South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Mini Ratna Company and subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has released the Employment Notification (Ref. No. SECL/HR/MP/Recruitment/2026/166, dated 08.04.2026) inviting online applications for 1,055 regular posts across its Mines and Establishments in Chhattisgarh. Posts include Mining Sirdar T&S Grade-C (577), Deputy Surveyor T&S Grade-C (43), and Assistant Foreman (Electrical) Grade-C (435). Basic pay for all posts: ₹47,330.25/month plus allowances as per NCWA. Selection is through Computer Based Test (CBT) only — no personal interview. Apply online at secl-cil.in from 15 April to 14 May 2026.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | South Eastern Coalfields Ltd. (SECL) |
| Reference No. | SECL/HR/MP/Recruitment/2026/166 |
| Total Vacancies | 1,055 |
| Basic Pay | ₹47,330.25/month (NCWA) |
| Application Window | 15 Apr – 14 May 2026 |
| Selection Mode | CBT Only — No Interview |
| Official Website | secl-cil.in |
Apply: Applications open at secl-cil.in from 15 April 2026 (10:00 AM) to 14 May 2026 (11:59 PM). Go to secl-cil.in → Career → Employment Notification for Direct Recruitment → Apply Online. Apply Now
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Mining Sirdar T&S Grade-C | 577 |
| Dy. Surveyor T&S Grade-C | 43 |
| Asst. Foreman (Electrical) | 435 |
| Last Date | 14 May 2026 |
| Selection | CBT (No Interview) |
1. Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Employment Notification Released | 08 April 2026 |
| Cut-off Date for Age, Certificates & All Eligibility Criteria | 08 April 2026 |
| Online Registration & Application Submission Begins | 15 April 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date for Online Registration & Form Submission | 14 May 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Admit Card / Call Letter Download (Tentative) | Will be intimated through secl-cil.in |
| Computer Based Test (CBT) — Tentative Date | Will be intimated through secl-cil.in |
| Declaration of Results — Tentative | Will be intimated through secl-cil.in |
Note: Last date is 14 May 2026 at 11:59 PM. Apply well in advance to avoid last-minute server congestion. SECL will not be responsible for network failures near the deadline. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be entertained under any circumstances.
2. Post-wise Vacancy Details (Tentative)
| Post | Basic Pay/Month | SC (19%) | ST (14%) | OBC NCL (17%) | EWS (10%) | UR | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mining Sirdar T&S Grade-C | ₹47,330.25 | 110 | 86 (incl. 05 backlog) | 98 | 58 | 225 | 577 |
| Dy. Surveyor T&S Grade-C (Mining) | ₹47,330.25 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 18 | 43 |
| Asst. Foreman (Electrical) Grade-C | ₹47,330.25 | 83 | 61 | 74 | 43 | 174 | 435 |
| Grand Total — All 3 Posts | 201 | 153 | 179 | 105 | 417 | 1,055 |
Key points on vacancies:
- Vacancies are tentative — SECL reserves the right to increase, decrease, or cancel vacancies at any stage without assigning reasons
- ST vacancies for Mining Sirdar include 5 backlog vacancies
- 17 horizontal vacancies are reserved for PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) for the post of Assistant Foreman (Electrical) only. PwBD reservation is not applicable for Mining Sirdar & Dy. Surveyor posts
- Fee once paid will not be refunded even if vacancies are cancelled
- Reservation follows Government of India rules; SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates qualifying on their own merit without relaxed standards are accommodated against UR vacancies, not reserved
3. Minimum Qualification Required — Post-wise
Mining Sirdar — T&S Grade-C
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification (any one) | Matriculate or equivalent from a recognised Board, OR Diploma in Mining Engineering (3-year course), or Degree in Mining Engineering, or other equivalent qualification approved by the Central Government |
| Statutory Certificates (all mandatory) | Valid Mining Sirdarship Certificate of Competency (Un-Restricted) from DGMS under Coal Mines Regulation 2017, for both Open Cast (OC) & Underground (UG) Mines; Valid Gas Testing Certificate; Valid First Aid Certificate |
| Cut-off Date | All certificates must be valid as on 08.04.2026 |
Deputy Surveyor — T&S Grade-C (Mining)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification (any one) | Matriculate or equivalent from a recognised Board, OR Degree or Diploma in Mining/Mine Surveying Engineering |
| Statutory Certificate (mandatory) | Valid Surveyor’s Certificate of Competency (SCC) (Un-Restricted) under Coal Mines Regulation (CMR) 2017, or an equivalent mining certificate entitling the applicant to work as Surveyor |
| Cut-off Date | Certificate must be valid as on 08.04.2026 |
Assistant Foreman (Electrical) — T&S Grade-C
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Both qualifications mandatory | Matriculate or equivalent from a recognised Board; Diploma or higher qualification (minimum 3-year course) in Electrical Engineering from a Government-recognised Institute |
| Important Notes | Qualifications via distance learning or part-time courses are not acceptable. Candidates with higher relevant qualifications are also eligible. PwBD reservation of 17 horizontal vacancies applies to this post only |
Note: Prescribed qualifications are the minimum — candidates with higher relevant degrees may also apply. Minimum qualifications through distance learning/part-time study will not be considered. 08.04.2026 is the cut-off date for determining eligibility, valid Gas Testing Certificate, and valid First Aid Certificate.
