaxation mentioned in standard SSGS norms |
| No guarantee of absorption | Completion of tenure gives no right to regular employment at NHIDCL |
| Remote/field posting | Postings are in NER, hilly, border, and strategically remote locations — candidates must be prepared for field conditions |
| Competency test mandatory | Periodic competency tests must be cleared during engagement for continuation |
| Single state application | Apply for only the state where you hold valid domicile |
14. Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF (Hiring Notice 07/2026) | https://www.nhidcl.com/sites/default/files/2026-07/hiring_notice_07_2026_ssgs.pdf |
| Apply Online — Resource Pool Portal | https://www.nhidcl.com/application/login |
| NHIDCL Official Website | www.nhidcl.com |
| NHIDCL Current Jobs Page | https://nhidcl.com/en/current-jobs |
| Helpdesk Email | helpdesk.ypepl@nhidcl.com |
Critical Reminders:
- The official Hiring Notice 07/2026 PDF at nhidcl.com is the authoritative source — verify all details including exact state-wise vacancy distribution, last date, and any domain-specific qualifications from the official document before applying
- Keep registered email active for at least 1 year — all shortlisting and further communication is done electronically only
- No application fee — if any website or agent claims a fee for NHIDCL SSGS, it is fraudulent
- Check nhidcl.com regularly for any corrigenda or updates to this notification
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