4. Age Limit — As on Cut-off Date 08.04.2026
| S.N. | Category | Maximum Age Relaxation Beyond Upper Limit of 30 Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UR / EWS | No relaxation |
| 2 | SC / ST | 5 years extra |
| 3 | OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Centre List | 3 years extra |
| 4 | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Actual defence service period + 3 years (6 years for OBC-NCL ESM; 8 years for SC/ST ESM), subject to maximum age of 50 years. Not available for dependents of ESM |
| 5 | Persons with Disabilities — PwBD (Asst. Foreman Electrical only) | UR: +10 years | OBC-NCL: +13 years | SC/ST: +15 years |
| 6 | Departmental Candidates (CIL & all subsidiary companies) | No upper age limit |
Note: Minimum age for all candidates is 18 years; maximum age (General) is 30 years. Date of Birth is reckoned as per the Matriculation/Secondary Examination certificate. Age and all eligibility criteria are reckoned as on 08.04.2026.
5. Selection Process — Computer Based Test (CBT) Only
CBT Exam Pattern — 100 Questions, 100 Marks
- Section A — Technical Knowledge (discipline-specific): 80 MCQ questions
- Section B — General Awareness/Aptitude/Knowledge of CIL & SECL: 20 MCQ questions
- Total: 100 questions for 100 marks
- Each correct answer: +1 mark; wrong answers: no negative marking (0 deducted); unattempted: 0 marks
- Question paper is bilingual (English & Hindi); English version is final in case of discrepancy
- Syllabus attached as Annexure-A in the official notification PDF
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Qualifying Marks (out of 100) |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 45 |
| OBC (NCL) / ESM | 40 |
| SC / ST | 35 |
Candidates scoring at or above the cut-off and meeting all eligibility criteria will be provisionally called for document scrutiny, in order of merit, until all vacancies are filled.
Tie-Breaking Rule & Final Merit
If two or more candidates score identical marks in CBT, merit position is decided in this order:
- Date of Birth — older candidate ranked higher
- Seniority as per date of issue of Statutory Certificate
- Alphabetical order of name as in the application form
- Selection Committee’s discretion for still-tied candidates
Final merit panel is based solely on CBT marks — no personal interview is conducted.
Medical Fitness: Appointment is provisional subject to medical fitness as per company standards. Selected candidates undergo medical examination at a designated Company hospital. Candidates declared unfit at Initial Medical Examination are referred to the Apex Medical Board, whose decision is final. Minimum height requirement is 60 inches per CIL Medical Attendance Rules (not applicable for PwBD Dwarfism category for the Asst. Foreman Electrical post).
6. Salary & Benefits — NCWA Wage Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (All Posts) | ₹47,330.25 per month |
| Gross Salary (Estimated) | ₹70,000 – ₹90,000, including all NCWA allowances |
| Wage Agreement | NCWA (National Coal Wage Agreement) |
| Post Category | T&S Grade-C (Technical & Supervisory) |
Allowances as per NCWA: In addition to basic pay, selected candidates receive Dearness Allowance (revised periodically), Attendance Bonus, Special Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Transport Subsidy, as per the prevailing provisions of the National Coal Wage Agreement. SECL also provides housing colonies, medical facilities, children’s education support, and other welfare schemes at its mining establishments.
7. Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|
| UR / OBC (CL & NCL) / EWS | ₹1,180 | ₹1,000 + GST ₹180 |
| SC / ST / ESM / PwBD / Departmental / Female | Nil | Completely exempted |
Fee rules:
- Applications without the prescribed fee will be summarily rejected — no representation entertained
- Fee once paid will neither be refunded nor adjusted under any circumstances
- Payment via online mode only — Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking
- Any tax or bank charges beyond the application fee are borne by the candidate
- SECL will not be responsible if a candidate deposits the fee in the wrong account
8. How to Apply Online — Step by Step
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Visit the Official Website | Go to secl-cil.in → “Career” → “Employment Notification for Direct Recruitment of various Statutory posts” → “Apply Online.” Portal active from 15 April 2026, 10:00 AM. Read the complete notification in English or Hindi before starting |
| 2. Register | Fill in basic registration details — Post opted, Name, Mobile Number, and Email ID — and click Submit. A User ID and Password will be sent to your registered mobile and email |
| 3. Login and Fill the Application Form | Re-login with your User ID and Password. Fill all required fields — personal details, date of birth, category, contact information, educational qualifications, and post-specific details. No corrections can be made after final submission |
| 4. Upload Required Documents | Upload scanned copies in jpg/jpeg/PDF format as applicable, clearly legible. Includes photo, signature, qualification certificates, caste certificate, and post-specific certificates |
| 5. Preview, Pay Fee & Submit | Check the preview carefully, make corrections if needed, then submit and pay the fee via Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking. Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference. The admit card will be available only through SECL’s website |
Quick reference: Online only — no postal applications | secl-cil.in → Career | Keep User ID & Password safely | Queries: 9425598240 | Email: mp.recruitment.secl@coalindia.in
Helpdesk: For queries about the online application form, use the “Help Desk Option” available in the individual login portal. For other queries, email mp.recruitment.secl@coalindia.in or call 9425598240. Apply well before the closing date to avoid last-minute network congestion.
9. Documents Required for Online Application
All candidates (upload during application):
- Recent passport-size colour photograph (not older than 3 weeks) — jpg/jpeg format
- Signature with black ink pen — jpg/jpeg format
- Matriculation certificate or equivalent — jpg/jpeg/PDF format
Post-specific documents:
| Post | Documents |
|---|---|
| Mining Sirdar / Dy. Surveyor | Degree or Diploma certificate; Competency Certificate (DGMS) |
| Mining Sirdar only | Gas Testing Certificate; First Aid Certificate |
| Asst. Foreman (Electrical) | Matriculate + Electrical Diploma/Degree certificate |
Category-specific documents (if applicable):
- OBC (NCL)/SC/ST — Valid Caste Certificate
- EWS — Income & Asset Certificate based on FY 2024–25
- Ex-Servicemen — Discharge Certificate
- PwBD — Disability Certificate
Critical document rules:
- All certificates must be valid as on cut-off date 08.04.2026
- Caste/category certificates must be in the prescribed proforma from competent authority
- OBC-NCL certificate must confirm Non-Creamy Layer status as on 08.04.2026
- EWS certificate must be based on gross annual income of FY 2024–2025
- Qualifications via distance learning/part-time courses are not acceptable
- Hard copies of application or documents are not to be posted — online submission only
- Govt/PSU employees must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the scrutiny/verification stage if shortlisted
10. Is SECL Recruitment 2026 Worth Applying For? — Career Analysis
SECL is not just any PSU — it is the largest coal-producing company in India, and a Coal India Limited subsidiary operating under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. Here is an honest assessment for candidates evaluating this opportunity:
Why this recruitment is exceptional:
- Basic pay of ₹47,330.25 is among the highest for T&S Grade-C positions in any PSU
- No interview, no GD — selection purely on CBT merit, reducing scope for bias
- No negative marking in CBT — candidates can attempt all 100 questions without risk
- All three posts offer field exposure in coal mining, one of India’s most technically rich industries
- Departmental promotion pathway from T&S Grade-C to Grade-B and above is well-defined
- Company housing, medical benefits, and NCWA allowances significantly boost effective compensation
- Coal India Limited transfer provisions allow mobility across 8 subsidiary companies if desired
Considerations before applying:
- Mining Sirdar and Dy. Surveyor require statutory DGMS certificates — fresh graduates without these cannot apply until certificates are obtained
- Postings are at SECL’s mine establishments across Chhattisgarh — remote/rural posting probability is high
- Selected candidates can be transferred to any Coal India subsidiary at any time during service
- Mining work involves physical fitness requirements and specific health standards, including a minimum height of 60 inches
- The high vacancy count (1,055) also means high competition, since candidates from across India can apply
- Application fee of ₹1,180 is non-refundable even if vacancies are cancelled
Verdict: This recruitment is highly recommended for its target audience. For DGMS-certified Mining Sirdars and Surveyors who are currently unemployed or working in contractual positions, this is one of the best opportunities available in 2026 — a permanent, regular government job at one of India’s largest PSUs with strong pay and benefits. For Electrical Engineering diploma holders targeting the Asst. Foreman (Electrical) post, the combination of 435 vacancies, strong pay, and no negative marking makes this extremely competitive. Apply, and apply early.
11. SECL CBT 2026 Preparation Strategy
Mining Sirdar — Section A (80 Q Technical Knowledge)
- Coal Mines Regulations 2017: the single most important reference. Know regulation numbers for safety provisions, gas testing, ventilation, first aid, duties of Mining Sirdar, shotfiring, transport, and support of workings. Typically 30–40 questions come from CMR 2017
- Gas testing: detection of methane, CO, CO2, H2S using Davy Safety Lamp, catalytic detectors, and multi-gas detectors; threshold limit values and action levels
- Supports and strata control: conventional supports (props, caps), powered supports, roof bolting, systematic support rules, weighting
- Haulage and winding: endless rope haulage, loco haulage, belt conveyor operations, and their safety provisions
- First aid: resuscitation, fracture management, and management of burns and mine accidents
Deputy Surveyor — Section A (80 Q Technical Knowledge)
- Mine surveying instruments: Theodolite, Total Station, Level instruments, Dial Survey Instrument, their operation and adjustment
- CMR 2017 survey provisions: regulations specific to mine surveys, plan requirements, accuracy standards, survey intervals
- Mine plans and sections: types of plans required under the Mines Act, scale conventions, coal seam representation, boundary marking
- Trigonometric calculations: traverse calculations, angular measurement, area calculations, underground traverse
- GPS and modern technology: DGPS, remote sensing basics in mine surveys, 3D modelling software fundamentals
- Previous SECL Dy. Surveyor papers (2023 drive) are useful practice material, as patterns tend to repeat
Asst. Foreman (Electrical) — Section A (80 Q Technical Knowledge)
- Electrical machines: DC motors/generators (types, characteristics, speed control, starters), transformers (construction, EMF equation, losses, efficiency), AC motors (induction motor — slip, torque, starting methods)
- Power systems basics: transmission and distribution, substation equipment, switchgear (SF6, vacuum circuit breakers), protection relays, earthing systems
- Electrical safety in mines: CMR 2017 provisions for electrical installations, flame-proof equipment, intrinsically safe equipment, permissible and non-permissible equipment
- Control circuits and electronics: logic gates, digital electronics basics, PLC fundamentals, drives (VFD)
- Regulations: IE Rules 1956, CMR 2017 Electrical Chapter, Bureau of Indian Standards specifications for mining equipment
- Standard diploma-level electrical engineering textbooks from the AICTE-approved curriculum are the primary reference
Section B — General Awareness & Knowledge of CIL/SECL (20 Q) — relevant for all three posts
- Coal India Limited (CIL): history, subsidiaries and their locations, current CMD/Chairman, major mines, production targets, Navratna status, Vision 2030, sustainability initiatives
- SECL specifics: headquarters (Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh), major coalfields (Korba, Hasdeo-Bango, Surguja, Bishrampur), production statistics, Mini Ratna status, current GM (HR/MP)
- Coal sector GK: National Coal Policy, coal blocks allocation, PMGKAY, coal gasification initiatives, government’s coal production targets
- General awareness: current affairs (last 6 months before CBT), important government schemes (PM Gati Shakti, PLI, etc.), India’s energy sector
- These 20 questions matter — they can be the difference between 44 and 45 marks (the UR qualifying threshold)
Strategy for a no-negative-marking exam: Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, attempt all 100 questions. Even for uncertain questions, mark your best guess — statistically you will get some right. Candidates who leave questions unattempted due to uncertainty are at a disadvantage compared to those who attempt all. Prioritise speed and completion over perfection.
12. Official Links
Helpdesk Phone: 9425598240 (Office of the General Manager HR/MP, SECL, Seepat Road, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh 495006). Under the jurisdiction of the Honorable High Court of Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur.
13. Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many vacancies are there in SECL Recruitment 2026?
SECL Recruitment 2026 (Ref. No. SECL/HR/MP/Recruitment/2026/166, dated 08.04.2026) announces 1,055 total vacancies: Mining Sirdar T&S Grade-C — 577 posts (SC:110, ST:86, OBC-NCL:98, EWS:58, UR:225); Dy. Surveyor T&S Grade-C (Mining) — 43 posts (SC:8, ST:6, OBC-NCL:7, EWS:4, UR:18); Asst. Foreman (Electrical) Grade-C — 435 posts (SC:83, ST:61, OBC-NCL:74, EWS:43, UR:174). Vacancies are tentative and may change.
2. What is the last date to apply for SECL Recruitment 2026?
The last date for online registration and form submission is 14 May 2026 at 11:59 PM. The application window opens on 15 April 2026 at 10:00 AM. Apply at secl-cil.in → Career → Employment Notification for Direct Recruitment → Apply Online. No other mode of application is accepted.
3. What is the salary for SECL 2026 posts?
Basic pay for all three posts is ₹47,330.25 per month. In addition, candidates receive DA, Attendance Bonus, Special Allowance, HRA, and Transport Subsidy as per NCWA provisions. Estimated gross monthly salary including all NCWA allowances is approximately ₹70,000–₹90,000. Company housing and medical benefits are also provided at mine establishments.
4. What certificates are needed for SECL Mining Sirdar 2026?
For Mining Sirdar T&S Grade-C, all three statutory certificates must be valid as on 08.04.2026: valid Mining Sirdarship Certificate of Competency (Un-Restricted) from DGMS under Coal Mines Regulation 2017 for both OC & UG Mines, valid Gas Testing Certificate, and valid First Aid Certificate. Academic requirement: Matriculate or equivalent, OR Diploma/Degree in Mining Engineering.
5. Is there negative marking in SECL CBT 2026?
No — there is no negative marking. Each correct answer carries +1 mark; wrong answers carry 0 marks (not deducted); unattempted questions also carry 0 marks. Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, candidates should attempt all 100 questions.
6. What is the application fee for SECL Recruitment 2026?
UR/OBC (Creamy Layer & Non-Creamy Layer)/EWS candidates pay ₹1,000 + GST ₹180 = ₹1,180 total. SC/ST/ESM/PwBD/Departmental/Female candidates pay Nil (fully exempted). Payment is online only via Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking, and the fee is non-refundable.
7. What is the age limit for SECL Recruitment 2026?
Age limit as on 08.04.2026: minimum 18 years, maximum 30 years. Relaxations: SC/ST +5 years (max 35); OBC-NCL Centre List +3 years (max 33); ESM — actual service + 3 years (max 50); PwBD (Asst. Foreman Electrical only) — +10 years UR, +13 years OBC-NCL, +15 years SC/ST; Departmental candidates (CIL & subsidiaries) — no upper age limit.
8. What is the SECL CBT exam pattern 2026?
The CBT consists of 100 objective MCQ questions for 100 marks, in two sections: Section A (80 questions — Technical Knowledge, discipline-specific) and Section B (20 questions — General Awareness/Aptitude/Knowledge of CIL & SECL). No negative marking. Bilingual (English/Hindi). Minimum qualifying marks: General/EWS — 45; OBC-NCL/ESM — 40; SC/ST — 35. No personal interview. Final merit is based solely on CBT score.
9. Can women/female candidates apply for SECL Recruitment 2026?
Yes — female candidates can apply for all three posts and are exempted from the application fee. Selected female candidates will be deployed at SECL’s Mines/Establishments as per the company’s HR policies and applicable government provisions for women employees in mining. Female candidates should check the specific operational requirements for each post to ensure they meet health and fitness standards.
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